Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip with Inca Trail Trek | Season 2025/2026
Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip with Inca Trail Trek | Season 2025/2026
Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip with Inca Trail Trek | Season 2025/2026
11 Days Starting in Lima and ending in Cuzco
Visiting: Lima, Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina, Nazca Lines, Overnight Coach to Arequipa, Arequipa, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LMTK20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Hiking to Machu Picchu? Of course, you’ll do that. But get ready for so much more. Over 11 days, you’ll ride a buggy on red sand dunes, meet the locals at Lake Titicaca & tour a Pisco vineyard. Plus, you’ll see 500 sq km of desert artwork, from a plane(!) and even taste delicious Peruvian food along the way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Selina Miraflores (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Selina Miraflores (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2: Lima > Paracas National Reserve > Huacachina
Location: Lima, Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina
Accommodation: Hotel Curasi (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Hotel Curasi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3: Huacachina > Nazca Lines > Overnight Coach To Arequipa
Location: Huacachina, Nazca Lines, Overnight Coach to Arequipa
Accommodation: Overnight Coach
Accommodation Name: Overnight Coach
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
Day 4: Overnight Coach To Arequipa > Arequipa
Location: Overnight Coach to Arequipa, Arequipa
Accommodation: Selina Arequipa (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Selina Arequipa (or similar)
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.
Day 5: Arequipa > Puno
Location: Arequipa, Puno
Accommodation: Lake Titicaca Homestay (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Lake Titicaca Homestay (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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…
Day 6: Puno > Lake Titicaca > Puno
Location: Puno, Lake Titicaca, Puno
Accommodation: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
Day 7: Puno > Cusco
Location: Puno, Cusco
Accommodation: Selina Saphi (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Selina Saphi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Cusco > Ollantaytambo > Aguas Calientes
Location: Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes
Accommodation: Andino Macchu Picchu (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Andino Macchu Picchu (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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...
Day 9: Aguas Calientes > Machu Picchu > Cusco
Location: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco
Accommodation: Selina Saphi (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Selina Saphi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Selina Saphi (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Selina Saphi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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!
Day 11: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
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…
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.