In the Andes you will discover splendid mountain panoramas, astonishingly diverse wildlife, and a rich human canvas spanning thousands of years. Cruise to a timeless island in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Explore Cusco's wondrous palaces, streets and plazas. Trek on the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the spectacular Lost City of the Incas. Each day you enjoy unforgettable wonders

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Lima
Arrival and transfer to the confortable hotel in the exclusive zone of Lima.

Day 2: Lima / Puno
After breakfast transfer from hotel to the airport for your flight to Juliaca, on the Peruvian Altiplano at 3,825 m./12,546 ft. We transfer south to Puno, on the lake, and continue to our country hotel with expansive views over Lake Titicaca. It's important to take it easy at first so that you gradually acclimate to the altitude. (B)

Day 3: Titicaca Lakeshore
After breakfast, a tour by boat to the islands of Uros and Taquile on Lake Titicaca. Our first stop are the floating reed islands of the Uros indigenous group who maintain houses and evens schools on these floating reed islands continuing to Taquile, where members of this self-supporting island will welcome you and offer a glimpse into their ancient traditions and customs. Box Lunch on the island and an opportunity for some spectacular views over the haunting beauty of Lake Titicaca. We spend a delightful afternoon hiking on the island. Overnight in homes of the islanders. (B/L)

Day 4: Taquile Island / Puno
We have a second day to explore this entrancingly beautiful and peaceful island. Only four miles long and less than a mile wide, the island has hidden beaches, hilltop shrines, and a gentle and industrious population of Quechua peasants who welcome us wherever we go. We depart by boat in the afternoon, and visit the astonishing floating reed island communities of the Uros Indians. Return to the mainland, overnight at hotel in Puno. (BL)

Day 5: Puno / Cusco
Early breakfast and transfer to the Bus Station to take the Tourist Bus to Cusco (Luxury Orient Express Train available), a long the way we will have stops and guided tours to the Incas sites of Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Pikillaqta. We have lunch at the restaurant in Sicuani. After our arrival into Cusco our staff will meet and transfer us to the Hotel. (B/L)

Day 6: Cusco
Morning free. In the afternoon City tour of Cusco, and include: The Cathedral, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun, the most important of Inca ceremonial sites). Later we will continue to the most important site of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo and Puca Pucara. We return to our Hotel (B/D)

Day 7: Trek Briefing
Prior to departing for the trek, we meet for an orientation briefing by our guide. (B)

Day 8: Commence Trek / Wayllabamba

Early in the morning our guide picks you up at your hotel in Cusco for the 2 hour ride by bus to the small Andean town of Chilca and on to the trailhead at Piscacucho at km 82. Here you will meet the team that will join you during the trek, such as the porters, camp assistants and cooks. You will begin the walk, the first day is quite easy and during the first kilometers, you will have a beautiful view of the snow peaked Veronica Mountain, walking alongside the Vilcanota River until you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta, where you will have lunch and gain energy to reach Wayllabamba, the name in Quechua means 'grassy plain. Most tour groups spend the first night here although there are prettier campsites a little further on. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Pacaymayu
Today we climb up from Wayllabamba for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the treeline and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). It is another 1? hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuanusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail. The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacaymayu (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Wiñayhuayna
Today you will continue to climbing a series of Inca steps, it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay (12,172ft). These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins. From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way. A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the day. After about an hour of walking through cloud forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Winay Wayna, although it probably won't be for another 2 hours until you arrive. A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Winay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu. (B/L/D).

Day 11: Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, in the anticipation of continuing on the trail your hearts may begin to pound from the excitement that awaits your every steps and breath as you approach the fabled citadel. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Our guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder (7'800ft.) Afterward transfer by bus to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and after that you will board the train for your returning to Cusco. After your arrival to the Cusco train station our staff will meet and transfer you to your hotel. (B/L)

Day 12: Free day at Cusco

Fere day to enjoy the most importants sites of the City.(B/D)

Day 13: Cusco / Lima
Fly to Lima, city tour of Lima. guided sightseeing tour to the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the "City of Kings". The tour includes Lima's Historical Centre, passing by Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the City Hall. We will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of Colonial Art in America and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The tour includes a visit to the Basilica of 21 altars, Convent of Cloisters, Capitulary and Clementine Rooms, Chorus and Library of the monks, a Museum showing 11 paintings of the Rubens School, the Sacristy with paintings of Surbaran and Ribera, its great patio decorated with Seville tiles of the XVIth Century, Moorish arches and underground Catacombs. We visit, the Larco Herrera Museum, founded in 1926, showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview of 3,000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Located in a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The museum features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru. It also houses the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions. For an unforgettable experience, Larco is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can also choose to enter the storage area with its 45,000 classified archaeological objects. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of pre-Columbian art, after being exhibited in the world's leading museums. Return to the hotel.(B/L)

Day 14: Home
Airport transfer for passengers who depart today.

Tour Leadership: We pride ourselves on the quality, experience, and wide-ranging skills of our guides. They are Peruvians, fluent in English, born and raised in the Cuzco highlands, who have combined their love of the mountains of their homeland with years of professional training. They bring to their groups a variety of personal interests ranging from birding to astronomy. Most of all, they are caring individuals. They make it their personal goal to see that you have the trip of a lifetime.

Included in Land Cost: all land transportation; airport transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days; entrance fees to museums and sites mentioned in itinerary, accommodation in comfortable hotels, one night in homes of islanders on Taquile; meals as indicated, vistadome train back to Cusco, Domestic flights.

Not included: internationa airfare; airport and border taxes; all beverages, meals not specified above; insurance, laundry, and other items of a personal nature; your guide's tip;

Important: at the time we confirm your participation on this trek, we register your complete name and your passport number (as these appear on your trip application) with park authorities on the official trek permit. The trek permit is a legal document with specific restrictions limiting changes. You must bring this same passport with you on the trek. If for whatever reason you cannot bring the passport that is registered on the permit at the time of your original booking, or if you change your passport and cannot bring the original document, or if the information you originally supplied differs from what actually appears on your passport, park authorities may refuse access to the Inca Trail.

Weight Restriction: we include porterage for up to 10kg. (22 lb.) of personal gear. If your packed duffel exceeds 10 kg. in weight (including sleeping bag and pad,) at the trailhead, you will have to transfer excess items from your duffel to your daypack.