Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip with Inca Trail Trek | Season 2026/2027
Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip with Inca Trail Trek | Season 2026/2027
$2345
Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip with Inca Trail Trek | Season 2026/2027
11 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Paracas National Reserve, Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LMRT26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Lima to Machu Picchu with this exhilarating road trip and Inca Trail trek. Over 11 days, immerse yourself in Peru's rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Lima, savoring traditional cuisine, before venturing to the stunning Paracas National Reserve and the desert oasis of Huacachina. Experience the enigmatic Nazca Lines and the vibrant city of Arequipa, known as the 'White City.' Discover the beauty of Lake Titicaca and its floating islands, and explore the ancient Incan culture in Cusco. The highlight awaits as you trek the Inca Trail to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With guided tours, local experiences, and plenty of adventure, this trip promises memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Location: Lima
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: Paracas National Reserve
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: Nazca Lines
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: Arequipa
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: Puno
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: Lake Titicaca
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: Cusco
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: Aguas Calientes
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: Machu Picchu
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 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…
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various locations including Selina Miraflores, Hotel Curasi, Overnight Coach, Selina Arequipa, Lake Titicaca Homestay, Hotel Casona Plaza, Selina Saphi, and Andino Macchu Picchu.
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Meals
The tour includes 2 dinners and 9 breakfasts.
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Paracas National Reserve Tour
A guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve, a protected natural area with deserts, islands, and the ocean, is included.
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Pisco Vineyard Tour
A locally-guided tour of a Pisco vineyard, including learning about its history and sampling the drink, is included.
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Nazca Lines Viewing
Viewing the Nazca Lines from a tall tower is included in the itinerary.
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Overnight Coach to Arequipa
Travel in an overnight coach with 1st class tickets, featuring soft and comfy beds.
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Arequipa City Tour
A guided tour of Arequipa, including highlights like Plaza de Armas and the backdrop of volcanoes, is included.
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Lagunillas Lake Stop
A stop at Lagunillas Lake to enjoy the Andean scenery is included.
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Puno City Tour
A guided tour of Puno's landmarks, including cathedrals and markets, is included.
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Lake Titicaca Boat Tour
A boat tour around the reed islands in Lake Titicaca, including meeting the locals, is included.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a flight over the Nazca Lines or a massage in Cusco are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a mix of coastal drives, overnight coaches, and scenic train rides. Enjoy the comfort of first-class tickets on an overnight coach and a memorable train journey to the starting point of the Inca Trail, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Selina Miraflores in Lima, Hotel Curasi in Huacachina, and the Selina Arequipa in Arequipa. Enjoy a unique stay at Lake Titicaca Homestay and the Andino Macchu Picchu in Aguas Calientes, ensuring comfort throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Paracas: Mother nature has her favourites, and the Paracas National Reserve is one of them. We'll take a tour of this protected natural area guilded with deserts, islands and the beautiful blue ocean.
- Huacachina: Wanna see the magic behind Peru's national drink? This is your chance! We'll spend the afternoon touring a vineyard that produces the juiciest & freshest grapes, learning about its history, and sampling the drink too!
- Nazca: Climbing up 43 ft in the sky, you'll see the fascinating group of geoglyphs called the Nazca Lines from a (really) tall tower. Think: desert artwork of spiders, spirals and a mysterious astronaut-like human.
- Lima: Tonight, you'll travel in an overnight coach with 1st class tickets. Soft & comfy beds. Good times with your crew. Coach rides don't get more amazing than this.
- Arequipa: Get to know the ‘white city’ better. Explore the highlights like Plaza de Armas and take some pics of the incredible backdrop of volcanoes.
- Arequipa: Cameras at the ready! We'll make a quick stop at Lagunillas Lake to enjoy the Andean scenery of lakes, hills and beautiful blue skies.
- Puno: Take to the streets as we check out Puno's most popular landmarks with a local guide. We'll hit up the coolest cathedrals, the busiest markets, and even snap shots at every historical hotspot!
- Puno: If you’ve secretly always wanted to hop on one of these, here’s your chance.
- Puno: Jump on a boat to hop around the reed islands in the world’s highest navigable lake (3657m). And stop off to meet the locals.
- Puno: A humbling opportunity to get to know the local people on these reed islands in Lake Titicaca.
- Inca Trail: Embark on the journey of a lifetime. Together we'll spend over 3 hours taking in the enchanting sites of this bucket list trek.
- Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife might we see during the tour?
During the tour, you might see sea lions, penguins, and possibly even dolphins at the Paracas National Reserve. Additionally, while traveling through La Raya, you might spot llamas.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, a locally-guided Pisco vineyard tour, viewing the Nazca Lines from a tower or plane, and visiting the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca. You will also embark on a hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
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What activities are planned for the visit to Lake Titicaca?
At Lake Titicaca, you will take a boat ride to Taquile Island to meet local weaving groups and have lunch. You will also visit the Uros Islands, which are made entirely from reeds, and explore a local museum and fish farm.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Machu Picchu?
The highlight of the visit to Machu Picchu is a guided tour of the site, where you will see wonders such as the Temple of the Three Windows and Huayna Picchu. You will also have some free time to explore the area on your own.
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What can I expect from the overnight coach experience?
The overnight coach experience includes traveling with 1st class tickets, which offer soft and comfy beds, making for a comfortable journey with your travel companions.
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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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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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