Inca Trail, Cusco & Titicaca

We travel from Lima to Cusco and on to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to begin our acclimatisation and explore the Inca heartland.

After two nights in the Sacred Valley we begin the Inca Trail, one of the most famous treks in the world, which follows an ancient Inca pathway to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

After exploring Machu Picchu you return to Cusco and will have a full day of both guided and individual exploration to enjoy the city. Cusco is the favourite city of most visitors to Peru, as the mixture of ancient history, traditional Andean culture and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a charming place to stay.

We travel by train through the Andes to Lake Titicaca where you will head out from Puno and visit the floating reed islands of Uros before spending the night on Amantani Island as guests of a local family. The next day you visit Taquile, a very traditional island known for its weaving and knitted products, before heading back to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Fridays

Information

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Included

Transfers, ground transport, flights as follows: Lima-Cusco & Juliaca-Lima; tours as shown, guide, porters & cook on trek, park fees.

Is it for you?

The Inca Trail is a moderately challenging trek mostly between 3000 and 4000m. Altitude may have an effect on you, though the 2 days in the Sacred Valley should help with acclimatisation. See Classic Inca Trail for more details on the trek. Accommodation with local people on Amantani is very basic, so be prepared for one night of few facilities. This is countered by the warm welcome you receive, and the insight into life in this remote community.

Best time

Between April and October (dry season)

Getting there

From UK, flights to Lima cost about £700.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Heavy rain
- 7
- 20
- Feb
- Heavy rain
- 7
- 21
- Mar
- Heavy rain
- 7
- 21
- Apr
- Cloudy
- 4
- 22
- May
- Sunny
- 2
- 21
- Jun
- Sunny
- 1
- 21
- Jul
- Sunny
- -1
- 21
- Aug
- Sunny
- 1
- 21
- Sep
- Sunny
- 4
- 22
- Oct
- Cloudy
- 6
- 22
- Nov
- Rain
- 6
- 23
- Dec
- Heavy rain
- 7
- 22

Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Relaxing in Cusco
Luxurious Andean Explorer train ride to Puno
Spending the night on Lake Titicaca with a local family

Itinerary

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Duration: 12 days

Day 1: (FRI).
Fly to Lima. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2:
Fly to Cusco. Free day and overnight in Sacred Valley to acclimatise. (B)
Day 3:
Visit Pisac Market then hike from Moray to the Sacred Valley. (B,L)
Days 4-6:
Inca trail trek. (FB)
Day 7:
Reach Machu Picchu. Explore with guide, then return to Cusco by afternoon train. (B,L)
Day 8:
Morning tour of Cusco and nearby ruins. (B)
Day 9:
Scenic train journey through the Andes to Puno. (B,L)
Day 10:
Boat trip on Lake Titicaca visiting Uros and staying on Amantani Island. (FB)
Day 11:
Visit Taquile Island, then travel back to Puno by boat. (B,L)
Day 12:
Fly to Lima in the morning. Day use in hotel. Transfer to airport. (B)

Pricing guidelines for Peru

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £750 to £1000 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Peru combines very well with Ecuador (including the Galapagos Island), but can also be linked with Brazil.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
2 weeks highlights of Peru using good quality accommodationBetween £2200 and £3000
2 week holiday based in top end hotelsFrom around £4000+
9 day trip, such as Cusco & the Inca TrailBetween £1300 and £1600
18 days Peru & Galapagos (this can be very variable due to Galapagos yacht prices)Between £3750 and £6500

Peru