Peruvian Tour

Arrival to the Lima Peru, transfer to the hotel in Miraflores. Note that the first and the last day, there are no planned activities, so you can take the rest of day free. When you arrive to the airport at Lima, our Representative waits for you holding a sheet with your name and takes you to your hotel.

Miraflores, Lima’s most popular district, is a must-see on any Peruvian tour. Known for its ocean views, upscale hotels, fine dining, vibrant shops, and lively parks, it offers a fresh, colorful contrast to the rest of the capital.

Miraflores has a rich history, with roots stretching back to pre-Columbian times. Its most famous archaeological site, Huaca Pucllana, is a partially excavated adobe pyramid that offers a glimpse into ancient Lima. Later, it became a summer retreat for the wealthy and earned the title "City of Heroes" after the Battle of Miraflores during the War of the Pacific.

Today, Miraflores blends colonial charm with modern style — a perfect mix of old and new that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

The Peru tour starts today! Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and we will start our journey to Paracas. The drive from Lima to Paracas takes about 4 hours. During the trip, our guide will provide a box lunch, but it is very important to bring water.
As we travel to Paracas, you will appreciate the diverse landscapes of Peru's coast, including desert areas, local coastal villages, and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Upon arrival in Paracas, we will head to the El Chaco pier. From there we will board modern speedboats for a tour of the Ballestas Islands, located in the bay of Paracas. Enjoy this wonderful natural spectacle where you can admire marine wildlife such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos, parrots and various seabirds. Sea lions often approach the boats and many penguins can be seen swimming in the water. Thousands of seabirds soar between the islands and their nests can be seen along the rocky cliffs. You will also see the famous Candelabra Geoglyph, while the guide explains the different theories about its origin (the tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes).

After the tour of the Ballestas Islands, we will continue to Ica. We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included).
After lunch, we will visit a winery to taste the main products of the region: wines, piscos, pisco creams, distilled spirits and mistelas. The visit will be lively and fun, with traditional phrases typical of Ica. We will also visit La Chocolatería Noelia, where you will have the opportunity to taste traditional treats such as chocotejas (a Peruvian chocolate dessert), alfajores (a type of filled cookie), jams, artisan cookies, stuffed mousse, and more.

Continuing our Peruvian adventure, we will head to the Oasis of Huacachina, located just 5 km from the center of Ica. Here visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful lagoon and walk around the area for some fantastic photo opportunities. We also do adrenaline activities such as buggy rides and sandboarding.

Finally, we will transfer you to your hotel in Ica for the night.

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airfield where we will board a small plane for the Nazca Lines flight. During the flight we will observe 12 famous geoglyphs, including the Whale, the Compass, the Trapezoid, the Astronaut, the Monkey, the Dog, the Hummingbird, the Spider, the Condor, the Gannet, the Parrot, the Hands and the Tree. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore on your own or you may remain at the hotel until the scheduled pickup

In the evening we will take you to the bus terminal of Cruz del Sur, where you will board a bus from Nazca to Arequipa. You will spend the night in comfortable coach seats.

More than 2000 years ago, an advanced pre-Inca culture left us one of the greatest mysteries of our time: giant figures drawn in the desert that can only be seen from an airplane, forming what some experts call "the world's largest calendar", although no one really knows their exact meaning. The Peru tour begins at the airport, where we board a light aircraft that will take us over the mysterious Nasca Lines. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

Upon your arrival in Arequipa, our Inca Trail Machu representative will be waiting for you at the terminal to take you to your hotel, located near the main square.

This day is free for you to relax or explore the beautiful city of Arequipa at your own pace.

Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, located in the southern part of the country, in the shadow of the famous El Misti volcano.

Discover why it is known as The White City as you walk through its charming streets. Much of the historic center is built of sillar, a white volcanic stone that gives the city its distinctive brightness.

Arequipa offers fantastic destinations to visit, such as the Santa Catalina Convent, a beautifully preserved colonial structure, and the Yanahuara district, where you can enjoy stunning views and take memorable photos of El Misti volcano.

