About this trip
Three weeks across Peru, covering the country's big-ticket sights properly rather than rushing through. You start in Lima, head down to the desert lines at Nazca and the condor skies of Colca Canyon, then spend time in Cusco before trekking to Machu Picchu and finishing on the shores of Lake Titicaca and in La Paz.
Expect a good amount of hiking and long-distance travel by local bus, including an overnight journey. It's a trip built around getting to real places rather than moving quickly between them, with basic accommodation in some of the more remote stretches.
This suits you if you want the classic Peru route done thoroughly, don't mind roughing it occasionally, and are prepared for some tiring travel days as part of the deal.
What you'll do
- See the Nazca Lines from the air or a viewing tower
- Watch condors over Colca Canyon
- Explore Cusco's temples, plazas and markets
- Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Stay with a local family on Lake Titicaca
- Finish in La Paz, with time to explore the Witches' Market
- Involves long local bus journeys, including one overnight — tiring but a good way to see the country and meet people
- Requires at least moderate fitness, especially if you take the Inca Trail option; bring proper hiking footwear
- Some accommodation is very basic, with shared facilities and drop toilets, particularly on the trail and at Lake Titicaca
Worth it if you want passionate local guides and the Inca Trail experience. Think twice if accommodation standards matter—cleanliness is inconsistent.
- Local guides like Carmen and Manuel are genuinely passionate, knowledgeable, and transform cultural experiences with real heart.
- Four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the standout highlight; night buses are surprisingly comfortable with genuine legroom.
- Multiple accommodation cleanliness issues reported: dirty towels, unpleasant room odours requiring changes and complaints to staff.
- Heavy homestay component is lovely for community connection but some felt too many homestays crowded the itinerary.
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 Jan is cheapest — from £1,855, about 32% below the priciest month (Aug).
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 · 1 Jan – 2 Jan
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