Cusco and the Inca Trail

On this wonderful trip in Peru, you are immersed in Inca history in a very special way, trekking in Inca footsteps, experiencing Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail and some of the fascinating ancient sites within the Sacred Valley. You will come to understand how these iconic locations sat within the context of the empire and how the Inca shaped the Peruvian Andean way of life as it is today, as you learn about Inca history and about traditions which have long died out and those which survive to this day.

All this is set against a truly spectacular natural backdrop, the mountains and cloud forests of the region. You'll hike the Inca Trail, accompanied on this challenging journey by guides, cooks and porters who will see to all your needs as you stay at well-established campsites, sleeping in sturdy tents and cosily ensconced in special sleeping bags.

In addition to the great adventure that is the Inca Trail, and the spine-tingling excitement of arriving at Machu Picchu, you'll have a guided tour of some of the key highlights of Cusco and the archaeological sites outside the city. Based in a boutique hotel in the artistic San Blas district you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the city's museums and shops. And you'll visit the colourful market at Pisac and explore the town of Ollantaytambo, spending a night in a charming historic hotel at the Ollantaytambo railway station.

If you fancy making a longer trip of it and seeing another aspect of Peru, you could opt to add an extension to Lake Titicaca or the Amazonian rainforest - or both!