We continue our Peruvian tour in Arequipa! Early in the morning our driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the tourist van where we will start our adventure to the Colca Canyon.

It is very important to bring water and warm clothes because we will spend the night in the Colca Valley.

The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. On the way we will see how the locals cultivate tuna (prickly pear cactus) and produce cochinilla (cochineal), a small insect that was used in Inca times to dye fabrics. You will also see the native cactus and its fruit, known as muske.

Along the way, we will enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and observe the traditional lifestyle of authentic Andean communities, including their culture, colorful clothing, and daily life in the highlands.

Upon arrival in Chivay, a charming town nestled in the Colca Valley, we will check into our hotel. In the afternoon, you will have free time to relax and, if you wish, visit the nearby hot springs to soak and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

Our exciting Peru tour continues! Early in the morning we will visit the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condors soaring over the Colca Canyon.

On the way, we will stop at several traditional villages, including Cabanaconde and Yanque, where you can admire colonial churches, colorful traditional clothing, and nearby pre-Inca tombs carved into the mountain cliffs.

After enjoying the breathtaking views at Cruz del Condor, we will begin our journey to the city of Puno, stopping at several attractions along the way:

Patapampa Viewpoint (4,900 m.a.s.l.): Here you will enjoy breathtaking views of the volcanic mountains - Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya and Ampato. You will also see the apachetas, small stone towers built by travelers as offerings to the sacred Apus (mountain spirits), symbolizing respect and a safe journey.

Patawasi (Pampa Cañahuas): A perfect stop to rest, enjoy traditional coca tea, use the restrooms, and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Lagunas de Lagunillas Viewpoint: Our last stop offers a stunning panoramic view of serene lakes that reflect the sky, creating a truly magical landscape - an ideal spot for unforgettable photos.

Arrival and transfer to your hotel in Puno.

In the morning, we board our comfortable motorboat to explore Uros Floating Islands as well as Amantani and Taquile islands laying on Titicaca Lake. We stop at the islands to view the magic of the lake's scenery and to meet friendly people of its communities.

The lake is located at 3,830 metres above sea level resulting in extreme wheather conditions with very cold nights and strong sunshine during days. The city of Puno situated on its shores is well-known for wealth of its traditional dances, there are up to 100 different varieties, usually performed in street processions celebrating of Catholic feast´s days. Another highlight and a popular optional activity of Puno is a visit of its nearby spectacular Chullpas of Sillustani, tower-like tombs of pre-Incan culture Colla.

Titicaca Lake is the largest lake in the world above 2,000 metres and the highest placed navigable lake in the world! Our first stop on the lake are the floating islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from militant Colla´s and Incan tribes. Unfortunately, Uros language got extincted, so nowadays´ Uros people speak Aymara due to intermarriages with Aymara´s speakers. There are about 300 families living on the islands, however, their number has been slowly declining.

The islands are made of layers upon layers of totora reeds that grew in the shallow of the lake. When layers, which are the nearest to water, start to rot, they are replaced with fresh totora layers on the top. Totora is basically used to make everything on the islands, including real boats and small model boats serving as souvenirs. A construction of a real totora boat takes up to 6 months!
After visiting the Uros Floating Islands, we continue towards Amantani Island. There, we land and our Tour Guide shows us around the island with its stunning Titicaca Lake views and friendly inhabitants with their particular folklore. We overnight in familial houses on the island to experience a bit more of the local culture.
 
The following day, we continue our motorboat ride after breakfast in the familial houses. Our next destination is Taquile Island, famous for its fine handwoven textile and clothing considered as the highest-quality handicraft of Peru. Taquile and its textile art was even recognized by UNESCO in 2005! 

After a visit of this spectacular island and enjoying its amazing Titicaca Lake views, we return to Puno at afternoon hours. There, we transfer you from the Puno´s port to your hotel.

Today we will take a tourist bus that will take us to all the important sites on the Puno-Cusco route.

Our first stop is in the village of Pucara where we visit the Lithic Museum exhibiting artefacts of an pre-Incan culture. 
Then, we continue to La Raya representing the border between the Puno´s and Cusco´s regions. This place is well- known for its viewpoint offering splendid views of surrounding Andes.

