Discover Peru

In the morning, we take you to the Lima´s airport for your flight to the Cusco City. Our Representative awaits you in front of the Cusco´s arrival airport hall holding a sheet with your name. After he/she welcomes you in Cusco, he/she takes you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore around this fascinating city as well as to acclimatize to its high altitude. 

Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city of this continent as well as a hub of the South American travel network! The city attracts people from all around the world, who arrive not only to visit a unique destination, but also to experience an antique culture that differs a lot from the occidental 21st century´s way of life. One could easily spend a week just in and around this site. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and it is not necessary to go far to see other major Incan ruins! This is a city steeped in history, traditions and legends!

Every year, Cusco is visited by thousands of travelers, who come to delve into its noble, but tragic past. It is a perfect base for optional explorations around the city´s surroundings as well as for a range of outdoor activities.

The most important monument of the Cusco City is without any doubt Qorikancha - the Golden Temple and the main temple of the Incan empire - Tawantinsuyo, where the Sun god was worshipped! 

Cusco also has got numerous colonial churches. The most important of them is the Cathedral on the main square. Its construction started in 1559 and it took 100 years to finish!! The Cathedral can pride on the biggest depository of Colonial art of the city! A vault containing remains of the famous Incan historian - Garcilaso de la Vega is just past the entrance. Other churches that are worth seeing are La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.
There are also some of the most fabulous ruins in and around Cusco. Sacsaywaman, Q'enko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Tipon to name a few. They are large monolithic, mysterious and very advanced architecture and construction.

Today, our Tour Guide takes us into the Sacred Valley of the Incas that was an important source of food for the Incas. The Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that keeps supplying the Cusco City with lots of its production. We visit the majestic ruins of Pisaq as well as its current famous handicraft market. Then, we stop in Urubamba, considered to be the capital of the valley, to have a buffet lunch offering Andean cuisine (not included in the tour). Afterwards, we continue to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo with its Incan fortress before getting ready for our following hike, one of the highlights of the tour! 

Ollantaytambo is your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. We spend the night in this small town before heading for the start of the hike on the next morning.

The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is physically challenging, but worthwhile!! Its difficulty is within 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). Temperature at nights may fall below zero so it is important to get ready for that! It also sometimes rains, even during a dry season!

This is the most famous ancient trek of the Incas! It begans with a morning trip to Km 82 - the initial hiking point. It is very important to not forget your passport with you because it is checked at the entrance as well as you get a stamp of the Inca Trail on it!! Our Porters and Tour Guides are a guarantee that the trip is without any worries, so you enjoy its awesome Incan ruins (Llactapata, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarka, Wiñay Wayna) and spectacular mountain scenery every day as much as you can. Early morning of the last day, you climb antique steps to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) to watch the Sunrise above the long-expected citadel of Machu Picchu!! Then, you enjoy a 2 and half an hour guided visit of the so called "Lost City of the Incas".  Afterwards, you have an opportunity to climb the peak 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 descend to the town of Aguas Calientes to take a train back to Cusco. Arrival in the evening.

Please note! Inca Trail is closed during February due to general maintenance. Also, closures sometimes may occur as a result of inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. In this case, we may hike the Lares Valley Trek.

FREE OPTION: Those, who are not able or interested in to do trekking, can get back to Cusco or just stay at the Sacred Valley and spend the following 2 days there. In this case, they reach Aguas Calientes by a tourist train (Expedition Service). They overnight in a hotel there. Next morning, they take a shuttle bus to Machu Picchu where they reunite with that first group consisting of the Inca Trail hikers. 
This option is for no additional cost.

IMPORTANT: If you decide not to do the trek, you must advise us enough time in advance (usually, a couple of weeks ago) in order to secure your train tickets.  Otherwise, we are not able to guarantee you this option for free.

If you have any query, please do not hesitate contacting us.

Today is a relaxing day so you can explore the fascinating capital of the Incas, visit its markets, buy some souvenirs, do some optional activities as well as get ready for the last night in the city. Time to party.

Today, we take a tourist bus that takes us to each important site of the Cusco - Puno route. First, we need to pass through Southern Valley (also called the Sun Route), where we stop in the village of Andahuaylillas to visit the famous San Pedro Church, which is called the "Sistine Chapel of Americas", to 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!

After seeing the church, we continue towards 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.).

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

Then, we go to La Raya representing the border between Cusco´s region and Puno´s region. This place is well- known for its viewpoint offering splendid views of surrounding Andes.

Our last stop is in the village of Pucara where we visit the Lithic Museum exhibiting artefacts of an pre-Incan culture.

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

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 weather 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 some 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 is a relaxing day, free time to explore around Puno, visit its markets, buy some souvenirs, take some optional activities (for example, a visit of the Chullpas de Sillustani) and enjoy the last night in the city.

Transfer to the airport of Juliaca (a city nearby Puno) to take a flight to Lima.

Please note: A return flight to Lima can be arragend upon request. 

End of service, or a perfect time to extend your trip.
To do so, please contact us.

