Self-Launched Real Peru: Lima, Amazon, Cusco & Machu Picchu — 15 Days

Arrive in Lima and check into a hostel or budget hotel in the Miraflores or Barranco district — both are safe, vibrant and well-connected. Explore independently on foot: stroll through Parque Kennedy, the LarcoMar clifftop mall, and Parque del Amor for sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Sample classic Limeño street desserts like mazamorra morada and arroz con leche from vendors along Avenida Larco. In the evening, head to the Barranco neighbourhood for great bars and budget ceviche spots. Intrepid's included 'orientation walk' is entirely self-doable — this is an easy, walkable city district.

🚌Take the Metropolitano bus from Jorge Chávez Airport area or a taxi/Uber (~£8–12 from airport to Miraflores)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Miraflores/Barranco (e.g. Pariwana Hostel Lima or Flying Dog Hostel) — dorm from ~£12/night, private from ~£25/night

• →Self-guided walk of Miraflores: Parque Kennedy → LarcoMar → Parque del Amor
• →Street food tasting: mazamorra morada, arroz con leche (budget ~£2–4)
• →Optional: San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs (~£4 entry)
• →Optional: Larco Museum (~£10 entry, book direct at museolarco.org)
• →Evening drinks/dinner in Barranco neighbourhood

Take an early morning domestic flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado (~1.5 hrs). Book independently with LATAM Peru or Sky Airline — prices vary but budget £60–100 return. On arrival, arrange a mototaxi or taxi to the jungle lodge office in town (~£3). Most jungle lodges in the Tambopata National Reserve area offer self-bookable packages that include canoe transfers, meals and guided activities. Book 2–3 nights directly with lodges such as Tambopata Research Center, Posada Amazonas (Rainforest Expeditions), or Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica. These packages include boat transfers, meals, guided hikes and a night caiman-spotting excursion — essentially identical to what Intrepid includes.

🚌Flight Lima–Puerto Maldonado (~£70–100 one way). Canoe transfer included in lodge package.

🛏Tambopata jungle eco-lodge (e.g. Posada Amazonas by Rainforest Expeditions or Cayman Lodge Amazonie) — 2-night all-inclusive package ~£120–180pp including meals, transfers and guided activities. Book direct at rainforest.com.pe or via GetYourGuide

• →Domestic flight Lima → Puerto Maldonado (book via LATAM or Sky Airline, ~£70–100pp one way)
• →Motorised canoe transfer upriver to jungle lodge (~45–90 mins, included in lodge package)
• →Guided half-day jungle trek: flora, fauna, medicinal plants
• →Night caiman-spotting boat excursion on the Tambopata River

A full day of guided jungle activities included in your lodge package. Morning guided trek through primary rainforest — expect to see macaws, monkeys, giant river otters and clouds of butterflies. Afternoon birdwatching or canopy tower visit. Your naturalist guide will explain the medicinal and cultural uses of Amazonian plants. Evening is the highlight: a night-time boat excursion scanning the riverbanks with spotlights for the glowing eyes of caimans and other nocturnal wildlife. All meals are included at the lodge. This is roughly equivalent to what Intrepid provides on Days 2–3.

🚌No travel today — lodge-based

🛏Amazon Jungle Eco-Lodge (night 2 of 2-night package — all meals included)

• →Morning rainforest trek with naturalist guide (included in lodge package)
• →Birdwatching and canopy observation
• →Optional: clay lick visit (macaw & parrot congregation, usually at dawn — check with lodge)
• →Night caiman spotting boat tour on the river (included in lodge package)

Return by canoe to Puerto Maldonado and take a domestic flight to Cusco (~45 mins). Cusco sits at 3,400m above sea level, so take it easy today. Check into your hostel and spend the afternoon on a gentle self-guided walk of the city centre: the Plaza de Armas, the Twelve Angled Stone on Hatunrumiyoc street, the San Pedro Market (great for fresh juices and snacks), Regocijo Square and the bohemian San Blas neighbourhood. The façade of Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) is visible from the street for free — pay ~£4 entry to go inside. Book a Pisco Sour class independently via GetYourGuide (~£20–25) or ask your hostel for a free demonstration evening. Drink plenty of coca tea to ease altitude symptoms.

