Peru 2026 · Andes to Amazon

Arrival · 31 July

Cusco

Arriving in Cusco and settling into Hacienda Cusco Centro.

Day 1 · 1 August

Cusco, Sacsayhuamán & the Andes

After visiting Sacsayhuamán, we visited Qoricancha, an alpaca farm and San Blas market — where we had “the best cup of coffee in Cusco”, according to Julio, our guide.

Day 2 · 2 August

Maras Salt Mines & Moray

A day around Chinchero, Maras and Moray — traditional weaving and natural dyes, Sacred Valley landscapes and a special glimpse of an annual ritual of offerings to the earth god.

Traditional Quechua woman in Chinchero — A traditional Quechua woman in Chinchero. We were shown how the natural red dye is also used as lipstick.

Day 3 · 3 August

Inca Trail · Day 1

The trek begins: leaving the road behind and stepping onto the Inca Trail.

Llaqtapata ruins — Opposite our campsite were the ruins of Llaqtapata.

Day 4 · 4 August

Inca Trail · Day 2

A harder day in the Andes — long climbs, high passes and stone paths, ending at our camp at Llulluchapampa.

Day 5 · 5 August

Inca Trail · Day 3 · Dead Woman’s Pass

The toughest and highest part of the trek. The morning began with an unexpected surprise: a towel left on top of the tent to dry had frozen completely stiff overnight.

View of Dead Woman’s Pass. They call it the “nipple of the dead woman”. The point we were heading for is just below, in the dip to the left.

Day 6 · 6 August

Inca Trail · Day 4 · The road to Machu Picchu

A misty final campsite, ancient paths and terraces, Intipata and Intipunku — then the first unforgettable sight of Machu Picchu.

Breakfast in the Andes — Breakfast with the group, surrounded by the Andes.

Inca Trail · Day 4 · The road to Machu Picchu

Reaching the Sun Gate — one of the great moments of the Inca Trail.

View of the Sun Gate from Machu Picchu — Looking back from Machu Picchu towards the Sun Gate high above.

Day 7 · 7 August

Machu Picchu & Cusco

Returning to explore Machu Picchu in detail: terraces, water channels, precision stonework and those extraordinary mountain views, before travelling back toward Cusco.

Pisco Sour after a bit of shopping, before taking the train back towards Cusco.

View towards the Sun Gate — Looking back towards the Sun Gate from Machu Picchu.

Day 8 · 8 August

Cusco → Amazon · Day 1

From the Andes into the Amazon, staying at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción lodge — a complete change of landscape and climate.

Day 9 · 9 August

Amazon · Day 2

Dawn on the river, the lodge, rainforest canopy, wildlife and the vast green landscape of Tambopata.

Amazon canopy — View from the top of the canopy walk.

Amazon river journey — You cannot see in the photograph just how hard it was raining!

Day 10 · 10 August

Amazon · Day 3

Canoes, flooded forest, hoatzins and herons, giant trees, monkeys, strange relics in the jungle — and a night walk after dark.

Day 11 · 11 August

Amazon → London

One last morning in the rainforest, a final wildlife encounter and the boat journey out — the beginning of the long trip home.

PERU

From Cusco and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the Amazon