Walk Peru's Inca Trail and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

Arrive in Lima, Peru's capital, that was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. It was built on the Pacific coast, by the Rimac River and close to the natural harbour of Callao, on land that had already been inhabited for thousands of years. Today Lima is a modern city, but there are obvious reminders of its ancient and colonial past.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 2pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for lunch at a local restaurant. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Lima at any time.

If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), which is 45 minutes to one hours' drive (traffic dependant). Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to take an independent stroll along the coastal path to Miraflores and through the bohemian district of Barranco. The city is also gaining a reputation as a culinary centre; try some ceviche (fish marinated in citrus) or sip on a Pisco sour.

This morning we take a short Lima city tour, passing through the colonial squares and by the convent of San Francisco. In the early evening we fly up to Juliaca on the high Altiplano. On arrival we will take a short drive to our hotel in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at an elevation of 3,860m, and also the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilisation. The local Aymara, Quechua and Uros people have larger lungs, hearts and spleens, and blood that is particularly rich in red corpuscles, so have adapted to high altitude living.

This morning we drive to the 'chullpas' (funeral towers) of Sillustani, which probably date from the 14th century. They are positoned on a peninsula overlooking a lagoon amongst stunning highland scenery. There is also the opportunity to visit a local farmers house (optional). In the afternoon we explore the small town of Chucuito, visiting the colonial churches, Inca fertilty temple and the Totora Museum.

Today we take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to explore the floating reed islands, home to the Uros people who live on the lake itself. Their islands are made from totora, a reedlike papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in most aspects of their life, including the construction of their boats and homes. We then continue to the less visited island of Taquile which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca heritage and the islanders still speak the language of the Inca - Runa Simi or Quechua.

Today we follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler - Manco Capac - on his way to find Cusco, passing through a landscape that is both desolate and magnificent, where flocks of llamas and alpacas graze amongst the windswept meadows. Rising early, we head to the public bus terminal where our coach awaits us. During the ten hour bus trip, we make several stops including at the small market town of La Raya, and the Inca ruin of the Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi. Traversing the northern extremes of the Altiplano, we cross the La Raya pass (4321m) and the continental divide, before beginning the descent towards Cusco along the Rio Vilcanota. We arrive into the fascinating city in the late afternoon and check into our hotel. Today's total driving time is approximately seven hours.

There is also the possibility today to take the classic rail journey from Puno to Cusco (optional). One of the great railway journeys of the world, this full day trip covers some spectacular scenery over the high altiplano. It includes a meal aboard the train, with the chance to try some local delicacies and make use of the outside viewing platform before arriving into Cusco.

Please note that rail strikes are common in Peru and so there is the possibility that the train may not always be running. In the event that you have chosen the optional train ride and it is not operating, then we will make the journey from Puno to Cusco by bus, with the rest of the group. Refunds for trains cancelled due to strike action is at the rail companies discretion.

This morning we take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail, we head down to the colonial neighborhood of San Cristobal, where the plaza will surprise us with sweeping view over the cities roof tops. Navigating the narrow streets of the old city we reach the aqueduct of Sapantiana, a hidden engineering marvel only known by locals. This aqueduct directs us to arty San Blas, where coffee shops converge with traditional artisan's workshops, we explore the cobbled calles, venturing inside the studios to marvel at the local craftsmanship.

Entering the main Plaza de Armas of Cusco, the focal point of the city, we are welcomed by the baristas of Three Monkeys Coffee who serve us up the finest Peruvian beans. Revived, we continue walking, gazing upon the Qoricancha complex, once the Inca's most sacred site dedicated to the Sun God. Our final destination is Mercado de Wanchaq, a truly local affair jammed with rows of colourful stalls and filled with the aromas of seasonal fruit. Slurping freshly pressed juice we witness the sellers hawking their wares before returning to the hotel. The walking tour is approximately four kilometres, expected to take around four-to-five hours.

The afternoon is at leisure to rest and acclimatise, you may want to visit one of Cusco's museums.

