Peru Expedition: Lima, Paracas & The Classic Inca Trail

On this day, we will welcome you at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima and then transfer you to your hotel located in the Miraflores district, an hour's drive from the airport. This afternoon, you can take the opportunity to visit the most traditional residential areas of Lima, Larcomar, and enjoy the magnificent view of the sea.

In the afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin the City Tour, which will last approximately 2.5 hours. We will start our tour with a panoramic view of the “Huaca Pucllana,” a magnificent ceremonial and archaeological center built in the 4th century AD and considered a “Sacred Village” by the Incas.

We will visit the Historic Center of Lima, where you will see more than fifty monuments and colonial buildings, including the Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace, Cathedral Basilica, and Municipal Palace, among others.

Afterwards, we will visit the CENTRAL RESERVE BANK MUSEUM*, where you will see the “Treasures of Peru” collection, a select exhibition of gold, ceramic, and textile objects from various pre-Columbian cultures. Then we will visit the MONUMENTAL COMPLEX OF SAN FRANCISCO, which is the largest display of colonial religious art in America. A visit to its underground crypts known as the “Catacombs” is a highlight.

Finally, we will visit contemporary Lima and take a stroll through the most traditional residential areas of Lima: El Olivar de San Isidro, Miraflores, Costa Verde, and Larcomar.

At approximately 4:30 a.m., we will pick you up at your hotel to board the bus bound for southern Peru and head to Paracas. During the trip, we will make strategic stops where you will have time to enjoy a delicious breakfast. Around 8:30 a.m., we will arrive at Paracas Bay, where we will begin our boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. On the way, you will be able to see the Candelabra, a giant geoglyph very similar to the Nazca lines, as well as enjoy the marine diversity, including sea lions, pelicans, penguins, and various birds.

In the afternoon, we will visit the wineries where you will have time to have lunch and choose from the diversity of dishes offered by Peruvian cuisine. After lunch, we will learn about the process of making pisco and wine, Peru's flagship drink, and we will taste each product with a toast. Then we will head to Ica, where we will visit the famous Huacachina, a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert surrounded by dunes and palm trees, ideal for taking pictures and enjoying its tranquility and natural beauty. In addition, we will venture out on exciting dune buggy rides and practice sandboarding.

At the end of the tour, we will head to our transport to return to the city of Lima, arriving at approximately 10:00 p.m.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport to board your departure flight to the city of Cusco.

We will welcome you at the airport and offer you a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco. In the afternoon, you can explore the magnificent city of Cusco, surrounded by Inca buildings that house the most important treasures of their culture. Enjoy the cultural richness and local traditions.

We will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 4:30 a.m. to board our vehicle and drive for 2 hours to the town of Mollepata, where we will enjoy breakfast. Then, we will continue for 1 hour until we reach the community of Soraypampa, where we will recharge our batteries and begin our 2 km guided hike to Humantay Lake, which will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, we will enjoy breathtaking views of Humantay Lake and amazing viewpoints, ideal for taking memorable photographs. (Those who do not wish to walk can rent a horse at the entrance control).

After contemplating the landscape and nature at Humantay Lake, we will walk back to the starting point, where we will enjoy lunch. Then, we will board the transport back to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m., near the Plaza Mayor of Cusco.

Very early, between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m., we will begin this great adventure with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco to head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, where you will have the option to enjoy breakfast and do some last-minute shopping before starting the hike. We recommend purchasing snacks such as candy, dried fruit, or salty snacks for the trip.

We will then continue by transport to km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. There we will meet our team: porters, who will help you with your luggage; our chefs, who are in charge of meals; and expert guides who will accompany you at all times. You will also need to present your documents for entry control and registration.

We will begin the hike by crossing the Urubamba River and will walk for approximately two hours until we reach the Willkarakay viewpoint, from where we can see the first archaeological complex on the route: Llactapata. Here we will take a short break to rest and enjoy the scenery.

