Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru's vibrant capital. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. With no activities planned until then, why not grab a Pisco sour in the Miraflores area or stroll to Parque del Amor (Love Park) for a great view of Lima's beaches? After, perhaps head out for dinner and get to know your group. Lima is the unofficial foodie capital of South America, so be sure to ask your local leader for their recommendations – and don't pass the chance to sample ceviche, Peru's national dish. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where the welcome meeting will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

This morning, set out on a half-day walking tour of Lima's historic centre. Plaza Mayor is the place to begin exploring Lima – get a feel for local life as you explore streets lined with old mansions, palaces and churches. On one side of the plaza is the Cathedral of Lima, which houses the remains of Lima's founder, Francisco Pizarro. Nearby is the San Francisco Monastery, with its catacombs containing some 70,000 human remains. The tour wraps up in Lima's main square, with the rest of the day free to do as you wish. Maybe check out Lima's central market to taste fresh fruit and street food favourites.

Be ready for an early start as you’ll head to Lima’s bus station around 6 am to board a local bus to Paracas. It's unlikely the bus will make any stops, so please ensure you prepare yourself with water, snacks and anything else you need. The small fishing town of Paracas is the gateway to the Islas Ballestas and the Paracas National Reserve – and you’ll have the option to visit the reserve with a local guide when you arrive. The tour lasts for around 2.5 hours and gives you a good introduction to the landscapes and wildlife. For dinner tonight, maybe head to the boulevard near the beach and don’t forget to try some tejas – small truffles filled with nuts and dried fruits from the Ica region. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning, there may be a chance to visit Islas Ballestas for an optional day trip. Here, there’ll be lots of opportunities to see wildlife such as penguins, sea lions and flamingos from a speedboat. Speak to your group leader about your options. Later this morning, continue to Nazca where you’ll arrivie in the early afternoon. Nazca is famous for the Nazca Lines – enormous designs inscribed into the desert floor. Who drew them, how and why is unknown, but most scientists believe the Nazca people created them around 2000 years ago. For the best view, consider an optional scenic flight – this lasts 30 minutes and covers most of the 26 impressions. Be wary though – the planes turn sharply from side to side for viewing from both sides of the plane, so it’s not for the faint-hearted! Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. If you wish to book in a scenic flight today, your group leader can only assist you with companies that Tuuur Travel has risk assessed and have been deemed safe to fly with. Your leader is specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting booking this activity through any other operators, as well as transfers to and from other operators. Maximum weight per passenger is 120 kgs/ 264 pounds, extra fees apply if over this weight limit. To ensure you don’t miss out on the Scenic Flight over the Nazca Lines due to unavailability, we have made the activity available to be pre-booked via your booking agent

Enjoy a slow morning in Nazca, then head to the station to board a local bus to Arequipa – there are no stops, so don't forget to pack plenty of water, more snacks and a good book! You’ll arrive in Arequipa late in the evening and transfer to the hotel to check in. Standing at the foot of El Misti volcano, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Depending on how you’re feeling, maybe go for a stroll around the town or grab a bite for dinner with the group. Your travel time today will be approximately 11 hours.

This morning, head out on a leader-led orientation walk where you’ll visit the main square and Mercado San Camilo. As you explore Arequipa, you'll understand why it’s referred to as the ‘White City’ – built out of the pale volcanic rock, the old buildings shine brightly in the sunshine. The remainder of the day is free. Perhaps start at Monasterio de Santa Catalina – this 16th-century convent has a unique history, having once only accepted women from high-class Spanish families. From here, drop by the Juanita Museum and take a look at the ‘Ice Maiden’ – the well-preserved mummified remains of a young Inca girl who died in the 1440s. Otherwise, while away the rest of your day in the cafes and restaurants near the main plaza with a Peruvian coffee.

