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During this trip you will explore two of the most popular cities in Peru - Lima and Cusco - and witness beautiful landscapes and historical sites on foot as you learn about the fascinating culture of this incredible country.

  • Explore Barranco district, the cultural hub of Lima
  • Walks around Cusco & surrounding countryside
  • Hike off the beaten path to the famous Inca site of Machu Picchu
  • Enjoy warm Peruvian hospitality

After a short time spent in Peru's capital, you will travel to Cusco, where there is ample time to acclimatise as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the surrounding areas on a variety of day walks.

Your second week focusses on the Ancascocha Trek and follows the final section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Listed as one of National Geographic’s 20 dream hikes on their list of World Best Hikes, the Ancascocha Trek meanders through traditional villages such as Chillipahua and its namesake Ancascocha (3,700 metres). Along the way, the trail humps over big passes, including the high point at the Huayanay Pass (4,550 metres), and takes in views of towering Apu Salkantay (6,266 metres). 

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart the UK

    Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Lima.

  2. Day 2: Arrive Lima

    You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation.

  3. Day 3: Half day walking tour of Barranco; afternoon at leisure

    Today will start with a half day walking tour of the Barranco district. Known as the epicentre of Lima’s cultural elite, it has attracted artists, writers, designers and photographers for several years and has kept its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere for generations.

  4. Day 4: Travel to Cusco

    After a relaxed morning, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Cusco, where the remainder of the day is left free to enjoy at your leisure.

  5. Day 5: Half day walking city tour & visit to nearby ruins; afternoon at leisure

    Today you will explore Cusco and its famous sites, starting with the Temple of the Sun and its incredible Inca masonry. Next you will leave the city, with a short transfer taking you to Tambomachay where your walk will start.

  6. Day 6: Half day tour of the Sacred Valley; afternoon at leisure

    Today you will explore the famous Sacred Valley and vibrant Pisaq market. Originally a place where people from remote communities would barter their products, Pisaq has evolved into one of South America’s most famous souvenir markets. It also has a variety of delicious street food available so be sure to sample some empanadas which are baked in traditional clay ovens.

  7. Day 7: Hike from Moray to Maras & visit the famous salt terraces

    Your walk will start at Moray, where you can explore its circular terraces, hidden among the hills and surrounded by an impressive backdrop of snow covered mountains. From here you will hike to the salt mines of Maras.

    Ascent: 200 m | Descent: 600 m

  8. Day 8: Ancascocha Trek - Day 1

    Your day begins with an early morning drive to the start point of your trek in Soqma, where you will meet the horseman that will join you for the next few days.

    The trail today has both up and down sections, but the afternoon will be demanding as you walk up to the height of 4,450 metres above sea level and the incredible Kuychicasa Pass.

    Walking distance: 18 km

  9. Day 9: Ancascocha Trek - Day 2

    Today you start with an undulating path before taking a narrow uphill trail following a stream; this route offers beautiful views of Mt. Veronica, standing at 5,822 metres. Continuing your ascent towards the Huayanay Pass (4,650 metres), which is the highest point of the trek and follows a steep zig-zag trail.

    Walking distance: 18 km

  10. Day 10: Ancascocha Trek - Day 3

    After breakfast you will walk to the Inca site of Paucarcancha and enjoy a comprehensive tour, with opportunities to learn about the Incan way of life. The rest of the day will be spent walk downhill towards Km 82 which is the starting point of the classic Inca Trail.

    Walking distance: 13 km

  11. Day 11: Hike the final section of the famous Inca Trail

    After a short transfer to Ollantaytambo, you will catch the train to Km 104. From here you will walk the final section of the Inca Trail which leads you to Inti Punko or ‘Sun Gate’ where you will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. This evening you will have some time to explore the town and unwind at the thermal baths.

    Walking distance: 13 km

  12. Day 12: Explore the famous site of Machu Picchu

    In order to catch the beautiful views of the sunrise over the mountains, you will leave very early this morning (5am) with a short bus ride taking you up the winding path to Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Later there will be some free time to explore on your own before heading back to Aguas Calientes and the train which will take you once again to Ollantaytambo.

  13. Day 13: Relax in Ollantaytambo before your journey back to Cusco

    This morning is left free to enjoy at your leisure. Take some time to explore Ollantaytambo and pick up a few souvenirs before heading back to Cusco this afternoon. This evening is also free for you to enjoy at your leisure. 

  14. Day 14: Fly back to the UK

    You will be transferred to the airport in Cusco in time for your return flight to the UK.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 13 days from £3,399 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 14 days from £4,199 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £380
  • Walking grade: Demanding to Strenuous
  • Guiding: Guided Group
  • Max alt: 4,650m
  • Group size: 4-12
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • Route map:
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  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 8 nights, camping x 4 nights
    • 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 3 dinners
    • Experienced English-speaking guide
    • Airport transfers
    • Luggage transfers

Next Steps

Dates & Prices

Choose your preferred departure date from the 2 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.

Guided Group Dates and Prices
Year Starts Ends Price From (Exc. Flights) Holiday Status Options
All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details.
2024 5 May 17 May £3,399 Available* Book or Enquire
2024 1 Sep 13 Sep £3,399 Available* Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.