Peru: Lima, the Sacred Valley & the Inca Trail - 11 Days

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Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female50%
  • Male50%

Average age

36
18 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • Lima
  • Cusco

Physical rating

4/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

28

Highlights

  • Wander the temples and terraces of Machu Picchu with an expert guide.
  • Sleep in less-frequented campsites along the Inca Trail
  • Hike the Inca Trail with comfortable camping
  • Interact with the locals in the Sacred Valley
  • Explore the imposing Inca ruins of Pisaq
  • Soak in the coastal views while exploring Lima's trendy neighbourhoods by bike
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What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
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Summary

Travel from Lima to Cusco and hike the Inca Trail in style on this active discovery of Peru. Explore the neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco by bike in Lima and get your first taste of the delicious local cuisine. See ancient ruins and experience traditional cultures in the Sacred Valley before setting off on the four-day trek, with extra comforts like cots, mattresses and blankets for a better rest. Stay in less crowded campsites with portable toilets and a shower, giving you that extra pep in your step for when you finally walk through the Sun Gate to glimpse Machu Picchu for the very first time.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Lima: Appetite for Adventure

    Take in a lungful of ocean air on arrival to Lima and keep your eyes out for surfers riding the waves as you follow the coastal highway to your hotel. The district of Miraflores is bustling with trendy restaurants, bars and shops in all directions and there are great views of the ocean from the cliffside boardwalk, or malecón. We welcome you to Lima, and invite you to bring your appetite for incredible food and adventure that awaits you in Peru. Arrive to Lima at any time and transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

  • Day 2

    Lima: Cycle Miraflores and Barranco

    The neighbourhoods of Lima and Barranco may be right next to each other but they feel quite different. Fashionable Miraflores contrasts with the more bohemian Barranco in the most wonderful of ways as the bustling commercial area gives way to quaint cafés, art galleries and historic buildings. Both lie on the coast which offer amazing views over the Pacific Ocean and of Lima's sprawling coastline. Set off to explore Miraflores and Barranco by bike and on foot before stopping for a typical lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a free afternoon before meeting the group for a sunset drink on the rooftop terrace of the hotel.

  • Day 3

    Cusco: The Land of the Incas

    Watch the ocean disappear in the horizon as you head high up in the sky towards the Andes where magic awaits in Cusco. Feel the energy and see the mix of Spanish colonial architecture with ancient Inca stonework all around you. Take it slow as you begin to explore in order to get the most out of the city and to acclimatize to the altitude. Fly to Cusco and then take a CEO-led orientation walk of the historical centre with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy dinner out in the city with new group members joining the next portion of the tour.

  • Day 4

    The Sacred Valley: Pisaq Ruins and Cultural Traditions

    The Sacred Valley is aptly named for its importance to the people who have lived there and it is also stunningly beautiful with mountain scenery and colourful farmland along the Urubamba River. You'll see the massive ruins of Pisaq perched up above the town as you approach and you'll get to spend time with a local community on the way up to the site. Lunch is an experience unto itself at a community-run restaurant, using locally-grown ingredients for a delicious and traditional meal. Back at the hotel for dinner, feast on a traditional pachamanca meal consisting of various types of meat, potatoes and vegetables cooked for hours in the ground under hot stones. Travel from Cusco into the Sacred Valley. Visit the Cuyo Chico community for a snack and to learn about their traditional ceramics and adobe before taking a guided tour of Pisaq archaeological site. Continue to the hotel after lunch. In the evening enjoy a pachamanca dinner.

  • Day 5

    The Sacred Valley: Your OMG Day

    Sitting at a slightly lower altitude than Cusco, spending time in the Sacred Valley helps to get you used the altitude in these parts. Choose from a scenic acclimatization hike to a waterfall or get the adrenaline flowing by scaling a via ferrata network of rungs and ladders for lunch with a view. Choice of activity in the morning, both options including lunch.

  • Day 6

    Inca Trail day 1: Setting Off

    The Inca Trail has become one of the most well-known treks in the world and with good reason. Hiking past ancient ruins through incredible mountain scenery and to finally arrive to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a very satisfying accomplishment. Start the first day of the trek at a gentle pace to warm your legs up for the days to come, allowing yourself to take in the views of the valley and river below. Depart for the km. 82 marker to set off on the Inca Trail. Porters will carry the majority of your gear and you'll be able to focus more squarely on the task at hand with included trekking poles and a more comfortable camping experience at night, sleeping on cots with air mattresses and blankets.

  • Day 7

    Inca Trail day 2: Ascent

    Awake at the mountain campsite and enjoy a cup of tea and a warm shower without any need to rush up the mountain. The morning mist and the joviality amongst the porters make for a homely atmosphere as you get ready for the day and prepare your things to walk. Warm up your legs, eat a delicious and hearty breakfast and prepare for the ascent of the first portion of Dead Woman's Pass.

