Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours

15-Days Journey from Lima to Machu Picchu

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15-Days Journey from Lima to Machu Picchu
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15-Days Journey from Lima to Machu Picchu
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15-Days Journey from Lima to Machu Picchu

Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Physical Level
Easy
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Trip Style
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Max Altitude
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Group Size

This incredible 15-day adventure in Peru offers an unforgettable guided tour for small groups, exploring some of the country’s most iconic destinations. You will visit Lima’s historical center and Miraflores, discover Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, explore the Huacachina Oasis in Ica, fly over the Nazca Lines, visit the White City of Arequipa (7,660 feet / 2,335 meters), and witness the majesty of the Colca Canyon. The journey also includes a homestay in the Capacchica Llachón community, a boat trip on Lake Titicaca (12,507 feet / 3,812 meters), the Route of the Sun from Puno to Cusco (11,152 feet / 3,399 meters), a visit to Cusco’s ruins, a hike up Rainbow Mountain, a Sacred Valley tour, a soak in the Santa Teresa thermal baths, and the highlight—Machu Picchu (7,970 feet / 2,430 meters).

Trip Summary

Short Itinerary

  • Day 1LIMA Arrival in Lima, private transport to your hotel, overnight stay in Lima.
  • Day 2PARACAS – NAZCA Journey to Paracas, boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, exploration of the Huacachina oasis, overnight stay in Nazca.
  • Day 3NAZCA – AREQUIPA Overflight of the Nazca lines, bus ride to Arequipa, overnight stay in Arequipa.
  • Day 4AREQUIPA – COLCA Tour of Arequipa city, bus ride to Colca, overnight stay in Chivay.
  • Day 5COLCA Excursion to Colca Canyon, overnight stay in Chivay.
  • Day 6COLCA – TITICACA Travel from Chivay to Capacchica Llachón, visit Ticonata Island and its ancient mummies, homestay experience.
  • Day 7TITICACA Boat trip on Lake Titicaca, overnight stay in Puno.
  • Day 8PUNO – CUSCO Journey along the “Route of the Sun” from Puno to Cusco, overnight stay in Cusco.
  • Day 9CUSCO City tour of Cusco and visit to four nearby archaeological ruins, overnight stay in Cusco.
  • Day 10CUSCO Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Montaña Vinicunca, 5,200 meters/17,060 feet), overnight stay in Cusco.
  • Day 11SACRED VALLEY Tour of the Sacred Valley, journey to Santa Teresa, visit the thermal baths, overnight stay in Santa Teresa.
  • Day 12SANTA TERESA Hike from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric station, then walk to Aguas Calientes, overnight stay in Machu Picchu town.
  • Day 13MACHU PICCHU Guided tour of Machu Picchu and hike to Huayna Picchu, return by train, overnight stay in Cusco.
  • Day 14LIMA Flight back to Lima, city tour of the historic center, overnight stay in Lima.
  • Day 15INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE Take your international flight back home.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Arrival to Lima

Upon arrival in Lima (505 feet / 154 meters), the capital city of Peru, you’ll be welcomed by our representative at Jorge Chávez International Airport. You’ll then have a private transfer to your chosen hotel, where you can rest and get settled in for the night. Overnight in Lima.

No meals provided.

Start the day early with a transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal, where you’ll embark on a scenic double-decker bus ride to Paracas (16 feet / 5 meters).

In Paracas: You will take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Peruvian Galápagos.” These rocky islands, home to many wildlife species, such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous birds, are only accessible by boat. After exploring the islands, you’ll head to Ica (1,319 feet / 402 meters) to visit the Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by enormous sand dunes. You’ll also visit a historic winery to see how the famous Pisco is made and get a chance to taste different varieties of Pisco and wine. End the day with some dune buggy adventures or sandboarding at Huacachina before traveling to Nazca (1,706 feet / 520 meters), where you’ll spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Start the day with an unforgettable flight over the Nazca Lines, a series of massive ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert. These lines depict animals, plants, and various geometric figures. After the flight, board a bus for the journey to Arequipa (7,660 feet / 2,335 meters), known as the “White City” due to its unique architecture made from white volcanic stone. Overnight in Arequipa.

Meals: Breakfast.