After that, we continue to Raqchi where we observe the Temple of Wiracocha (Incan god - creator).

Later on, we get to Southern Valley (also called the Sun Route), where we stop in the pre-Incan city of Pikillaqta beeing once one of the most impressive regional centers of the culture Wari!! The culture was seated in Ayacucho and its centres were occupied by Incas for many years. Today, Pikillaqta is a national archaeological park of great importance!!

The word Pikillaqta is made up of Quechuan words "piki" = flea and "llaqta" = town, so that  the meaning of the city´s name was the “City of the Fleas”. It does not want to say that fleas lived in the city nor that its inhabitants were lousy. The name was derived from the fact that each inhabitant lived in cramped conditions, in a  very small room. Constructions of Pikillaqta consists of over 200 kanchas (apartments), 504 golgas (storages) and other constructions. The city accommodated a population of approximately 10 thousands of inhabitants!!

Some investigators supposed that Pikillacta turned into a city of “mitimaes” during Incan times ("Mitimae" comes from the Quechuan word "mitma" meaning "resettlement". So mitimaes were originally groups of families taken by Incas from their native place to loyal or conquered towns to perform political, cultural, social, and economic functions.).

Our last stop is in the village of Andahuaylillas in order to visit the famous San Pedro Church, which is called the "Sixtine Chapel of Americas". There, we observe the quality of its works of art! The church was constructed by Jesuits in the edge of the 16th and the 17th centuries. Its architectural structure is typical for small town´s churches while its wide walls are characteristic of colonial buildings. It is made of adobe and its facade is decorated with white painting. Two stoned columns are projected towards its main entrance. Although its architecture is relatively modest, its interior is richly decorated with amazing wall paintings! 

Finally, we reach the city of Cusco where we accommodate ourselves in a hotel.

Today we take a break from our Peru tour. This is a free day for you to relax, sleep in, or explore the beautiful city of Cusco on your own.

Cusco is located at 3,350 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level and is a unique blend of Inca and colonial heritage. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic center and discover the Catedral de Cusco, built by the Spanish on the Inca site of Quiswarcancha. Nearby, visit the Compañía de Jesús church and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city from the main plaza.

If you want to delve deeper into Cusco's Inca history, we recommend visiting the nearby archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay - all important places to better understand the greatness of the Inca civilization.

You can also explore the vibrant San Pedro Market, a must for all travelers. It's the perfect place to buy souvenirs and experience the local culture firsthand. Here you will find traditional clothing, handicrafts and local foods.

Please note that on some streets, women in traditional dress may offer to take a picture with their llamas or sheep. If you're interested, it's important to agree on a price beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.

Cusco is generally a safe city to explore, and you can enjoy it without worry. However, as with any destination, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Early in the morning a bus will pick us up to go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It starts out in Pisac, a picturesque town with colonial and racially mixed features. In the archaeological centre of Pisac there is a hill called Intihuatana with an impressive view of the valley. We continue our trip to Ollantaytambo that was at the times of the Tahuantinsuyo a giant centre for agriculture, administration, social, religious and military activities.

Here we will spend the night and get some sleep to start our Inca Trail.

This day is one of the most interesting parts of the Peruvian trip as we begin the 4 day trek on the Classic Inca Trail.

The 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is physically challenging, but rewarding! Its difficulty is within the ability of the most reasonably fit. This 44 km (27 mile) trek is often steep, including 3 high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4,200 m (13,776 ft). Temperatures can drop below zero at night, so be prepared! It also rains sometimes, even in the dry season!

This is the most famous ancient trek of the Incas! It starts with a morning trip to Km 82 - the starting point of the trek. It is very important not to forget your passport because it will be checked at the entrance and you will get an Inca Trail stamp on it! Our porters and tour guides are a guarantee that the trip will be without any worries, so you can enjoy its awesome Inca ruins (Llactapata, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarka, Wiñay Wayna) and spectacular mountain scenery every day as much as you can!

Early in the morning of the last day, you will climb the ancient steps to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) to watch the sunrise over the long awaited citadel of Machu Picchu! You will then enjoy a two and a half hour guided tour of the so-called "Lost City of the Incas"!

