Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. If you arrive early, there is lots to see and do in this beautiful country. You could even drop into Casa Tuuur – within the historic walls of House Casanova Lastarria, this sanctuary for travellers is housed in a building dating back to the 1500s, featuring Inca interiors. Here, you can recharge with a coca tea, coffee or refill your water bottle. You can also use this space to plan your next move or take a breather from the hustle and bustle outside. Your adventure officially begins in Cusco with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. Tonight is free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites

Today, you’ll discover the Andes from a unique perspective – 3720 m above sea level on a stand-up paddle board (or a kayak). You’ll first head out on a scenic drive to the Sacred Valley, arriving in Piuray for a morning adventure. Watch a safety briefing, then hit the lake for a relaxing paddle surrounded by the Andes. Return to land, enjoy some snacks and hot drinks, then continue your journey to an authentic local Andean community where the women of the community will show you their ancient techniques of weaving, dyeing and the management and production of South American camelid fibres. With this activity, the local women can support their families and provide food, shelter, healthcare and education to their children. Sit down for a homemade lunch cooked by the community with your group, then return to your hotel in Cusco.

Today, you’ll embark on a full-day mountain biking journey from Cusco to Pisac, beginning with a ride through the stunning landscapes of the Urubamba River Valley. After breakfast, you’ll drive to Laguna de Huacarpay (3000 m above sea level) where your bikes will be waiting for you. After a safety briefing, start the adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, exploring the Valle del Rio WillkaMayu – a major tributary of the Amazon River. Soak in the natural beauty and historic significance of this region as you ride through the landscape. End the day with an exhilarating descent from the Inca site of Pisac (entrance ticket included), arriving at your hotel in Pisac town this afternoon. If there’s time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the town and the local market, known for its multi-coloured textiles, local foods and Indigenous clothing.

After breakfast today, take your private transfer to Tambomachay – an archaeological site dedicated to the God of Water. When you arrive, you’ll start a downhill hike back to Cusco. This is an easy acclimatisation walk to get used to the altitude and to prepare for the Inca Trail trek that you’ll complete in two days' time. On the way back to Cusco, you’ll see Sacsayhuaman – an Inca Ceremonial Center that overlooks the city. It’s said that it took over 10,000 workers 50 years to build it and the origin of the temple is still unknown. After exploring, continue the hike, stopping at the Cristo Blanco statue along the way, considered the most famous monument in Cusco. Soak up the views from this viewpoint, then pass by the traditional neighbourhood of San Blas. Here, you can find art studios, artisan workshops, bars and restaurants. You might want to stop for lunch here before ending the hike in Cusco. If you like, you can head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get acquainted with the city and check out some of Cusco's main attractions, as well as its lesser-known sights like the Qoricancha Temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone and Regocijo Square. In the evening visit Casa Tuuur for your trek briefing, then you are free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites.

Wake up early this morning and hop in your private vehicle for a drive to Pachar. On the way, the gorgeous landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas will pass you by. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, this fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes and maize crops can be seen surrounding the river, covering the terraces that are carved high into the valley walls. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Then arrive at the starting point of today’s activity – a white-water rafting experience along a section of the Urubamba River. You’ll have a safety briefing and some time to practice paddling techniques, then you’ll hit the water! As you navigate downstream through Grade 2 and 3 rapids, paddle through the heart of the Andes, passing ancient Inca ruins and views of the surrounding mountains. Your exhilarating adventure ends in Ollantaytambo with a riverside feast for lunch. After, head to Ollantaytambo town where you’ll spend the night.

Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be either 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.

Route 1 Inca Trail

Route 1 Inca Trail

Route 1 Inca Trail

Your trip comes to an end today, and there are no activities planned. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. You may want to consider purchasing a Boleto Turistico (tourism ticket) It gains access to the many fascinating museums here, such as the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum and Qosqo Native Art Museum. Please speak with your tour leader about this for more details.