Day 1 (Tuesday)
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 (Wednesday)
Free day in Lima. Optional Colonial Lima excursion.
Day 3 (Thursday)
Fly to Arequipa in the morning, then take a tour of the city, including the Santa Catalina Convent (1 night).
Day 4 (Friday)
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 (Saturday)
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 (Sunday)
Morning flight to Cusco, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon free (3 nights).
Day 7 (Monday)
Join us on a guided tour of Inca Cusco (optional).
Day 8 (Tuesday)
Optional excursion to the Sacred Valley, including the famous market in Pisac.
Day 9 (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 10 (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 11 (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 12 (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 (2 nights).
Day 13 (Sunday)
A free day in Cusco to do some shopping or just unwind after the trek.
Day 14 (Monday)
A fascinating full-day coach journey across the altiplano, including guided visits to the Inca site of Raqchi and the beautiful colonial church in Andahuaylillas. After lunch in Sicuani (included), visit the pre-Inca site of Pucara, before arriving in Puno, on the edge of Lake Titicaca. Evening at leisure (2 nights). There is also the option to travel to Puno by train.
Day 15 (Tuesday)
A full day on the lake, visiting the floating Uros Islands before heading to the beautiful Taquile Island. After an energetic walk up the hill to the main village, have lunch of fresh fish caught in the lake.
Day 16 (Wednesday)
Visit the funerary towers of Sillustani before catching your flight to Lima (1 night).
Day 17 (Thursday)
Transfer to the airport for an overnight flight to the UK.
Day 18 (Friday)
Arrival in the UK.
Night at Machu Picchu
If you are interested in spending a night at Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail, please ask us for details
Board
Lima: Bed and Breakfast
Cusco: Bed and Breakfast
Arequipa: Bed and Breakfast
Colca Canyon: Bed and Breakfast
Inca Trail: Full Board
Puno: Bed and Breakfast; lunch is included on the coach or train from Cusco to Lake Titicaca; lunch is included on the full day excursion on Lake Titicaca