🚌Flight Puerto Maldonado → Cusco (~£60–80 one way). Walk or taxi from airport to hostel (~£4–6).

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Cusco city centre (e.g. Loki Hostel Cusco, Pariwana Cusco, or El Inka Hostel) — dorm from ~£10/night, private from ~£20/night

• →Domestic flight Puerto Maldonado → Cusco (~£60–80 one way, book via LATAM or Sky Airline)
• →Self-guided walk: Plaza de Armas, Twelve Angled Stone, San Blas barrio
• →San Pedro Market visit — fresh juices, local snacks (~£3–5)
• →Optional: Qorikancha temple interior (~£4 entry)
• →Pisco Sour mixology class (book via GetYourGuide, ~£20–25pp)
• →Coca tea at hostel for altitude acclimatisation (free or ~£1)

Book a shared Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco (widely available from hostels and agencies on Plateros Street, ~£20–35pp) or hire a shared minivan. Tours typically cover Pisac market and ruins, a local community visit, lunch, and Ollantaytambo ruins — exactly mirroring Intrepid's Day 5. If your visit falls on Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday, Pisac market is in full swing. Overnight in Ollantaytambo — it's a beautiful, quiet Inca village with excellent budget guesthouses, and positions you perfectly for the Inca Trail or train the next morning.

🚌Shared minivan Cusco → Sacred Valley → Ollantaytambo (included in day tour, ~£5 if booked separately). Return to Ollantaytambo for overnight.

🛏Guesthouse or small hotel in Ollantaytambo (e.g. Hostal Iskay or KB Tambo Hotel) — private room ~£18–30/night

• →Shared Sacred Valley tour from Cusco (book via hostel or local agency, ~£20–35pp including lunch)
• →Pisac market visit: hand-painted beads, textiles, ponchos
• →Local community visit in the Sacred Valley
• →Ollantaytambo Inca ruins (~£18 with Boleto Turístico, or pay separately ~£8–10 entry)
• →Explore Ollantaytambo village on foot in the evening

ROUTE 1 — INCA TRAIL (recommended): Book a 4-day/3-night Inca Trail guided trek with a licensed operator — this is mandatory by Peruvian law and permits are strictly limited. Book well in advance (3–6 months ahead). Reputable independent operators include Alpaca Expeditions, Llama Path, or Amazonas Explorer — prices run ~£280–380pp for the full 4-day guided trek including porters, meals, permits, camping gear and Machu Picchu entry. Today you travel by minivan to the 82km marker and begin trekking uphill to camp at 3,100m (Huayllabamba), passing Inca ruins en route. ROUTE 2 — QUARRY TRAIL: Book a 3-day Quarry Trail with a licensed operator (~£200–280pp). Day 1 begins at Choquequilla. ROUTE 3 — TRAIN OPTION: Spend today in Cusco freely. Book the Expedition or Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes for Day 8 (~£35–55 one way via perurail.com). All routes converge at Machu Picchu on Day 9.

🚌Route 1: Minivan from Ollantaytambo to 82km marker (included in trek package). Route 3: Stay in Cusco.

🛏Route 1 & 2: Camping on trek (tent and mat included in guided trek package). Route 3: Hostel in Cusco (~£10–20/night).

• →Route 1: Inca Trail Day 1 — trek ~12km, 8 hrs, elevation gain to 3,100m campsite (Huayllabamba)
• →Route 1: Pass Inca ruins of Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, views of Veronica Peak
• →Route 2: Quarry Trail Day 1 — drive to Choquequilla, trek to Qory Song'o viewpoint, explore sacred tombs
• →Route 3: Free day in Cusco — visit Boleto Turístico sites (museums, ruins), £18 full pass
• →All routes: Meals included in trek package or self-catered in Cusco

