Peru has a way of getting under your skin. The scale of it. The altitude. The silence at the top of a pass when you realise you just did something you weren’t sure you could do.

This 14-day group adventure starts in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and takes you deep into the Andes - through the Sacred Valley, remote mountain villages, the Lares Trek and the iconic Inca Trail - finishing at Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. It is, by any measure, one of the world’s great adventure journeys.

This trip is for anyone who is ready for it. The trekking is real - we summit passes at 4,200m and 4,500m and the days on trail are long and physically demanding. Fitness is a genuine requirement, not a formality. But if you’ve prepared your body, you’re willing to push through discomfort and you genuinely want to be there - this is absolutely within your reach. The guides, the group and the pace are all there to support you.

What makes this trip different:

The Lares Trek - not the Inca Trail crowds.

You’ll trek through remote Andean villages and high-altitude passes where you’ll encounter almost no other tourists. This is the Peru most visitors never see.

Every logistical detail handled.

Tips, guides, mules, camping gear, most meals, transport between destinations - all included. You just have to show up ready to move.

Small group, real connection.

With just 10-12 people, this isn’t a tour bus experience. You’ll finish the trip with friends you’ll have for life.

An earned Machu Picchu moment.

You won’t arrive by bus. You’ll walk in through the Sun Gate after the day on the trail - and that first view will mean something completely different because of it.

Rainbow Mountain at 5,200m.

One of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes, reached on foot. Layers of colour rippling across the Andes like nothing else on earth.

Cultural immersion, not just sightseeing.

Cook Peruvian food with locals, visit alpaca sanctuaries, explore salt mines still harvested using pre-Incan methods and spend time in communities rarely touched by tourism.

Beyond the trekking, you’ll soak in volcanic hot springs after three days on trail, wander colonial cobblestone streets, sleep under Andean skies and stand at 5,200m on Rainbow Mountain watching colours streak across the landscape like nothing you’ve ever seen.

You’ll come home with tired legs, a full heart, new friends and the unshakeable knowledge that you did something extraordinary.

This trip is limited to 10–12 people - and that small group size is deliberate. It’s what makes the experience feel personal rather than like a tour. But it also means spots are finite.

There’s another reason not to wait: the Lares Trek and Inca Trail require permits that our local guides apply for on your behalf. Permit numbers are strictly limited and allocated well in advance - the sooner we have confirmed numbers, the sooner we can secure yours. Once they’re gone, there’s no workaround.

Bookings close September 30, 2026. If Peru has been on your list, this is the moment to stop thinking about it and actually do it. Secure your spot with a deposit and let’s get your permit locked in.

Arrive in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, set high in the Andes. Make our way by Uber or private transfer (at own expense). Take in the cobblestone streets, colourful textiles and vibrant energy of this iconic mountain city. This evening, gather with our fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

A gentle day to adjust to Cusco’s altitude (3,400m above sea level) and take in the atmosphere. In the afternoon, join a hands-on Peruvian cooking class where we’ll prepare and taste local dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. Later, meet our trek guide to go over the itinerary, gear check and what to expect for the days ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco 

Begin our Sacred Valley exploration with a visit to Manos de la Comunidad, a llama and alpaca sanctuary where we’ll learn about Andean weaving traditions. Next, explore the dramatic Pisac ruins perched above the valley and stroll through the lively artisan market in town. After lunch in Urubamba, visit the Salt Mines of Maras, where pre-Incan salt is still harvested today.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Urubamba

Our trek begins! Drive to Huaran to meet our horsemen and trekking crew. Today’s route takes us through lush valleys and alongside rivers as you gradually ascend toward the remote village of Cancha Cancha (3,900m). Disconnect from modern life as we enter a community untouched by roads and only recently connected to electricity.
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camping at Cancha Cancha 

After a nourishing breakfast, begin a challenging but awe-inspiring ascent to Pachacutec Pass (4,500m) - the highest point of our trek. Expect panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, grazing alpacas, glacial lakes and sweeping valleys. Descend to the serene lakeside campsite near Quiswarani (3,700m), where the setting sun casts golden light over the waterfalls and mountains.
Hike Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camping at Quiswarani

Today is packed with diverse beauty. Hike over Willqaqasa Pass (4,200m) and admire the reflections of the Colquecruz and Pitusiray Mountains in glacial lakes below. Descend into the vibrant valley toward Cuncani, where our vehicle awaits. After a hearty lunch and farewells to our trekking team, soak in the volcanic Lares Hot Springs - pure bliss for tired muscles. Continue by road to Ollantaytambo for a well-deserved night in a hotel.
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo

Explore the fascinating Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo - a site rich in history and awe-inspiring engineering. Climb the ancient terraces to visit the Sun Temple and take in sweeping views of the Sacred Valley below. After our guided tour, spend time browsing the colourful local markets, where vibrant textiles, handmade crafts and traditional souvenirs offer a beautiful connection to the Andean culture. The afternoon is ours to relax, explore at our own pace, or enjoy a quiet coffee in a sunlit courtyard as we reflect on our trek and recharge for the next phase of our journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo 

Board the train to Km 104 and begin a once-in-a-lifetime trek along the Inca Trail. Walk past cloud forests, waterfalls and ancient ruins like Wiñay Wayna (2,600m), hidden in the jungle. As you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu unfolds before you - a truly emotional and unforgettable moment. Descend into Aguas Calientes for dinner and a restful night.
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Take a breather in this charming mountain town. Choose to sleep in, explore the markets, enjoy a massage, or visit the Butterfly Farm. This is our day to reflect, rest and soak up the magic of our journey so far.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Return to Machu Picchu for a guided exploration of this wonder of the world. Learn about the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana and Incan engineering marvels. Afterward, take the hike to Huayna Picchu for jaw-dropping views (note: steep). Spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing before another cosy night in town.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Take the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo and begin our return to Cusco with stops along the way. Visit Moray’s mysterious agricultural terraces - an ancient Incan lab - and enjoy lunch in Maras. End the day in Chinchero, a village known for vibrant textiles and traditional weaving practices, before arriving back in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco 

This is our final day in Cusco to explore at our own pace. Visit museums, sip coca tea in the plaza, hunt for handcrafted souvenirs, or pamper ourselves with a massage. The city is full of stories - take time to enjoy it.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco 

An early start takes us deep into the Andes to the trailhead (4,450m) for Rainbow Mountain. Ride horses or hike through high-altitude red valleys and open plains, with Ausangate Mountain watching over us. Finally, arrive at the stunning Vinicunca (5,200m) - its layers of colours rippling like painted waves. Return to Cusco inspired and energised.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco 

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the incredible people we’ve shared this life-changing journey with. Private transfers or Uber to the airport can be arranged at one's own expense. Leave with stories, strength, new friends and a heart full of Andes magic.
Meals: Breakfast