Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca: Self-Launched Peru Adventure

Fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport and make your own way to your hostel in the Miraflores district — taxis from the airport are fixed-price (~£10-12, use the official taxi booths inside arrivals). Miraflores is safe, lively and full of great restaurants. Spend the evening exploring the Malecón cliffside promenade and grab a classic Peruvian pisco sour at a local bar. Rest up — the adventure starts tomorrow.

🚌Official airport taxi to Miraflores (~£10-12). Alternatively, take the Airport Express Lima bus (~£3.50) to Miraflores.

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Miraflores — e.g. Hitchhikers Backpackers or Flying Dog Hostel (~£15-20/night)

• →Explore Miraflores district on foot
• →Walk the Malecón clifftop promenade at sunset
• →Try ceviche and a pisco sour at a local restaurant

Take an early morning bus from Lima's bus terminals (Cruz del Sur or PeruBus) south to Paracas (~4 hours, ~£8-12). On arrival, book a Ballestas Islands boat tour directly at the port (~£10-14) — these depart regularly in the morning and last about 2 hours. You'll see sea lions, penguins, and thousands of seabirds, plus the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph. In the afternoon, hop on a local bus or shared taxi to Ica (~1 hour, ~£2-3) and visit the stunning Huacachina oasis. Optional sand-boarding or dune buggy rides are available from agencies around the lagoon (~£12-15).

🚌Cruz del Sur or PeruBus Lima→Paracas (~£8-12, ~4hrs). Shared taxi/colectivo Paracas→Ica (~£2-3, ~1hr).

🛏Huacachina Backpackers or Desert Nights Hostel in Ica/Huacachina (~£12-16/night)

• →Ballestas Islands boat tour — book directly at Paracas port (~£10-14)
• →Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins and the Candelabra geoglyph
• →Visit Huacachina oasis
• →Optional: sand-boarding or dune buggy at Huacachina (~£12-15)

Take a morning bus from Ica to Nazca (~2 hours, ~£4-6). Head to the observation towers (miradorsEon the Panamericana highway) for free ground-level views of the Nazca Lines — local tuk-tuks or taxis can take you there cheaply. For the full experience, book a scenic flight over the lines directly with local operators at Nazca Airport (AeroIca, Alas Peruanas or similar, ~£60-80 per person). The flights last 30-45 minutes and give you a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the giant geoglyphs. Book in person on arrival for the best price, or book a day ahead via GetYourGuide if you want certainty.

🚌Bus Ica→Nazca (~£4-6, ~2hrs). Local tuk-tuk to mirador (~£2 return).

🛏Hospedaje Yemayá or Hotel Alegría in Nazca (~£12-18/night)

• →Visit the Nazca Lines viewing tower/mirador (free, small entry fee ~£1)
• →Optional: scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (~£60-80) — book directly at Nazca Airport
• →Visit the Maria Reiche Museum (~£3)

This is a long, spectacular day of travel (~11-12 hours) as you climb from the coastal desert into the high Andes. Take a bus from Nazca toward Abancay — you'll likely need to change at Chalhuanca or go via a connecting service (check schedules at Nazca's bus terminal). The road passes through Peru's largest vicuña reserve — keep your eyes peeled for these elegant wild camelids — and several high-altitude lakes where flamingos are commonly spotted. The highest point today reaches ~4,600m, so take it easy on arrival. Rest well tonight.

🚌Bus Nazca→Abancay (via Chalhuanca, ~£12-16, ~11-12hrs). Book at Nazca bus terminal the day before.

🛏Hotel Turistas Abancay or Hostal El Misti (~£14-20/night)

• →Scenic Andean bus journey through the vicuña reserve
• →Spot vicuñas and flamingos at high-altitude lakes from the bus window
• →Rest and acclimatise to altitude in Abancay (~2,378m)

Board an early morning bus from Abancay to Cuzco (~5-6 hours, ~£6-10). Ask the bus driver or a local to point out stops near the Saywite Stone (a massive carved boulder with Inca cosmological imagery) and the Tarawasi ruins — some buses will pause here briefly, or you can arrange a brief stop with a shared taxi. The descent into the Apurimac River valley is dramatic. Arrive in Cuzco mid-afternoon and check into your hostel in or near the Plaza de Armas. Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatising — altitude sickness is real at 3,400m, so take it slowly, drink coca tea (available everywhere, free or ~50p), and avoid alcohol on your first night.

🚌Bus Abancay→Cuzco (~£6-10, ~5-6hrs). Buy ticket at Abancay terminal.

