Machu Picchu & Peru Travel

Discovering the Heart of Santiago

Embark on a captivating exploration through Santiago’s vibrant history and culture. Begin your journey at the Plaza de Armas, visit the grand Hidalgo Castle, and admire the current seat of government at La Moneda Palace. Your adventure continues with stops at the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Royal High Court Palace, and the bustling Central Market.

In the colorful Bellavista neighborhood, discover “La Chascona,” one of Pablo Neruda’s iconic homes. Finally, head up to San Cristobal Hill, where you can take a scenic ride on the “teleférico” and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city.

Exploring Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

Uncover the charm of Valparaíso as you wander through its vibrant, bohemian neighborhoods along the Pacific coast. This picturesque city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its distinctive character and historical significance.

After exploring the Plaza Victoria, adorned with Peruvian sculptures, we’ll stroll through the heart of the city, visiting Plaza Sotomayor before heading to the bustling Prat port. Enjoy a relaxing gondola ride up to the beautiful Palacio Baburizza, built in 1916. Take in the view of colorful houses perched above the city, overlooking the bay, as you enjoy a tranquil afternoon in this unique coastal gem.

Journey to Torres del Paine

Today, you’ll take a flight to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the world’s most renowned natural reserves. We’ll arrange your pick-up from the hotel and take you to the airport for your brief flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, we’ll guide you straight to Las Torres Hotel, nestled within the heart of the park.

Once you arrive, your hosts will provide an overview of the exciting activities awaiting you during your stay. If you have an early arrival, you might even have the chance to enjoy a half-day adventure, such as rock climbing, hiking through the lenga forests, or exploring the organic garden.

Hike to the Iconic Base Torres Viewpoint

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast before embarking on an exhilarating hike to one of the park’s most famous viewpoints, where you can take in the sight of the towering granite spires that give Torres del Paine its name.

The trail leads you through the beautiful Ascencio Valley, passes by a lush lenga forest, and takes you across a challenging rocky section known as La Morrena. Finally, you’ll reach the awe-inspiring Torres Base Viewpoint. Pause to soak in the breathtaking views and capture some memorable photos before retracing your steps along the same route.

Hike to Los Cuernos

Start your adventure today at the serene Inge Lagoon, where you might catch sight of soaring condors and other birds of prey gliding overhead. From there, you’ll embark on an awe-inspiring ascent up the slopes of Almirante Nieto Mountain, part of the majestic Paine Massif. Along the way, enjoy stunning vistas of Nordenskjöld Lake and cross the Bader River before reaching your destination.

After 6 to 6.5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the French camp area, a perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate before tomorrow’s exciting trek to the French Valley.

Trekking the French Valley

Step into a breathtaking natural basin, encircled by legendary peaks and hanging glaciers. A one-hour walk along a winding trail leads you to the French River, and from there, you’ll make your way to the entrance of the French Valley. As you scramble over large boulders, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the majestic hanging glacier that crowns the valley.

As you continue, you’ll ascend through a landscape that feels like a serene Japanese garden, eventually reaching a viewpoint known as the “Plateau.” Here, you’ll be treated to views of the French Glacier and Paine Grande on one side, while the towering peaks of La Espada, La Hoja, La Máscara, and the north and main horns of Los Cuernos rise on the other. In the distance, the imposing Cerro Catedral and Cerro Fortaleza stand proudly.

Hiking to Grey Viewpoint and Journey Back to Puerto Natales

After departing the French sector in the morning, your path will take you to the southwest side of Paine Grande, the tallest peak in Torres del Paine. You’ll pass through vibrant firebush and evergreen forests, eventually reaching the shores of Pehoe Lake. As you pass the Refugio Paine Grande, you’ll climb 200 meters along a winding, narrow trail that leads to Laguna Los Patos. Here, you’ll be able to witness parts of the expansive Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a stunning natural wonder that remains largely unexplored. Continuing on, you’ll reach the Grey Glacier viewpoint, where you might spot the unique spectacled and flightless steamer ducks native to this region.

Afterward, you’ll take a short boat ride across Pehoé Lake to Pudeto pier, where your private transport will be ready to bring you back to your hotel in Puerto Natales.

