Back in 2018, I travelled through South America and fell head over heels for Peru—its energy, its people, and the sheer diversity of landscapes that seem to change at every turn. From the mystical Andes to the endless dunes and the lush Amazon, Peru left an imprint on me like nowhere else. Ever since, I’ve dreamt of returning—not just to relive it, but to share it. And now, this dream is finally coming true!
Over 12 unforgettable days, we’ll discover the very best of Peru—from the colonial charm of Lima to the wild coast of Paracas and the surreal dunes of Huacachina. We’ll fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, wander through the cobbled streets of Cusco, and explore the Sacred Valley’s ancient Inca sites. The journey continues with a scenic hike to Rainbow Mountain and culminates in the iconic trek to Machu Picchu—an experience that connects you deeply with the land and its history.
This trip is not just for seasoned hikers—it’s designed for anyone with a sense of curiosity and a love for adventure. Expect a blend of culture, comfort, and challenge—all in the heart of one of the most fascinating countries on Earth.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Lima – Afternoon city tour
After a pickup from the airport, we will check into our hotel in the Miraflores tourist district and rest and settle before our afternoon city tour in Lima. Today, we will explore the Historic Centre (Centro Histórico). This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features beautiful colonial architecture, including the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop's Palace. San Francisco Monastery (Monasterio de San Francisco), a centuries-old monastery, is renowned for its catacombs, library, and stunning church.
Day 2: Lima – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Huacachina
Today, we will embark on an unforgettable adventure with our full-day tour from Lima along the stunning coastline to Paracas. First, we'll explore the magnificent Ballestas Islands, known for their rich marine wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and various seabirds. As we cruise through the islands, we’ll be captivated by the breathtaking views and the vibrant ecosystem. Next, we'll head to the picturesque Huacachina Oasis, where we can experience an adrenaline-pumping buggy ride across the sand dunes. Feel the thrill as we navigate the vast desert landscape, followed by an exhilarating sandboarding session. Glide down the golden dunes and enjoy the unique beauty of this stunning oasis. After an action-packed day, we'll spend the night in Paracas, allowing us to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Day 3: Nazca Lines Tour – Return to Lima
We'll begin our adventure with a scenic drive from our hotel to the Pisco Airport. Here, we’ll board an aircraft for a breathtaking overflight of the legendary Nazca Lines. The pilot will serve as our guide, pointing out each of the ancient geoglyphs along the way. From the air, we’ll observe 13 fascinating figures etched into the desert floor, including the Hummingbird,
the Spider, the Monkey, the Whale, the Condor and more. These mysterious designs, created over 1,500 years ago, remain one of Peru’s greatest archaeological enigmas. After landing, we'll enjoy a relaxing lunch before we begin the return journey to Lima, a scenic drive along the Pacific coast.
Day 4: Flight to Cusco- Rest and Acclimatisation
The day will start with a private transport to Lima airport for our flight to Cusco. After a pickup from the airport, we will drive to our hotel, nestled in the heart of this historic city. Here, we can start to unwind and soak in the enchanting atmosphere of Cusco, the gateway to ancient Incan culture. We’ll have the rest of the day to rest and begin the all-important acclimatisation process. Cusco sits at a high altitude, so taking it easy on our first day is essential. A calm first afternoon gives your body the perfect opportunity to adapt comfortably before we start exploring and before heading even higher into the Andes.
Day 5: Super Sacred Valley tour
Today, we will explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley on this full-day tour, visiting the ancient Inca ruins of Pisac with its stunning mountain views and vibrant artisan market, followed by the remarkable fortress of Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town showcasing exceptional stonework. We will discover Moray's unique circular terraces, believed to be an agricultural laboratory, and marvel at the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the hillside. This journey blends history, culture, and breathtaking scenery into an unforgettable experience.
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain Day Hike
The day will start with a very early pickup time from our hotel (around 4:00 - 4:30 am) and a 3h drive to the trailhead, where our local chef will serve a picnic breakfast with amazing views of the Vilcanota Mountain range. After breakfast, we will start the hike to the top of Rainbow Mountain. The walk is challenging due to its high altitude (5,000 m, 16,000 ft), but it's totally worth it once there. The Red Valley is just meters from Rainbow Mountain; we can reach the iron-rich soil landscapes after enjoying it. Then, we will continue to hike down to the trailhead, where our trekking chef will be waiting with a fresh picnic lunch prepared with local products. After the tour, we'll be taken back to our hotel in Cusco.
Day 7: Free day in Cusco - City Tour in the afternoon
Cusco offers plenty of places to explore on your own during your free time. You can visit the Museo Inka and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art to admire fascinating artefacts from ancient civilisations, or stop by the San Francisco Convent to see its famous catacombs and colonial paintings. For great views of the city, head up to San Cristobal Church and the lookout, while those with a sweet tooth can visit the ChocoMuseo to learn about cacao and Peruvian chocolate. If you prefer something more structured, I can also arrange a guided city tour for anyone who would like one.
