Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at Lima’s international airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after your journey or join an optional sightseeing excursion.
 Overnight in Lima.

Enjoy a free morning to explore Lima’s historic colonial center or visit one of its excellent museums. In the mid-afternoon, we travel south along the scenic Pan-American Highway on a three-hour drive to the coastal town of Pisco. Upon arrival, unwind with a refreshing cocktail on the beach while watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
Overnight in Paracas (B).

After breakfast, we walk to the port and board a speedboat for a two-hour excursion to the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, we pass the mysterious El Candelabro geoglyph, whose origins remain unknown. The islands host sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds nesting along the rocky shores.
After lunch at a local beach restaurant, we continue through dramatic desert landscapes to Nazca, arriving in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Nazca (B).

This morning is dedicated to one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries—the Nazca Lines. A 30-minute scenic flight offers unforgettable aerial views of these ancient geoglyphs.
Later, enjoy free time to visit the Cahuachi ceremonial site, the Maria Reiche Museum, or relax by the pool before boarding our overnight bus to Arequipa.

Overnight bus to Arequipa(B).

Known as the White City for the white volcanic stone used in many buildings, Arequipa is charming. Today, you'll have the entire day free to explore Arequipa, get accustomed to the altitude (2300 meters / 7,920 feet), and enjoy the local gastronomy. All visitors to Arequipa should visit the colonial-era convent of Santa Catalina. 

Overnight in Arequipa (B).

We will begin our journey early today, traveling by bus through southern Peru’s volcanic landscape to Colca, at 3400 meters (11,200 feet), one of the world’s deepest canyons. We will pass wild herds of alpacas and vicuñas and often stop at several viewing points to admire the stunning landscape. We will spend the night at one of the comfortable lodges on the canyon's edge. 

Overnight in Chivay (B).

We will start our day early with a bus ride to the famous Cruz del Condor. Standing on the edge of the abyss, we will enjoy mesmerizing views of Colca Canyon. This is the best place to watch majestic condors in their natural habitat as they soar from the valley on the morning thermals. We will have plenty of time to witness this spectacular sight before lunch and the seven-hour bus ride to Puno. This drive will take us through a remote, fascinating part of southern Peru’s Andean region. Arrival in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca (3800 meters / 12,550 feet). Transfer to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

Overnight in Puno (B).

After breakfast, we will begin our cruise on the highest navigable lake in the world, heading first to the Uros floating reed islands. From there, it is a two-hour boat ride to the island of Amantani, where we will spend the night at the home of local islanders. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the ancestral traditions and daily life of the inhabitants of the Lake Titicaca region. In the late afternoon, we will go to the island's highest point to watch the sunset over Lake Titicaca. On a clear day, it is possible to see the distant peaks of the Cordillera Real in Bolivia. 

Overnight homestay (B/L/D).

After a traditional breakfast, we will say goodbye to our hosts and begin our return journey. After a 90-minute lake cruise, we will visit the neighboring island of Taquile. The residents of this island have preserved many traditions, customs, and laws passed down by their Inca ancestors. We will have time to explore the island, visit the community and its craft center, and enjoy a local lunch before returning to our boat for the trip back to Puno. We will arrive in the city in the late afternoon, and you will be transferred to your hotel. 

Overnight in Puno (B).

Get ready for a long, scenic drive across the high Andean plains to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Along the way, we stop for lunch and visit two of the region’s most important cultural landmarks: the impressive Inca temple of Raqchi, dedicated to the creator god Wiracocha and the beautifully preserved colonial church of Andahuaylillas.

Upon arrival in Cusco (3,300 m / 10,900 ft), we transfer to our hotel, with time to rest or enjoy a gentle evening walk through the historic city.

Overnight in Cusco (B/L).

Cusco is one of Peru’s most beautiful and historic cities, and today it is dedicated to exploring its rich cultural heritage. We highly recommend visiting Sacsayhuamán and the Inka Museum, or simply taking time to shop, rest, and wander through the city’s charming streets at your own pace.

Overnight in Cusco (B).

After an early wake-up, you’ll head to Mollepata for an optional breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, where you’ll start today’s exciting hike. The morning’s walk will take about 3 hours and lead you to Soraypampa. After an energizing lunch and a well-deserved rest, we'll ascend to the stunning Humantay Lake, a three-hour round-trip, then return for a tasty dinner and a well-earned sleep. 

Camping at Soray Pampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)

Distance: 10 kl/6.5 mi 

(L/D)

After a delicious breakfast in this spectacular setting, we begin a three- to four-hour ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), rewarded with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers. Along the way, keep your eyes open—you may spot vizcachas, the rabbit-like relatives of chinchillas, and even soaring Andean condors in their natural habitat.