Spend the morning exploring Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful colonial architecture. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery and the main square, Plaza de Armas. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Chivay (11,926 feet / 3,635 meters), passing through the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, where you can see vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. You’ll also stop at the Mirador de los Volcanes to admire the surrounding volcanoes before arriving in Chivay. Optionally, you can visit the thermal baths in Chivay for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Chivay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Today, you’ll explore the magnificent Colca Canyon (10,730 feet / 3,270 meters), one of the deepest canyons in the world. Along the way, you’ll stop at various Andean villages like Yanque and Maca. The highlight of the day is visiting Cruz del Cóndor, a viewpoint where you can often see the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead. Afterward, you’ll return to Chivay for the evening to explore the town or enjoy the thermal baths.

Meals: Breakfast.

Embark on a journey to the Llachon community (12,500 feet / 3,810 meters) located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Lagunillas Lagoon and the burial towers of Sillustani. Upon arrival at Llachon, take a boat trip to Ticonata Island, where you will visit an ancient burial site filled with mummies and ceremonial artifacts. Spend the night at a homestay in the Llachon community, immersing yourself in the local culture.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Enjoy a full day on Lake Titicaca, starting with a visit to Taquile Island, where you’ll hike through scenic paths and enjoy stunning views of the lake. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey to the Uros Floating Islands, where the Uros people live on islands made entirely from reeds. After the tour, return to Puno (12,556 feet / 3,827 meters) for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Travel from Puno to Cusco (11,152 feet / 3,399 meters) along the famous Route of the Sun. This scenic journey includes stops at cultural and archaeological sites, such as the Pucará Museum (12,795 feet / 3,900 meters), La Raya Pass (14,232 feet / 4,338 meters), and the Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi (10,580 feet / 3,225 meters). You’ll also visit the impressive colonial church in Andahuaylillas. Arrive in Cusco in the early evening and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Discover the wonders of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. You’ll visit the Temple of Koricancha, the vibrant San Pedro Market, and the famous Plaza de Armas. The tour will also take you to nearby ruins, including Sacsayhuamán (12,142 feet / 3,701 meters), Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast.

Embark on an early morning trek to Rainbow Mountain (16,466 feet / 5,020 meters), famous for its colorful mineral stripes. Enjoy a guided hike through stunning landscapes filled with Andean wildlife, including llamas and alpacas. After reaching the summit, enjoy lunch and take in the views before returning to Cusco in the evening. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Explore the Sacred Valley (9,186 feet / 2,800 meters), where you’ll visit Pisaq, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet / 2,792 meters). In the afternoon, continue your journey to Santa Teresa (5,167 feet / 1,575 meters), stopping at Abra Malaga (14,160 feet / 4,316 meters) for panoramic views. End the day with a relaxing visit to the thermal baths at Colcamayo. Overnight in Santa Teresa.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Take a short drive to the Hydroelectric Station (6,693 feet / 2,040 meters), followed by a scenic 3-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (6,693 feet / 2,040 meters), also known as Machu Picchu Town. You’ll have free time to explore the town before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast.

Early in the morning, take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu (7,970 feet / 2,430 meters), where you will embark on a guided tour of this legendary Inca citadel. Afterward, hike to the top of Huayna Picchu (8,920 feet / 2,720 meters) for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. In the evening, take the train back to Cusco for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Fly from Cusco to Lima for a guided tour of the capital. You’ll visit the historic center, including Plaza de Armas and the Convent of San Francisco. In the modern district of Miraflores, enjoy the views from the Park of Love, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Overnight in Lima.

Meals: Breakfast.

At the scheduled time, a private transfer will take you to the airport in Lima for your international flight home.

Meals: Breakfast.

Inclusions

  • 14 nights of hotel accommodations with breakfast
  • Guided daily tours and activities in small groups
  • All entrance fees to attractions
  • Lima city tour
  • Boat tour of the Ballestas Islands
  • Sand dune buggy ride in Huacachina
  • Nazca Lines overflight
  • Arequipa city tour
  • Guided visit to the Colca Canyon
  • Trip to Ticonata Island and its mummies
  • Lake Titicaca boat excursion
  • Route of the Sun from Puno to Cusco
  • Cusco city tour and nearby ruins
  • Rainbow Mountain trek
  • Sacred Valley tour
  • Santa Teresa thermal baths
  • Walking tour from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Huayna Picchu hike (without a guide)
  • Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
  • Train tickets from Machu Picchu to Cusco via Ollantaytambo
  • Double-decker bus tickets from Lima to Paracas, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Cusco, and Ollantaytambo
  • All airport, bus terminal, and train station transfers
  • Domestic flight from Cusco to Lima
  • 24/7 assistance throughout the trip
  • Guaranteed professional service
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About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

  • Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
  • ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
    • The name of the university
    • The student’s name and photo
    • A valid expiration date
  • ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

  • The traveler is older than 25
  • The ID is expired
  • The ID does not have an expiration date
  • ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “INCA´S EXPEDITIONS”?

“INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

  • Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
  • Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
  • Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
  • Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
  • Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
  • Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
  • Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

Travel Guide

Recommendations for Traveling in Peru

When planning a 15-day trip to Peru, it’s essential to prepare for a range of activities, from city tours to hiking through mountains. Here are some key recommendations:

  • Book in Advance:Peru’s popular destinations like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain can get crowded, especially in peak season. Secure tickets and accommodations ahead of time.
  • Be Ready for Altitude:Many locations in Peru, including Cusco and Colca Canyon, are at high altitudes. Take it slow, especially in the first few days.
  • Respect Local Customs:When visiting indigenous communities like Llachon or Taquile, always ask before taking photos, and respect their traditions and way of life.

Weather in Peru

Peru’s weather varies significantly by region:

  • Lima and the Coast:The coastal regions, including Lima and Paracas, have mild and humid climates. From May to October, expect cloudy skies with temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C). The summer months from November to April are warmer and sunnier.
  • Andes and Cusco:In high-altitude areas like Cusco and Arequipa, days are warm (65-70°F / 18-21°C) but nights can be chilly (35-40°F / 1-5°C). The dry season (May to September) is the best time to visit.
  • Lake Titicaca:Cold at night due to the high altitude, but sunny during the day. Pack layers for temperatures that can fluctuate from 40°F (4°C) in the mornings to 70°F (21°C) by midday.

How to Dress in Peru

Dressing in layers is essential due to the changing temperatures:

  • For Coastal Areas:Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket for cooler mornings or evenings.
  • For the Highlands:Bring a mix of warm and light clothing. A good quality jacket, thermal layers, and moisture-wicking shirts are useful. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
  • For Trekking:Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof jacket, and thermal underlayers. For hikes like Rainbow Mountain or Machu Picchu, wear quick-drying, breathable clothes.

Travel Tips

  • Cash is King:While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, small towns and markets often only accept cash, especially in rural areas like Llachon or the Sacred Valley.
  • Stay Hydrated:Whether you’re on a city tour or trekking, hydration is crucial, especially at higher altitudes.
  • Learn Basic Spanish Phrases:While many people in the tourism industry speak English, knowing basic Spanish greetings and phrases can be very helpful and appreciated.

Restrictions

  • Machu Picchu Limits:There are daily restrictions on the number of visitors to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Be sure to book your entry well in advance.
  • Photography:Flash photography is often prohibited inside churches and museums, especially in historical sites like Cusco’s Cathedral or the Convent of San Francisco in Lima.
  • Altitude Sickness:In places like Cusco or Puno, altitude sickness can be a concern. Drink coca tea, avoid heavy meals, and limit alcohol consumption on your first days.

Physical Preparation

  • Hiking and Trekking:Many of the activities in this trip involve walking or hiking, such as the Rainbow Mountain hike and the Huayna Picchu climb. You don’t need to be an expert, but it’s a good idea to start walking regularly before your trip to build stamina.
  • Conditioning for Altitude:If you’re not used to high altitudes, your body might take time to adjust. If possible, spend a day or two acclimatizing in lower-altitude cities like Arequipa before heading to higher places like Colca Canyon or Cusco.

Health Recommendations

  • Vaccinations:Consult with your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations for Peru. It’s often advised to be up to date on routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
  • Altitude Pills:If you’re worried about altitude sickness, consider speaking to your doctor about medication like acetazolamide. Locally, coca leaves and tea are commonly used to ease symptoms.
  • Water Safety:Stick to bottled or purified water, especially in more rural areas or during treks.
  • Sun Protection:UV radiation is intense in high-altitude areas. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
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