Machu Picchu Explorer

We meet you on arrival at Lima airport and transfer you to your city hotel. As we drive in, Peru’s coastal capital unfurls – a first glimpse of its neighbourhoods and the Pacific shore. You settle in and get ready for the journey ahead.

We travel south from Lima to Paracas along the Pacific coast, passing stark desert and sweeping plains. In Paracas we board a boat to the Ballestas Islands within the Paracas National Reserve to watch seabirds, sea lions and other marine life.

We drive from Paracas to Huacachina across the Ica Desert – a scenic route over rolling dunes and arid flats. We visit the historic Tacama winery to sample local wines alongside pisco. On arrival in Huacachina, you can unwind by the palm lined lagoon before we set off as the day cools for a thrilling dune buggy ride across the sands – a chance to admire vast desert vistas and rich sunset colours.

We travel from Huacachina to Nazca across Peru’s desert plains, edging closer to one of South America’s great mysteries. We visit the Nazca Lines and learn about the ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. We then explore the Chauchilla Cemetery near Nazca to view well preserved pre Incan mummies in an open desert setting. Overnight we travel by coach from Nazca to Arequipa as the route climbs from the desert into the Andes.

We arrive in Arequipa – the White City – and settle into our hotel. We visit Colca Canyon in southern Peru, one of the deepest on the planet, to watch Andean condors soaring above the gorge.

You have free time around Colca Canyon – you can go rafting, enjoy a cycle ride or set off on a trek.

You have another day at leisure in Colca Canyon – choose from rafting, cycling or a trek if you feel active.

Enjoy a final day of free time in Colca Canyon – you can relax or opt for rafting, cycling or trekking.

We travel overnight by coach from Arequipa to Cusco – crossing high Andean terrain on the way. After arrival we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco, visiting ancient sites, impressive terraces and lively local markets.

We drive from Cusco to the Urubamba Valley and reach the Inca Trail start point, where we make our final preparations. We begin trekking along this historic route, following stone paths through Andean valleys and past Inca ruins as dramatic mountain scenery unfolds around us.

We continue along the Inca Trail in Peru – climbing over high passes and descending into cloud forest.

We push deeper along the Inca Trail – skirting remote ruins and traversing striking Andean landscapes.

We visit Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes, exploring the iconic Inca citadel set within cloud forest. We then return to Cusco by train, following the Urubamba River valley as the scenery rolls by.

Enjoy free time in Cusco to rest or explore at your own pace – you could visit museums, admire historic churches or wander through the markets.

We fly from Cusco to Lima, returning to the capital where our journey concludes. On arrival in Lima, our adventure comes to an end – you depart with lasting memories of Peru’s landscapes and heritage.