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, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Taquile Island, La Raya, Sicuani, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, 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, exploring Peru's rich cultural and natural wonders. Begin in Lima with its vibrant heritage and traditional cuisine, then venture to the stunning Paracas National Reserve and the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. Experience the thrill of sandboarding in Huacachina and marvel at the enigmatic Nazca Lines. Discover Arequipa's colonial charm and the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca. The adventure peaks with a trek along the iconic Inca Trail, culminating in a guided tour of the majestic Machu Picchu. Travel in comfort with first-class overnight coaches and scenic train rides, staying in unique accommodations along the way. This tour promises a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes.
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: Lima, Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina
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. It’s not everyday you get to 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. 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: Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa
Accommodation Name: Overnight Coach
Meals Included: Breakfast
Legend says you can’t leave Peru without trying Pisco Sour. Luckily, a locally-guided Pisco vineyard tour is on the agenda this morning.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: 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 > Lake Titicaca
Location: Arequipa, Puno, Lake Titicaca
Accommodation Name: Lake Titicaca Homestay (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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. With no time to waste, we'll hope on a triciclo (just like the locals) and make our way to the port. That's right people, it's Lake Titicaca time! After a short boat ride, we'll find ourselves on the beautiful Uros Islands (AKA the floating islands)! You have the option to take an island reed boat trip before we head out again to meet the Llachon community for a totally wholesome experience. They'll welcome us into their homes for a delicious local dinner and a good night's sleep.
Day 6: Lake Titicaca > Puno
Location: Taquile Island, Puno
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch
Morning travellers! Today we're visiting Taquile Island. We'll hit the lake on a motorboat, meet the locals of this wonderful island, get to know them over lunch and then head back to Puno.Back to our hotel, we’ll spend tonight looking back on the 2 lovely days we spent getting to know the local community. Good thing more culture and history awaits us tomorrow!
Day 7: Puno > Cusco
Location: Puno, La Raya, Sicuani, 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: Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: Andino Macchu Picchu (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch
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: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco
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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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.
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 includes an overnight coach with 1st class tickets featuring soft and comfy beds, and a train ride to the starting point of the Inca Trail.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.Dining Summary
Included Experience
FAQs
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes travel in an overnight coach with 1st class tickets featuring soft and comfy beds, as well as a train ride to the starting point of the Inca Trail.
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What types of accommodation are provided during the tour?
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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What activities are included in the tour at the Paracas National Reserve?
The tour includes a guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve, a protected natural area with deserts, islands, and the ocean.
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Is there an opportunity to see the Nazca Lines during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes viewing the Nazca Lines from a tall tower.
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What can I expect during the visit to Lake Titicaca?
During the visit to Lake Titicaca, you will have a boat tour around the reed islands, meet the locals, and have the option to take an island reed boat trip. You will also visit Taquile Island and have lunch with the locals.
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What is the highlight of the Inca Trail Trek included in the tour?
The highlight of the Inca Trail Trek is taking in the enchanting sites along the trail, culminating in a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring the Incan citadel.
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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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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit for 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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Terms and Conditions
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