Today is also the day to prepare and pack for our 4-day trek to Machu Picchu.
Day 8: Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu/Cusco–Humantay Lake–Salka-Glamp Campsite (16 km, 8 hrs)
The Salkantay Trek is named one of the world’s best hikes by National Geographic, blending adventure, comfort, and culture. The route leads over high mountain passes, beside turquoise lakes, and through lush cloud forests on the way to legendary Machu Picchu.
The day begins with a hotel pickup and a scenic drive into the high Andes. Along the way, we’ll stop for a hearty breakfast before reaching the trailhead, where our adventure truly starts. Our hike leads us to the stunning Humantay Lake, a glacier-fed turquoise jewel cradled between dramatic mountain peaks. Keep an eye out for Andean geese—often called the lovebirds of the Andes—and the adorable vizcachas, rabbit-like highland creatures that dart among the rocks.
At the lake, we’ll have time to soak up the breathtaking views of Humantay Mountain and wander along the shoreline before we descend to Soraypampa, where our trekking chef will greet us with a freshly prepared picnic lunch made from local ingredients.
In the afternoon, we continue on a gentle two-hour hike to Salkantaypampa, our campsite for the night. You’ll stay at the exclusive Salka-Glamp Campsite, where cosy glamping tents, warm hospitality, and views of Salkantay Mountain await. Unwind with tea time and a delicious dinner before stepping outside to a sky ablaze with stars—an unforgettable end to your first day on the trail.
Campsite Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
Highest Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
Day 9: SalkaGlamp – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa (18 km, 9 hrs)
Today is the most challenging, yet without doubt, the most spectacular day of the trek. After a hearty mountain breakfast, we begin a steady ascent toward the Salkantay Pass—the highest point of our journey. The climb rewards us with sweeping views of the Salkantay glacier and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. At the summit, we’ll pause to take in the majesty of the Andes and admire the brilliant turquoise lake shimmering at the foot of Salkantay Mountain.
From here, we continue with a gradual descent to Wayracmachay, where our trekking chef will be waiting with a freshly prepared lunch—the perfect reward after the morning’s effort. As we continue downhill, the landscape begins to change dramatically: the rugged highlands give way to the lush cloud forest, where the air grows warmer, the scent of orchids fills the trail, and tropical birds call from the trees.
By late afternoon, we reach our campsite at Collpapampa and settle into comfortable Andean lodges nestled among green hills and waterfalls. A hot dinner and a well-earned rest await after this unforgettable day of contrasts—from glaciers to jungle in just a few hours of walking.
Campsite Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
Highest Altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Day 10: Collpapampa–Hidroelectrica–Aguas Calientes (16 km, 8 hrs)
This is often considered the most beautiful day of the Salkantay Trek. After a hearty breakfast, we set out on a gentle hike toward Lucmabamba, where we’ll take part in preparing a traditional Pachamanca barbecue — a time-honoured Andean feast cooked underground with hot stones. Vegetables, fruits, and meats are layered and buried to slow-cook in the earth, creating an unforgettable meal that celebrates nature’s abundance.
After lunch, we visit a small family-run organic coffee farm, where we’ll learn about the harvesting process and even pick, roast, and savour our own cup of freshly brewed Peruvian coffee — a simple yet special local experience that connects us with daily life in the Andes.
From there, we follow a scenic trail through tropical valleys, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of rivers, until we reach the railway that leads us to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Tonight, we’ll rest in a comfortable hotel, enjoy a hot shower, and sink into a cosy bed — the perfect recharge before tomorrow’s grand finale.
Campsite Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
Highest Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
Day 11: Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas (Arrive before the crowds) – 4 hrs
Today we will rise early to catch the first bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu, arriving before the crowds to watch the morning light spread over the ancient stones. Our guided tour reveals the mysteries and history of this Incan masterpiece — its temples, terraces, and breathtaking mountain backdrop. After the tour, we will have time to wander, reflect, and take photos before heading down to Aguas Calientes for lunch in one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, we board the panoramic Vistadome train back toward Cusco, gliding through lush valleys and villages. It’s a magical ending to a journey that blends challenge, beauty, and connection — both with nature and Peru’s living culture.
Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Day 12: Depart Peru
Transfer to the airport 3 hours before the flight departure.
Optional Trip Extension & Practical Information
If your schedule allows and you’d like to see even more of Peru’s incredible natural diversity, there is an option to extend your adventure with a multi-day trip to the Manu National Reserve.
