peru:
ruins, jungle + ceviche
Embark on an extraordinary journey from savouring the vibrant food scene in Lima to the colourful markets of Cusco. From surrounding yourself in the Amazon's tranquil nature to weaving through the heart of rural Peru and beauty of its natural landscapes on the Salkantay trail to the archaeological world wonder of Machu Picchu. This is the Peru you imagine, and so much more!
Lima, Amazon, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Inka Trail
Lima
Amazon jungle
Cusco-Sacred Valley
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Step foot in this South American country and be enchanted by its diverse landscape and friendly people. Explore cities with colonial architecture, colourful markets, the coast, lush jungle and ancient Inca sites - it's an adventure for the books.
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Learn the country's stories on a guided tour of Lima's most interesting neighbourhoods
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Disconnect from email notifications in the heart of the jungle
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See history come to life at the salt pans, in the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo and other culturally significant spots
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Trek, laugh and admire your breathtaking surroundings as you conquer the magnificent Salkantay trek with your new group of friends
the plan
Day 1 | Lima
Let’s start this adventure in the enchanting city of Lima where we will dive into the rich history of the “City of the Kings.” Our friendly guide will pick us up from the hotel for a guided tour of the highlights of the city, with stories of the country’s history told along the way. Our exploration will start in the charming neighbourhood of Miraflores and continue to Plaza Mayor and ending in Callao. We’ll have the opportunity to visit the catacombs of the San Francisco Convent, providing a fascinating underground experience.
Activities start at 2pm. Please ensure your flight arrives before that or book an additional night in Lima (we can help!)
Day 2 | Flight to Puerto Maldonado
Our adventure takes a thrilling turn as we board the flight to Puerto Maldonado, a gateway to the lush Amazon jungle. Make your way into the heart of the jungle with a hike through the verdant wilderness – a quest to spot monkeys, butterflies, and a conversation about the forest’s significance to the local people.
We continue onto the “Caiman Search”, a boat ride along the river’s edge, searching for the elusive caimans and capybaras.
Snuggle up for a good night’s sleep at our sustainable jungle lodge, enveloped by the sounds of nature.
In the jungle, you’ll enjoy fresh homemade-style food featuring local fish, chicken and bananas.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 | Day in the Jungle
Wake up in the jungle! Sip a steaming cup of coffee as you watch the sun paint the jungle canopy in its golden hues.
The Amazon was home to over 35 native communities, each with its unique perspective on life. Learn from the locals and gain insight into their daily routines.
We’ll explore Lake Sandoval and take a 3km walk deep into the Tambopata National Reserve where we can explore the ecosystem in all its glory. Glide across the tranquil waters in a rowing canoe and keep your eye out for the jungle’s inhabitants - monkeys, squirrels, lizards, black caimans, birds, and the elusive giant river otters and the massive fresh water fish (the Paiche).
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 | Flight to Cusco + exploring Cusco
Early morning wake up today to embark on a birdwatching excursion, looking for colorful parakeets, parrots, and small macaws in their natural habitat. After a hearty breakfast, we say goodbye to the jungle and head to the Andes. Noticing the stark difference in landscape and climate as we transition from the Amazon to the highlands.
When we arrive in Cusco, we'll check into our quaint hotel and set off on a walking tour to see the sights and sounds of this ancient city. Led by our lovely local friend Cesar, he is going to take us around Cusco's highlights including San Pedro Market, San Blas neighborhood and Coricancha site.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 |Sacred Valley – Maras Moray
Today we’re going on a captivating journey through the Sacred Valley! We’ll start the day in Chinchero, a charming town known for its bustling markets and Inca terraces where our local guide will unveil the cultural significance of the market while we marvel at the vibrant textiles and handcrafted treasures. Next, our guide will take us to Moray, an archaeological site (that is a network of salt pans that gleam in the sun) where the Incas studied different crops. Then we’ll immerse in local culture with the Pachamanca Experience at the Corcor Community. The Pachamanca is a traditional meal cooked underground with hot stones (originating in the highlands) and the locals of the community are going to share this culinary experience with our group.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 |Sacred Valley – Pisac + Ollantaytambo
Explore the picturesque town of Pisac and its colourful artisan market before heading over to the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo, a place that holds insight into the significance it held during the Inca Empire. Dive deeper into Peruvian history with a visit to Chincheros revealed the royal treasury of Túpac Inca Yupanqui, boasting well-preserved Inca walls and a colonial temple adorned with captivating frescoes.
Lunch today will be a buffet, with the opportunity to taste local delicacies such as alpaca meat and vegetables cooked the Peruvian way
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 |Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa
Your trekking crew will whisk you away from Cusco to Mollepata. We'll get an orientation about the trek over the next few days and don't worry - you are in extremely good hands with our local guide, trail chef and porters.
