Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours

Machu Picchu from Lima on an astonishing trip 15 Days

15 Days from US $ 1 404.00
Machu Picchu from Lima on an astonishing trip 15 Days
PREV
NEXT
Machu Picchu from Lima on an astonishing trip 15 Days
PREV
NEXT
Machu Picchu from Lima on an astonishing trip 15 Days
PREV
NEXT
Machu Picchu from Lima on an astonishing trip 15 Days
PREV
NEXT

Machu Picchu from Lima on an astonishing trip 15 Days

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

Backpacking to Machu Picchu from Lima in 2 weeks offers a small guided group tour and activities. Explore Lima’s historic center and Miraflores, visit Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, discover the Huacachina oasis in Ica, and take a flight over the Nazca Lines. Experience the beauty of Arequipa, known as the “White City,” and marvel at the Colca Canyon. Enjoy a homestay in the Capacchica Llachón community, visit Lake Titicaca, including the Uros floating islands and Taquile. Travel by regular bus from Puno to Cusco, explore the Sacred Valley, relax at the Santa Teresa thermal baths, and finally, visit the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Trip Summary

  • Day 1– LIMA: Arrival in Lima, private transfer to your hotel, overnight in Lima
  • Day 2– PARACAS: Lima city tour, trip to Paracas
  • Day 3– PARACAS – NAZCA: Ballestas Islands boat excursion, Huacachina oasis tour, overnight in Nazca
  • Day 4– NAZCA – AREQUIPA: Nazca Lines overflight, bus trip to Arequipa, overnight in Arequipa
  • Day 5– AREQUIPA – COLCA: Arequipa city tour, bus trip to Colca, overnight in Chivay
  • Day 6– COLCA: Colca Canyon excursion, overnight in Chivay
  • Day 7– COLCA – TITICACA: Trip from Chivay to Capacchica Llachón, visit to Ticonata Island and its mummies, homestay
  • Day 8– TITICACA: Lake Titicaca boat excursion, overnight in Puno
  • Day 9– PUNO – CUSCO: Double-decker bus trip from Puno to Cusco, overnight in Cusco
  • Day 10– CUSCO: Day off to explore Cusco
  • Day 11– SACRED VALLEY: Sacred Valley tour, Santa Teresa thermal baths
  • Day 12– SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES: Walk from Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes
  • Day 13– MACHU PICCHU: Guided visit to Machu Picchu
  • Day 14– LIMA: Flight to Lima, overnight in Lima
  • Day 15– INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT: International flight back home

Itinerary

DAY 1:

ARRIVAL IN LIMA

Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru. A representative will greet you at Jorge Chavez Airport and take you to your chosen hotel. Spend the night in Lima.

Meals: No meals.

In Lima: Your hotel will arrange a pickup for a guided tour of Lima’s highlights, which include key tourist spots like the historical center, San Martin Republican Square, and the iconic Plaza de Armas, the most treasured site in Lima’s historical area. You will also visit the Convent of San Francisco, known for its Catacombs. The tour will continue to the modern district of Miraflores, featuring the famous Love Park, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. This guided tour lasts around 4 hours.

After the tour, you will be taken to the bus terminal for a double-decker bus ride to Paracas Bay.

In Paracas: Upon your arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your selected hotel. Spend the night in Paracas.

Meals: Breakfast.

In Paracas: Enjoy a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the Peruvian Galápagos. These rocky islands, only reachable by boat, are off-limits to visitors to safeguard their wildlife. They are renowned for the diverse animal species that inhabit them, including various birds (such as goslings, partridges, and cormorants), Humboldt penguins, dolphins, and sea lions that populate their shores. This excursion lasts about 90 minutes and is much more affordable than visiting the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador.

Next, explore the sand dunes of Ica and the Huacachina oasis: Begin your guided tour at a traditional winery that produces Pisco, where you will learn about the Pisco-making process from a local worker. After touring the winery, you can sample various types of Pisco and wines produced there. Then, visit the Regional Museum of Ica, a key museum on Peru’s southern coast, showcasing fascinating artifacts from different cultures that once thrived in the Ica region. Finally, head to Huacachina, a beautiful oasis just 5 km from Ica’s center, where you can soak in the tranquility and capture stunning images. The towering sand dunes surrounding the lagoon offer opportunities for thrilling sandboarding.

Consider taking a dune buggy tour to enhance your adventure by surfing the sand—an ideal activity for thrill-seekers!

When it’s time, transfer to the terminal for a 2-hour bus ride to Nazca. Upon arriving in Nazca, you will be picked up at the bus terminal and taken to your selected hotel. Spend the night in Nazca.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

The Nazca Lines are vast geoglyphs etched into the ground across the arid plateau of the Nazca desert, spanning around eighty kilometers between the cities of Nazca and Palpa in southern Peru. More than 300 distinct designs can be found here, featuring stylized representations of local animals such as whales, parrots, a 180-meter-long lizard, hummingbirds, condors, and a gigantic 45-meter-long spider. Overall, the geoglyphs comprise over 10,000 lines, some stretching over 9 kilometers, making them clearly visible from the air or nearby hills. The drawings, including the tree, the wings, the alligator astronaut, and the condor, showcase remarkable precision and proportionality, reflecting the ancient inhabitants’ advanced knowledge of geometry.

Afterward, you will transfer to the bus terminal for a double-decker bus ride to Arequipa. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and taken to your chosen hotel. Spend the night in Arequipa.

Meals: Breakfast.

Exploring Arequipa: This city has been part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 2000. Its charm lies in the blend of Spanish and indigenous cultures, evident in its distinctive architecture. Known as the “white city” for its light-colored houses, Arequipa is home to the famous Santa Catalina Monastery and the impressive Plaza de Armas, featuring a magnificent cathedral. During this guided tour, you will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, an expansive religious site surrounded by striking walls, making it one of Peru’s most captivating religious buildings. The main square has maintained its historic charm, resembling an outdoor museum showcasing unique sillar architecture.

Trip to Chivay (Colca Canyon): This journey offers an opportunity to witness one of Peru’s breathtaking attractions: the Colca Valley and Colca Canyon. Your first stop will be at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve to see wildlife, including vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. Next, visit the Mirador de los Volcanes to admire several volcanoes exceeding 5,000 meters, such as Misti, Chachani, Pichupichu, Hualcahualca, Sabancaya, Chucura, and the Cordillera de Chila. Arrive in Chivay, with the option to relax in thermal baths later in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Chivay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

The Colca Canyon Excursion: Today, you will visit various Andean towns, including Yanque, Maca, and Pinchollo, to take photographs and enjoy brief visits. The highlight of this excursion is the stop at Cruz del Cóndor, where you can witness the majestic Andean Condor in its natural habitat—a truly spectacular sight! Afterward, return to Chivay and have free time to explore the village and its thermal baths. Overnight stay in Chivay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Trip to the Llachon Community by private car: This route offers stunning natural views. Along the paved road, you will pass through quaint towns and a beautiful lagoon called Lagunillas, where you may spot trout farms, Andean flamingos, and various other birds. One of the highlights of this journey is the burial towers of Sillustani, ancient cylindrical structures constructed long before the Incas. The Sillustani towers are some of the most remarkable and well-crafted ancient constructions in Peru, with a level of precision not found elsewhere in South America. An optional tour of Sillustani, if time permits, will give you insight into pre-Inca civilizations and allow you to admire the stunning beauty of Umayo Lagoon at the base of the Sillustani plateau.

Upon reaching Llachon, enjoy fantastic views of the lake and take short hikes to scenic hills and ancestral ceremonial sites. Approximately 1,300 residents, belonging to the Quechua ethnic group, inhabit this peninsula.

To Ticonata Island and its Mummies: A short boat ride will take you to Ticonata Island, where several archaeological remains have been discovered, including funeral baskets, mummies, and ceremonial vessels. Many of these artifacts are now displayed in the Tiahuanaco Museum located on the island. Overnight in the Llachon community homestay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

To Taquile Island: Upon arriving at Taquile Island, we will walk along a narrow path, taking in views of Lake Titicaca and the traditional homes of the Quechua people. You will have some free time to explore the main square on your own. Afterward, lunch will be provided at a local restaurant, which typically serves grilled trout. Once lunch is finished, we will head down to the dock to board our motorboat for the next part of our journey.

To Uros Floating Islands: We will continue our adventure to the Uros Floating Islands, where the Uros ethnic group resides. This group can be found in the Collao plateau across Bolivia and Peru. The floating islands occupy a unique spot on Lake Titicaca, known as the highest navigable lake in the world. This place is truly one of a kind. Finally, we will return to Puno and transfer to your selected hotel, where you will spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Trip to Cusco from Puno: Board a regular nonstop bus for a scenic journey to the imperial city of Cusco. This entertaining trip covers 387 kilometers and lasts approximately 7 hours, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, snowy peaks, and charming towns typical of the Peruvian Andes.

You will arrive in Cusco around 5:00 PM. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your selected hotel. Overnight stay in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day Off in Cusco: Today is yours to explore! This is a fantastic opportunity to visit the Inca city and nearby ruins, such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pukara, and Tambomachay. You might also take a short trip south to the archaeological complex of Tipon, visit the Koricancha temple, or stroll along the artisan street of San Blas. It’s a perfect day to recharge for the upcoming adventures. Overnight stay in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast.

Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas: This valley was crucial for the Incas, offering a mild climate and fertile plains that were exceptionally productive. It also served as a gateway to the jungle, providing access to tropical fruits and plants. The Sacred Valley sits at an elevation of 2,800 meters and boasts stunning landscapes along with significant archaeological sites. We depart at 8:00 AM for Pisaq, located just an hour from Cusco, where we will spend around two hours touring the archaeological site. Next, we will head to Urubamba, passing through various villages like Coya, Lamay, and Calca, alongside the Vilcanota River. We will arrive in Urubamba around noon and have lunch at a buffet restaurant (not included in the tour). Afterward, we will continue to Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of the site.

Trip to Santa Teresa: Our journey continues to Santa Teresa, where we will ascend toward Abra Malaga and the snow-capped Veronica peak, reaching an altitude of 4,316 meters, offering spectacular views of Cusco’s geography. After a brief 15-minute stop at Abra Malaga, we will descend into the jungle along the Inca Trail, experiencing a variety of climates that transition from majestic snowy landscapes to the warm jungle en route to Machu Picchu. Along the way, we will encounter a well-preserved section of the Inca Trail. We will then proceed to Santa Maria, situated at an altitude of 1,575 meters.

Colcamayo Thermal Baths in Santa Teresa: From here, we will take a 30-minute walk to the Santa Teresa Hot Springs, located on the mountainside beside the Urubamba River. This thermal water complex features three pools of varying sizes and depths, with medicinal waters ranging from 40ºC to 44ºC. The Santa Teresa thermal baths stand out for their clear waters, known for their healing properties that aid in treating skin ulcers, bone pain, and rheumatism. Visitors can also cool off under cold streams from the Uripata lagoons, providing a refreshing experience. The pools are surrounded by soft sand, stunning rocks, lush vegetation, and the soothing sounds of the river and mountains. The thermal baths are equipped with facilities such as bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, soccer fields, camping space, a cafeteria, and a viewpoint. A hydromassage system is also available. Overnight stay in Santa Teresa.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Walking from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes: On this day, we will take a car to the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station, which is a 30-minute drive. For those who prefer to walk, the trek from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes, known as the Town of Machu Picchu, takes about three hours. Once in Aguas Calientes, you will check into your assigned hotels, and you will have some free time (optional) for a 20-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes.

Meals: Breakfast.

Guided Visit of Machu Picchu & Hike to Huayna Picchu: Begin your day with a bus ride to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, followed by a 20-minute journey up a winding road to Huayna Picchu, also known as Wayna Picchu (Quechua for “Young Peak”). Access to Huayna Picchu is limited to 200 visitors daily. The Incas constructed a trail leading up the mountain and built temples and terraces at the summit. Huayna Picchu rises to about 2,720 meters (8,920 feet) above sea level, approximately 360 meters (1,180 feet) higher than Machu Picchu itself. According to local guides, this peak was once home to the high priest and local virgins.

Each morning, before sunrise, the high priest and a small group would make their way to Machu Picchu to herald the new day. The Temple of the Moon, one of the three major temples at Machu Picchu, is located on the mountain’s side and sits at a lower elevation than Machu Picchu. Nearby is the Great Cavern, another sacred temple known for its exquisite masonry. Other significant temples in Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of Three Windows, the Principal Temple, the “Unfinished Temple,” and the Temple of the Sun, also referred to as the Torreon. Following this, you will take part in a guided tour of the citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, and various burial sites.

The Sun Gates of Machu Picchu offer a stunning viewpoint overlooking Peru’s most renowned ruins. Tourists flock to this spot high in the Andes to enjoy the same breathtaking view seen in almost every postcard featuring the Machu Picchu citadel. Also known as Inti Punku, the Sun Gates consist of two stones positioned at a narrow passage in the mountain’s crevice just above Machu Picchu. Each day, the sun shines brightly through this portal as it rises, lending to its name.

After your visit, return to Cusco by train, departing at either 2:30 PM or 7:00 PM. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your selected hotel for an overnight stay in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast.

Flight to Lima: At the designated time, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight to Lima.

In Lima: Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met and transferred to your selected hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast.

International Flight: At the specified time, you will receive a private transfer from your hotel to Lima Airport for your international flight.

Meals: Breakfast.

Inclusions

  • 14 hotel nights with breakfast included.
  • Daily tours and activities in small groups.
  • All entrance fees for attractions to be visited.
  • Lima city tour and visits to attractions.
  • Boat excursion to Ballestas Islands.
  • Buggy car adventure in the sand dunes of Huacachina oasis.
  • Flight over the Nazca Lines.
  • City tour and attractions in Arequipa.
  • Guided visit to Colca Canyon.
  • Visit to Ticonata Island and its mummies.
  • Boat excursion on Lake Titicaca.
  • Tour of the Sacred Valley.
  • Trip to Santa Teresa and access to thermal baths.
  • Walking tour from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes.
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back.
  • Train ticket from Machu Picchu to Cusco via Ollantaytambo.
  • Double-decker bus tour ticket covering Lima, Paracas, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Santa Teresa.
  • All hotel pickups and drop-offs to/from airports, bus terminals, and train stations.
  • Flight ticket from Cusco to Lima.
  • 24/7 assistance.
  • Guaranteed professional service.
0

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.

Incas Expeditions

Add Your Inquire now with a Local Travel SpecialistText Here

Allow me to use my expertise and enthusiasm for travel to help you plan the most amazing holidays of your life!

Connect with our local experts to find the ideal Peruvian adventure for you. Reach out to us today!

Contact Form Demo

RELATED TOURS


BOOK NOW

BOOKING FORM

For how many persons are you currently booking?

Contact us

Contact Form Demo