Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip

Lima

Hola, welcome to Lima! Hope you’re ready for the 11 epic days that lie ahead of us. You’ll meet your crew this evening in this beautiful city that’s teeming with rich cultural heritage. And following pursuit, we’ll get to know each other over a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, honouring traditional recipes & cooking techniques.

Selina Miraflores (or similar)

• Lima

Lima > Paracas National Reserve > Huacachina

It’s been short ‘n’ sweet, Lima. But we’ve got no time to waste! After breakfast, we’ll drive along the coast towards the rugged cliffs of the Paracas National Reserve.Are. You. Ready? Coastal scenery doesn’t get more stunning than this. We’ll take a tour of Peru's toasty coast, lined with rocky cliffs and bright blue waves. Oh, and if witnessing sea lions, penguins (and possibly even dolphins!) in their natural habitat sounds interesting to you - don’t miss out on a boat tour of the breathtaking Ballestas islands before we head to the final stop of the day. Legend says you can’t leave Peru without trying Pisco Sour. Luckily, a locally-guided Pisco vineyard tour is on the agenda today. Afterwards, we’ll check into our hostel (located right in the middle of a quaint little desert oasis!). Trust us, the sleep’s gonna hit different tonight.

Hotel Curasi (or similar)

• Lima
• Paracas National Reserve
• Huacachina

Huacachina > Nazca Lines > Overnight Coach to Arequipa

It’s not everyday you get to wake up & ride a buggy (or sandboard down the slopes, if that’s your vibe) over the largest sand dunes in all of South America. You’ll be absolutely awestruck. And that’s absolutely normal. Thought it couldn’t get any better? Well, the Nazca Lines beg to differ. These mysterious yet impressive 2000-year-old sand imprints have blown away the most brilliant minds. And today, you have the chance to view them from either a tower or a plane (we know which one we’d choose…)Get comfy in your coach. And get ready for even more amazing views!

Overnight Coach

• Huacachina
• Nazca Lines
• Overnight Coach to Arequipa

Overnight Coach to Arequipa > Arequipa

Morning, travellers. Our home for tonight is the beautiful 'White City'Welcome to Arequipa! Three majestic volcanoes, the vibrant Santa Catalina Monastery and a guided tour of all the city’s highlights await us. Later this evening, we’ll take to the streets once again for a walkabout dinner and grab a well-deserved feast.

Selina Arequipa (or similar)

• Overnight Coach to Arequipa
• Arequipa

Arequipa > Puno

Time to say goodbye to Arequipa. But not before a quick stop at the Lagunillas Viewpoint. We don’t wanna spoil it for you - but just be prepared for jaw-dropping panoramas (that are 100% going on your Insta feed!). Yet more natural beauty will be dished up this afternoon as we pull into Puno. Spend the evening settling into our cosy hotel. Or head into town for some dance floor action. (Go easy on the piscos though - sitting at an altitude of 3657 metres, the dance floor moves could leave you feeling more breathless than normal). Tomorrow promises to be one to remember as we take to the lake for a taste of ancient Peruvian life…

Lake Titicaca Homestay (or similar)

• Arequipa
• Puno

Puno > Lake Titicaca > Puno

Ready to explore this area in all its multi-coloured glory? We thought so. Jumping in a Triciclo (a three-wheeled bike taxi) we’ll bump our way down to the port and get our first taste of life on the Lake (fun fact – Lake Titicaca is South America’s largest freshwater lake). After a short boat ride, we’ll arrive at Taquile Island. You’ll meet the local weaving groups and stop for lunch. Then, we’ll make our way to the Uros Islands (AKA the floating islands). The island’s made entirely from reeds. So if you feel like you’re walking on water - you kinda are. Here, we’ll hang with locals, visit a fish farm and even explore the local museum. The island community survives by selling textiles and totora reed boats to tourists. So stock up on the one-off souvenirs before we make our way back to Puno.Back to our hotel, we’ll spend tonight looking back on this wonderful day. Good thing more culture and history awaits us tomorrow!

Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)

• Puno
• Lake Titicaca
• Puno

Puno > Cusco

When you think of iconic, you probably don’t think of bulls. But a visit to Pukara’s museum & its archaeological gems will defo change your mind. Then, hitting the road again we’ll journey through the snow-capped surrounds of La Raya, stopping for lunch in the town of Sicuani. Eagle eyes, this is llama country! So. Keep. Those. Cameras. Ready. Aaand our final leg of the day lands us in Cusco, the hub of ancient Incan culture. This place is a feast for the senses. Get ready for an evening of exploration. And maybe even some after dark antics - Cusco style. IYKYK.

Selina Saphi (or similar)

• Puno
• Cusco

Cusco > Ollantaytambo > Aguas Calientes

Morning, Inca trailers! Today’s the day we begin our hike to Machu Picchu. But first, we’ll catch a train with the crew to our starting point - KM104.Aaand now it begins! Get ready for breathtaking views as we hike our way through the hills and cliffs of the Andes. You made it! Enjoy a night with your crew in this beautiful town. And get some well-deserved rest. Cuz tomorrow's the big day...

Andino Macchu Picchu (or similar)

• Cusco
• Ollantaytambo
• Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes > Machu Picchu > Cusco

Excitement levels at an all-time high, the day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here – it’s Machu Picchu time! This is one big old tick off the life goals list, so enjoy every single second of it.Built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the new world. We’ll be treated to a guided tour of the site taking in such wonders as the Temple of the Three Windows and Huayna Picchu (the peak you’ll of seen in every Machu Picchu image ever), and of course you’ll have some alone time to explore the area as only you can do. Take a moment. Take it in. Back on the train to Cusco, we’ll debrief on our once-in-a-lifetime experience before checking back into our hotel for the night.

Selina Saphi (or similar)

• Aguas Calientes
• Machu Picchu
• Cusco

Cusco

Massage or mountains? How about both? You’ve got a free day to spend away - so soothe those travel-tired limbs with a traditional massage. Or hike the breathtakingly colourful Rainbow Mountain. If not, just take a stroll around town to pick up an alpaca sweater or ten (they are super snuggly). It’s the last full day, so better make the most of it!

Selina Saphi (or similar)

• Cusco

Cusco

Oh, Peru. What a treat it has been! Grab your final included meal of this trip, and say your bittersweet goodbyes. Who knows? Another epic adventure (maybe in Asia?) might be right around the corner…

• Cusco