- ✓ Enjoy a short trek to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu
- ✓ Experience unique culture at the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca
- ✓ Explore historical Lima & Cusco on foot
Whisk through the highlights of Peru in just a week and a half. Sail between floating islands on Lake Titicaca, soak up the local colour of cobbled Cusco and admire the snowy-topped Andes. It’s short but incredibly sweet. Beginning in Lima, a city packed with contrasts, you’ll take a trip on the glassy waters of Lake Titicaca, explore Cusco and end amongst the ruined temples of Machu Picchu.
Days 1 & 2 – Markets & Plazas of Lima
You’ll start your Peru adventure in Lima. A proud Latino city, often cloaked in mist from the Pacific Ocean and with a famed food scene, Lima fizzes with energy and is more than just a handy starting point for your holiday. You’ll spend two nights in a cosy hotel in a pleasant part of town.
The following morning you’ll be shown around the lively Miraflores food market and the charming colonial centre by your local Limeño guide. You’ll learn a little about the history of the city, as well as trying some of the local snacks.
Days 3 & 4 – Typical Titicaca
Next, you’ll fly from Lima to Puno, a lively town perched high in the Andes on the shores of Lake Titicaca. You’ll spend two nights here, with time to get used to the altitude before heading out onto the lake. By boat, you’ll visit its islands and communities, meeting local families and learning about their way of life. You’ll see the famous floating reed islands, help prepare lunch in traditional underground ovens and glide across the calm waters surrounded by mountains.
For the Incas, Lake Titicaca was a sacred place and was believed to be the birthplace of the sun. Today, its vast blue waters, remote islands and high-altitude landscapes make it one of the most striking places in Peru. Spending time with the communities who live here gives you a glimpse into a way of life that has remained closely connected to the lake for generations.
Days 5 & 6 – Explore the cobbled streets of Cusco
From Puno, you’ll travel by bus through the high Andes to Cusco, the former heart of the Inca Empire. You’ll spend two nights in a cosy pousada in the artistic San Blas district, a lovely base for exploring the city’s cobbled streets, lively squares and tucked-away cafés. Cusco is also the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, so there’s always a buzz of travellers passing through, alongside plenty of restaurants, bars and museums to explore.
The following morning, you’ll join an English-speaking guide for a walking tour focused on Cusco’s fascinating history. Around 500 years ago, this was the centre of an empire that stretched across much of the Andes, from Ecuador to Bolivia and Chile. Today, Cusco is a lively modern city, but its Inca heritage is impossible to miss, from the enormous stonework of its ancient walls to the temples and plazas woven into the streetscape. It’s a fascinating place to spend a couple of days before heading deeper into the Andes.
Day 7 – A short Inca trek to Machu Picchu
Today you’ll take the train to the starting point of the Camino Real trail, where your guide will be waiting. From around 2,300 metres above sea level, you’ll cross a footbridge over the Urubamba River and follow part of the ancient Inca trading route towards Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll pass smaller Inca ruins and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. There are some steep uphill sections, making this a fairly challenging trek, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed.
You’ll stop for lunch at Wiñay Wayna, an ancient Inca settlement tucked into the mountainside among beautifully preserved terraces and ruins. From here, the trail winds downhill through shady cloud forest towards the Sun Gate. As you emerge from the trees, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu spread out below you. From the Sun Gate, you’ll continue down to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax in the town’s hot springs before settling into your comfortable hotel in the centre.
Days 8 & 9 - Onto the Sacred Valley
After a good night’s sleep, you’ll be up early and back on the bus to Machu Picchu. As the morning sun warms the valley, the mist begins to lift from the ruins, revealing the Lost City in all its glory. You’ll explore the site on an official guided tour with your group, hearing about the history, mysteries and legends surrounding this remarkable Inca citadel.
After your visit, you’ll take the train to Ollantaytambo, a beautifully preserved Inca town tucked into the Sacred Valley. Its cobbled streets, ancient terraces and mountain backdrop make it a lovely place to slow down for a couple of days. Your main luggage will be waiting at a cosy guesthouse near the centre, within easy reach of the village’s restaurants and cafés. The next day is free to enjoy Ollantaytambo at your own pace. You could climb up to the Inca fortress for sunrise and watch the valley wake up, wander among the terraces, take a short hike or explore nearby ruins on horseback. There’s no set schedule, so you can make the most of this peaceful corner of the Sacred Valley however you like.
Days 10 & 11 - Return to Cusco & fly home
All good things must come to an end, and after your adventures through Peru, it’s time to head back to Cusco. You’ll spend one final night in the city, giving you a chance to enjoy one last Andean evening, perhaps over a final plate of Peruvian food. The next day, you’ll transfer to the airport in time for your flight home, taking plenty of memories of Peru’s mountains, ancient ruins and colourful communities with you.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Peru in a nutshell - In Style accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.