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16 Day Inca Adventure Tour
From $2250 USD
(Approx. $2107.57 AUD)Trip Information
Starts In: Lima
Ends In: Cusco
Duration: 16 Days.
Departs: Daily
Group Size: 14
Transport: Minivan
Accommodation: Budget, Camping
Activity: Independent Tour
Ages: 18+
Tour Code: 16DAYCHIMU
Operator Code: CLUB055
Ends In: Cusco
Duration: 16 Days.
Departs: Daily
Group Size: 14
Transport: Minivan
Accommodation: Budget, Camping
Activity: Independent Tour
Ages: 18+
Tour Code: 16DAYCHIMU
Operator Code: CLUB055
Countries Visited
Peru
Trip Highlights
- Lima
- Paracas
- Nazca
- Puerto Inca
- Arequipa
- Colca Canyon
- Puno
- Cusco
- World famous Inca Trail passing through Machu Picchu
- Accommodation with breakfast
- Meals where stated
- Excursions as described
- Local Guide ( English )
- Entrances where mentioned
- Regular Bus Lima – Ica / Nazca - Arequipa + Regular Bus: Puno / Cusco
- Transfers
Full Itinerary
16 Day Inca Adventure Tour is a comprehensive snapshot of Peru's highlights.
Day 1: Lima: City Tour
Today, we spend the morning touring Lima, the Colonial "City of Kings", and get a first hand glimpse of its majestic past. We visit sites such as the Cathedral and Presidential Palace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, and the Catacombs beneath San Francisco Convent. We get to see, first hand, Lima's magnificent Colonial architecture as well as vignettes of its pre-Colombian past.
The afternoon is free to continue to get a feel for this bustling capital, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Day 2: Lima – Huacachina: Breakfast
We depart early and head south down the Pan Americana Highway passing the little known Inca ruins of Pachacamac and into Peru’s coastal desert strip.
We arrive in the desert oasis town of Huacachina, where our hotel is located and where you can take part in sand boarding or boating on the lagoon.
Day 3: Huacachina - Paracas – Nazca: Breakfast
Leaving Huacachina early, we drive to the small port of Paracas where we take a boat cruise around the Ballestas Islands to see marine mammals and birdlife up close and in huge numbers. We also take a look at some ancient etchings in the coastal cliffs including the mysterious Candelabra .
Once back on shore, we make the drive to Nazca, famous for the enigmatic Nazca Lines, the best- known relic of the Nasca culture. Once in Nazca, the afternoon can be spent in the fascinating museum, looking at mummies in Chaucilla Cemetery or just enjoying the desert climate.
Day 4: Nazca – Arequipa: Breakfast
This morning, you will probably wish to take the option of a flight over the Nazca Lines in order to unravel the mystery for yourself. You can make out giant figures including a hummingbird, monkey and many other animals. There are also other figures etched into the desert plain, including large elongated triangular shapes. Flights last for 40 minutes and give a fantastic overview of this wonderful attraction. This is highly recommended, as it is the best way to see all the lines clearly.
In the afternoon, we take a regular bus to Arequipa, where we overnight.
Day 5: Arequipa: Free Day
Today you have the chance to relax in the peaceful surrounds of the colonial city of Arequipa. You may spend the time checking out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Santa Catalina Monastery, or the Inca Ice mummy Juanita who was found intact in the crater of a volcano. Or you could just sit back, relax and enjoy the views of the mighty volcano Misti which dominates the landscape.
This evening you can sample the town’s fantastic nightlife!
Day 6: Arequipa - Colca Canyon: Breakfast
We venture into the Andes for the first time on the tour. We ascend to an altitude of approximately 5,000 metres before descending again into the Colca Valley.
We spend the night in the small town of Chivay and you may like to bathe in the magnificently-set La Calera thermo-medicinal baths at sunset to soothe any aches and pains.
Day 7: Colca Canyon – Puno: Breakfast
The Colca Canyon is the world's deepest, formed by the erosion of the Colca River. The harsh landscape, with spectacular scenery, is home to eagles, llamas, vicuñas and of course the magnificent Andean Condor.
This morning, we will be taken by expert local guides to the best locations to view the Condors as they rise on thermals from the valley.
On our return we will witness pre-Inca tombs, Inca terracing and traditional Andean villages, all set against the splendid mountain backdrop.
In the afternoon, we continue to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, arriving there in the evening.
Day 8: Puno: Lake Titicaca: Breakfast
Today we spend the day on the world's highest navigable lake, Titicaca. First, we get the opportunity to visit the unique, man-made, floating reed islands of Uros to get an impression of how the Aymara-speaking locals have lived for centuries.
Then we make our way to Taquile Island, where time appears to have stood still. Around 350 families live here, operating a collective agricultural system dating from the 14th Century and renowned for their textiles - beautifully woven chumpis (belts), chullos (caps), and ojotas (sandals). The views of the snow-capped Cordillera Real mountains in Bolivia overlooking the lake are the icing on the cake!
The evening is free for the brave to sample some local cuisine: guinea pig (known locally as cuy) perhaps? Or maybe alpaca?
Day 9: Puno – Cusco: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, today is spent on the jaw dropping ride across the altiplano to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. This drive will take us through sleepy Andean villages, past spectacular snow capped mountains, sheer cliffs and rampaging rivers. Stops along the way include the atmospheric towns of Pucara and Andahuaylillas, and the pre-Inca ruin of Raqchi. Lunch is also included.
We arrive in the famous city of Cusco in the early evening.
Day 10: Cusco: City Tour: Breakfast
A gentle wander through the cobbled stoned streets is recommended during the morning, to appreciate fully the magnificent blend of Colonial and Inca influence on the city.
During the afternoon we have a guided bus tour of the city, visiting the Cathedral, the Rock of the 12 Angles, and Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Koricancha.
The evening is free to sample some of Cusco’s famous nightlife first hand!
Day 11: Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour: Breakfast
Today, we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious. Our first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market, where you can pick up a bargain! You have free time to wander the colourful market stalls before we have a typical Andean lunch at a local restaurant (included).
We then continue our journey along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo, the best surviving example of Inca town planning and dominated by a giant Inca fortress, which was the scene of a rare victory for the Incas against the invading Spanish Conquistadors.
After the day’s activities, we recommend having an early night and preparing for the challenge of the Inca Trail!
Day 12: Cusco - Km 82 – Huayllabamba: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
Early this morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you by bus to Km 82 where you will arrive mid-morning and meet the team that will join you during the trek - porters, camp assistants and cooks.
The first day’s walk is quite easy and during the first part you will have a beautiful view of the
snow-peaked Veronica Mountain above you and the Vilcanota River below you. Lunch will be waiting for you when you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta.
After re-energising, we begin the steady climb to Huayllabamba, where the first camp is set up.
Day 13: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
After breakfast, the hardest part of the trail begins, with a steep, three-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), at some 4200m (13,800ft) above sea level. Here you will not only enjoy incredible, panoramic views, but you will have a great sense of achievement at reaching this milestone.
After lunch in Vizcachayoc, we will descend towards Pacaymayu (3500m/11,480ft) for dinner and camp.
Day 14: Pacaymayu – Wiñayhuayna: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
After breakfast, the ascent will begin to the second highest pass on the Trail, at more than 3900m (12,800ft) above sea level. On the way up, you can enjoy a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Runkurukay and, on the way down, the Inca Citadel of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,800ft).
Lunch will be ready for you in Chaqquicocha. Then, we continue walking towards Phuya Patamarka (Town in Clouds), another important archaeological monument.
After a brief rest, we will continue walking to the spectacularly-located Archaeological Complex of Wiñay Huayna (Always Young). We have a guided visit of the complex before we have dinner and overnight in the nearby campsite.
N.B. The above are our regular camp sites; however, these can be changed by the Machu Picchu Management Unit without previous warning. It will not affect the itinerary.
