Walk Peru's Inca Trail & Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

Our trip starts today in Lima, Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, you can easily escape the busy traffic of the city for a little calm on nearby coastal walking paths.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 2pm for a welcome meeting, followed by the option to go out for lunch. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Lima at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) which is approximately a 45-minute drive from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take an independent stroll along the coastal path to Miraflores and through the bohemian district of Barranco. Alternatively, you could visit the Larco Museum for an introduction to Peru's ancient history. The city is also gaining a reputation as a culinary centre, so why not try some ceviche (fish marinated in citrus juices) or sip on a Pisco sour? Stay: Jose Antonio Lima Executive (Comfortable)

We'll explore the two sides of Lima today, as we dive into both the modern and the historic. We first drive into the UNESCO World Heritage old centre for a walking tour, discovering 16th and 17th-century architecture at the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the Archibishop's Palace and the Plaza San Martin. We'll see the final resting place of three Peruvian saints (including the continent's first black saint - San Martin de Porres) at the magnificent Convent of Santo Domingo, a sprawling pink complex lined with Baroque tiling. On departing the historic centre, we'll return to Miraflores, the heart of modern Lima, and enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean from the iconic Parque del Amor.

In the afternoon, we'll head to artistic Barranco for a walking tour. This neighbourhood has a reputation for creativity, with some of the best street art in the city. As well as beautiful Gothic architecture and a seafront walk, where we'll arrive at the Bridge of Sighs, we'll visit the workshop of Victor Delfin (a renowned Peruvian artist), which will give you a sense of Barranco's bohemian beginnings (note that the artist isn't always in residence). During our walk, we'll take in the district's many street art murals, enjoy a Peruvian coffee at a speciality coffee and chocolate shop.

Today's two leisurely city walks will take approximately 2 hours and 2.5 hours respectively with stops, covering a total distance of 4.5 kilometres / 3 miles. Stay: Jose Antonio Lima Executive (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we fly to Juliaca and take a short drive to our hotel in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at an elevation of 3,860 metres/12,664 feet, and also the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilisation. The local Aymara, Quechua and Uros people have adapted to high-altitude living over the centuries and have larger lungs, hearts and spleens than the average person, and blood that is particularly rich in red corpuscles.

We'll take a light walking tour of Puno today, aimed at acclimatising us to the altitude. We'll discover some of the architecture in the old town, including the gothic San Juan church and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of Puno. We'll also visit the baroque-style basilica, as well as taking in the views of the seemingly endless Lake Titicaca, up on Huajsapata Hill. Here we'll find an enormous statue of Manco Capac, founder of the Inca Empire, watching over the lake. During our tour, we'll also visit the Laykakota Market, popularly known as the Mercado de Brujas (Witches Market), known for being a key supplier of items that the local indigenous population use for their ancestral rituals. Stay: Hotel Hacienda Puno (Comfortable) (B)

Today we'll take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to explore the floating reed islands, home to the Uros people who live on the lake itself. Their islands are made from totora, a reedlike papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in most aspects of their life, including the construction of their boats and homes. We'll then continue to the less visited island of Taquile which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca heritage and the islanders still speak the language of the Inca - Runa Simi or Quechua.

In the late afternoon, we'll take a boat back to Puno and our hotel. Stay: Hotel Hacienda Puno (Comfortable) (B)

Today we'll follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler, Manco Capac, on his way to find Cusco, passing through a landscape that is both desolate and magnificent, where flocks of llamas and alpacas graze amongst the windswept meadows. Rising early, we'll head to the public bus terminal where our coach awaits us. During the ten-hour bus trip, we'll make several stops including at the small market town of La Raya, and the Inca ruin of the Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi. Traversing the northern extremes of the Altiplano, we'll cross the La Raya pass (4,321 metres/14,177 feet) and the continental divide, before beginning the descent towards Cusco along the Rio Vilcanota. We'll arrive into the city in the late afternoon and check into our hotel.

Today's total driving time is approximately seven hours.