Manu is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth—a vast protected area of pristine Amazon rainforest, home to jaguars, giant river otters, macaws, tapirs, hundreds of bird species, and incredible plant life. Exploring Manu means travelling deep into the untouched jungle, staying in eco-lodges, and experiencing the Amazon in its wildest, most authentic form.
This optional extension can be arranged for an additional £320 and includes guided excursions, accommodation, transportation, and meals inside the reserve.
Visas
British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Peru for tourism purposes. If you hold another nationality, please check the entry requirements relevant to your passport and ensure your travel documents are valid for the duration of your stay.
https://www.consulado.pe/es/londres/tramite/Paginas/Visas/Issuance-of-Tourist-Visa.aspx
Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Peru, as this is required for entry into the country.
Vaccinations
While there are no mandatory vaccines required to enter Peru, the following are commonly recommended for travellers:
- Tetanus & Diphtheria
- Hepatitis A (recommended for most travellers)
- Typhoid (especially if trying local street food or visiting rural areas)
- Hepatitis B (recommended for longer stays or more remote travel)
- Rabies (for those spending extended time in rural or wildlife areas)
- Yellow Fever – recommended only if visiting the Amazon, including optional trips like the Manu National Reserve
Please note that these are general travel recommendations. Everyone’s health needs are different, so it’s best to consult with your GP or a travel health clinic to get personalised advice.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required for this trip. Your policy should cover medical care, trip cancellation, personal belongings, and—importantly—high-altitude trekking. Please make sure your insurance details are shared with me before departure.
Flights
As flights are not included in the trip price, everyone will need to book their own. However, it will be much smoother and easier if the group can travel together for the key parts of the journey. We have private transport arranged to pick us up from Lima Airport on arrival, so travelling as a group helps ensure a seamless transfer to our hotel (though of course anyone is welcome to arrange their own transport if they prefer).
For the international journey, I recommend the 22:05 Avianca flight from London Heathrow via Bogotá on 21st May 2026. This route is reliable, has good connection times, and allows the group to arrive together for our transfer in Lima.
For the internal flight from Lima to Cusco on the 25th May, the best option would be the 14:45 JetSMART flight. Since we will have group transfers arranged both in Lima and in Cusco, it will be ideal for us all to travel together.
For the return journey, you’re free to choose the flight that works best for your own travel plans. Many people may prefer to fly from Cusco to London via Bogotá with Avianca again, as it’s usually the most straightforward option, but a return from Lima is also an option.
To make everything simple, please contact me once you’ve RSVP’d so we can coordinate flights together. I’ll be more than happy to assist, whether through email, a quick video call, or WhatsApp.
Payment Information & Deadlines:
Trip Price: £1,780
Non-Refundable Deposit (£320): Payable upon sign-up to secure your place.
Remaining Balance (£1,460): To be paid by April 25th, 2026.
To avoid any additional MeetUp and PayPal charges, I ask that you please make payments by bank transfer. Please RSVP and make the transfer to the account below, using your Meetup name + “Peru” as the reference (for example: John Peru). Once you’ve made the payment, please send me a quick email at info@kozatrails.co.uk so I can confirm it on my side. Please allow up to 24 hours for the transfer to arrive. As soon as the payment has cleared, I’ll update your status to “Paid” on the event page.
If you have any questions about payments or need help, please let me know — I’m always happy to assist.
Account Name: Milena Kichukova
Bank Name: Barclays
Sort Code: 20-90-56
Account Number: 73205924
If full payment is not received by the deadline, your booking (including your deposit) will unfortunately be forfeited, and your space on the trip will be lost.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss a payment plan, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What is Included:
- Airport transfers
- All tour transportation
- Entrance tickets to all attractions
- Local English-speaking professional guides
- Accommodation (hotels + glamping/lodges on the trek)
- Breakfast and Lunches on most days (all meals included during the Salkantay trek, except last day lunch)
- Salkantay 4-day trek package and Machu Picchu entrance
- Vistadome panoramic train
- Lima + Cusco city tours
- Ballestas Islands boat tour
- Huacachina dune buggy & sandboarding tour
- Nazca Lines flight
- Sacred Valley tour
- Rainbow Mountain day hike
Not Included:
- International flights
- Domestic flight Lima–Cusco
- Dinners (except during the trek, where most meals are provided)
- Drinks & snacks outside activities
- Gratuities (guides, drivers, porters, etc.)
- Trekking poles and a sleeping bag for the trek (these can be rented for a small fee)
- Optional Manu extension (+£320)
- Personal expenses
If you’ve been dreaming of Peru, this is the perfect chance to make it happen. I can’t wait to share this experience with a small group of like-minded adventurers. Spaces are limited, and this is likely to be a one-off trip, so if you’re interested or have any questions at all, just reach out at info@kozatrails.co.uk— I’m here to help every step of the way.
Milena, the Mountain Goat 🏔️🐐