Around 8 am, take a private vehicle to Chivay. There’ll be plenty of time to stop and take pictures as you're likely to see llamas, alpacas and vicunas along the way. You'll also get to try coca tea – a traditional herbal drink made from coca leaves – from roadside stalls. After a stop at Patapampa (the highest point of your adventure, standing at 4800 m above sea level), descend into Chivay town for a free evening. Choose to spend it soaking in the local hot springs, dining on Alpaca steak or listening to live Andean music at a pena (music hall). Your leader will know all the best spots, so be sure to ask them. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Accommodation in Chivay is a very basic hostel. While there are ensuite toilets, there's no heating (you can request extra blankets) and some rooms may be noisy.

Wake early and take a short drive into the renowned Colca Canyon. This river canyon is dotted with traditional villages, agricultural terraces and trekking routes and is also home to the Andean condor. See the morning routine of this mighty ruler of the sky, gazing as they circle this extraordinary natural ravine. Depending on weather conditions, you’ll do a short hike around the area (approximately 45 minutes) before returning to Chivay. In the afternoon, travel back to Arequipa, then relax into a free evening with your fellow adventurers. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

With another day in Arequipa, why not get out and explore more of the city's highlights? For a bit of culture, take a stroll down to Casa Museo Villalobos for a peek into its extensive art collection. If you’re looking for something a bit more hands-on, there are regular cooking classes around the city – be sure to speak to your leader for their recommendations. Keep in mind that you’ll head to the bus station in the afternoon to board an overnight bus to Cusco. Your travel time today will be approximately 11 hours. With only one road out of Arequipa, please note there may be delays at the beginning of your bus journey. The bus has comfortable reclining seats and a toilet on board. With no stops, we recommended packing extra water and snacks. Buses in South America can often get quite cold due to the air conditioning being left on. Often, a movie is played on a central screen and through the bus speakers, but we recommended bringing a book or charged device for the journey. If you’re looking at getting some sleep, pack a few warm layers and a pair of earplugs to block out any unwanted noise.

Arrive in Cusco on your overnight bus sometime in the early morning. When you arrive, drop your bags at the hotel and head into town for breakfast. After, your leader will give you the choice of going straight out for an orientation walk or resting in the hotel for a few hours before a stroll in the afternoon. On your walking tour, you’ll visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, local San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. This evening, join your leader and fellow travellers at Casa Tuuur for a trekking and Machu Picchu briefing.

Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be doing one of the following: hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu. While away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave Cusco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Route 1 Inca Trail Today travel by minivan to the 82 kilometre marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide. The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite, which is at 3100m above sea level. On the way you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook. Route 2 Quarry Trail Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq'a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike. After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break. Continue to the campsite, which is 3700 metres above sea level. You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas. Route 3 Cusco Enjoy a free day in Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to purchase a boleto turistico, which allows entry to the city's many museums and archaeological sites. Ask your leader for their recommendations. Route 1 Inca Trail (starting elevation 2688m) - Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 412m and a descent of 68m Route 2 Quarry Trail (starting elevation 3220m) - Your trekking time today will be approximately 6.5 hours or 7 km, with an elevation gain of 480m and a descent of 0m Included lunch and dinner on this day is for travellers on the trekking options. The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 45 kilometres long and often steep. Each day's journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals. The Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. The hike is 31 kilometres long in total and its highest pass is at 4450 metres above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping and the third night you will stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.

Route 1 Inca Trail This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend a long steep path (approximately 5 hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 metres above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 metres. Route 2 Quarry Trail This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A 3 hour walk takes us to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4370 metres high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, make the two-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4450 metres. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. The Incas built several sun gates, the most notable overlooking Machu Picchu. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away and at 3600 metres. Route 3 Cusco Today is yours to spend as you wish in Cusco. Perhaps use the day to indulge your inner foodie at Cusco's many cafes, restaurants and markets. The ChocoMuseo is a must for those with a sweet tooth - they offer tastings and chocolate-making workshops. Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 1127m and a descent of 627m Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 7.5 hours or 14 km, with an elevation gain of 750m and a descent of 700m Included lunch and dinner on this day is for travellers on the trekking options.