There is also the possibility today to take the classic rail journey from Puno to Cusco (optional). One of the great railway journeys of the world, this full day trip covers some spectacular scenery over the high altiplano. It includes a meal aboard the train, with the chance to try some local delicacies, make use of the outside viewing platform and enjoy some local entertainment before arriving into Cusco.

Please note that rail strikes are common in Peru and so there is the possibility that the train may not always be running. In the event that you have chosen the optional train ride and it is not operating, then we will make the journey from Puno to Cusco by bus, with the rest of the group. Refunds for trains cancelled due to strike action is at the rail company's discretion. Stay: Jose Antonio Hotel -Cusco (Comfortable) (B/L)

This morning, we'll take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress that's still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail, we'll head down to the colonial neighbourhood of San Cristobal, where the plaza gives us a sweeping view over the city's rooftops. Navigating the narrow streets of the old city, we'll reach the aqueduct of Sapantiana, a hidden engineering marvel only known by locals. This aqueduct directs us to arty San Blas, where coffee shops converge with traditional artisan's workshops, we'll explore the cobbled calles, venturing inside the studios to marvel at the local craftsmanship.

Entering the main Plaza de Armas of Cusco, the focal point of the city, we're welcomed by the baristas of Three Monkeys Coffee who serve us the finest Peruvian beans. Then, once revived, we'll continue walking, gazing upon the Qoricancha complex, once the Inca's most sacred site dedicated to the Sun God. Our final destination is Mercado de Wanchaq, a local hot spot jammed with rows of colourful stalls and filled with the aromas of seasonal fruit. Slurping freshly pressed juice, we'll watch the sellers hawking their wares before returning to the hotel. The walking tour is approximately 4 kilometres/2.5 miles and is expected to take around four to five hours.

The afternoon is free to rest and acclimatise, you might like to visit one of Cusco's museums. Stay: Jose Antonio Hotel -Cusco (Comfortable) (B)

We'll be picked up from the hotel in Cusco early this morning, around 6am, and drive south for three-and-a-half hours to the village of Palccoyo (4,200 metres/13,780 feet). The Palccoyo trek is a quieter alternative to the famous Rainbow Mountain trek - while travelling through exactly the same iconic, colourful mountain range, this shorter trail benefits from fewer crowds. Walking in the Vilcanota Mountain Range of the Andes, we'll slowly and gradually ascend to the top of the red mountains, passing llamas and alpacas en route. After walking for approximately one hour, we'll reach the Palccoyo, Montaña Colorada at 4,980 metres/16,339 feet. Here, you can admire the unique landscape of multi-coloured layered mountains. We'll descend along the same route and board our bus back to Cusco.

Today's moderate 6-kilometre/3.7-mile walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with an ascent and descent of 180 metres/590 feet, following a path with is uneven underfoot in places. Stay: Jose Antonio Hotel -Cusco (Comfortable) (B/L)

This morning, we'll leave the city of Cusco behind and drive to Ollantaytambo, an original Inca town.

We'll stop at Piuray Lake in the mountains near Chinchero for a Peruvian picnic prepared with ingredients from local farmers. After lunch, you could take a walk around the lakeshore.

On arrival into Ollantaytambo, we'll have a short walking tour, visiting a traditional house and getting our first view of Inca terracing. Stay: Hotel Tikawasi Valley (Comfortable) (B/L)

Once the Inca Trail permits sell out, we organise our hikes to Machu Picchu along the Quarry Trail, with a fully licenced and experienced trekking guide and the usual crew of porters. We'll let you know prior to booking which permits are available, and the itinerary for the next four days depends on which trek you are doing.

Inca Trail

This morning we'll drive to Ollantaytambo, an original Inca town. Here, we'll have a short walking tour to stretch our legs, visiting a traditional house and our first view of Inca terracing. We'll continue by bus for another hour to reach KM82, the starting point for the classic Inca Trail, with an altitude of 2,600 metres/8,530 feet. The trail was first explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970. The famous ruins of Machu Picchu are not the only historical remains within the area: many other interesting sites are hidden in places which can only be reached on foot and have scarcely been explored.