Saying Goodbye to Chile

As your unforgettable journey in Chile comes to an end, we’ll ensure your departure is as seamless and stress-free as possible. We’ll take you to the airport, where you’ll catch your connecting flight back to Santiago and begin your journey home. Safe travels and we hope to see you again soon!

Fly to Cusco and make your way to the famous ruins and terraces of Pisac, hike down to the market from there!

Fill up with a complimentary buffet breakfast in the hotel before catching your morning flight to Cusco. The flight time between the two cities is welcomingly short (less than an hour and a half). The views from the plane window – the desert coast at first before the needle-like peaks of the Andes come into view – are a great distraction to pass the time.

We will be waiting for you when you touch down at our Andean airport and will bring you to the historic city center of Cusco for a delicious early lunch.

Then, before you can feel the altitude, we’ll whisk you into the Sacred Valley. Just an hour outside of Cusco, true Peruvian countryside will stretch away on either side of you, cows and sheep grazing tranquilly on the roadside. Impossibly steep peaks rise in the distance.

Your journey will take you to the ruins nestled in the mountains above the pueblo of Pisac, where you’ll learn about Incan agricultural practices cultivating corn and potatoes. From here, you’ll be able to see the verdant farmland where the Incas once cultivated their crops and where modern-day Quechua people continue to farm.

From here, you’ll descend on a leisurely hike through terraces and breathtaking scenery to the vibrant market in Pisac’s main square – where you’ll have the chance to rub shoulders with locals as you survey the artisan offerings of the market. Vegetables, textiles, and silver jewelry are just some of the items that are sold here. Later, return to the hotel of your choice.

Experience the thrills of an ATV ride through the Valley and climb the Via Ferrata to one of the most unique lodges in the world.

Today’s journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas will start with an ATV adventure, taking you at high speeds through rural paths and agricultural lands. Once you’ve got the lay of the land from a high-speed vehicle on firm ground, it’s time to head into the air.

Enjoy a fresh, gourmet lunch, and receive a safety briefing on the harnesses and helmets that will become like your second skin tonight. Masterfully climb your way up what seems like a sheer cliff face, using steel rungs as your guide.

After a 1,500 ft. ascent, you’ll arrive at your one-of-a-kind luxury hotel for the evening – a glass pod dangling off the cliff face, providing 300-degree views of the Sacred Valley below you!

Although it may surprise some, be prepared for a well-earned and truly gourmet meal, enjoyed with a fine glass of red wine and the best possible scenery. Marvel at the thousands of stars visible above you – you might even call this a thousand-star hotel – and tuck yourself into your comfy bed complete with a real mattress and cozy down comforter.

Zip back down to earth this morning and spend the afternoon riding the famous Peruvian Paso horse through the Sacred Valley.

Wake up to one of the best views ever and look around you – did you forget you slept hundreds of meters in the air in a capsule bolted to a cliff? Enjoy an al fresco breakfast and get ready to zip back down the mountain.

Through six zip lines crisscrossing the path you took yesterday to arrive at your one-of-a-kind suite, you’ll return to the valley floor. Bid your harness and helmet farewell and return to your hotel for a scrumptious lunch. Then, we’re off again! Commune with a four-legged friend and experience the smoothest gait of any horse worldwide – that of the Peruvian Paso Fino horse. Trot through the countryside and return in time for an evening at leisure in the Sacred Valley.

Trek through the land of the Incas on their famous trail to the Machu Picchu Citadel.

Today, prepare to walk in the footsteps of the Inca and arrive proudly on foot at Machu Picchu. We’ll collect you from your hotel bright and early this morning and drive through the picturesque Sacred Valley to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board the luxury Vistadome train.

You and your guide will disembark the train at the Inca Trail trailhead found at Kilometer 104, and from here you will walk the lovely uphill path to the ruins of Wiñaywayna. As you walk, your guide will point out orchids and other jungle plants, the Urubamba River will rush below you, and you’ll marvel at the Inca’s strength and ingenuity. When you reach the ruins of Wiñaywayna, you’ll rest up, explore, and enjoy a delicious al fresco lunch.

Then you’ll hit the trail once again! A walk of approximately two hours brings you to Inti Punku, the famous Sun Gate.

You’ll approach this stone construction up one last flight of stairs, catch your breath, and then lose it again as you see Machu Picchu, nestled and hidden between steep peaks below you.