Afterwards you have the opportunity to climb the summit of Huayna Picchu (45 minutes up and the same time back) on your own to take some panoramic pictures of Machu Picchu! In the afternoon you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco. Arrival in the evening.

Today is a free day, for relax, take a massage, explore the city, take some optional tours such as horse riding, rafting, visit the ruins that surrounds the city, its museums and churchs, go for shopping to the local markets and buy souvenirs, or just find a place in a bar around teh main square and get a good local coffe.

Early in the morning, we leave to the airport, to take the flight to Puerto Maldonado. Transfer to the port of the Tambopata river, where a motor boat will take us to the lodge in the jungle. Here we will enjoy a guided tour to appreciate the abundant flora and fauna, will watch monkeys, aligators, capivaras(a big rodent), spiders, etc, will take a boat trip in a hidden lake and try to fish piranas and if we are lucky, we can see the “Giant Otter River” in its natural habitat.

On the third day of the tour, we take you after breakfast to the airport at Puerto Maldonado to take a flight back to the capital of Peru. 

Today departure day,

• Welcome by our Representative at arrival;
• All transfers from/to all airports; 
• Accommodation: 3* hotels (13 nights), a local homestay on Amantani Island (1 night), campsites (3 nights), a jungle lodge (2 nights), a comfortable bed-seat at the overnight bus to Arequipa (1 night);
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary;
• Professional bilingual Tour Guides as per itinerary;
• Meals: 17x breakfast, 7x lunch, 6x dinner and 3x afternoon's hot beverages during the Inca Trail;
• Porters to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and 7 kg of each passenger's stuff during the Inca Trail.
• A trekking chef for the Inca Trail;
• Camping equipment for the Inca Trail: personal double tents, tables and chairs, a dining tent and a toilet tent;
• Cooking tent with cooking equipment for the Inca Trail;
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C) for the Inca Trail;
• Inflatable sleeping roll mattress;
• A pair hiking poles;
• A duffel bag for your personal belongings;
• A rain poncho;
• Domestic flights: Cusco - Puerto Maldonado - Lima;
• Flight over the Nazca Lines;
• 1x comfortable overnight bus from Nazca to Arequipa;
• 1x sightseeing tourist bus: Puno - Cusco;
• Transport by a private van during the tours and local transfers;
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town;
• Tourist train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo;
• Motorboat transportation during the tours of Ballestas Islands, Titicaca Lake and Amazonian Jungle;
• Machu Picchu t-shit.

• Pre & post tour accommodation,
• International flights and airport departure taxes,
• Travel insurance,
• Meals not mentioned,
• Tips and baggage portage to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory),
• Optional tours,
• Other extras not specified.

Meal budget: Please allow USD 250-300 for meals not included.

Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "solo traveler" option for this tour, you receive your own single room for all overnights and a single tent for the Inca Trail.

Local flights: All local flights are included in the cost of your tour with 23kg. It is very important that we have got your passport details at the time of booking in order to process all air tickets! Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to each flight departure!

We are committed to ensuring that your Peru trip begins smoothly and without inconvenience. While we strive to adhere closely to the planned itinerary, a certain amount of flexibility is built into our itinerary. Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances may require adjustments to the itinerary.

In the unlikely event of an inconvenience, please be assured that our team will make every effort to find an immediate and effective solution to minimize the impact on your experience.

The itinerary details document serves as a general guide to the Peru tour and the region. Please note that any mention of specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our top priorities during your Peru tour trip.

Itinerary Notes:

Please note that it is mandatory to send us your international flight information in advance. Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign with your name on it for easy identification.

In case of any changes in your flight schedule or delays, please contact Inca Trail Machu immediately. We recommend that you download the WhatsApp app to maintain direct communication with our 24/7 support staff.

The 20-day Peruvian tour takes you through the majestic Andean highlands of Peru. You will start your journey at sea level and gradually ascend through different regions, reaching altitudes up to 4,250 meters (Puno and the highest pass of the Inca Trail) and 3,350 meters (Cusco).