We'll meet our porters and support staff and begin our trek after lunch. The route crosses the Urubamba River, following a wide dirt trail alongside the riverbank. The undulating path takes us into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Llaqtapata (2,700 metres/8,859 feet). Here we'll camp opposite the ruins of Llaqtapata a spectacular spot with amazing night skies. There are no permanent facilities here but the camp crew will set up a toilet tent for the group to use.

Today's moderate 8-kilometre/5-mile walk on the Inca Trail is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with an ascent of 100 metres/328 feet.

Quarry Trail

This morning, we'll drive to Rafq'a, the starting point for the Quarry Trek, with an altitude of 2,800 metres/9,186 feet. Here, we'll meet our porters and support staff. After walking for an hour, we'll reach the small remote community of Socma, from where we'll take a trail to the viewpoint of the Perolniyoc waterfall. The path continues towards the camp, located at 3,600 meters/11,811 feet above sea level. We'll arrive in time for lunch and the afternoon is free to rest and explore the archaeological site of Q'orimarca, which once served as a control point for the Incas.

This moderate 9-kilometre/5.6-mile walk on the Quarry Trail is expected to take around five hours with an ascent of 800 metres/2,625 feet. Stay: Campsite (Simple) (B/L/D)

Inca Trail

After a hearty breakfast, we'll cross the river to visit the Llaqtapata Inca ruins before continuing with the trek. Today, we'll follow the course of the Kusichaca River past small communities, crossing it to reach Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca origins and the last settlement on the route. After lunch, we gradually ascend through the start of the cloud forest to Llulluchapampa (3,800 metres/12,468 feet) which affords stunning views of the snowy peaks of Veronica (5,750 metres/18,866 feet). Here we'll set up camp for the night; there is a well-maintained facilities block with flushing toilets and sinks at this site.

Today's moderate 10-kilometre/6.2-mile walk on the Inca Trail is expected to take around six hours with 1,080 metres/3,543 feet of ascent.

Quarry Trail

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. After three hours of trekking, we'll reach the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (4,370 metres/14,338 feet), with spectacular views of snowy mountains on one side, and the Sacred Valley on the other. From here, we'll descend for half an hour to the lunch spot.

In the afternoon, we'll arrive at Kuychicasa, the highest pass of the trek (4,450 metres/14,600 feet). Continuing, we'll visit the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku or "Puerta del Sol" (Gate of the Sun), where we can see the Veronica Mountain and the Sacred Valley of the Incas in all its splendour. Tonight's campsite is Choquetacarpo camp (3,600 metres/11,812 feet).

This challenging 15-kilometre/9.3-mile walk on the Quarry Trail is expected to take around nine hours with an ascent of 850 metres/2,789 feet. Stay: Campsite (Simple) (B/L/D)

Inca Trail

Today we'll have an earlier start as we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's) Pass to 4,200 metres/13,780 feet. The two-hour ascent is one of the more challenging sections of the trek, we'll take it slow and steady with many stops to admire the view and sunrise. After a rest and photo opportunity, we'll descend along a stepped path to the valley of the Pacamayo River with its tropical vegetation. Here we'll break for brunch before beginning the ascent (mainly on steps) to the second pass of the day. We'll visit the ruins of Runkuraqay and then it's the final ascent to cross the Runkuraqay Pass (3,950 metres/12,960 feet).

After the pass, we have a long, gradual descent passing into the start of the main cloud forest to reach the bottom of the valley. The Sayacmarca ruins are visible on a rocky outcrop, they command an imposing view and have only one means of access, a narrow granite stairway. We'll cross the valley to reach the Sayacmarca campsite for a late lunch. From here, the trail goes through a cloud forest with vines, exotic flowers and trees, with views of the snowcapped peaks of Salkantay. We'll walk through an Inca tunnel and along a ridge above the Urubamba River to our campsite above the Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,579 metres/11,743 feet). The campsite has amazing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and down the valley towards Machu Picchu Mountain. There's a toilet block but it's not kept in the best condition so the camp crew will set up a toilet tent for the group to use.

Today's challenging 15-kilometre/9.3-mile walk on the Inca Trail is expected to take around eight hours with 1,000 metres/3,281 feet of ascent and 630 metres/2,067 feet of descent.