We will be picked up from the hotel in Cusco early this morning, around 6am and drive south for three-and-a-half hours to the village of Palccoyo (4,200m). The Palccoyo trek is a quieter alternative to the Rainbow mountain trek, the trailer is shorter with far less crowds. Walking in the Vilcanota Mountain Range of the Andes we slowly and gradually ascend to the top of the red mountains passing llamas and alpacas. After walking for approximately one hour we will reach the Palccoyo, Montaña Colorada at 4,980 metres. Here you can admire this unique landscape of multi coloured layered mountains. The descent back to the bus is along the same route, from where we return to Cusco.

Today's moderate six kilometre walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with an ascent and descent of 180 metres, following a path with is uneven underfoot in places .

This morning we leave the city of Cusco behind and drive to Ollantaytambo, an original Inca town.

We will stop at Piuray lake within the mountains near Chinchero for a Peruvian picnic prepared with ingredients from local farmers. After lunch you could take a walk around the lake shore.

On arrival into Ollantaytambo we have a short walking tour, visiting a traditional house and our first view of Inca terracing.

Today the group will split for the next four days, depending on which trek you have chosen.

Inca Trail

This morning we continue by bus for another hour to reach KM82, the starting point for the classic Inca Trail. The trail was first explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970. The famous ruins of Machu Picchu are not the only historical remains within the area: many other interesting sites are hidden in places which can only be reached on foot, and have scarcely been explored.

We meet our porters and support staff, beginning our trek after lunch. The route crosses the Urubamba river, following a wide dirt trail alongside the riverbank. The undulating path takes us into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Llaqtapata (2,700m). Here we camp opposite the ruins of Llaqtapata, a spectacular spot with amazing night skies. There are no permanent facilities here, the camp crew will set up a toilet tent for the group to use.

Today's six kilometre walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with an ascent of 100 metres.

Quarry Trail

This morning we drive to Rafq'a, the starting point for the Quarry Trek and where we meet our porters and support staff. After walking for an hour, we will reach the small remote community of Socma, from where we take a trail to the viewpoint of the Perolniyoc waterfall. The path continues towards the camp, located at 3750 meters above sea level. We'll arrive in time for lunch and the afternoon is free to rest and explore the archaeological site of Q'orimarca, which once served as a control point for the Incas.

Today's nine kilometre walk is expected to take around five hours with an ascent of 800 metres.

Inca Trail

After a hearty breakfast we cross the river to visit the Llaqtapata Inca ruins before continuing with the trek. Today we follow the course of the Kusichaca river past small communities, crossing it to reach Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca origins and the last settlement on the route. After lunch we gradually ascend through the start of the cloud forest to Llulluchapampa (3,800m) which affords stunning views of the snowy peaks of Veronica (5,750m). Here we set up camp for the night; there is a well maintained facilities block with flushing toilets and sinks at this site.

Today's moderate 10 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with 1,080 metres ascent.

Quarry Trail

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. After three hours of trekking, we will reach the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (4,370m), with spectacular view of snowy mountains on one side, and the Sacred Valley on the other, some of the best views in the Andes! From here we descend for half an hour to the lunch spot. In the afternoon, we'll arrive to Kuychicasa, the highest pass of the trek (4,450m). Continuing, we will visit the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku or "Puerta del Sol" (Gate of the Sun), where we can see the Veronica Mountain and the Sacred Valley of the Incas in all its splendor. Tonight's campsite is Choquetacarpo camp (3,600m).

Today's challenging 15 kilometre walk is expected to take around nine hours with an ascent of 700 metres.

Inca Trail

Today is an earlier start as we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's) Pass to 4,200 metres. The two hour ascent is one of the more challenging sections of the trek, we take is slow and steady with many stops to admire the view and sunrise. After a rest and photo opportunity we descend along a stepped path to the valley of the Pacamayo river with its tropical vegetation. Here we break for brunch before beginning the ascent (mainly on steps) to the second pass of the day. We visit the ruins of Runkuraqay and then it's the final ascent to cross the Runkuraqay Pass (3,950m).