From the pass, the landscape changes dramatically as we descend into the warm, lush cloud forest. A long but gentle downhill walk brings us to Qollpa Pampa (2,940 m / 9,514 ft), marking the end of this challenging yet unforgettable day.

Camping at Qollpapampa (2940 meters / 9514 feet)

Distance: 25 kl/15.5 mil 

(B/L/D) 

Today we follow a gentle trail along the banks of the Salkantay River, passing volcanic rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and ever-greener landscapes as the vegetation becomes increasingly lush. We reach our camp in time for a well-deserved lunch, surrounded by the vibrant scenery of the cloud forest.

In the afternoon, we explore nearby passion-fruit and banana plantations, and those who wish may visit a local coffee farm (optional, at extra cost), where farmers share their traditional methods of harvesting and roasting organic coffee.

Camping at Lucmabamba (2020 m / 9514 feet)

Distance: 18 km / 11.18 mi 

(B/L/D) 

After breakfast, we hike through coffee plantations on a three- to four-hour ascent to El Mirador (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), where Machu Picchu appears dramatically across the valley. We continue to the Llaqtapata viewpoint (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) for lunch, with sweeping views of both Machu Picchu and Mount Salkantay.

After a break, we descend for about two hours toward the Hydroelectric Station, following ancient Inca paths through the cloud forest. From here, we take the train — or optionally walk — to Aguas Calientes.

Arriving in the late afternoon, there is time to relax in the hot springs or rest at the hotel before dinner. This is a long and challenging day, rewarded by some of the most spectacular scenery of the trek

Overnight in Aguas Calientes, 2000 meters / 6561 feet.

Distance: 25 km / 15.53 mi. (

B/L) 

After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, allowing us to explore the citadel in the quiet light of the morning. Your expert guide brings the history and mysteries of this extraordinary Inca sanctuary to life during a guided tour.

In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes in time to board the train back to Cusco, followed by a transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Cusco (B).

Note: Machu Picchu tickets are in high demand and must be secured in advance. We will confirm availability at the time of booking. 

Time to rest and relax before the next expedition.

Overnight in Cusco (B).

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel between 5:30 and 6:00 am as we begin our journey into the Andean–Amazon transition zone. We ascend through highland landscapes dotted with traditional villages before crossing Ajanaco Pass (3,500 m), the gateway to the Amazon rainforest.

From here, the scenery transforms as we descend into the lush cloud forest, rich in orchids, heliconias, tree ferns, and bromeliads. This extraordinary ecosystem shelters a remarkable diversity of birdlife, and with some luck we may spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock, quetzals, trogons, umbrella birds, and colorful orioles.

We arrive at our eco-lodge in the afternoon, with time to relax and absorb the tranquil rhythms of the rainforest.

Overnight at an Amazon lodge (B/L/D).

After an early breakfast, we take a gentle walk to observe local birdlife and, with luck, monkeys in their natural habitat. We then continue by vehicle on a scenic three-hour drive to the river port of Atalaya, where we board a motorized canoe for a short journey deeper into the Amazon rainforest.

Along the way, there is time to swim in the river or enjoy a rejuvenating natural mud bath — a refreshing and traditional way to relax.

After dinner, we set out on a guided night walk, as the jungle awakens with nocturnal wildlife, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rainforest after dark.

Overnight at Amazon lodge (B/L/D).

At dawn, we travel by boat to a parrot clay lick, where you witness a spectacular natural ritual as dozens of parrots and parakeets gather on the mineral-rich riverbanks — one of the Amazon’s most colorful wildlife displays.

After breakfast, we take time to rest before setting out on a guided jungle walk through diverse ecosystems, learning about the rainforest’s extraordinary biodiversity. Along the way, we may encounter wildlife and visit the majestic kapok tree (Ceiba), one of the tallest and most impressive giants of the Amazon.

As night falls, we head out once more on a guided nocturnal walk, searching for insects, frogs, and—if we are lucky—snakes and other fascinating creatures that emerge after dark

Overnight at Amazon lodge (B/L/D).

On our final morning, we enjoy a short walk through the rainforest, taking in the last sounds, colors, and scents of the jungle. After a hearty breakfast, we travel by boat back to Atalaya, where our vehicle awaits for the return journey to Cusco.

The drive once again takes us through the lush cloud forest, offering opportunities to spot hummingbirds, orchids, cascading waterfalls, and perhaps even monkeys or rare birds along the way. As we climb back into the Andes, the tropical rainforest gradually gives way to dramatic mountain landscapes — a striking contrast that marks the end of this extraordinary journey.

We arrive in Cusco between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. 

Overnight in Cusco (B).

After Breakfast, transfer to the airport—end of service.

Accommodation: Double room
Departure dates: Every first Sunday of the month
Single room supplement: 1,320