The highlights of southern & northern Peru

Cusco - Sacred Valley

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco!

Upon arriving in Cusco, look out for the friendly face of your private transfer driver, ready to take you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Because of its lower elevation (2,870m or 9,415ft) and peaceful atmosphere, this valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first days in Cusco while you acclimatize to the altitude. This smooth transition via rest will assure that during the following days, you can enjoy your tour without any concerns about altitude sickness.

Ollantaytambo - Maras - Moray

Day 2: Discover the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is the true heartland of Inca culture. Today, you'll visit some of its most notable sites including Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray.

Begin with Ollantaytambo, a village that has not changed much since Inca times. Beside it, you'll find the Ollantantaytambo archaeological site, a place with impressive stonework only seconded by that of Machu Picchu.

Stop for lunch here, and after, drive on to Moray - one of the most unusual Inca sites. Its circular terraces, built upon a natural depression, seem to have been an agricultural experimental station. Finally, end the day's tour at Maras, a salt extraction complex consisting of thousands of small white terraces. This site dates back to long before the Incas even arrived in Cusco.

Machu Picchu

Day 3: Marvel at the majesty of Machu Picchu

Today after breakfast, board the train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu. This train journey allows visitors to admire the changing landscape from green fields and eucalyptus forests to lush jungle, always traveling beside the Urubamba River.

Upon arriving, drop off your luggage at the hotel and take a 25-minute bus up the steep, zigzagging road to Machu Picchu Citadel, located in an impressive mountain setting. Hike up to the Inti Punku lookout point, an amazing spot with panoramic views of Machu Picchu, before taking a guided visit around the main areas of the citadel as most travelers begin to leave, giving you space and freedom to explore.

Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Day 4: Return back to Cusco

This morning, after a long but fun day in Machu Picchu, prepare to make your way back to Cusco, the old Inca Capital.

Stopping en-route in Ollantaytambo, enjoy an exceptional pachamanca, a traditional local dish prepared underground using pre-heated stones and leaves to separate ingredients from the soil. The main components are tubers such as potato, sweet potato, olluco, oca and mashua, as well as beef or lamb flavored with aromatic Andean herbs.

After this special meal, you'll continue onwards to Cusco. Depending on your interests, you could make short stops along the way, or perhaps request recommendations for your afternoon back in the city.

Cusco

Day 5: Explore Cusco's city streets

Strap on your walking shoes, as it is time for a soft stroll around Cusco’s historical center! This walking city tour will take you through the most popular sites in Cusco, such as the Main Square and Koricancha (Temple of the Sun). You'll also walk through lively neighborhoods and local markets to discover the true magic of Cusco. This is the perfect way to get a more authentic feel of this fantastic city and its people. Why not end the day at a local restaurant, indulging in the very best of Andean cuisine?

Cusco - Chachapoyas

Day 6: Journey to Chachapoyas

After a comfortable sleep and delectable breakfast, it's time for your next adventure in Peru. Today's journey to the relatively unexplored region of Amazonas starts in Jaen. Upon arriving at Jaen Airport, you'll be welcomed by your guide and taken on a four-hour journey to your lodge in quiet Chachapoyas.

En-route, you'll be driving along the gorgeous Utcubamba Valley, territory of the ancient Sachapuyu - inhabitants of the cloud forest. Your guide will give you a short briefing, covering all the details of your itinerary and upcoming adventure. The rest of the afternoon will then be free, so you can settle in and relax, exploring your hotel's facilities.

Chachapoyas - Gocta Waterfall - Chachapoyas

Day 7: Bathe in the tranquility of the rainforest

After a delectable breakfast, head to Cocachimba, located about two hours from your hotel. Once there, start a three-hour hike to the famous Gocta Waterfall, one of the highest falls in the world (771m). If you're unable to walk, horse and donkey options are on hand to assist you.

To reach the falls, you'll follow a dirt trail, which crosses through cultivated fields then winds into the cloud forest, home of the yellow‐tailed woolly monkey, mountain sloth, and magnificent Andean cock‐of‐the‐rock.

Those brave enough may want to take a dip in the base pool of the waterfall. Then, after enjoying a packed lunch, begin your return journey to Cocachimba, where transport will be waiting to take you back to Chachapoyas.

Chachapoyas - La Jalca

Day 8: Experience the local way of life

Today's tour will take you along the Utcubamba Valley up to the lively community of La Jalca. This is a picturesque and traditional village in the Amazon region, where you're unlikely to find any other foreigners besides you - a unique opportunity to learn and understand more about the authentic lifestyle of the locals.

Along with your hosts, join a hike around the town to have a look at their interesting buildings and nearby unexplored sites. Immerse yourself in the traditional activities of the community, such as weaving or even working in the fields! By night, you'll dine with your host family before going to bed in your simple but intimate home for the evening.

Kuelap - Chachapoyas

Day 9: Head to Kuelap Fortress

Wake up and join your host for a local breakfast. You'll have some time to enjoy a last chat with your new friends at La Jalca, before heading to Tingo, where your next adventure awaits.

At Tingo, take a cable car ride above the town to Kuelap Fortress, the most accomplished citadel of the Chachapoyas. When ready, you'll start a 1.5km walk towards the main entrance. The combination of careful stonework and scenic natural beauty makes this archaeological site so unique.

The 20m-high walls that surround it, and its commanding location overlooking the valley, demonstrate Kuelap's significance. This stronghold was probably the capital of the Chachapoyas, and it's said that it is here where they made their last stand against the Inca expansion.

After exploring, start your journey back to your hotel in Chachapoyas, to spend your final evening in Peru relaxing.

Chachapoyas - Jaen

Day 10: Say farewell to Peru

After seeing the best of Peru from south to north, it's time to say goodbye. Very early in the morning, head back to Jaen Airport to board your return flight to Lima, where your connecting flight back home awaits. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!