Day 1 (Monday)
Morning flight from the UK to Lima, arriving evening the same day. You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel (2 nights).
Day 2 (Tuesday)
Free day in Lima. Optional Colonial Lima excursion.
Day 3 (Wednesday)
Fly to Arequipa in the morning, then take a tour of the city, including the Santa Catalina Convent (1 night).
Day 4 (Thursday)
We leave early for the Colca Canyon, an impressive journey over the Andes reaching almost 5,000m at one point, and passing herds of wild vicuña. After the drive, some of which is on unpaved roads, we arrive at our lodge in time for a welcome swim in volcanic springs (1 night).
Day 5 (Friday)
Early morning trip to the edge of the canyon, one mile above the river, where the condors rise on the thermals. We visit typical highland villages and return to Arequipa in the evening (1 night).
Day 6 (Saturday)
Morning flight to Cusco, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon free (4 nights).
Day 7 (Sunday)
Join us on a guided tour of Inca Cusco (optional).
Day 8 (Monday)
Free day in Cusco.
Day 9 (Tuesday)
Optional excursion to the Sacred Valley, including the famous market in Pisac.
Day 10 (Wednesday)
An early morning drive to the start of the trail, which follows the Urubamba River before starting to climb. We pass several Inca sites before arriving at Huayllabamba at 3,000m, where we have dinner and camp for the night.
Day 11 (Thursday)
A tough, but rewarding, day begins with a steep climb to Dead Woman's Pass at 4,200m, from where the views are spectacular. We descend to our camp in the Pacamayo Valley.
Day 12 (Friday)
We climb again, crossing the second pass at 4,000m, seeing several Inca ruins on the way. The trail clings to the side of the mountain, passing through an Inca tunnel, before emerging to views of the cloud forest below. The path drops steeply, arriving at the fabulous Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, where we spend the night.
Day 13 (Saturday)
We set off before dawn, arriving at the Sun Gate in time for sunrise and our first view of Machu Picchu. Carrying on to the ruins we have a guided tour before descending to the valley, and perhaps resting our weary bodies in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. We catch the afternoon train back to Cusco (1 night).
Day 14 (Sunday)
A morning flight to Lima. Afternoon free. Perhaps visit the Gold Museum (1 night).
Day 15 (Monday)
Free day in Lima. Transfer to the airport for an overnight flight to the UK.
Day 16 (Tuesday)
Arrival in the UK.
A Night at Machu Picchu
If you are interested in spending a night at Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail, please ask us for details.