Discover the breadth of Peru's diverse heritage, from the gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture of Lima to the Aymara and Quechuan Indian cultures of Puno

Marvel at the mother of all Inca cities, magical Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins and free time to explore on your own

Enjoy plenty of time in gorgeous Cusco, the perfect place to launch into further outdoor adventures, or simply relax and take in mountain views

The floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are astounding in concept, construction, and history. Take a boat tour on the world's highest navigable lake and stay with a local family there

At Intrepid we’ve always been about balancing profit and purpose and as the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all – join us and help make the world a better place.

This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip information (ETI) for more important information on this.

The facilities are basic at your homestay on Lake Titicaca. While creature comforts are few and far between while you're there, many travellers find the experience a rich and rewarding one.

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 and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the itinerary for details.

Day 1: Lima

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru’s capital, and one of South America’s most beautiful cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and tour leader. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. After the meeting, stroll the streets of downtown Lima and check out some of its main attractions on a leader-led walking tour. Enjoy free time before an optional group dinner this evening. The unofficial food capital of South America, there’s no better place to sample Peru’s national dish, ceviche, than at one of Lima’s excellent restaurants. As there's little time spent in Lima, you may like to arrive a few days early to see the sights, including the chic suburb of Miraflores, Central Park, Lovers' Park, and the National Museum.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities:

• Lima - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities:

• Lima - Archaeological Museum - PEN15
• Lima - Museum of the Inquisition - Free
• Lima - Gold Museum - PEN35
• Lima - Museo de la Nacion - PEN10
• Lima - Private Lima: Home Cooked Tour Urban Adventure (price from) - USD83
• Lima - Coast Biking Tour Urban Adventure - USD52

Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information: This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result, some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Day 2: Cusco

Catch an early flight to Cusco. Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3450 metres/11,320 feet) and then get acquainted with this charming town on a walking tour with your leader. Check out Cusco’s vibrant main square (Plaza de Armas). Witness the flurry of activity that characterises the San Pedro market. Stroll past the slew of quaint restaurants and artisans found in San Blas Square. See Qoricancha (an Inca Sun Temple) and the famous 12 Angle Stone, then end your tour at the chocolate museum, where you’ll get a chance to sample hot chocolate made from local cacao beans. This might be a good opportunity to purchase some gifts or souvenirs. There’s a small store where you’ll find various handicrafts and a variety of artisanal chocolate products.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities:

• Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
• Cusco - Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate

Optional Activities

• Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN135
• Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN75
• Cusco - City tour - USD15
• Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum - PEN20
• Cusco - Inca Museum (entrance fee) - PEN10
• Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee - PEN40
• Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) - PEN15

Meals Included: Breakfast

Special Information: To catch the early flight we will be leaving the hotel at 5.30 am, as such the hotel can only provide a basic breakfast of bread, butter, jam and coffee.

Day 3: Aguas Calientes

Travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley on the outskirts of Cusco. This lush valley was known as Wilcamayo to the Incas and has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls. You will visit a community in the valley to learn about local lifestyle and activities. If your visit coincides with market day you can browse the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos, and perhaps practice your newfound language, Quechua. Later in the afternoon, board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. This extra journey ensures that we can travel to Machu Picchu as early as possible tomorrow morning.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 4: Machu Picchu / Cusco

Take a bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes). This is your chance to decide for yourself whether Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility or is an ancient astronomical observatory. Enjoy a guided visit of the incredible site (1.5–2 hours) taking in the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, return to Cusco.

Note: Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking climbs of Wayna Picchu.

Visiting Machu Picchu: 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 and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour

Meals Included: Breakfast

Special Information: Sunrise at Machu Picchu: The first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6-6.30 am The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.

Day 5: Cusco

Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco's sights, or simply rest your legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas. For those who can't get enough active adventure, a mountain bike adventure into the surrounding hills is recommended.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking - USD120
• Sacred Valley - Via Ferrata & Zipline - PEN265
• Cusco - Stand Up Paddle Boarding (minimum 4 people) - USD95
• Cusco - Totem painting workshop - USD59
• Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (minimum 4 people) - USD100

Meals Included: Breakfast

Special Information: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN:
Before your trip comes to an end, why not pay a visit to Instagram’s most popular mountain - Rainbow mountain (or Vinicunca in Quechua, the local language). This activity involves climbing up to more than 5000 meters above sea level in one day, which can lead to life-threatening altitude sickness. As such, our tour leaders are only able to assist you booking this activity at the end of your stay in Cusco (when you will be better acclimatised) and on our own operated departures where we have full control over the safety aspects of this activity (such as transport, oxygen, emergency horses, adequate first aid kits and experienced guides). The price indicated for is indicative only and the final price will depend on the total number of travellers taking this activity. Ultimately the price can range from as little as $56 (with 16 travellers) to $216 for 2 travellers. A minimum of 2 travellers is required to operate this activity. Your tour leader can assist with booking this on the ground.

Day 6: Puno

Travel by local bus across the spectacular Altiplano to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca (approximately 7 hours). Mingle with the locals in this melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan cultures and see how traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented here. If you're lucky your visit might coincide with one of the colourful evening parades, which see the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Lake Titicaca (Homestay)

Take a tour of the lake by slow motorboat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. Using the versatile totora reeds found in the shallows of the lake, the Uros originally built their islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes. To get a closer look at daily life in the Lake Titicaca region, you'll be welcomed into the home of a local community and stay the night. Make the most of your visit by helping your host family with their daily activities, communicating with them in Quechua, or perhaps trying your luck with them at soccer.

Accommodation: Homestay (1 night)

Included Activities

• Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner 

Day 8: Lima

Depart your homestay this morning and take a bus to Juliaca airport (approximately 2 hours). In the afternoon take an included flight back to Lima (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes). Enjoy a last night out with your fellow travellers in Lima.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9: Lima

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Departure flights can be booked for any time as there are no activities planned for today.

Optional Activities

• Lima - Private Lima: Home Cooked Tour Urban Adventure (price from) - USD83
• Lima - Coast Biking Tour Urban Adventure - USD52
• Lima - Lima Discovery Urban Adventure - USD37

Meals Included: Breakfast

Why wait for anyone else?

Over 50% of our clients who travel on Adventure Tours are solo travellers. This unique holiday experience is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people and forge lasting friendships. We will take care of all your travel arrangements for you.

Many solo travellers want to share rooms with fellow group members, but if you would like your own single room on this tour it's available with a supplement of €330. This excludes instances where a single room is not possible: the Home Stay at Lake Titicaca (day 7).

Price is per adult, based on 2 sharing, and includes:

• Flights- we'll find the best fares based on your chosen departure dates
• Travel insurance

Travelling solo? Get a single room from €330 extra. Most adventure tours can be taken as solo holidays, ask us for more information.

Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply. 

For more information please call us on 021 427 7094, email us at info@shandontravel.ie, request a call back using the red button, or submit an enquiry through the form below.