Peru Essentials (18 destinations)

Explore this South American hotspot on an in-depth 21-day adventure. Setting off in the cultural capital of Lima, you’ll explore the mysterious desert drawings of Nazca, watch condors soaring the skies of Colca Canyon, and wander ancient temples, plazas and markets in Cusco. Then trek the legendary Inca Trail, visit the breathtaking Machu Picchu and get a feel for local life at a homestay on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Wrap up in the Bolivian city of La Paz and consider extending your stay to uncover a world of curative traditions in the Witches’ Market or take in the views from the urban cable car.This trip involves a lot of travel on local buses, including some long trips and an overnight bus. Bus travel can be tiring, but it’s also a great opportunity to relax, mingle with the locals and take in the scenery., There will be a lot of hiking and walking on this trip – especially if you choose the Inca Trail option – so you’ll need at least a moderate level of fitness. There are a few different trail options to suit your interests and physical capabilities. Please bring durable footwear suitable to hiking. See the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip information for more details., You’ll be staying in some very basic group accommodation with shared facilities, especially along the Inca Trail and on Lake Titicaca (where there are drop toilets and no showers). This is all part of the adventure., This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip information for more details., According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations all visitors to Machu Picchu must follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. We will do all that is possible to get everyone traveling in a group on the same route, but be aware that it is possible that members of the same group might be visiting Machu Picchu on a different circuit and not be together during this visit. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted., Travellers who choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), will not follow the same routes within Machu Picchu. This means that you may not be able to have photos together, overlooking Machu Picchu. This applies to travellers on the same booking or separate bookings., Inca trail permits are limited and it's important to book well in advance, read more about it here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/inca-trail-permit/