ROUTE 1 — INCA TRAIL: The most challenging day. Ascend for ~5 hours to Warmiwañusca ('Dead Woman's Pass') at 4,200m — the highest point of the trail with spectacular valley views. Descend to camp in the Pacaymayo Valley (3,650m). Your cook prepares all meals at camp. ROUTE 2 — QUARRY TRAIL: A tough 7.5hr day ascending to Puccaqasa Pass (4,370m) then the highest point Kuychicassa (4,450m), descending to camp at 3,600m near the sun gate of Intipunku. ROUTE 3 — CUSCO FREE DAY: Another free day in Cusco. Visit ChocoMuseo for a chocolate-making workshop (~£20), explore San Pedro Market, or treat yourself to a meal at one of Cusco's excellent mid-range restaurants.

🚌No additional transport — trek or free day in Cusco

🛏Route 1 & 2: Camping on trek (included in package). Route 3: Hostel in Cusco (~£10–20/night).

• →Route 1: Trek ~12km in ~8 hours, ascend to Warmiwañusca (4,200m) then descend to Pacaymayo Valley camp
• →Route 2: Trek ~14km in ~7.5 hours, summit Puccaqasa (4,370m) and Kuychicassa (4,450m)
• →Route 3: ChocoMuseo chocolate workshop in Cusco (~£20pp, book at chocomuseo.com)
• →Route 3: Cusco foodie exploration — markets, cafés, restaurants
• →All routes: Meals included in trek package or self-funded in Cusco

ROUTE 1 — INCA TRAIL: A long but stunning day (10hrs, 15km). Ascend to Runkuracay Pass (3,980m) with Cordillera Vilcabamba views, pass the ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca ('Town Above the Clouds', 3,850m), then descend the original Inca steps to the final campsite by Winay Wayna archaeological site — arguably the trail's most beautiful ruin. ROUTE 2 — QUARRY TRAIL: Downhill day to the Kachiqata Quarry then short train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (~£25–35). ROUTE 3 — TRAIN: Drive or take a shared taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (~£5–8), then catch the PeruRail or Inca Rail train through the Urubamba Cloud Forest to Aguas Calientes (~£35–55, book at perurail.com or incarail.com). Check into a hostel in Aguas Calientes and explore the hot springs (£3 entry).

🚌Route 3: Shared taxi Cusco → Ollantaytambo (~£5–8), train → Aguas Calientes (~£35–55 via perurail.com or incarail.com)

🛏Route 1: Camping (final trek night, included in package). Routes 2 & 3: Budget hostel in Aguas Calientes (e.g. Supertramp Hostel or Gringo Bill's) — dorm ~£12/night, private ~£25–35/night.

• →Route 1: Trek ~15km, 10 hours — Runkuracay Pass, Sayacmarca ruins, Phuyupatamarca, Winay Wayna
• →Route 2: Downhill hike to Kachiqata Quarry, then train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (~£25–35)
• →Route 3: Shared taxi Cusco → Ollantaytambo (~£5–8), then train → Aguas Calientes (~£35–55)
• →Routes 2 & 3: Soak in Aguas Calientes hot springs (Baños Termales, ~£3 entry)
• →Routes 2 & 3: Dinner in Aguas Calientes (~£8–15)

All routes converge here for the highlight of the trip — Machu Picchu! INCA TRAIL hikers: Rise at 3:30am for the final push — arrive at the Sun Gate (Intipunku) at dawn for the iconic first view of Machu Picchu bathed in morning light, then descend into the citadel. ALL GROUPS: Entry to Machu Picchu must be pre-booked online at machupicchu.gob.pe (strictly limited — book 2–3 months in advance). General circuit tickets cost approximately £30–40pp. Optional add-ons: Huayna Picchu Mountain (book early, very limited, ~£18 extra) or Machu Picchu Mountain (~£14 extra). Non-trail travellers take the bus from Aguas Calientes to the ruins (~£10 return, Consettur buses). Spend 3–4 hours exploring the citadel, then return to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch. Take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo then shared transport back to Cusco.

🚌Bus Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu ruins (~£10 return). Train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo (~£30–45). Colectivo Ollantaytambo → Cusco (~£3–5).

🛏Hostel in Cusco on return (same as Days 4–7, ~£10–20/night)

• →Machu Picchu entry — pre-book at machupicchu.gob.pe (~£30–40pp, book months in advance)
• →Self-guided citadel exploration (download free audio guide app, or hire local guide ~£15–20)
• →Optional: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain add-on (~£14–18 extra)
• →Inca Trail hikers: Dawn arrival via Sun Gate (Intipunku) — iconic first view
• →Non-trail travellers: Consettur bus from Aguas Calientes to ruins (~£10 return)
• →Return train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo (~£30–45), then shared colectivo back to Cusco (~£3–5)

A well-earned free day in Cusco to recover after the trek and explore at your own pace. Cusco has a thriving café, craft beer and cocktail scene — Paddy's Irish Pub and Mama Africa are popular spots. Visit the Full Boleto Turístico if not already purchased (~£18 for 16 archaeological sites including Sacsayhuamán fortress above the city). The ruins of Sacsayhuamán are walkable uphill from the Plaza de Armas (~30 mins). Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) is a must-see. Browse the San Blas artisan workshops and the central market for gifts. Cusco's nightlife is legendary for budget travellers — Paddy's and Mythology are popular hostel-circuit bars.

🚌On foot or local taxi (~£2–4 for short journeys)

🛏Hostel in Cusco (~£10–20/night)

• →Sacsayhuamán fortress — walk uphill from Plaza de Armas or take a taxi (~£4) — included in Boleto Turístico
• →Full Boleto Turístico (~£18, covers 16 sites)
• →Qorikancha temple (~£4 if not on Boleto)
• →San Blas artisan quarter — pottery, weaving workshops
• →Cusco craft beer trail or Pisco bar hopping in the evening
• →Optional: Cusco cooking class (book via GetYourGuide or Airbnb Experiences, ~£30–45pp)

Take the scenic overland journey from Cusco to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca (3,830m above sea level). The most rewarding way is the 'Titicaca Train' — the Belmond Andean Explorer is luxurious but expensive; instead, book the public PeruRail service or the very popular Inka Express tourist bus (approximately £30–40pp including commentary stops at La Raya Pass, Pukará ruins and Raqchi Temple — book at inkaexpress.com). Alternatively, direct shared buses run for ~£8–12 (6–7 hrs). Arrive in Puno in the late afternoon. Check into a hostel and acclimatise — Lake Titicaca sits at 3,830m. Drink coca tea and take it slow.

🚌Inka Express bus Cusco → Puno (~£30–40) or shared bus (~£8–12). Book Inka Express at inkaexpress.com.

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Puno (e.g. Casona Plaza Hotel or Hostal Hacienda Puno) — dorm ~£8–12/night, private ~£18–28/night

• →Inka Express tourist bus Cusco → Puno (~£30–40, includes guide and stops at La Raya Pass, Raqchi, Andahuaylillas)
• →OR direct shared bus Cusco → Puno (~£8–12, 6–7 hrs via terminal terrestre)
• →La Raya mountain pass stop (4,335m) — views and market stalls (included with Inka Express)
• →Arrive Puno — explore the lakeside Jiron Lima pedestrian street
• →Sunset over Lake Titicaca from the pier or Cerro Huajsapata viewpoint (free)

This is the highlight of the Puno section. Book a 1–2 day Lake Titicaca tour from your hostel or a local agency on Jiron Lima (~£20–35pp for a full-day Uros + Taquile tour, or ~£35–55pp for an overnight homestay on Amantaní Island — the equivalent of Intrepid's 'local family stay'). The Uros Islands are man-made floating islands constructed entirely from totora reeds — surreal and unforgettable. The island communities demonstrate their traditional lifestyle and sell hand-woven crafts. An overnight on Amantaní with a local family — sharing meals and watching the sunrise over the lake — is one of the most authentic experiences in all of South America. Book via Puno hostels or directly with community-run tour operators at the port.

🚌Motorboat from Puno port (included in tour, ~£5–10 if booking port direct). Total tour cost ~£35–55pp for overnight option.

🛏Amantaní Island community homestay (meals included, ~£20–30pp total for overnight) OR return to Puno hostel (~£8–28/night)

• →Motorboat from Puno port to Uros floating islands (~1hr, included in tour)
• →Guided tour of totora reed island construction and Uros community life
• →Boat to Amantaní Island (~2.5hrs) — overnight homestay with local family (meals included)
• →OR: Full day Uros + Taquile Island tour (~£20–35pp, returns to Puno same day)
• →Sunset and stargazing from Amantaní (3,800m, minimal light pollution)

Return to Puno by boat from Amantaní or spend the morning at leisure. Take a shared bus or taxi to Juliaca Airport (~45 mins from Puno, ~£8–12 by shared colectivo or taxi). Fly from Juliaca (JUL) to Lima (LIM) — book with LATAM Peru or Sky Airline, approximately £60–100. Alternatively, take a direct overnight bus from Puno to Lima (~12–15 hrs, ~£25–40 on Cruz del Sur or Oltursa — a classic South American overnight bus experience). Check into a Lima hostel in Miraflores or Barranco — you've earned a comfortable bed.

🚌Colectivo/taxi Puno → Juliaca (~£8–12). Flight Juliaca → Lima (~£60–100). OR overnight bus Puno → Lima (~£25–40).

🛏Hostel in Miraflores or Barranco, Lima (e.g. Pariwana Lima, Flying Dog Hostel, or Punto 79 Hostel) — dorm ~£12/night, private ~£25–35/night

• →Morning: Taquile Island visit on return leg (if on overnight Amantaní tour)
• →Shared colectivo or taxi Puno → Juliaca Airport (~£8–12, 45 mins)
• →Flight Juliaca → Lima (~£60–100, book via LATAM or Sky Airline)
• →OR overnight bus Puno → Lima (~£25–40, Cruz del Sur at crucesdelsur.com.pe)
• →Arrival in Lima — settle into Miraflores or Barranco hostel

Lima is consistently rated one of the world's top foodie destinations — and this free day is all about eating your way through it. Must-dos: a ceviche lunch in Miraflores (try La Mar or budget spots on Calle Independencia), a craft pisco sour at a Barranco rooftop bar, and a chicharrón sandwich from a local market. For the full culinary deep-dive, book a Lima food tour via GetYourGuide (~£35–50pp) covering ceviche, anticuchos, Peruvian street food and desserts. Art lovers should visit the Larco Museum in Pueblo Libre (£10 entry) with its extraordinary pre-Columbian collection. The bohemian Barranco district is perfect for a final evening out — street art, live music and great bars.

🚌Metropolitano bus or Uber for cross-city trips (~£2–5 per journey). Walking within Miraflores/Barranco.

🛏Same Lima hostel as Day 13 (~£12–35/night)

• →Lima food tour: ceviche, causa, anticuchos, pisco sour (GetYourGuide, ~£35–50pp)
• →Larco Museum, Pueblo Libre (~£10 entry, book at museolarco.org)
• →Optional: Bohemian Barranco street art walk and bar crawl (self-guided, free)
• →Optional: San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs (~£4 entry)
• →Miraflores LarcoMar cliffside sunset views (free)
• →Farewell dinner: mid-range Lima restaurant (~£12–20pp)

Final morning in Lima. Depending on your flight time, grab a last breakfast at a Miraflores café — try a pan de yema or a ham and cheese empanada from a local bakery. If you have time, revisit a favourite neighbourhood or pick up last-minute gifts from the Mercado Indio artisan market in Miraflores (open daily). Make sure to allow plenty of time to reach Jorge Chávez International Airport — take an Uber or taxi (~£12–18 from Miraflores, allow 45–60 mins in traffic). Buen viaje!

🚌Taxi or Uber to Jorge Chávez Airport (~£12–18)

🛏Check-out — departure day

• →Final breakfast in Miraflores — local bakery or café (~£3–6)
• →Optional: Mercado Indio artisan market for last-minute gifts (free entry, items ~£3–20)
• →Uber or taxi to Jorge Chávez International Airport (~£12–18, allow 45–60 mins)