We will continue with another two-hour walk until we reach the village of Hatunchaca, where a delicious lunch awaits us to recharge our batteries. After the break, we will continue walking for approximately two more hours to our camp, which may be:

• Wayllabamba (3,100 m above sea level), if the departure from Cusco is between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m.
• Ayapata (3,300 m above sea level), an hour's walk from Wayllabamba, if the departure is earlier, between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, our team will have a hot dinner ready to help us regain our strength. This first day offers a moderate hike, ideal for acclimatizing before the second day, which will be more challenging.

We will start the day with a nutritious breakfast to fill us with energy, as this will be one of the most demanding days of the trek. We will start the hike with a steady climb of approximately 3 to 4 hours until we reach the famous Paso de la Mujer Muerta or Warmiwañuska, located at 4,215 meters above sea level. During the journey, we will be able to advance at a comfortable pace, making short stops to rest and enjoy the Andean landscape.

Once at the summit, we will take a break to recover our energy and contemplate the impressive views that surround us. Then we will begin the descent down a long slope towards the Pacaymayo Alto valley, where we will enjoy a restorative lunch.

In the afternoon, we will continue with a lighter ascent to the Runkurakay Pass (4,000 m above sea level), a stretch that takes approximately 2 hours. In this section, we will explore fascinating archaeological sites such as Runkurakay and Sayacmarca, admiring the Inca architecture and its natural surroundings.

We will end the day at the Chaquicocha camp (3,600 m above sea level), where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and relax while watching the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. At night, the clear sky will give us an incredible view of the stars.

This day will be easier than the previous one and is considered one of the most beautiful sections of the Inca Trail. The hike will last between 5 and 6 hours, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and a wide variety of ecosystems. After a delicious breakfast, we will begin the day by crossing a diverse natural environment that includes cloud forests and Inca tunnels.

After passing the last hill, we will be able to admire incredible panoramic views of the Urubamba River and the majestic Salkantay Mountain, the second highest in the region. We will visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, known as the “City in the Clouds,” which offers spectacular views of the valley and Machu Picchu Mountain. Then we will continue to Intipata, or “Terraces of the Sun,” where we can rest and enjoy the magical surroundings.

We will then descend to Wiñaywayna (Forever Young), an archaeological center with many steps, where our camp will be located. At the camp, we will have lunch and relax. In the afternoon, we will take a guided tour of this impressive archaeological complex, famous for its terraces and unique views. Afterwards, we will return to camp to share dinner and rest, preparing for the last day of our adventure to Machu Picchu.

The big day has arrived: our visit to Machu Picchu! We will wake up very early, around 3:00 a.m., to enjoy our last breakfast at the camp and head to the checkpoint, which opens at 5:30 a.m. Once we are allowed to enter, we will begin the hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), from where we can admire the sunrise over the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu and enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view.

We will then descend to the citadel to begin the tour of Circuit 1, which offers impressive views from the upper terraces. After this first exploration, we will leave briefly to use the restrooms and leave our luggage in storage, then re-enter to complete Circuit 3, designed especially for those who have completed the Inca Trail. This tour, lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, will take us through sacred temples, palaces, water fountains, and work areas, allowing us to appreciate Inca engineering and spirituality.

At the end of the visit, we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch and, if time permits, visit the hot springs. In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Finally, private transportation will take us to Cusco, concluding this unforgettable experience on the Inca Trail.

Breakfast at the hotel and take the opportunity to stroll through the main streets, visit churches and museums surrounding the historic center of Cusco; you can also sample the famous Peruvian cuisine. At the appropriate time, transfer to Alejandro Velasco International Airport in Cusco to board your departure flight to Lima.

We have several options to suit your budget. The price of your package will depend on whether you come in a group or want a private tour (minimum 2 people). Also, it will depend on the type of train and guide you select. The price we will offer you will be PER PERSON.

Ask for our seasonal offers, our discounts for reservations 3 months in advance and promotions for last minute bookings.

If you have any questions regarding prices, destinations or the tour, we will gladly assist you by writing to info@andinoperutours.com and you can also contact us by phone:

We are committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience in Peru, offering quality service at an affordable price.