• Welcome by our Representative at arrival
• All airport arrival and departure transfers
• Accommodaccion: 3* hotels (8 nights), campsites (3 nights), a local homestay on Amantani Island (1 night)
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary
• Bilingual local Tour Guides as per itinerary
• A Cook for the Inca Trail
• Porters to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and 7 kg of each passenger's stuff during the Inca Trail
• Meals: 12x breakfast, 7x lunch, 4x dinner, 3x afternoon tea during the Inca Trail
• Camping equipment of the Inca Trail: personal double tents, Term-a-rest mattress, tables and chairs, a cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents
• Duffel bag;
• Daypack;
• A blanket and pillow
• Rain ponchos
• Food for the Inca Trail
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C) for the Inca Trail
• 1x domestic flight: Lima - Cusco
• Tourist land transportation in accordance with the itinerary
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town
• Tourist train (Expedition) from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo
• Motorboat transportation on the Titicaca Lake.

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

Meal budget: Please allow USD 100-150 for meals not included.

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

Local flights: There is one local flight included in the cost of your tour. 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!

Day 1: Lima city

Arrival to Lima.Our representive will be carryng a paper with your name on it. You will be transferred to your hotel and have a free day in Lima, to walk beaches, check out museums, cathedrals and discover the culinary delights of Lima.

Day 2: Cusco

You will be transferred to Lima airport for you flight to Cusco. The rest of your day is free. Take the day to relax as there is an adjustment to altittude. Take a walk around this special city, 'The ancient capital of the Inca civlization'.

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour

We visit the majestic ruins of Pisaq as well as its current famous handicraft market. Then, we stop in Urubamba, to have a buffet lunch offering Andean cuisine (not included in the tour). Afterwards, we continue to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo with its Incan fortress before getting ready for our following hike, one of the highlights of the tour. The Sacred Valley is a stunningly beautiful area, surrounded by the Andes mountains.

Day 4-6: Hike the Inca Trail

The Inca trail trek is a challenge, however, this is one of the most famous treks in the world and is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Porters, biligual guides, great food, cook and excellent camping gear all inclusive. Just do it!

Day 7: Hiking to Machu Picchu

Risng before dawn for an early breakfast and then a 2 hour hike to Machu Picchu. A guided our is available and extra time for your own discoveries in this magical ancient citadel.

Day 8: Cusco

Free day to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Day 9: Puno

All day guided tour from Cusco to Puno, by tour bus. Stop for unique sites, lunch and vistas.

Day 10-11: Titicaca Lake Tour

Visit to the floating islands of Uros and guided tour of Lake Titicaca and it's islands, with a homestay in a small village. Optional visit to Sillustani burial site.

Day 12: Puno

Puno has a very different look and feel to Cusco. There are several worthwhile attractions Templode Santiago Apostol en Lampa, Porta de Aramu de Mura or Sillustani ruins.

Day 13: Departure

Transfer to Juliaca (near Puno) airport for your flight to Lima and connecting flight home.

PORTER WORKING CONDITIONS

Every year, thousands of people do the Inca Trail. They usually complete the 43-km trail in 4 days. Visit Inca Trail porters

INCA TRAIL REGULATIONS

Over the last decades, Peru has become a most popular travel destination. There are many great treks throughout Peru, but the Inca Trail is the most known. Visit the Inca Trail regulations

HOW TO BOOK THE DISCOVER PERU

 If you like to do the Inca Path Tour, please first check an availability of Inca Trail on this Peruvian government website: Ministerio de Cultura. You can choose your language clicking on flags on top of the page. Then, go to the section “Consultas” (“Queries” in English version), select “Inca Trail” from the Archaeological Centre section, choose year and month when you like to do the tour.

Please note: the Inca Trail starts on the fourth day of the Discover Peru Tour! (For example, if you like to start the tour on the 6th of August, you need to check Inca Trail availability of the day 09th of August!) 

 
If there is still availability of the Inca Trail on your date requested in the time of your booking, the booking of the Discover Peru Tour will be confirmed firstly by our Reservation Department via e-mail. Then your full personal details wil be required as well as a deposit in order to purchase your Inca Trail permit. (Please note that an Inca Trail booking is valid only for 1 hour!! If it is not paid within this time, it expires!!!)

JOINING INSTRUCTIONS

Lima international, called Jorge Chavez in Callao, is approximately a 45-minute drive from the Miraflores district, where our joining hotel is located. A Tierras Vivas representative will meet you at the airport. Upon leaving the customs area, follow the gates and turn right to exit the airport. Just before exiting there is a small area on the left hand side where the official transfers are waiting with signs. Look for a Tierras Vivas sign board with your name on it.

WHAT TO BRING ON THIS TOUR

• Passport Original and copies
• Travel insurance(+ copies for a case of lost),
• Flight tickets,
• Cash in USD or credit cards,
• Our service voucher (sent by us to you),
• Entry visa and a proof of vaccination (if applicable),
• Day pack (to carry your personal items during daily travels),
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco),
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
• Insect repellent– recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria has been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle.
  Important: plastic bottles are not allowed on the Classic Inca Trail! Please bring a metallic (alternatively Nalgene) bottles!
• Optional: walking sticks (please note: rubber covers are required for the Inca Trail!!); you can also rent it from us,
• Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during entire Inca Trail, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.