About this trip
Twenty days from Lima to Cusco covering a huge cross-section of Peru: coastal desert, Amazon rainforest, high Andes and Lake Titicaca. This is a trip that moves through a lot of different worlds, from modern cities to remote homestays.
The centrepiece is Machu Picchu, reached either via the classic Inca Trail or the quieter Quarry Trail, both multi-day treks through mountain scenery. Around that you'll spend nights in the jungle, stay with Uros families on Titicaca's floating islands, and watch condors over Colca Canyon.
It's a trip built for variety over comfort in places — expect basic lodges, homestays and camping alongside the cities, and a fair amount of time spent adjusting to altitude.
What you'll do
- Trek the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
- Stay with Uros families on Lake Titicaca's floating islands
- Spend nights in an Amazon eco-lodge listening to the jungle
- Watch Andean condors at sunrise over Colca Canyon
- See the Nazca Lines
- Acclimatise in Cusco with time to explore the city
- Significant time spent at altitude — worth reading up on the risks beforehand
- Good fitness needed if you take on the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail, both strenuous treks
- Accommodation is very basic in places, including two homestays, the Amazon lodge and trail camping — often no power, hot water or showers
Worth it if you want diverse Peru experiences and can handle intense pacing. Think twice if you need downtime or hope to see Amazon wildlife.
- Standout guides (Giscard, Manny, Angela) make the trip; travellers specifically praised their organisation and care.
- Jungle section disappoints: no animals or birds seen despite great accommodation. Pack toilet paper; most hotels provide only one roll.
- Early days rushed with some visits missed; pacing is relentless throughout with limited solo downtime despite free time slots.
- Nazca flight half-hour ride causes vomiting for some; Machu Picchu crowded with tourists on narrow paths lacking railings.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Aug is cheapest — from £2,935, about 22% below the priciest month (May).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Lima · 15 Aug – 16 Aug
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