🛏Loki Hostel Cuzco, Pariwana Hostel, or similar (~£14-20/night dorm or private)

• →Stop at the Saywite Stone (Inca carved boulder, ~£2 entry)
• →Optional: visit Tarawasi Inca ruins en route
• →Arrive in Cuzco and acclimatise — drink coca tea
• →Gentle evening stroll around Plaza de Armas

Cuzco is endlessly fascinating. The Boleto Turístico del Cusco (~£30) covers 16 sites including Sacsayhuamán (the huge Inca fortress above town), Qenqo, Tambomachay, Pisac ruins, and the Chinchero archaeological complex — excellent value if you plan to visit several. The Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas (~£10 separately) is a masterpiece of Spanish colonial baroque built atop an Inca palace. For a free fix of Inca stonework, walk the narrow backstreets of San Blas and examine the famous 12-Angle Stone on Hatunrumiyoq street. For something active, GetYourGuide offers a half-day Sacred Valley and Pisac ruins tour (~£20-25). Check in with your chosen Inca Trail agency today to confirm logistics for tomorrow's early start.

🚌Walk or take local taxi within Cuzco (~£1-2 per ride).

🛏Loki Hostel Cuzco or Pariwana Hostel (~£14-20/night)

• →Explore Sacsayhuamán Inca fortress (~£30 Boleto Turístico or included)
• →Visit Cuzco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas (~£10)
• →Walk the San Blas neighbourhood and see the 12-Angle Stone (free)
• →Optional: Sacred Valley & Pisac ruins half-day tour via GetYourGuide (~£20-25)
• →Confirm Inca Trail logistics with your trekking agency

Your licensed Inca Trail agency will arrange early morning transfer (~1.5hrs) from Cuzco to Km82 (Piscacucho), the official trailhead. Note: you CANNOT do the Inca Trail independently — all trekkers must book through a licensed agency and an Inca Trail permit (issued by the Ministry of Culture) is required. Permits cost ~£140 per person and sell out months in advance. Budget agencies in Cuzco offer the full 4-day trek for ~£350-450pp including permit, porters, cook, camping equipment and all meals on trail. Today's 11km route follows the Vilcanota River, passes through cactus gardens and Llactapata ruins, and climbs to camp near Huayllabamba village at 2,800m.

🚌Agency minibus transfer Cuzco→Km82 (~1.5hrs, included in trek package).

🛏Full-service camping at Huayllabamba Camp (included in your agency package)

• →Check in at Km82 trailhead and meet your trekking crew
• →Trek 11km along Vilcanota River to Huayllabamba
• →Visit Llactapata Inca ruins en route
• →Camp dinner and overnight at Huayllabamba (2,800m)

The hardest day on the trail — and one of the most rewarding of your life. Hot drinks are delivered to your tent before sunrise. A steady but relentless climb through cloud forest takes you to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then up to Dead Woman's Pass (Warmihuañusca) at 4,215m — the highest point on the trek. Take it slow, breathe deeply, and enjoy the sense of achievement at the summit. Then descend steeply on original Inca stone steps to the Pacaymayu River valley camp at 3,600m. Warm food, star-filled Andean skies and a deep sleep await.

🚌On foot — no additional transport today.

🛏Full-service camping at Pacaymayu Camp (included in agency package)

• →Summit Dead Woman's Pass (Warmihuañusca) at 4,215m
• →Trek 10km total — challenging but achievable with a steady pace
• →Descend to Pacaymayu Valley camp on original Inca stone steps

Today's 12km section crosses the second major pass (Runquracay, 3,930m) and rewards with some of the most dramatic archaeological scenery on the trail. Visit the eagle's-nest ruins of Sayacmarca, perched above the green cloud forest canopy, and wind through beautifully preserved Inca stone paths to the ridge-top campsite at Phuyupatamarca (3,680m). On a clear day, views of Salkantay mountain are breathtaking. Watch the sunset from camp — and set your alarm for the sunrise.

🚌On foot — no additional transport today.

🛏Full-service camping at Phuyupatamarca Camp (included in agency package)

• →Cross Runquracay Pass (3,930m) and visit Runquracay ruins
• →Explore Sayacmarca ruins, dramatically perched above the cloud forest
• →Trek 12km on original Inca stone paths
• →Sunset views of Salkantay mountain from Phuyupatamarca camp

The final 9km of the Inca Trail. Descend the famous 2km stone staircase from Phuyupatamarca into a sweeping panorama, then stop to explore the beautiful terraced ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Continue through wild orchids and cloud forest to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) — and your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu below. An afternoon arrival means fewer crowds for photos. Take the 30-minute bus down to Aguas Calientes (~£6 return) and celebrate with a hot shower, a proper meal and a cold beer. Entry to Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate on this day is included in your Inca Trail permit.

🚌Trek to Sun Gate then bus to Aguas Calientes (~£6 return, ~30 mins).