Day 15: Wiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu – Cusco: Snack
After an early breakfast, we will make the one-hour walk through high rainforest to Inti Punku (Gateway of the Sun), the well-known entrance to Machu Picchu, with its unparallelled panoramic view of the Inca Citadel.
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, we will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries. This is followed by free time to stroll around the Citadel, before meeting the rest of the group to be transferred by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
In the afternoon, you take the train back to Cusco, where we will be transferred to our hotel - tired, but happy!
Day 16: Cusco: Breakfast
Our tour ends after breakfast.
Day 1: Lima: City Tour
Today, we spend the morning touring Lima, the Colonial "City of Kings", and get a first hand glimpse of its majestic past. We visit sites such as the Cathedral and Presidential Palace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, and the Catacombs beneath San Francisco Convent. We get to see, first hand, Lima's magnificent Colonial architecture as well as vignettes of its pre-Colombian past.
The afternoon is free to continue to get a feel for this bustling capital, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Day 2: Lima – Huacachina: Breakfast
We depart early and head south down the Pan Americana Highway passing the little known Inca ruins of Pachacamac and into Peru’s coastal desert strip.
We arrive in the desert oasis town of Huacachina, where our hotel is located and where you can take part in sand boarding or boating on the lagoon.
Day 3: Huacachina - Paracas – Nazca: Breakfast
Leaving Huacachina early, we drive to the small port of Paracas where we take a boat cruise around the Ballestas Islands to see marine mammals and birdlife up close and in huge numbers. We also take a look at some ancient etchings in the coastal cliffs including the mysterious Candelabra .
Once back on shore, we make the drive to Nazca, famous for the enigmatic Nazca Lines, the best- known relic of the Nasca culture. Once in Nazca, the afternoon can be spent in the fascinating museum, looking at mummies in Chaucilla Cemetery or just enjoying the desert climate.
Day 4: Nazca – Arequipa: Breakfast
This morning, you will probably wish to take the option of a flight over the Nazca Lines in order to unravel the mystery for yourself. You can make out giant figures including a hummingbird, monkey and many other animals. There are also other figures etched into the desert plain, including large elongated triangular shapes. Flights last for 40 minutes and give a fantastic overview of this wonderful attraction. This is highly recommended, as it is the best way to see all the lines clearly.
In the afternoon, we take a regular bus to Arequipa, where we overnight.
Day 5: Arequipa: Free Day
Today you have the chance to relax in the peaceful surrounds of the colonial city of Arequipa. You may spend the time checking out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Santa Catalina Monastery, or the Inca Ice mummy Juanita who was found intact in the crater of a volcano. Or you could just sit back, relax and enjoy the views of the mighty volcano Misti which dominates the landscape.
This evening you can sample the town’s fantastic nightlife!
Day 6: Arequipa - Colca Canyon: Breakfast
We venture into the Andes for the first time on the tour. We ascend to an altitude of approximately 5,000 metres before descending again into the Colca Valley.
We spend the night in the small town of Chivay and you may like to bathe in the magnificently-set La Calera thermo-medicinal baths at sunset to soothe any aches and pains.
Day 7: Colca Canyon – Puno: Breakfast
The Colca Canyon is the world's deepest, formed by the erosion of the Colca River. The harsh landscape, with spectacular scenery, is home to eagles, llamas, vicuñas and of course the magnificent Andean Condor.
This morning, we will be taken by expert local guides to the best locations to view the Condors as they rise on thermals from the valley.
On our return we will witness pre-Inca tombs, Inca terracing and traditional Andean villages, all set against the splendid mountain backdrop.
In the afternoon, we continue to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, arriving there in the evening.
Day 8: Puno: Lake Titicaca: Breakfast
Today we spend the day on the world's highest navigable lake, Titicaca. First, we get the opportunity to visit the unique, man-made, floating reed islands of Uros to get an impression of how the Aymara-speaking locals have lived for centuries.