  • Day 8

    Inca Trail day 3: Dead Woman's Pass

    Open your tent to the cool air and see some warm washing water and a cup of tea waiting for you. You'll get wafts of something delicious being cooked and the increasing murmur of the cooks and porters going about their morning. Savour the moment and be present to your surroundings. Dead Woman's Pass is nothing you can't handle today. Ascend up the first challenging pass of Warmiwañusca (aka. Dead Woman's Pass), passing by several Inca sites and another mountain pass before reaching camp for the third night on the trail.

  • Day 9

    Inca Trail Day 4: The Sun Gate and Machu Picchu

    Wake up next to beautiful Inca ruins known as the "town above the clouds" and take the time to enjoy them without many others in the morning hours. Pack away some of the extra layers as you prepare to descend into cloud forest and with the anticipation of finally reaching the ultimate goal, Machu Picchu. Descend through cloud forest to the Sun Gate for the first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Walk down through the site and catch a local bus to the valley floor and the town of Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel.

  • Day 10

    Cusco: Discover Machu Picchu

    Exploring the mountaintop Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a magical experience, no matter how many pictures you may have seen of it. The history of the ancient Inca that you've heard in the days leading up to this moment seem to all come together as you wander the site's temples and terraces. Relive the memories and take in the views as you return by train on the way back to Cusco. Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ruins followed by lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Return by train and bus to Cusco and enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening.

  • Day 11

    Cusco

    Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time. Depart at any time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (7 nts), Comfortable Camping with cots, mattresses, blankets, portable toilets, and warm showers (3 nts).

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 9, Dinners: 9

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Airport Transfers

    Arrival Only

    An airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Jul 2026

    from £2,931

  • Aug 2026

    from £4,187

  • Sep 2026

    from £4,187

  • Oct 2026

    from £3,625

  • Apr 2027

    from £3,543

  • May 2027

    from £3,543

  • Jun 2027

    from £3,682

  • Jul 2027

    from £3,682

  • Aug 2027

    from £3,682

  • Sep 2027

    from £3,682

  • Oct 2027

    from £3,543
  • Save 31%
    Thursday 2 Jul 2026to Sunday 12 Jul 2026
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Customer reviews & ratings

(5 out of 5)Based on 3 reviews

  • See previous response! In my last response, I forgot to include Emerson - our chef on the Inca Trail - and Ernesto - our waiter on the Inca Trail. Emerson prepared exquisite fine dining on the Inca Trail. The presentation, and the food itself, was amazing. Ernesto was professional, respectful, and kept his waiter?s shirt sparkling white throughout the duration of our hike. A huge thank you to both of them for making the Inca Trail a fine dining experience! Also, both restaurants that we visited in Cusco were especially delicious - I would highly recommend them to everyone!

    Sarah Sep, 2024 Verified

  • Your new GLux package was excellent and I would be very happy to join you again for a similar experience in a different location. We loved Peru, and you curated a very enjoyable experience for us, from food (which we loved) to accomodation, to our guide and chef and waiter and porters on the Inca Trail. Emerson, our chef on the Inca Trail, Ernesto, our waiter (and Porter), deserve a special mention, as does our guide, Washington, and , of course, our CEO, Romel). Well done, GAdventures Your new GLuc tour style was perfect for us!

    Doris Sep, 2024 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the physical rating of this tour?

    The tour has a physical rating of 4, indicating an active adventure that involves challenging physical activity like the Inca Trail trek.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during this tour?

    You will stay in hotels for 7 nights and enjoy comfortable camping for 3 nights on the Inca Trail. The camping experience is upgraded with cots, mattresses, blankets, portable toilets, and warm showers. Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be common in Peru, even in upgraded hotels.

  • Are meals included in the tour price?

    Yes, the tour includes 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners. Meals are generally included when there isn't a choice of eating options, or when provided by local community initiatives.

  • What is the typical group size for this tour?

    The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers, with an average of 12 participants.

  • I'm a solo traveler, what are the accommodation arrangements?

    Solo travelers do not pay an extra single supplement on group trips. You will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Please note that if you book the 'My Own Room' option, it applies to hotel nights but not to the 3 nights of Inca Trail camping.

  • What currency should I use in Peru, and what are the recommendations for managing money?

    The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Credit and debit cards (especially Visa) are useful for cash advances from ATMs, but their functionality is not guaranteed. Be aware that a 5-10% fee usually applies for credit card purchases. It is recommended to carry a combination of cash and cards, and to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund. We do not recommend traveler's cheques. For cash, bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100 USD.

  • Are there any important health considerations for this trip, especially regarding the altitude?