Quarry Trail

Today's walk is mainly downhill, our first stop will be Cachicata, the Inca quarry, where it's said that the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish conquerors and so the quarry was subsequently never finished. Here we can observe the Inca stone works before continuing our descent for three hours to reach Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is an original Inca town, we'll have lunch and take a short walking tour to visit a traditional house and view the Inca terracing. The rest of the day is free ahead of an early start tomorrow, we'll stay in a hotel here tonight. There's an optional excursion to visit a traditional Peruvian farm near Ollantaytambo this afternoon, learning about artisanal distillation methods and coffee production and enjoying a delicious Pachamanca lunch (stew baked underground).

This moderate 5-kilometre/3.1-mile walk on the Quarry Trail is expected to take around four hours with a descent of 1,500 metres/4,922 feet. Stay: Campsite or Hotel (Simple) (B/L/D)

Inca Trail

Today is our final day walking along the Inca Trail. We'll say thanks and goodbye to our porters and begin our trek into Machu Picchu. We'll pass the Phuyupatamarca ruins and spend the majority of the morning going down following stone paths and stairways, 80% of which are original Inca architecture. Coming out of the cloud forest we're greeted by spectacular views down the valley, then, walking through the impressive Inca terraces at Intipata, we'll reach our lunch stop at Winay-Wayna (2,591 metres/8,501 feet). Those who wish can visit the ruins here, this Inca site is built into the steep hillside and like Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons.

Winding our way along the edge of the mountain, we'll follow a wide path adorned with wildflowers and orchids to take the final steps up to reach Inti Punku - the Gate of the Sun. Passing through we'll get a sudden and fantastic view of the Lost City itself, Machu Picchu, set in a grandiose landscape. We'll walk through the site and then take the public bus down the mountainside to our hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, situated on the valley floor below Machu Picchu.

Today's moderate 14-kilometre/8.7-mile walk on the Inca Trail is expected to take around six hours with 1,000 metres/3,281 feet of descent.

Quarry Trail

This morning is our final day of trekking, and we'll join the Inca Trail. We'll drive to Ollantaytambo train station and board the train towards KM104, where we'll begin our trek crossing the River Vilcanota, following the Inca Trail through woodland ascending to the magnificent ruins of Winay-Wayna (2,591 metres/8,501 feet) where you'll be reunited with the group. From Winay-Wayna the route is the same as above, trekking through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu.

This moderate 12-kilometre/7.5-mile walk from KM104 is expected to take around six hours with an ascent and descent of 500 metres/1,641 feet.

We'll be reunited with the rest of the group and enjoy a celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes tonight. Stay: El Mapi Hotel (Premium) (B/L)

Our final morning in the mountains is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. We'll have a guided tour with our tour leader before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

Before your guided tour, it's possible to get up early and climb (unguided) the steep peaks of either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain from where you can look down on the citadel (it is not possible to do both hikes due to time constraints). Machu Picchu Mountain is a 700-metre/2,297-foot climb from the top of the citadel. There are cobbled stairs all the way up with a few eye-opening drops in some parts, but predominantly very enclosed and with a fairly steady, but not too strenuous, gradient. The round-trip takes about two-and-a-half to three hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is only 350 metres/1,148 feet, half the size of Machu Picchu Mountain, but much steeper. There are many more sheer drops, and it's not suitable for someone with a fear of heights. For those who fancy doing the two-hour climb, you'll be rewarded with world-class views of Machu Picchu and the feeling that you're standing on a precipice at the top of the world.

These climbs must be pre-paid at the time of booking. If you change your passport between the time you book and your travel, please take your original passport with you. Those doing one of the optional climbs will take the first bus up to Machu Picchu to begin the climb, after which you'll exit the site and meet up with the rest of the group to take the guided tour.

In the afternoon, we'll get the train to Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and then return to the historic town of Cusco by bus. Stay: Jose Antonio Hotel -Cusco (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cusco.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Cusco at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which is around a 15-minute drive.

Depending on the schedule of your flights, you may have some additional time to visit a museum or do some souvenir shopping in the winding streets and alleys of the city.

If you are travelling onto the Amazon, you will be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport this morning for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. (B)