Descend triumphantly over ancient paving stones to the lost citadel, and relish in the audacity of a construction of this caliber in this stunning location before catching the bus to Aguas Calientes and checking in to your hotel. Your guide will then leave you to rest, refresh, and enjoy a delicious and well-earned dinner on-site.

Hike one of the coveted, limited-entry hikes, Huayna Picchu!

Today you have the option to hike two different trails – Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, so it’s completely up to you how you would like to culminate your Machu Picchu luxury tour. Feeling adventurous? Consider hiking the steep slope of neighboring Huayna Picchu, which offers unrivaled views over Machu Picchu.

Please note that only a limited number of hikers are allowed to climb Huayna Picchu each day and tickets will need to be purchased in advance along with your Machu Picchu entrance.

In the afternoon, reconvene in Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Your Inkas Blood host will meet you at the station and bring you to your hotel for a well-deserved good night’s rest.

Explore Cusco’s surrounding hills by mountain bike, and explore its hidden cobblestone streets on a private tour.

This morning it’s off to explore the hills surrounding Cusco via mountain bike! Strap on your helmet and it’s off we go, through the greater Sacsayhuaman National Park. Keep an eye out for unmarked and seldom-visited Incan ruins.

After lunch, you’ll continue your journey through Cusco – a picturesque city that is loved by travelers from all over the world. Wander through the cobblestone streets in the company of your guide who will help illuminate the history of this colonial city. As you explore the city’s sights, Qoricancha and the Santo Domingo monastery, a colonial structure built on top of the ancient Inca temple of the sun, Cusco’s striking cultural blend will soon become apparent.

Roam the atmospheric streets of the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, which is known for its free-spirited scene; see where the locals make their grocery runs at the open-air San Pedro market and pass the famous 12-angled stone, whose image appears on the bottle of the local Cusqueña beer.

Navigate Peru’s white water in the Southern Valley on the Upper Urubamba River

Wake up with a gleam in your eye, for a day of adventure lies ahead! After breakfast, your private driver will meet you at your hotel and whisk you over the hills surrounding Cusco into the beautiful purple countryside beyond. You’ll pass fields with grazing cows and sheep, tended by women in full skirts and traditional braids, adobe houses, and colonial churches. Enjoy the feeling of freedom in the country air.

After ninety minutes, you’ll arrive in the small town of Chuquicahuana where you will receive a safety briefing with procedures for the start of your adventure at the Upper Urubamba River. Here, you will work together to prepare the equipment and inflate the rafts before gearing up and climbing in.

You’ll spend three hours navigating the river as a team and taking in the stunning scenery – dry mountains, green fields, small farmsteads, and an incredibly big blue sky. You’ll even take on class III and class IV rapids, so prepare to get a little wet.

When you disembark, relish an al fresco lunch and then relax as we drive you back to your hotel in Cusco for an evening at leisure.

Return to “The City of Kings” for an afternoon of paragliding and or time at your leisure.

This morning, you can continue your exploration of the city of Cusco, or have a lie-in and enjoy the comforts of your hotel. At the appropriate time mid-day, we will bring you to the Cusco airport for your return flight to Lima. Your Inkas Blood Lima host will meet you upon arrival and bring you to Miraflores pier, where your instructor will give you a safety briefing for your tandem paragliding tour.

Take a running leap of faith into the air and enjoy the spectacular views over the ocean and the seaside district of Miraflores, where you will find manicured parks and laid-back surfers, all overlooking one of Lima’s most popular neighborhoods. After your flight, you’ll have some free time to explore at leisure and grab a bite to eat at one of the neighborhood’s award-winning restaurants.

Soar over a 2,000-year-old mystery and surf the sand dunes of Huacachina

After you’ve finished a nutritious breakfast, your guide and private driver will meet you at your hotel. Then, it’s through the arid but beautiful countryside on a road trip adventure. After approximately four hours you will reach Ica, where you will board the small plane ready to take you soaring over the world-renowned Nazca Lines.

Created by the Nazca people between 400 and 650AD, the purpose of these massive earthworks is still shrouded in mystery. Experts suspect they were related to Nazca cosmology and religious worship, but you can form your own hypothesis as you fly above them! You’ll touch back down after approximately 90 minutes, enjoy a box lunch, and make your way to the iconic oasis of Huacachina.