Then we make our way to Taquile Island, where time appears to have stood still. Around 350 families live here, operating a collective agricultural system dating from the 14th Century and renowned for their textiles - beautifully woven chumpis (belts), chullos (caps), and ojotas (sandals). The views of the snow-capped Cordillera Real mountains in Bolivia overlooking the lake are the icing on the cake!
The evening is free for the brave to sample some local cuisine: guinea pig (known locally as cuy) perhaps? Or maybe alpaca?
Day 9: Puno – Cusco: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, today is spent on the jaw dropping ride across the altiplano to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. This drive will take us through sleepy Andean villages, past spectacular snow capped mountains, sheer cliffs and rampaging rivers. Stops along the way include the atmospheric towns of Pucara and Andahuaylillas, and the pre-Inca ruin of Raqchi. Lunch is also included.
We arrive in the famous city of Cusco in the early evening.
Day 10: Cusco: City Tour: Breakfast
A gentle wander through the cobbled stoned streets is recommended during the morning, to appreciate fully the magnificent blend of Colonial and Inca influence on the city.
During the afternoon we have a guided bus tour of the city, visiting the Cathedral, the Rock of the 12 Angles, and Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Koricancha.
The evening is free to sample some of Cusco’s famous nightlife first hand!
Day 11: Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour: Breakfast
Today, we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious. Our first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market, where you can pick up a bargain! You have free time to wander the colourful market stalls before we have a typical Andean lunch at a local restaurant (included).
We then continue our journey along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo, the best surviving example of Inca town planning and dominated by a giant Inca fortress, which was the scene of a rare victory for the Incas against the invading Spanish Conquistadors.
After the day’s activities, we recommend having an early night and preparing for the challenge of the Inca Trail!
Day 12: Cusco - Km 82 – Huayllabamba: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
Early this morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you by bus to Km 82 where you will arrive mid-morning and meet the team that will join you during the trek - porters, camp assistants and cooks.
The first day’s walk is quite easy and during the first part you will have a beautiful view of the
snow-peaked Veronica Mountain above you and the Vilcanota River below you. Lunch will be waiting for you when you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta.
After re-energising, we begin the steady climb to Huayllabamba, where the first camp is set up.
Day 13: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
After breakfast, the hardest part of the trail begins, with a steep, three-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), at some 4200m (13,800ft) above sea level. Here you will not only enjoy incredible, panoramic views, but you will have a great sense of achievement at reaching this milestone.
After lunch in Vizcachayoc, we will descend towards Pacaymayu (3500m/11,480ft) for dinner and camp.
Day 14: Pacaymayu – Wiñayhuayna: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
After breakfast, the ascent will begin to the second highest pass on the Trail, at more than 3900m (12,800ft) above sea level. On the way up, you can enjoy a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Runkurukay and, on the way down, the Inca Citadel of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,800ft).
Lunch will be ready for you in Chaqquicocha. Then, we continue walking towards Phuya Patamarka (Town in Clouds), another important archaeological monument.
After a brief rest, we will continue walking to the spectacularly-located Archaeological Complex of Wiñay Huayna (Always Young). We have a guided visit of the complex before we have dinner and overnight in the nearby campsite.
N.B. The above are our regular camp sites; however, these can be changed by the Machu Picchu Management Unit without previous warning. It will not affect the itinerary.
Day 15: Wiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu – Cusco: Snack
After an early breakfast, we will make the one-hour walk through high rainforest to Inti Punku (Gateway of the Sun), the well-known entrance to Machu Picchu, with its unparallelled panoramic view of the Inca Citadel.
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, we will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries. This is followed by free time to stroll around the Citadel, before meeting the rest of the group to be transferred by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
In the afternoon, you take the train back to Cusco, where we will be transferred to our hotel - tired, but happy!
Day 16: Cusco: Breakfast
Our tour ends after breakfast.
Single Supplement US$300
NOT INCLUDED
- Nazca Overflight
- BTG Entrance in Cusco
- tips.
- Sleeping bags for Inka Trail
- National flight tickets: Cusco / Lima
- Local (US$ 6) and International (US$ 30) airport taxes.
- No transfer on last day.
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