    You should consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations well before departure. This adventure travels to high altitude (over 8,000 feet / 2,440 meters). Everyone reacts differently to altitude, and altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness or age. It is recommended to consult your physician on how to best prepare. Carry a first-aid kit, hand sanitizers, and any personal medical requirements, as we may be in remote areas away from medical facilities. Tour leaders are prohibited from administering drugs.

  • What if I prefer not to hike the Inca Trail?

    If you prefer not to hike the Inca Trail, please advise at the time of booking. Instead, you will have 2 nights in Cusco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and then join the hikers for the guided tour of Machu Picchu.

  • What happens if the Inca Trail is closed?

    The Inca Trail is closed for general maintenance during February each year. Closures can also occur at other times due to inclement weather or unforeseen conditions. During these periods, any affected tour will hike the Lares Trek instead.

  • Who will be leading the tour?

    The tour is led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip. Additionally, a specialist Inca Trail CEO will guide the hike, and local guides will be utilized where specific local knowledge enhances the experience.

  • Are tips for activities and meals included in the tour price?

    On Geluxe Collection tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals. However, tips for the CEO and porterage are not included and are left to personal preference, with a guideline of $10-15 USD per person per day for the CEO.

  • Will there be Wi-Fi or cellular service available during the Inca Trail trek?

    Please note that there will be no Wi-Fi and limited cellular service available for much of the trek on the Inca Trail.

  • What special comforts are provided during the Inca Trail camping experience?

    During the 3 nights of camping on the Inca Trail, you will experience upgraded comforts, including cots, mattresses, blankets, portable toilets, and warm showers at less crowded campsites. Sleeping bags and trekking poles are also included.

  • What is the physical rating of this tour, and what should I know about altitude?

    This tour has a physical rating of 4. It involves travel to high altitude (over 8,000 feet/2,440 meters). Everyone reacts to altitude differently, and altitude sickness can occur regardless of fitness or age. We strongly recommend consulting your physician for advice on how to best prepare.

  • What type of accommodation is included in this tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in hotels and 3 nights of comfortable camping on the Inca Trail. Please note that some properties may not have elevators, and hot water shortages or power outages can be common in Peru.

  • How many meals are included in the tour package?

    This tour includes 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners. Breakfasts are typically basic, and your CEO can suggest local options for other meals not specifically included.

  • What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

    Solo travelers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, without a single supplement. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, please note it is not available for the 3 nights of Inca Trail camping (nights 6-8).

  • What are the rules for porters and personal belongings on the Inca Trail?

    Porters will carry the majority of your gear on the Inca Trail. You are allowed a total weight of 5kg of personal belongings per hiker, carried in a provided duffle bag. Sleeping bags and blankets/bedding are carried by porters and do not count towards this limit. Any additional weight must be carried in your day pack. It is advised to keep valuables (e.g., money, passport, credit cards, camera) with you.

  • What should I know about visiting Machu Picchu, especially regarding entry regulations?

    Current and correct passport details are required at the time of confirmation. Machu Picchu regulations require visitors to follow pre-determined circuits within the site to manage crowding. Travelers completing the Inca Trail will be assigned Circuit 5 for their guided visit, which includes access to a panoramic viewpoint upon arrival via the Sun Gate.

  • What happens if I prefer not to hike the Inca Trail, or if the trail is closed for maintenance?

    If you do not wish to hike the Inca Trail, you can opt for an alternative that includes 2 nights in Cusco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and then joining the hikers for the tour of Machu Picchu. Portions of the Inca Trail are closed annually in February for maintenance; during these periods, any affected tour will hike the Lares Trek instead.

  • What currency should I use, and what are the recommendations for managing money?

    The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Credit and debit cards, especially Visa, are useful, but it's best to have a combination of cash and cards as acceptance can vary and card purchases may incur a 5-10% fee. We do not recommend traveler's cheques. Bring notes in good condition and smaller denominations. An additional USD $200 (or equivalent) is recommended as an emergency fund.

  • Is tipping included in the tour price?

    On Geluxe Collection tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals. However, tipping for your CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and porterage on the Inca Trail is not included and is at your discretion. A guideline of $10-15 USD per person, per day, is suggested for the CEO. For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, a 10% tip is appropriate.

  • What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

  • Is travel insurance required for this trip?

    Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation with a minimum coverage of USD $200,000. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage. Proof of insurance will be required by your leader.

  • What kind of transportation is used on this trip?

    Transportation on this trip includes plane, public bus, private van, train, and hiking.

  • Will there be Wi-Fi or cellular service during the Inca Trail trek?

    Please note that there will be no Wi-Fi and limited cellular service available for much of the trek on the Inca Trail.
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