5 - 14 guests
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $4499/per adult
Next available departure
16 Apr - 25 Apr
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Starting and finishing in Cuzco, you'll hike in the footsteps of the Incas, cycle through Andean villages and explore the Amazon jungle on our 10-day Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure. Every day will have you exploring new landscapes and taking in the captivating history Peru has to offer. You'll have the choice to hike either the Classic Inca Trail or the lesser-known Lares Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, where you'll have plenty of time to explore the enchanting passageways and stone structures. That's not all this adventure entails though, you'll also cycle through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, hike the Sacsayhuamán fortress, visit Pisac market and wander the virgin jungle of the Amazon. The variety of activities and landscapes on this Ultimate Peru Adventure tour will give you a Peruvian trip like no other – and an experience you'll never forget!
This trip is operated by Active Adventures.
Day 1
Our trip starts in Cuzco, the heart of the Inca empire. Your trip leader will greet you with a cup of hot coca tea – a local specialty. After lunch, we’ll set off for a walk around this amazing ancient city and up to Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the main Plaza and Cuzco Valley. The fortress, meaning ‘House of the Sun’, is a magnificent archaeological site representing a set of jaguar’s teeth with massive, perfectly fitted stones weighing up to 130 tonnes (143 tons) each and was the place where the Incas made their final stand against the Spanish conquistadores. No one really knows what the Incas used Sacsayhuamán for – some say it was a sanctuary and temple of the sun, others say it was a granary. No matter who is right, you’ll have a lot of fun hearing all the stories this amazing area inspires. Later, we’ll take a walk through the colorful Cuzco street markets. If you prefer, you can take some time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cuzco’s lively town square and meet up again later for an evening meal.
Ramada Wyndham Costa del Sol, Cuzco (Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 200 meters (656 feet)
Day 2
We’ll head into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas this morning, stopping just above Cuzco, where we’ll jump on our bikes and ride down through breathtaking scenery, dotted with local villages and surrounded by the massive green slopes of the Andes. We’ll finish our ride in the small town of Pisac, where we’ll have a chance to check out the colorful mercado artesanal. From here we’ll begin a spectacular hike up to the Pisac ruins. These Inca terraces rise 610 meters (2000 feet) up from the river below. It’s a heart-pumping walk up through ancient agricultural terraces – you’ll never forget the views of Pisac and the Urubamba Valley! After exploring the ancient complex, we’ll descend the original Inca stairways and head back down the valley to Cuzco. This is the largest existing fortress-city of the Incas, and it’s the perfect warm-up for your Inca Trail trek tomorrow!
Ramada Wyndham Costa del Sol, Cuzco (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 20 kilometers (12 miles), 2-3 hours
Hiking: 3 kilometers (1.8 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation + 250 meters (1,476 feet)
Day 3
It’s an early start this morning as we start our Multi-day treks to Machu Picchu!
Day 3 Option A
From Cuzco, we’ll head in the direction of the Sacred Valley. The road leads to Lares and crosses the Amparaes Pass. This phenomenal drive winds through arid landscapes, crosses rivers and you’ll see some of the most stunning mountain vistas in Peru. Our final destination is the hot baths of Lares. Here, naturally occurring hot springs await us before we set out on our trek. From the thermal baths unfolds a small track used by local children and community members of Lares. We’ll pass through hand-tilled fields and crops of quinoa and potato, amongst quaint stone houses. After a gradual climb of a few hours, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch, before continuing on to the community of Cuncani, where we’ll set up camp for the evening. Elevation: Lares Inca Trail Camp - 3,840 meters (12,600 feet)
Lares Inca Trail Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles), 4-6 hours, elevation + 600 meters (1,968 feet)
Day 3 Option B
We’ll leave Cuzco and make our way through the Sacred Valley of the Incas before starting our hike at Piscacucho, or Kilometer 82 as it is known by the locals. From here we’ll spend the day hiking alongside the Rio Cusichaca, surrounded by massive Andean peaks, Inca ruins, and semi-arid forest. We’ll visit a couple of small villages along the way, then have lunch and rest a while on the way to our first camp, Pisonay. When you arrive at camp, you’ll find our porters have set up your tent so you can simply relax with a hot drink and get to know your fellow travelers. Tonight our cooks will prepare the first of many sumptuous hot meals for us to enjoy in our dining tent – you’ll be impressed how well we take care of you on the trail. Elevation: Classic Inca Trail Camp - 3,000 meters (9,842 feet)
