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 challenging yourself on the Inka Trail to the archaeological wonder of Mach Picchu. This is the Peru you imagined, and more!

Lima, Amazon, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Inka Trail

Lima
Amazon jungle
Cusco-Sacred Valley
Inka Trail 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 Inka Trail 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 + transfer to Sacred Valley
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.
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 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 |Sacred Valley - Inca Trail
Your trekking crew will whisk you away from Sacred Valley to Chilca, the starting point of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The scenic drive will treat you to panoramic view of the Peruvian Andes.
The first day of hiking is not too challenging. We’ll make our way from base to our first campsite while admiring the scenery and will end our first hiking day with a hearty dinner at camp, enveloped in the tranquility of the Andean night.
Meals during the trek are balanced and will keep you energized and satisfied, made by a dedicated trekking chef.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 | Inca Trail
Wake up to breakfast and a warm cup of tea to invigorate the day’s challenges. Today will be the most challenging part of our trek as we reach 4200m above sea level.
This is also an incredibly breathtaking part of the journey and as you make your way up, appreciate the feelings of achievement at conquering the trekking challenge. End the day under the stars, while we share stories around the campfire.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 | Inca Trail
Rise and shine friends, it’s another beautiful day on the trail! We’ll start our ascent to the most important pass of the Inca Trail, standing proudly at 3950m, exploring along the way the archaeological complex of Runkurakay and the Inca citadel of Savacmarca. We’ll continue on to Phuyupatamarca, an archaeological monument that will serve as our lunch view. We continue our descent to one of the most breathtaking Inca sites, Wiñay Huayna, meaning "Forever Young." We’ll explore the impressive ruins before settling into camp and celebrating today’s journey with our friends, porters and cooks.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10 | Machu Picchu + Return to Cusco
Wake up to sunrise at Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. The trail will lead us through the cloud forest, eventually unveiling the most spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Trust us, the photos you’ve seen don’t do it justice and will absolutely take your breath away in real life. We’ll take a guided tour and learn the stories and mysteries of the ancient complex, from its main sites to its mysterious monuments. Then enjoy some free time at the complex before we take the train back to 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
Not enough South America? Continue the adventure on to Colombia!
OT can assist you with finding your flight from Cusco to Bogota, where our Colombia: Coffee, Coastlines + Colours starts.
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 camping on the Inka Trail (shared) (Private room upgrade is available for parts of the trip and at an additional charge - email us!)
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Licensed and experienced guides for guided activities
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Porter for the Inca Trail, all entrances and park permits (including entrance to Machu Picchu)
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Guided city tour of Lima with entrances + tour to Callao
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Tour to Maras Moray with Pachamanca Experience
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Full day Sacred Valley tour of Pisa 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!
Not included
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)
Included
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)