Traveling from Lima to Cuzco you will have gone from sea level to the heady heights of 11,500 feet. To give you the chance to acclimatize, the first day is free for relaxation. But if you're up for a bit of exploring, the city center is pedestrian-friendly and full of fascinating sites, colors and people. We're happy to recommend the city's best options for delicious dining and exciting shopping.

During your tour of Cuzco, the capital of the Incan Empire, you'll visit Sacsayhuaman, an immense Incan complex with impressive stonework, and Koricancha, one of the most important Incan temples (the walls were once actually coated in gold!). You’ll also stop at Cuzco's Cathedral where you'll learn about the intricacies of the Cuzco school of art and view fascinating historical artefacts.

Prepare to have your breath taken away! Your Sacred Valley exploration will include visits to the ancient circular agricultural terraces of Moray, the salt mines at Maras, and the ruins and village of Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you’ll be treated to a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes where you will stay in comfort to await the highlight of our tour.

This is one for your bucket list. Uncover the mystical secrets of Machu Picchu during a guided private tour of this Incan citadel. You'll have the opportunity to visit the most important parts of the ruins to wonder at how they were constructed. You can also hike to the top of Huayna Picchu for a bird's eye view of the ruins and valley beneath you. The steep path takes about an hour and a half to ascend. After a day you’ll remember for the rest of your life, you’ll depart from Aguas Calientes by train for Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station you will be met and transferred to your Cuzco hotel.

One of our representatives will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the Cuzco airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your downtown hotel. Either spend the afternoon exploring Peru’s fascinating capital at your leisure, or sign-up for a private half-day tour that takes in some of the city’s most important sights, churches and museums.

Today you’ll get to see Peru’s incredible geographic and cultural diversity from the comfort of a private vehicle. Departing Lima, you’ll drive North through the coastal desert for 100 kilometers before turning East into the Canete valley. Here you will begin your dramatic and unforgettable climb into the Andes, passing through picturesque villages and stunning peaks, cliffs and ravines. After a full day’s drive you will settle into your relaxing riverside hotel in the late afternoon.

Continuing in your private vehicle, you will explore the majestic Nor-Yauyos National park visiting the traditional communities and picturesque valleys of Huancaya and Vica. A hearty picnic lunch will be served next to one of the reserve’s many magnificent waterfalls and lakes. By late afternoon you will arrive at the community of Tanta, where you will camp for the night and get a chance to meet the llamera who will be trekking with you the following morning.

Your first day of trekking will start near the summit of the legendary 4800-meter Portachuelo Pass. Trekking West (that’s downhill!), for approximately five kilometers you will descend the grand and seldom-visited Inca staircase that has been watched over by the looming Apu (sacred peak) of Pariacaca for six centuries. After passing the caves at Cuchimachay, you will reach your picturesque camp overlooking Mullucocha Lake, for your first night on the Great Inca Trail.

After enjoying a substantial breakfast and watching the spectacle of the llama train being readied, you will continue West on the Inca road traversing the shore of Lake Mullucocha onward to Tambo Real (an ancient Inca way station) where you will have the afternoon to relax and take in the views. The day features approximately 10 kilometers of spectacular Inca road paved with giant rock slabs, not to mention awe-inspiring landscapes and fascinating cultural exchange.

Departing the trail by vehicle, you will head towards the village of San Juan de Tantaranche, before dropping back down 12,ooo feet through the beautiful Mala Valley before arriving to the Pacific coast at Lima. Depending on the time of your onward flight, you ay have time for a meal at one of Lima’s world-leading restaurants (we can assist with reservations).