Classic Inca Trail Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 12 kilometers (7.3 miles), 5-7 hours, elevation + 400 meters (1,312 feet)
Day 4
Day 4 Option A
If we have clear skies at sunrise, we’ll wake to the imposing view of Colque Crus, a majestic mountain capped by a glacier, which provides water to the local community. We follow the path next to an icy stream that will take us towards the pass. The ascent is challenging. On reaching the summit a stunning view of the Pampas of Anta awaits us, followed by a descent that will be most welcome after the challenging climb. The descent is steep but beautiful, crossing a small forest of ‘Polylepis’, the endemic and endangered trees of the high Andes. Just after the forest and with an incredible view of the valley below we will stop for lunch. After which the drop continues until we reach our camp, a tranquil paradise surrounded by trees and crossed by a small river. Tonight, if we find some dead tinder, we’ll enjoy a cosy campfire. Elevation: Lares Inca Trail Camp - 4,040 meters (13,400 feet)
Lares Inca Trail Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 12.5 kilometers (7.8 miles), 7-9 hours, elevation + 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
Day 4 Option B
Today is an unforgettable day. You’ll be woken with a cup of coca tea brought to your tent door. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll begin our hike on what will be our most challenging day. Today we climb 914 meters (3000 feet) up to Warmiwañusqa, or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ altitude 4400 meters (14,435 feet). The trail winds its way up through a beautiful mountain pass with stunning panoramic views of the alpine wonderland. It’s a challenging hike to the pass, and the 360º views make every step worthwhile. After celebrating our ascent, we’ll walk down cobbled steps paved by the Incas over 500 years ago to Pacaymayo Valley, our camp for the evening. Again, we’ll already have tents set up so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the evening. Elevation: Classic Inca Trail Camp - 3,580 meters (11,745 feet)
Classic Inca Trail Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 11 kilometers (7 miles), 6-8 hours, elevation + 1,200 metres (3,937 feet) / 600 metres (1,968 feet)
Day 5
Day 5 Option A
This morning will be our last on the trail. From camp, the walk becomes easier down to the piscigranja (fish farm). As we descend we’ll feel the climate changing, becoming warmer and more alive, with more variety in vegetation, and we’ll be accompanied by hummingbirds along the way. After a few short hours, we’ll meet our private transportation that will take us to Ollantaytambo Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. As the train travels along, the valley turns into a canyon and the scenery alters, as the cloud forests begin to appear, on our approach to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. We will disembark the train at Aguas Calientes. After a well-deserved shower, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the best restaurants in town. Elevation: Aguas Calientes - 2,040 meters (6,692 feet)
Hatun Inti Boutique, Aguas Calientes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 6 kilometers (3.6 miles), 4-5 hours, elevation - 800 meters (2,624 feet)
Day 5 Option B
The scenery gets even better today! We’ll explore several fascinating Inca fortresses as we descend, with the cloud forest becoming lusher and lusher as the air becomes warmer and denser. The ancient ruins and increasingly verdant surroundings lend an eerie mood to the day as we make our way down to our next camp, Wiñay Wayna. This is our final night on the trail, with breathtaking views and another hearty dinner! Elevation: Classic Inca Trail Camp - 3,600 meters (11,810 feet)
Classic Inca Trail Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 12 kilometers (7.3 miles), 6-8 hours, elevation - 800 meters (2,624 feet)
Day 6
Day 6 Option A
After an early breakfast, we’ll head up to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, where we’ll join the rest of our group. We’ll meet our local guide who will show us around this fascinating ancient city. Afterward, you’ll have all morning to explore the many passageways and stone structures of this mysterious place on your own. If you were on the Lares Trail, you’ll also have the chance to hike back to the Sun Gate for a unique perspective on these remote Inca ruins, set high on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush peaks. After plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu, we’ll take a scenic train ride back to Cuzco.