Route 1 Inca Trail Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980 metres). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3850 metres), also known as 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2 hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site. Route 2 Quarry Trail to Aguas Calientes Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday, come to the end of the trek. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes After a drive to Ollantaytambo (about 1.5 hours), catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes (another 1.5 hours). The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 10 hours or 15 km, with an elevation gain of 400m and a descent of 1350m Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 4.5 hours or 10 km, with an elevation gain of 0m and a descent of 950m Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the Inca Trail trekking option only. There is an included lunch for travellers on the Quarry Trail trekking option.

Route 1 Inca Trail This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. The day starts before dawn with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and then begin hiking by 4.30 am. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, begin the final leg of the trek. The walk to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) takes around 2.5 hours. Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Route 2 Machu Picchu to Cusco Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. Route 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo where you'll spend the night. Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km, with an elevation gain of 81m and a descent of 331 m According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting, re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site. Personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Due to safety reasons the final checkpoint for all trekkers does not open until 5 am. The estimated arrival time at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate for Inca Trail trekkers is approximately 7.30 am. For Quarry Trail trekkers and train travellers the first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6 and 6.30 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise. Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.

Today you’ll travel into the Sacred Valley to meet a traditional community and enjoy an included lunch prepared and cooked by your hosts. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the fertile Sacred Valley has long been the main source of food for communities in the high Andes. If your visit coincides with market day, you could also spend time browsing the stalls for hand-painted beads or warm ponchos. In the afternoon, take a bus back to Cusco for a free evening.

Enjoy some free time to delve a little deeper into Cusco today. Those with weary legs might want to grab a coffee from a cafe at Plaza de Armas and do some people-watching. For those feeling active, the hills surrounding Cusco are well-suited for mountain biking. Ask your leader for optional activities and tips to make the most of your day

This morning, travel by local bus through the Altiplano plateau to Puno. There'll be one brief stop along the way at Pucara, where you'll have the chance to buy some snacks and take a toilet break. Puno is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is famous for its diverse cultures and traditional dances. If you're lucky, your visit might coincide with an evening parade, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians. Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Puno continues to experience some occasional ongoing political unrest. With safety always our priority, on some departures we may need to use alternative transportation to avoid affected areas. Your tour leader will advise of any specific changes to transport or the itinerary in this destination that need to be put in place.

Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca – the highest navigable lake in the world. Enjoy a tour of the lake by slow motorboat, stopping to visit the Floating Islands of Uros. Built completely from layers of totora reeds which grow in the lake’s shallows, the Uros people historically built these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. After your boat trip, transfer to the Llachon Peninsula where you'll stay with a local family in their traditional mud-brick home. You’ll have the chance to help your host family with their daily activities and maybe join a game of soccer or volleyball in the village with the local kids. Your homestay tonight is in a mud-brick house with shared drop toilets but no shower. It can get quite cold here, and while the homestay will provide plenty of blankets, remember to pack thermals and ample layers.

In the morning, board a boat to Taquile Island – a great place to pick up some locally knitted goods. Knitting here is strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. You can also do a one-hour uphill hike to the main area of the island where you can explore the local markets before descending the 500 steps back to the boat. After, return to Puno, where the rest of the day is free to explore as you like. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

At around 7 am, take a local bus to Desaguadero and cross the border into Bolivia – you’ll say goodbye to your Peruvian leader and meet your Bolivian leader. You'll be asked to leave the bus to proceed through Peruvian migration. The group will then walk across a bridge, submit passports at the Bolivian migration office, and reboard the bus for La Paz. Approximately 30 minutes after crossing the border into Bolivia, there's another stop where the army will check your documents again. The journey time to La Paz varies depending on the border crossing queues. Tonight, maybe head out for a final dinner with your group and raise a toast to your adventure. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 to 9 hours. Today is a long travel day, and keep in mind that Bolivia's time zone is 1 hour ahead of Peru. Check with your leader when adjusting your watch. Our leaders cannot organise a trip to the ‘Death Road’ to Coroico for you due to safety concerns. Injuries are common along the road and there have been a number of fatal accidents. Our leaders are also unable to organise tours to the Potosi Mines for safety reasons.

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end though – there’s loads to do in La Paz, including the renowned Mercado de Hechiceria (Witches' Market). If you’d like to spend more time here, just let us know and we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).