After the pass it was a long gradual descent passing into the start of the main cloud forest to reach the bottom of the valley. The Sayacmarca ruins are visible on a rocky outcrop, they command an imposing view and have only one means of access, a narrow granite stairway. We cross the valley to reach the Sayacmarca campsite for a late lunch. From here the trail goes through cloud forest with vines, exotic flowers (among them orchids) and luxuriant trees, with views (if we are lucky) of the snowcapped peaks of Salkantay. We walk through an Inca tunnel and along a ridge above the Urubamba River to our campsite above the Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,579m). The campsite has amazing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and down the valley towards Machu Picchu mountain. There is a toilet block but it's not kept in the best condition so the camp crew will set up a toilet tent for the group to use.

Today's challenging 15 kilometre walk is expected to take around eight hours with 1,000 metres ascent and 630 metres descent.

Quarry Trail

Today's walk is mainly downhill, our first stop will be Cachicata, the Inca quarry, where it is told that the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish conquerors and was subsequently never finished. Here we can observe the Inca stone works before continuing our descent for three hours to reach Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo, is an original Inca town, we'll have lunch here and take a short walking tour to visiting a traditional house and viewing the of Inca terracing. The rest of the day is for relaxing ahead of an early start tomorrow, we stay in a hotel here tonight.

There is an optional excursion this afternoon to visit a traditional Peruvian farm, learning about artisanal distillation methods and coffee production and enjoying a delicious Pachamanca lunch (stew baked underground).

Today's moderate five kilometre walk is expected to take around four hours with an descent of 1,500 metres.

Inca Trail

Today is our final day walking along the Inca Trail. We say thanks and goodbye to our porters and begin our trek into Machu Picchu. We pass the Puyupatamarca ruins and spend the majority of the morning going down following stone paths and stairways, 80% of which are original Inca architecture. Coming out of the cloud forest we are greeted by the spectacular views down the valley, walking through the impressive Inca terraces at Intipata we reach our lunch stop at Winay-Wayna (2,591m). Those who wish can visit the ruins here, this Inca site is built into the steep hillside and like Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons.

Winding our way along the edge of the mountain we follow a wide path adorned with wild flowers and orchids to we take the final steps up to reach Inti Punku - the Gate of the Sun. Passing through there is a sudden and fantastic view of the Lost City itself, Machu Picchu, set in a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators. We walk down through the site and then take the public bus down the mountainside to our hotel in the town of Aquas Calientes situated on the valley floor below Machu Picchu.

Today's moderate 14 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with 1,000 metres descent.

Quarry Trail

This morning is our final day trekking and we join the Inca Trail. We drive to Ollantaytambo train station and board the train towards km 104, where we begin our trek crossing the River Vilcanota, following the Inca Trail through woodland ascending to the magnificent ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,591m) where you will be reunited with the group. From Wiñay Wayna the route is the same as above, trekking through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu.

Today's moderate 12 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with an ascent and descent of 500 metres.

We'll enjoy a celebratory group dinner in Aquas Calientes tonight.

Our final morning is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. We have a guided tour with our local Leader before taking the bus back down to Aquas Calientes.

It is also possible to climb the steep peaks of either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain to look down on the citadel. Machu Picchu Mountain is a 700m climb from the top of the citadel. There are cobbled stairs all the way up with a few eye-opening drops in some parts, and the round-trip takes about tow and half to three hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is only 350m, half the size of Machu Picchu Mountain, but much steeper. There are many more sheer drops, and it is definitely not suitable for someone with a fear of heights. For those who fancy doing the one hour climb, you'll be rewarded with world-beating views of Machu Picchu, and the feeling that you're standing on a precipice at the top of the world.

These climbs must be pre-paid at time of booking. If you change your passport between your time of booking and prior to travel please take your original passport with you. Those doing one of the optional climbs will take the first bus back up the Machu Picchu to begin the climb at 7am after which you will meet up with the rest of the group to take the guided tour.

In the afternoon we get the train to Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and then return to the historic town of Cusco by bus. Depending on the time of the train, you may have a free afternoon in Aquas Calientes, where there are many restaurants and cafes and a large covered market.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cusco.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Cusco at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which is around 15 minutes' drive.

Depending on the schedule of your flights, you may have some additional time to visit a museum or do some souvenir shopping in the winding streets and alleys of the city.

If you are travelling onto the Amazon, you will be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport this morning for your flight to Puerto Maldonado.