We’ll make our way from the trailhead of the Salkantay trek to Soraypampa, where we'll have lunch at this scenic spot that doubles as our campsite.
Post-lunch, embark on the challenging 3-hour hike to Humantay Lake, rewarding us with a glacier-fed spectacle.
Camp will be cold at this altitude - pack warm (all travellers will receive an info packet with a suggested packing list)
Note: small groups allow for flexibility! Depending on the group needs and dynamic, we can take longer/shorter breaks and adjust hiking speed
Note: Tents are provided for the trek. You can rent (or bring your own) sleeping bag, air mattress and walking stick)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 | Salkantay
Good morning! An early rise (and coffee with a view) starts our day to ascend the Salkantay Pass. Following the journey, Huayrachmachay offers a lunch break and then we head down to warmer climate. We'll set up camp here and enjoy the evening, watching the stars and having fireside chats.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 | Salkantay
Rise and shine friends, it’s another beautiful day on the trail! We’ll start nice and early today, trekking through verdant landscapes. Arriving at La Playa for lunch and then we'll meet our transport to Hidroelectrica. Enjoy this unique walk along the tracks to Aguas Calientes, our home for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10 | Machu Picchu + Return to Cusco
The day has arrived - we are ascending to this great wonder of the world - MACHU PICCHU (we are hiking but if you are feeling tired, there is a bus option). Our local guide will take us around this ancient marvel, giving us all the secrets and stories of how this site came to be and enough time for individual exploration (and a million photos probably). We'll catch the iconic train ride back to Ollantaytambo and head back to our lovely hotel in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11 | Departure day – sad goodbyes!
Eat your last yummy breakfast at the hotel and say see you later to your new friends before you head to the airport and go back home.
Meals included: Breakfast
your stay
Each hotel has been selected to showcase traditional decor styles, comfort, cleanliness, and location. Overnight accommodations also include a jungle lodge and camping on the Inka Trail.
your guides
Local Peruvian guides will be meeting us along the way to share their stories and take us on unmatched journeys through different parts of Peru.
On the Inka Trail, our guide is experienced, certified and trained (including First Aid training)
rainbow mountain extension
Get ready for an unforgettable Andean adventure day that starts bright and early with a 3 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. The stunning scenery and experiences that await make the early start worthwhile.
Our journey takes us on a three and a half hour drive in a private van, where traditional villages and the breathtaking Andean landscape are on full display. At the starting point of the trail, a delicious breakfast will be prepared by our skilled trekking chef to provide energy for the upcoming hike.
The hike from Pampachiri is a challenging uphill trek of approximately two and a half hours, starting at an elevation of 3,700 m/12,139 ft. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Andes, glacial peaks, red mountains, rocky hills, and traditional llamas and alpacas grazing along the valley.
The highlight of the day is reaching the famous Rainbow Mountain. Upon arrival at the top, the view of the valleys and the majestic Ausangate Glacier Peak, which is the tallest mountain in the Cusco region at just under 21,000 ft, is inspiring. While taking in the stunning scenery, your guide will provide interesting information about the composition of the mountains and the origins of their rainbow of colors. To make things even better, hot drinks will be served to keep you cozy at this high elevation.
The descent takes approximately two hours, and a freshly made hot lunch will be waiting at the end to refuel everyone. After lunch, you will have a chance to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture and way of life.
After a day of adventure, it's time to start making our way back to Pampachiri village to catch the private van back to Cusco. Expect to arrive at your hotel around 5 p.m., tired but with hearts full of unforgettable memories from a day filled with adventure in the Andes.
Inclusions and Exclusions
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OT Know Before You Go Peru Travel Guide
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10 breakfasts | 7 lunches | 5 dinners
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All transfers in private vehicle, domestic flights and train
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Accommodations in boutique, locally owned hotels, an eco lodge in the jungle and tent camping on the Salkantay Trail(shared) (Private room upgrade is available for parts of the trip at an additional charge - email us!)
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Licensed and experienced local guides for guided activities
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Porter and chef for the Salkantay trail, local guide, all entrances and park permits (including entrance to Machu Picchu)
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Guided city tour of Lima with entrances + tour to Callao (with local guide)
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Guided tour to Maras Moray with Pachamanca Experience
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Full day guided tour of Sacred Valley - Pisac and Ollantaytambo
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One on one traveller support leading up to the trip from Origin Travels - we're here to answer all of your questions!
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All taxes and fees!
Not included
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International flights
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Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Gratuities
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Meals and activities not mentioned
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Airport pick up and drop off (can be arranged upon request)
Extension - Included:
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Pick up and drop off at hotel
- Breakfast and buffet lunch
- English Speaking tour guide
- First aid kit
- Not included: tips + entrance fee into the park
