Lima to Cusco

Hola, welcome to Lima! You’ll meet your crew this evening in this beautiful city packed with rich cultural heritage. Then we’ll get to know each other over a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

It’s been short ‘n’ sweet, Lima. But we’ve got no time to waste! After breakfast, we’ll hit the road on public transport and 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. It’s not everyday you get to 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. 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.

Wakey Wakey. Say goodbye to this desert oasis cuz we're jumping on the Peru Hop network — our public transport coach to the next desert wonder. 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 a tower. Settle in with your crew for a smooth ride to Arequipa. Get ready for more unreal desert and mountain views along the way.

Morning, travellers. We'll ditch the overnight coach and make our way to the hotel in this 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. Next: check in, freshen up and spend the day exploring this wonderful city on our own.

Today is all yours. Wander the white-stone streets, post up in a sunny plaza cafe, or head out to explore viewpoints and markets at your own pace. Slow it down or pack it in, you do you.

Arequipa, you were awesome. But it's time to roll. This morning, we’ll jump back on the Peru Hop coach, cruising from white-stone streets and Misti views into big-sky altiplano territory. Think Lagunillas lagoons, roaming vicuñas, wide-open plains and Lake Titicaca’s basin in the distance — with plenty of photo stops baked in. Feeling the altitude? Yep. Welcome to Cusco! Tonight, the city’s yours to explore and grab dinner with the crew. Tomorrow? We dive all the way in.

Another day, another incredible Latin American destination to uncover; today it's sun up 'til sun down in Cusco. We’ll kick things off with a city tour, then the afternoon’s yours. Shop for artisan jewellery and woodwork, wander San Pedro Market with cacao nibs in hand and coca tea on the go. Feeling adventurous? Sign up for a mountain biking experience and explore the epic scenery just beyond the city.

Rise and shine! Want to see the unreal colours of Rainbow Mountain? Opt in for an early hike and earn those views. More of a slow morning person? Take your time exploring the city instead, or opt for a massage or an interactive dining experience where you’ll dish up some Peruvian classics yourself.

Catch ya later, Cusco. Today we’ll head for the Sacred Valley on our private coach. But first, a proper Andean culture stop. We’ll meet llamas, alpacas and vicuñas up close, learn the ancient Incan art of weaving from talented local artisans, and even try our hand at the traditional game of Sapo. Keep your eyes on the landscapes too for terraced hillsides and local village life rolling by. And just like that, we’ve made it to the Sacred Valley. Rest up in your lodge for the night.

Ready for the Inca Trail? We’ll leave early and head towards KM 82, fuel up with breakfast en route, and meet our trekking crew — porters, chefs, guides (you know, the real MVPs).  We’ll kick off at KM 82 and ease into the trail, giving our legs (and lungs) time to adjust. Expect glacier views of La Verónica, a stop by Inca ruins, and that first “we’re really doing this” moment. After lunch, we’ll trek on to our Ayapata campsite, settle in with hot tea, and swap stories over dinner under big Andean skies.

Big trek day, folks! Kicking off with tea and brekkie, we'll head out at the trail early to make the most of the day. Today, we're covering 16km in around 10 hours. First, a 4-hour climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m), the highest point of the route, with unbelievale, panoramic Andean views waiting at the top. Then we'll descend into the Pacaymayu Valley for lunch, then climb again to the circular Runkurakay ruins and Runkurakay Pass where you’ll take part in a Pachamama offering to connect with Mother Earth. Next, we'll continue down to the mysterious Sayaqmarka ruins and finishing at Chaquiqocha campsite (3,600m) for a mountain dinner and a sky full of Inca constellations.

Wake up to warm coca leaf tea in your tent. Fuel up with breakfast, then set off early for a seriously scenic day. You’ll trek 10km in around 5 hours (don't worry, the toughest climbs are behind you). Starting with a 1.5-hour hike through lush jungle paths, you’ll catch contrasting views of snow-capped Salkantay against the green cloud forest. Next, arrive at Phuyupatamarka (3,650m), the “City Above the Clouds,” for sweeping views over the Sacred Valley, then descend down ancient Inca steps to the agricultural terraces of Intipata. And finally - you'll reach our campsite near Wiñay Wayna (AKA forever young). After lunch, it's time explore this spiritual site for a closer look at Inca life before sitting down for a small celebration dinner to thank your epic team of guides, porters, and cooks.

Final push, folks. Are you ready? We'll kick off our 5km trek before dawn, including a short 1-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to catch sunrise over Machu Picchu (and your first unreal view of the Lost City of the Incas). Once you’re in, we'll head in for a 2-hour guided tour through the iconic temples and plazas. Later, we'll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Then, hop on the train back to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer to Cusco with a hostel drop-off in the evening. Take a moment. Take it in. You've just seen one the world's most epic ancient wonders IRL.

Aaaand, that's it. 14 unforgettable days of exploring South America has come to an end. Take those group pics and leave with memories you'll be talking about for decades.