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. If you experience any symptoms of AMS, please contact our staff immediately.

Inca Trail Machu has partnerships with clinics and hospitals throughout Peru, and in the event of an emergency, our representatives, guides, trekking cooks, and porters are fully prepared to assist you and quickly coordinate medical attention.

Your safety and well-being is our top priority during your Peru trip.

Important Notes for Your Peruvian Tour

1. 
   1.Inca Trail Regulations
2. The rules and regulations governing the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are subject to change. Before starting your Peruvian tour, it is important to familiarize yourself with the Inca Trail booking policies and guidelines, available on our website at Inca Trail rules.
3.  

2. Machu Picchu Regulations
Accurate passport details are required at the time of booking confirmation for your Peruvian tour.

New regulations at Machu Picchu require visitors to follow specific circuits to help manage site traffic. Entrance tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

We will do our best to keep groups together; however, members of the same Peruvian tour group may sometimes visit Machu Picchu on different circuits. Regardless, you will fully experience the beauty and grandeur of this world wonder.
Travelers completing the 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail will enter via Circuits 1 and 3.

3. Inca Trail Maintenance

Parts of the Inca Trail may close each February for scheduled maintenance. Unexpected closures may also occur due to weather or other conditions. During these periods, your Peruvian tour will include an alternative trek, such as the Lares Trek.

4. Porters
To support porter welfare during your Peruvian tour, we strictly follow Peruvian regulations regarding weight limits. Porters are permitted to carry no more than 6 kg of personal belongings per hiker (7 kg on other treks), including your sleeping bag, clothing, and toiletries.

We recommend using lightweight, travel-sized items and minimizing electronics. Any extra luggage can be safely stored in Cusco, but valuables should always be kept with you during the trek.

If your trekking guide and support team provide excellent service, tipping is appreciated. Please refer to the Tipping section for suggestions.

5. Wet Season Precautions
During the wet season (January to April), heavy rains may affect campsites along the Inca Trail. In such cases, for your safety and the success of your Peruvian tour, itinerary changes may be made locally.

6. Acclimatization for the Trek
As your trek begins on the twelfth day of your Peruvian tour, it is strongly recommended that upon arrival in Cusco, you rest and acclimatize to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

7. Group Dynamics
Please note that not all participants on your Peruvian tour may choose to hike the Inca Trail. Some may opt for the Lares Trek or prefer to spend additional time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

During treks and activities, you may be grouped with travelers booked through Inca Trail Machu.

8. Luggage Storage
Hotel nights before or after your Peruvian tour are not included in your package.
If you wish to arrive earlier or stay an extra night in Lima after your trip, please coordinate with our Inca Trail Machu staff.

9. Accommodation Pick-Up
Pick-up times during your tours in Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco will be provided either during a pre-meeting with your tour guide or sent via WhatsApp by our representative.

10. Wi-Fi Availability
Please note that during parts of your Peruvian tour, Wi-Fi access and cellular service will be extremely limited, particularly throughout the trek.

All Inca Trail Machu tours include a tour guide and a representative. A local guide is also provided at each destination during the Peruvian tour, including Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and the Peruvian Amazon.

Our Inca Trail Machu guides have extensive knowledge of the towns visited during the tour and can speak to their historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. Our guides have years of experience leading groups on tours throughout Peru.

Additionally, an Inca Trail Machu representative is available during the Peruvian tour to ensure that the trip runs smoothly. They oversee your journey, maintain contact with you, and coordinate with our local suppliers to ensure your trip aligns with the services offered by Inca Trail Machu. They will also request your WhatsApp contact information to keep you informed about your reservation.

The following hotels you will use during the Peruvian tour:

Hotel Ferre Miraflores - Lima

Address: Ca. Diego Ferré 235, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Phone: +51 924 594 335

Hotel Casa Andina - Nazca

Address: Francisco Bolognesi 367, Nasca 11401, Peru
Phone: +51 56 523563

Hotel Arequipa

Santa Marta Hotel en Arequipa

Address: C. Sta. Marta 207, Arequipa 04000, Peru
Phone: +51 958 505 077

"or"

Majestad Hotel Boutique Arequipa
Address: C. la Merced 408, Cercado De Arequipa 04001, Peru
Phone: +51 959 949 010

Hotel Casa Andina - Colca Canyon

Address: Huayna Capac s/n, Chivay
Phone: (054) 531020

Hotel Conde de Lemos - Puno

Address: Jr. Puno 681, Puno 21001, Peru
Phone: +51 51 369898

Homestay in Amantani - Lake Titicaca

Hotel Prisma - Cusco

Address: Matara 394, Cusco 08002, Peru
Phone: +51 84 224412

Monte Amazonico Lodge - Peruvian Amazon

Inca Trail Machu works with LATAM and Sky Airlines. These companies operate flights to the destinations included in our Peru itinerary. The following domestic flights are included in the Peruvian tour:

From Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

This domestic flight departs from the capital of the Incas to the Peruvian Amazon rainforest on day 17. It includes one checked bag (23 kg) and one carry-on bag. This flight usually departs around noon.

From Puerto Maldonado to Lima

This domestic flight departs from the Peruvian Amazon to the capital of Peru, Lima, on the 19th day. It includes one checked bag (23 kg) and one carry-on bag. Flights usually depart in the afternoon.

Our reservations department will reserve your tickets in advance, so it is very important that you send us your correct personal information. In addition, our information department will send you flight check-in details 24 hours prior to departure.

Note: If you wish to add additional equipment or baggage to your ticket, we recommend that you contact us at info@incatrailmachu.com where you can arrange to pay for the additional baggage and we will add it to your flight reservation.

Best moment of the Peruvian Tour

Encampment Equipment

Additionals

Many people assume that Peru is always warm, but due to the high altitudes in the Andes, temperatures can get quite cold — especially at night!

For your convenience, we recommend bringing either a backpack or a medium-sized suitcase.

During the tours:
You will need a daypack to carry personal items such as water, snacks, and extra layers for hiking and short excursions throughout Peru.

Your suitcase can be safely stored at your hotel or in a luggage storage facility.

For the Inca Trail:
Before the trek, you’ll receive a duffel bag at the briefing to pack up to 6 kg of essentials.

Safety Tip:
Peru is generally very safe for travelers. However, when storing extra luggage or taking local flights, it’s very important to use a padlock to secure your bags.

Packing List

• Cold Weather Clothing
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweaters
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm, waterproof jacket

Important Documents

• Flight information (printed copies of e-tickets may be required)
• Travel insurance details (with photocopies)
• Passport (with photocopies)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (with photocopies)

Essentials

• Toiletries (shampoo)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (with extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit cards, and debit cards
• Daypack (for daily excursions and short overnight trips)
• Earplugs
• First-aid kit (including lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, aspirin, ibuprofen, band-aids, tape, antihistamines, antibacterial wipes/gel, antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts, water purification tablets, insect repellent, sewing kit, and any prescription medications)
• Flashlight or headlamp (headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Comfortable footwear
• Sun hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants or jeans
• Money belt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (books, journal, playing cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Inca Trail Essentials

• Hiking pants (convertible/zip-off and quick-dry recommended)
• Pack liners to waterproof your bags
• Rain gear
• Thermal base layers
• Waterproof hiking boots

Additional Tips

The best clothing for trekking is made from wool or synthetic materials that dry quickly and retain heat.

We recommend dressing in layers:

• A base layer
• A mid-layer (such as a light fleece jacket)
• A windproof and waterproof outer layer

Important:
The duffel bags provided for the Inca Trail are not waterproof. Please bring waterproof bags or liners to protect your belongings from rain.

Here is everything you need to know about Peru Tour, one of our most impressive routes.

Peru Tour Destination

Where is located Ballestas Islands?

The Ballestas Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, near the coast of Peru. Especifically, they are located at 260 km south of Lima, near the city of Paracas in the province of Pisco.

Where is located Nazca Lines?

The Nazca Lines are located in the Jumaná plain, Ica region, in Peru. Nazca is a town located 500 km south of Lima.

Where is located Colca Canyon?

The Colca Canyon is located in the northeastern of Arequipa Region, in the Caylloma province of Caylloma. The highest point of the Valley is the inactive Ampato volcano (6288 m.a.s.l.), and the lowest is the confluence of the Colca and Andamayo rivers (970 m.a.s.l.). The Colca Valley has an area of ​​100 km long.

Where is located Titicaca Lake?

The Titicaca Lake is located on the Andes mountain range, between Peru and Bolivia. Specifically, 56% of its water body belongs to Peru, while the remaining 44% belongs to Bolivia. Titicaca Lake is the highest navigable lake in the world. It occupies a surface of 8.562 km², located to an average altitude of 3.812 meters, and its mass of water reaches a maximum depth of 281 meters.

Where is located Sacred Valley?

On the other hand, The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 35 kilometers from Cusco, and about 600 meters below the level of Cusco. It covers the part of the basin of the Vilcanota river between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

Where is Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, between Cuzco, Capital of the ancient Inca Empire, and the citadel of Machu Picchu. The alternation of mountains and valleys along the walk offers incredible and diversified landscapes.

Where is Amazon Rainforest in Peru?

The Amazon Rainforest, in Peru, is refered to all the territories that are located to the East of the Andes mountain and hydrographically to all the rivers of the Amazon River basin. It is a huge geological depression in which the large plains, mountains, and plains predominate. Some locals call it Amazon jungle.

Altitudes in Peruvian Tour

During Peru Tour, we will find the following altitudes:

• "Lima" at 101 m.a.s.l.
• "Paracas" at 7 m.a.s.l.
• "Nazca" at 520 m.a.s.l.
• "Colca Canyon" located between 2,300m and 5,000 m.a.s.l.
• Titicaca Lake, considered the highest navigable lake in the world, at an altitude of 3,821 m a.s.l.
• "Cusco" at 3,399 m.a.s.l.
• "Pisaq" at 2,974 m.a.s.l.
• "Ollantaytambo" at 2,972 m.a.s.l.
• "Chinchero" at 3,762 m.a.s.l.
• "Llulluchapampa" at 3 850m a.s.l.
• "Chaquicocha" at 4 200m a.s.l.
• "Wiñaywayna" at 3 670m a.s.l.
• "Machu Picchu" at 2 700m a.s.l.

How many kilometers is walked during the Inca Trail and how many hours do we walk per day?

The Inca Trail is 43 kilometers long or 26.12 miles long. There are camping sites assigned by the Ministry of Culture that are between 10 and 13 kilometers away from each other, so the daily walking time can vary between 5 to 8 hours per day for the first three days and approximately 2 hours for the last day. The hours of walking and the distance covered may vary according to the physical condition of each person.

What does "Pisac", "Ollantaytambo", "Machu Picchu" and "Titicaca Lake mean?

The origin of the name "Pisac" comes, probably, from Quechua word "p'isaqa", which means partridge (abundant in this place).

The word Ollantaytambo is made up of two words: "Ollantay", which comes from Aymara and means to observe, to look from above, and "Tambo", which comes from Quechua and means shelter, resting place. Therefore, the meaning of Ollantaytambo would be: "resting place from where you can look out".

"Machu Picchu" means 'Old Mountain' in the indigenous Quechua language. "Machu Picchu", the lost city of the Incas, is an unprecedented historical, natural and architectural complex, a tourist destination that has earned the category of inescapable.

The name of "Titicaca" has a deep meaning in local mythology, in Quechua Language, "Titicaca" means "Stone Cougar", formed by the word "Titi", meaning cougar; and "Caca", meaning stone (in reference to the "Sacred Rock" located on the "Sun Island").

How difficult is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is considered an intermediate level trek. Since it does not include rock climbing, or hiking on snow, isn´t required previous experience. The most difficult part comes the second day, when we climb a number of stairs and start from 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) to climb to more than 4000 meters (13,123 feet) walking through a small space, later things become more easy as the road continues downhill. Keep in mind that you will carry your personal items, which may include clothing, camera, water, camp equipment, etc; which may add difficulty to the trek because of the weight.