Ramada Wyndham Costa del Sol, Cuzco (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: wander around the ruins, 3 hours, elevation +/- 200 meters (656 feet)
Day 6 Option B
After a very early breakfast, we hike about an hour in the dawn light to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. We’ll wait here for the sun to rise and the morning fog to lift, giving us our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. It’s a moment to savor before we make our way down to explore this mysterious ancient city! We’ll meet our local guide who will show us around this fascinating ancient city. Afterward, you’ll have all morning to explore the many passageways and stone structures of this mysterious place on your own. If you were on the Lares Trail, you’ll also have the chance to hike back to the Sun Gate for a unique perspective on these remote Inca ruins, set high on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush peaks. After plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu, we’ll take a scenic train ride back to Cuzco.
Ramada Wyndham Costa del Sol, Cuzco (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 7.3 kilometers (4.5 miles), 6-7 hours, elevation + 600 meters (1,968 feet)
Hiking: Wander around the ruins, 3 hours, elevation +/- 200 meters (656 feet)
Day 7
Cuzco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and it’s a fabulous place to spend a day exploring – it’s no wonder it’s the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city! Walk along Cuzco’s central streets, lined with massive Inca-built stone walls that form the foundation of the city and blend into the colonial and modern architecture that has been added over the years. You can take the day to explore Cuzco’s most popular temples, museums, churches and fortresses. Alternatively, we’ll help you arrange one of the many optional guided activities available including mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding. There’s also no shortage of great food and entertainment in Cuzco, with restaurants to suit any taste, cafés for coffee in the Plaza de Armas and great bars with local music.
Rymada Wyndham Costa del Sol, Cuzco (Breakfast)
Day 8
Today we’ll take a short flight from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado, a frontier town in the Amazon basin. We’ll take to motorized canoes and glide deep into the jungle down the Tambopata River, one of the headwaters of the Amazon. Listen for howler monkeys in the tropical forest canopy above and spot macaws perched high on the riverbanks. This area is teeming with wildlife and the boat trip to our jungle lodge is a great opportunity to look for giant otters, capuchin monkeys, caiman and an array of birds that can be found in this area. After lunch, we’ll experience the jungle with all of our senses by exploring on foot this time. Keep an eye out for the rainforest dwellers – including several species of monkeys – that come out in search of food in the late afternoon! After dark, you’ll have a chance to get back on board the canoes with a spotlight in search of the nocturnal caiman (South American crocodile) lurking in the river.
Sachavacayoc Lodge, Amazon jungle (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 2 hours, short hikes in the jungle
Day 9
This morning we’ll explore some of the many miles of jungle trails that criss-cross the dense rainforest. We’ll travel by motorized canoe and hike through virgin forest to experience the wealth of native flora and fauna under the Amazon rainforest canopy, and learn how the indigenous people thrive in this challenging environment. The Amazon is the most biologically diverse place on Earth and you’ll discover more about the amazing flora and fauna here, as well as learn about the incredible medicinal plants that are found in this region. After lunch, you have the rest of the afternoon free to hang out at the lodge with a book or continue exploring the surrounding area on your own. If you’d prefer to hike a little more this afternoon, you can head out with our naturalist guide on little-known trails that pass by the homes of some of the rarest animals in the rainforest. This evening we’ll brave the jungle on foot to look for tarantulas, insects and frogs that come out after dark.
Sachavacayoc Lodge, Amazon jungle (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), 1 - 2 hours
Day 10
This morning we leave the rainforest and take a boat back to Puerto Maldonado, where we’ll catch a short flight to Cuzco. This is the last day of your trip in Peru, if you have time to spare after the trip, we’re happy to give you suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great food, exercise, rest and adventures you’ll have had with us in Peru!
No Accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch)
The Lares Trail is a three-day trek through the real Peru that will take you over high Andean passes, past secluded lakes, along remote valleys and into local villages. This trail is somewhat less well-known than the Classic Inca Trail, but it’s an equally spectacular wilderness experience.
The Classic Inca Trail is an amazing four-day trek which will take you past ancient Incan ruins, over high Andean passes and through mysterious cloud forest. This trail is the most widely known of all the Inca trails and as a result it’s the most popular, which is why a trekking permit system exists to protect the trail and why everyone who treks the trail must do so with the assistance of a local Peruvian operator (we take care of that for you).
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We’ve selected the accommodation on your trip for the unique character and adventuresome feel – this trip is not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Peru. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s and lodges, some of which have private bathrooms and some shared bathrooms.
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”