This oasis – crystal clear water and palm trees surrounded by sand as far as the eyes can see – is home to some of the best dune buggy adventures in the world. Grab your sunglasses and strap in for a wild ride. Cruise over the dunes and partake in a thrilling sandboarding lesson before pausing to watch the sunset over the expanse of dunes.

Return to the Oasis where your private vehicle will be waiting to bring you to your hotel in Paracas, approximately 40 minutes away.

Paracas, with its incredible biodiversity, beautiful coastal landscapes, and remote location is often referred to as Peru’s “mini Galapagos”. A treasure of a destination, Paracas will give you the experience of getting up close and personal with Peru’s coastal wildlife: we’ll meet you in the hotel lobby and then bring you to the Paracas Peninsula harbor.

We’ll board a speedboat and enjoy a scenic ride through an area often called the “Galapagos of Peru”. Here, the cold plankton-rich Humboldt Current meets warmer tropical waters, creating ideal feeding grounds for a host of wildlife: pelicans, flamingoes, Inca terns, sea lions, penguins, hammerhead sharks, and even whales. As we speed toward the islands, you’ll see the mysterious ancient earthwork – the Candelabro.

Your guide will expand on the various theories about its creation and meaning, although no one has yet convincingly illuminated its past. You’ll touch back down after 35 minutes and make your way back to your private car, where you will enjoy a relaxing drive back to the capital.

At the appropriate time, we will bring you to the airport for your journey home. Your host will help you to check in to your international flight and wish you buen viaje!

Like the sound of this Peru Adventure private tour? Get in touch with Inkas Blood and we’ll start crafting your very own customized private travel experience to Peru!

Fly to Cusco and enjoy a private afternoon city tour

You will wake up refreshed and enjoy a complimentary breakfast in your hotel before we escort you back to the airport for your morning flight to Cusco. Watch the windows as the desert coast rises into the snow-capped peaks of the Andes!

We will be waiting for you when you touch down at our Andean airport and will bring you to the historic city center of Cusco for a delicious lunch. Afterwards you’ll have the afternoon free to explore and acclimate to the altitude at your own pace.

This evening, you will have your briefing for your Inca Trail!

This morning, spend a special hour on horseback, away from the crowds and losing yourself in the stunning views of the rural Sacred Valley. After a safety briefing and meeting your horse, we’ll show you our neighborhood, a beautiful section of the Sacred Valley that just a few get to see. There are no popular tourist attractions on this route, which is why this is an unforgettable and peaceful way to experience rural life in the Sacred Valley.

Then for lunch, you’ll experience a traditional Pachamanca! The pachamanca is a culinary tradition that dates back to the Incas as a way to celebrate and pay respect to the Pachamama or Mother Earth, a deity representing fertility to the indigenous people in Peru. The Pachamanca is a real feast that plays a key role in gatherings in different regions of Peru.

Thie afternoon, you will get your hands dirty and learn all about the building traditions of the Sacred Valley with an adobe making workshop. Surrounded by colorful mountains, our local experts in mud brick making will share their first-hand knowledge about this building tradition. With their help, you’ll make some strong mud mix yourself!

After getting cleaned up, we will bring you to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure in the beautiful Sacred Valley.

Prepare to fall in love with Cusco, a gorgeous city that wins the heart of almost every traveler that passes through it. A private tour is the best way to learn about this historic city and uncover the best insider secrets. Your guide will meet you at your hotel, and from there you’ll start your exploration of the city!

Explore the archaeological remains of Sacsayhuaman, where the Incas staged a great battle against the conquistadors, the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, a hub of artistic inspiration, and Qoricancha and the Santo Domingo monastery, a colonial structure built on top of the ancient Inca temple of the sun, enjoying local snacks and tasty treats along the way!

At the end of the tour, you will be free to explore our vibrant city on your own, and pick up any last minute items so that you will be ready to start your trek in the morning!

Start your journey on the Inca Trail

Prepare to discover why this is one of the world’s most noteworthy hiking routes, winding through several different ecological areas, from the high deserts to tropical rain forests. Not to mention its mysterious archaeological sites, whose covering of jungle overgrowth gives the impression that you are discovering them for the first time. Of course, the Inca Trail saves its greatest reward for last, culminating at the lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu.

With Inkas Blood, your Inca Trail experience will be a safe and memorable one. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides and aided by support staff, who will ensure your trek is comfortable and pleasant. Local porters will help you with your luggage and you’ll be provided with delicious, hearty meals to help you keep your energy levels up. We’re also happy to include portable hot showers and massage services upon request – a luxurious way to revive weary trekkers.

Your journey starts when we escort you to the trek’s starting point (point km 82) where you’ll meet your porters. Hike the first section of the trail, weaving through semi-arid terrain along the rushing Urubamba River, providing magnificent views of the looming snowcapped mountains.

We will leave the Urubamba Valley and set off up the Cusichaca River (“Happy Legs River” in Quechua), to our first campsite in Ayapata at 10,829 feet above sea level. This evening, enjoy a wonderful hot dinner prepared by your porters and fall asleep under the stars in the comfort of your tent.

Facing “Dead Woman’s Pass” during day two on the trail

Get ready for a significant challenge today. Get your energy levels up with a hearty breakfast before beginning the ascent up the Warmihuañusca pass (or “Dead Woman’s Pass”), which has an elevation of 13,829 feet above sea level. This name is given due to the crests resembling the form of a woman’s supine body when seen from the valley below.

It will be a challenging 4-hour climb through different microclimates, but you can take plenty of scenic breaks along the way. Stop and settle into your second campsite, Chaquicocha, located at 11,800 feet.

Tonight as you relax in your campsite, revel in today’s accomplishments, as you have completed the most difficult section of the trail.

Sleeping among the clouds during day three on the Inca Trail

Get ready for a significant challenge today. Get your energy levels up with a hearty breakfast before beginning the ascent up the Warmihuañusca pass (or “Dead Woman’s Pass”), which has an elevation of 13,829 feet above sea level. This name is given due to the crests resembling the form of a woman’s supine body when seen from the valley below.

It will be a challenging 4-hour climb through different microclimates, but you can take plenty of scenic breaks along the way. Stop and settle into your second campsite, Chaquicocha, located at 11,800 feet.

Tonight as you relax in your campsite, revel in today’s accomplishments, as you have completed the most difficult section of the trail.

Your triumphant arrival at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu

After a very early breakfast, you will head to the checkpoint, say goodbye to your team of porters and chefs, and continue on the journey to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From Sun Gate, stare in awe at the horizon, with unparalleled views of the mountains and Machu Picchu. Take a deep breath of relief and triumph as you have tread in the footsteps of the Incas, conquering the historic Inca Trail!

Venture into the lost citadel and take a moment to stop and truly appreciate this staggering ancient site. After ample time exploring this majestic site, make your way to Aguas Calientes by bus and enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing to the sound of the cloud forest around you.

Embark on an exclusive trek up the highly coveted Huayna Picchu!

Today you have the option to hike two different trails – Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on which you decide! This will be the culmination of your Machu Picchu luxury tour, so enjoy it however you want.

Adventurous travelers who desire something off-the-beaten-path should hike the steep slope of Huayna Picchu, offering unrivaled views of Machu Picchu. Please note that only a limited number of hikers are allowed to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain each day and tickets will need to be purchased well in advance along with your Machu Picchu entrance.

In the afternoon, descend to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Your Inkas Blood host will meet you at the station and bring you to your hotel in Cusco for a well-earned evening of rest.

Luxuriate with some well-deserved downtime in Cusco and Lima

This morning, you can continue your exploration of the city of Cusco, or have a relaxing morning in the comforts of your hotel! In the afternoon, we will bring you to the Cusco airport for your return flight to Lima.  You will have the evening to spend as you please in the culinary capital of South America.

Tour the bohemian streets of Barranco and bid farewell to Peru.

Going home is the worst part of any private Peru vacation, but at Inkas Blood, we’ll do our best to make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you and take you to the seaside bohemian district of Barranco. See the streets of Barranco come alive as you visit a number of local art galleries and shops that support local artisans. Finally, enjoy a first-class gourmet meal featuring world-renowned Peruvian flavors in a restaurant of your choice before returning to the airport for your journey home. Enjoy your trip!