Whatever time you arrive in Lima today, we’ll be there waiting to take you to your accommodation: a lovingly refurbished colonial mansion in Lima’s most interesting neighborhood.

Accommodation: Hotel B, Barranco

This morning we’ll explore the arcades and plazas of Lima’s graceful colonial center, and marvel at pre-conquest creativity at the Larco Museum. In the afternoon we’ll wander the storied streets of Barranco, the historic home of Peru’s unique criollo culture, and the best place in Peru for shopping for unique souvenirs, jewelry and fashion. If we feel like taking in some archaeology today we’ll head to amazing Huaca Pucllana, a 1000+ year old ceremonial center nestled between suburban homes in upscale Miraflores!

Accommodation: Hotel B, Barranco
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at Rosa Nautica, dinner at Central (the world’s number 1 restaurant!)

Today we’ll fly (1 hour) to Cusco, then drive (1.5 hours) to the Sol y Luna spa resort, our base for our exploration of the Sacred Valley. Along the way we’ll stop to enjoy the gorgeous scenery over a private picnic lunch.

This afternoon, have a massage or facial on us! You’re also free to wander around and enjoy dry and wet saunas, jacuzzi, swimming pool, and stunningly landscaped gardens that we share with curious hummingbirds. If you prefer to do some exploring, your guide will show you around nearby Urubamba - a typical Peruvian town whose Mercado Modelo is a must for market lovers - and/or the charming, cobbled Inca village of Ollantaytambo.

In the evening we’ll enjoy a seven course degustation dinner with paired wines.

Accommodation: Sol y Luna, Urubamba
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, gourmet picnic lunch, dinner at La Cava de Wayra

We’ll drive (1.5 hours) up into the mountains today, through stunning views of jagged, snow-capped peaks rising dramatically out of the lush green of the Sacred Valley. We’ve come to visit three key historic sites: the mysterious, spiralling stone pits of Moray; the charming church and terraces of Chinchero; and twinkling, colorful Salineras: a surreal mosaic of dammed natural salt-springs that’s been operating commercially since Inca times. In between, we’ll enjoy Peru’s best lunch!

Accommodation: Sol y Luna, Urubamba
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at Mil, dinner at one of Urubamba’s novo-andino fusion restaurants

Caballos de paso - dancing horses - are perhaps Peru’s most beautiful and whimsical contribution to world culture. Today we’ll see these famous creatures dance the marinera, Peru’s passionate national dance. We’ll also have the opportunity to saddle up and take a ride through the surrounding countryside on quiet, scenic country lanes.

Or if you prefer, we can go rafting, climb a via ferrata, or take a cooking or chocolate-making class instead!

Accommodation: Sol y Luna, Urubamba
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, gourmet lunch and dinner - exactly where depends on the activities chosen today

Trekking the Inca Trail doesn't have to mean compromising on comfort. On our Luxury Inca Trail hike, you’ll sleep off the ground, on cotton sheets and down pillows; eat organic, gourmet meals, served with wine, on porcelain crockery; and enjoy daily hot showers and massages!

The hike begins in the Sacred Valley at Kilometer 82, where we start by following the Urubamba River, climbing ever higher and eventually heading off up the Cusicacha Valley, through semi-arid forest and farming villages, to where we’ll camp for the night under mighty mountains.

Accommodation: Luxury camping on the Inca Trail
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner provided by our cooks
Walking: 12km (7.5 miles)
Min. Altitude: 2,700m (8,860ft)
Max. Altitud: 3,100m (10,170ft)
Altitude of camp: 3,100m (10,170ft)

Most of our walking time today is taken up by a stiff 1,200m (3,940ft) ascent to Warmiwayñusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the Inca Trail. From here, if it’s clear, we’ll enjoy incredible views back the way we came, and onwards towards the distant, snow-capped Vilcabamba Range. Then we descend steeply into Pacaymayo, our campsite for the night with one of the best views in the Andes.

Accommodation: Luxury camping on the Inca Trail
Meals: All meals provided by our cooks
Walking: 11km (6.8 miles)
Min. Altitude: 3,100m (10,170ft)
Max. Altitude: 4,200m (13,780ft)
Altitude of camp: 3,600m (11,810ft)

Today’s hike takes us through some of the most stunning scenery in Peru, with cloud forest, orchids, hummingbirds and mountains on all sides, and to three gorgeous little ruins – Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Wiñaywayna, next to the evening’s campsite. Along the way, we cross the watershed of the Andes. This is one of the finest days trekking in the world.

Accommodation: Luxury camping on the Inca Trail
Meals: All meals provided by our cooks
Walking: 12km (7.5 miles)
Min. Altitude: 2,670m (8,760ft)
Max. Altitude: 3,900m (12,800ft)
Altitude of camp: 2,670m (8,760ft)

We’ll be up super-early to hike (aeound 1.5 hours) to the Sun Gate in time for sunrise. Then your guide will show you around Machu Picchu’s main citadel, as well as our favourite hidden nooks and crannies, before the day’s tourist hordes arrive.

After a gourmet lunch overlooking the ruins, we’ll board the famed Hiram Bingham train. Modelled on the luxury Pullman trains of the 1920s, with dining car, observatory car, live music and a gourmet dinner, the Hiram Bingham is the perfect way to arrive to Cusco in style!

Accommodation: Casa Cartagena, Cusco
Meals: Breakfast by our cooks, lunch at Sanctuary Lodge, dinner on the Hiram Bingham Train

Cusco is the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas. It’s also beautiful, fascinating, and bursting at the seams with things to see and do: churches and temples, colonial architecture, stunning streetscapes, great cafés, mountain views, museums, musicians, markets, and some of the most spectacular Inca sites.

By this stage of the trip, your guide will be familiar with your interests and will be there with you to help you make the best of your time in this amazing town.

Accommodation: Casa Cartagena, Cusco
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a peña (local restaurant with traditional food and dance), dinner at Cicciolina (Katy’s favorite restaurant in the world!)

Whatever your onwards arrangements, we’ll get you where you need to be. Thank you for traveling with us and we hope to see you again, in Peru or one of our other destinations!

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel