South America Travel Guide - Inca Trip Itinarary

Bolivia and Peru Trip Itinarary

Day 1 - Lima
Travel to Lima, Peru.

Day 2 - Cusco
Take an early morning flight to Cusco where you'll tour the ancient Inca Ruins, including the Temples of the Sun and the Moon, the Sacayhuaman, and the Plaza de Armas.

Day 3 - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Depart early from Cusco and take a tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Then go to Pisac for the famous handicrafts market. That afternoon you'll see the famous ruins at Ollantaytambo where one of the last great battles between the Incas and the Spaniards occurred.

Day 4 - Inca Trail
Take an early morning bus ride to Chilca where you'll cross the Urubamba River and start the hike on the Inca Trail, the trail that ultimately leads you to the majestic Machu Picchu ruins.

Day 5 - Inca Trail
Continue on the Inca Trail as you pass beautiful view and historic sites. Camp that evening at Llulluchapampa.

Day 6 - Inca Trail
Cross the Warmiwaynusca, (Dead Woman's Pass), which is the highest point along the Trail at 13,700 feet. That afternoon visit the ruins at Sayacmarca. Continue on through Inca Tunnels to Phuyupatamarca where you'll set up camp for the night.

Day 7 - Inca Trail
See the breathtaking views of the highest mountains on the trail, the Nevado Salkantay, which rise 21,000 ft. Continuing on the trail you'll get a chance to see the ruins at Winay Wayna and the ceremonial baths at Phuyupatamarca ruins. That afternoon you'll stop at the Inti Punku, (Sun Gate), and enjoy the first glimpse of the Machu Picchu ruins. Arrive in Machu Picchu and spend the rest of the day exploring.

Day 8 - Machu Picchu
Today you'll get a chance to take a morning guided tour of the ancient ruins. Afterwards spend the afternoon hiking at Machu Picchu where you can hike to the to top of the Huayna Picchu Mountain. It is an amazing site, with a stone trail leading to the summit and an intricate maze of terraces and temples awaiting you at the top. In the evening, return to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 9 - Cuzco to Puno
Transfer to the railway station and board the trans-altiplano Inca express. Often referred to as the "Orient Express" of Peru, enjoy lunch in luxury as you view the crisp scenery of the altiplano. A stop will be made at La Raya Pass, the highest point at 14,000 feet to view one of the great watersheds of South America. Upon arrival to Puno you will then transfer to the 5 star Libertador Hotel, which is situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 10 - Lake Titicaca
After breakfast, kayak on an enormous Lake Titicaca that sits at 12,500 feet and is flanked by beautiful views of the surrounding forest-covered hills and mountains. You will also get a chance to see village life as you pass by the shores of the Isla Taquile. Other highlights include a visit to the floating islands of Uros, which are constructed from reeds that grow around the lake.

Day 11 - La Paz
Enjoy the scenic drive around Lake Titicaca and through the altiplano to La Paz, Bolivia. Upon arrival you'll see the highlights of this modern city, which is a very exciting place to explore on foot. Experience the many museums and historic architecture, which reflect the indigenous and mestizo heritage of modern Bolivia.

Day 12 - La Paz
Further explore the city at your own pace, such as the Iglesia de San Francisco and the famous Mercado de Hechiceria (Witches' Market). You also have the option to take an excursion to the Tiahuanaco ruins close by, which is the cradle of Inca civilization, or visit Chacaltaya, the world's highest ski resort.

Day 13 - Lima
After breakfast, transfer to airport for a short flight to Lima. Take the day to explore the Miraflores neighborhood where there are great shops and restaurants. Make sure to check out the Gold Museum and see their exhibition of Inca artifacts, including ancient mummies. That evening transfer to the airport for your departure home.