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Aguas Calientes — e.g. Rupa Wasi Lodge or Gringo Bill's (~£20-30/night)

• →Trek 9km from Phuyupatamarca to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
• →Explore Wiñay Wayna ruins
• →First view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate — iconic photo opportunity
• →Bus down to Aguas Calientes (~£6 return)
• →Celebrate at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes

Return to Machu Picchu fresh and rested this morning. Book a licensed local guide at the site entrance (~£12-15 for a 2-hour group tour, or arrange in advance) for an in-depth tour of the history, architecture and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site. After exploring freely, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes (~£6), then catch the Peru Rail or Inca Rail train to Ollantaytambo (~£30-45, 1.5hrs) — book in advance at peruail.com or incarail.pe. From Ollantaytambo, take a shared minibus to Cuzco (~£3-5, 1.5hrs). Re-check into your Cuzco hostel and get a good night's sleep.

🚌Bus Machu Picchu→Aguas Calientes (~£6). Train Aguas Calientes→Ollantaytambo (~£30-45, book at perurail.com). Shared minibus Ollantaytambo→Cuzco (~£3-5).

🛏Loki Hostel Cuzco or Pariwana Hostel (~£14-20/night)

• →Full guided tour of Machu Picchu (guide ~£12-15 at entrance)
• →Explore Machu Picchu freely after the guided section
• →Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes (~£6)

Take a tourist bus from Cuzco to Puno (~£15-25, 10 hours) — companies like Turismo Mer, Peru Hop or direct tourist services make scheduled stops at Inca sites en route including Andahuaylillas church (the 'Sistine Chapel of the Americas'), Raqchi temple ruins, and La Raya pass. The drive across the altiplano (high plains) at 3,800m is vast and otherworldly. Arrive in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca in the late afternoon. The lake itself — the world's highest navigable lake at 3,812m — is visibly deep blue and enormous. Pick up a packed lunch at a market in Cuzco before you leave, or buy food at bus stops en route.

🚌Tourist bus Cuzco→Puno (~£15-25, ~10hrs). Book via Peru Hop, Turismo Mer or directly at Cuzco bus terminal.

🛏Hostal Los Uros or Qelqatani Hotel in Puno (~£14-20/night)

• →Scenic tourist bus along the Cuzco–Puno route with site stops
• →Stop at Andahuaylillas church ('Sistine Chapel of the Americas')
• →Stop at Raqchi Inca temple ruins
• →First views of Lake Titicaca on arrival in Puno

Book a full-day boat tour from Puno pier directly at the port or via GetYourGuide (~£12-20 for a guided day trip to Uros and Taquile). Morning departure to the Uros floating islands, where the indigenous Uros people have lived on man-made totora reed islands for centuries. Your guide will explain the history and construction of the islands and you can purchase beautiful handmade textiles directly from the community. Continue across the open lake to Taquile Island (~2.5hrs), famous for its weaving traditions and community tourism model. Enjoy lunch on the island (typically included or ~£5 locally) and soak up panoramic lake views before the return boat to Puno.

🚌Boat from Puno pier to Uros and Taquile (included in tour price).

🛏Hostal Los Uros or Qelqatani Hotel in Puno (~£14-20/night)

• →Boat tour to Uros floating reed islands (~£12-20 including guide, book at Puno pier or GetYourGuide)
• →Learn about Uros reed island construction and daily life
• →Visit Taquile Island and watch local weavers at work
• →Lunch on Taquile Island (~£5 if not included)

Take a shared taxi or colectivo from Puno to Juliaca Airport (~45 mins, ~£3-5) — arrange through your hostel the night before or find shared taxis near Puno's main square. Fly from Juliaca (JUL) to Lima (LIM) — book in advance via LATAM Airlines or Sky Airline (~£60-90 one way, depending on how early you book). Arrive in Lima with the afternoon or evening free. Check back into a Miraflores hostel and treat yourself to a final Peruvian dinner — Lima has a world-class food scene. Try a cevichería in Miraflores or the Barranco district.

🚌Shared taxi Puno→Juliaca Airport (~£3-5, ~45 mins). Domestic flight Juliaca (JUL)→Lima (LIM) (~£60-90, book via latamairlines.com).

🛏Hitchhikers Backpackers or Flying Dog Hostel, Miraflores (~£15-20/night)

• →Morning transfer to Juliaca Airport
• →Flight Juliaca→Lima (~£60-90, book in advance with LATAM or Sky Airline)
• →Final evening in Lima — explore Barranco neighbourhood or Larcomar clifftop mall
• →Farewell dinner at a Lima cevichería

Your Peruvian adventure comes to an end today. If you have time before your flight, grab breakfast in Miraflores — the neighbourhood has excellent cafés. Visit the Larco Museum (~£12) for a final dose of Peru's extraordinary pre-Columbian history, or simply wander the clifftop Malecón one last time. Take an official taxi or the Airport Express Lima bus to the airport. Allow plenty of time — Lima traffic can be heavy.

🚌Official taxi or Airport Express Lima bus to Jorge Chávez Airport (~£3.50-12).

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Optional: visit Larco Museum (~£12) for pre-Columbian gold and ceramics
• →Final breakfast in Miraflores
• →Transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport