Sacred Land of the Incas
15 days | Peru & Bolivia
Lima to La Paz
From the mist-shrouded ruins of Machu Picchu to the immense waters of Lake Titicaca and the verdant depths of the Amazon, Sacred Land of the Incas reveals Peru and Bolivia through landscapes, living traditions and extraordinary encounters. Begin in Lima before travelling deep into the Amazon, wandering the ancient streets of Cusco and tracing the routes of the Incas through the Sacred Valley. Along the way, meet Indigenous communities, share traditional meals, sleep beneath the stars and experience the enduring cultures of the Andes. The journey concludes in La Paz, where Aymara and Quechua traditions remain woven into the rhythm of contemporary life.
The Amazon — Into the Green Unknown
The journey begins in Lima before flying east to Puerto Maldonado and travelling by motorised canoe deep into the Madre de Dios region. Here, the world changes completely. A thatched-roof jungle lodge becomes your base amid the sounds, scents and movement of the rainforest, with days spent walking beneath the canopy alongside local guides who share their knowledge of the extraordinary flora and fauna.
Look for rainbow macaws, butterflies, monkeys, peccaries, capybaras and giant otters as you explore the forest, while learning about the medicinal and practical uses of plants long studied by Indigenous communities. After dark, the rainforest takes on another character as a guided night walk searches for caimans and other nocturnal inhabitants.
Cusco & the Sacred Valley — A Living Inheritance
From the Amazon, ascend into the Andes and arrive in Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca world. At 3,450 metres, the city unfolds through layers of history: ancient stonework, Spanish colonial architecture, bustling markets and quiet squares. Walk through the Plaza de Armas and San Blas, discover the extraordinary precision of Inca masonry and experience a city where centuries of cultural influence exist side by side.
Beyond Cusco, the Sacred Valley opens into a landscape of terraced mountains, fertile fields and ancient settlements. Meet a local community and share lunch while learning about traditions that have endured through generations. A visit to AMA Restaurant introduces another side of contemporary Peru, supporting an initiative that provides employment and training for single mothers in the Sacred Valley.
The Road to Machu Picchu — Follow the Ancient Paths
The approach to Machu Picchu is yours to choose. For those seeking a deeper physical connection with the landscape, the classic Inca Trail winds through mountain passes, archaeological sites and cloud forest, culminating in an arrival through the Sun Gate. Alternatively, the Inca Quarry Trail reveals a quieter route through remote Andean scenery, sacred sites and ancient quarries. For a more leisurely journey, travel by scenic train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes.
Whichever route you take, the destination remains the same: Machu Picchu. Explore the temples, palaces and living quarters of this remarkable Inca citadel with a local guide, surrounded by steep green mountains and drifting cloud. The experience feels all the more powerful for the journey that precedes it.
Lake Titicaca — Traditions Above the Clouds
Continue across the high altiplano to Puno and the vast blue expanse of Lake Titicaca, sitting at approximately 3,800 metres above sea level. A boat journey takes you to the remarkable floating Uros Islands, constructed from layers of totora reeds, before continuing to a traditional community on the lakeshore.
Here, travel becomes wonderfully personal. Stay with a local family in a traditional mud-brick home, share a home-cooked meal and experience the rhythms of everyday life in the Andes. The following day, travel to Taquile Island, celebrated for its intricate textiles and strong cultural traditions, before returning to Puno.
La Paz — The Andes, Reimagined
Cross the border into Bolivia and arrive in La Paz, a dramatic highland city framed by the Andes. Colonial architecture rises alongside modern neighbourhoods, while markets and streets reveal the enduring influence of Aymara and Quechua culture. A walking tour introduces the city's distinctive character before the journey comes to a close.
From rainforest canopy to snow-capped peaks, ancient stone cities to communities living beside one of the world's great lakes, Sacred Land of the Incas offers a deeply textured portrait of the Andes. It is a journey shaped not simply by remarkable places, but by the people, traditions and landscapes that continue to give this corner of South America its extraordinary sense of place.
Inclusions
- 14 nights' accommodation
- 8 nights in hotels
- 2 nights in a jungle lodge
- 3 nights camping with basic facilities on the trekking options
- 1 night homestay in a traditional community on Lake Titicaca
- 14 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
- Amazon Jungle activities with local guides
- Jungle lodge experience in the Peruvian Amazon
- Guided Cusco orientation walk
- Sacred Valley community visit and lunch
- Snack and drink at AMA Restaurant social enterprise
- Choice of 3-night/4-day Inca Trail, 2-night/3-day Inca Quarry Trail, or guided Cusco stay with Machu Picchu by train
- Porter support on the Inca Trail and Quarry Trail
- Machu Picchu entrance and guided tour
- Lake Titicaca boat tour and community homestay
- Visit to the Uros floating reed islands
- Taquile Island excursion
- La Paz orientation walk
- Transport by boat, canoe, public bus, plane and private vehicle as specified
- Local leaders and guides throughout the journey
International flights to and from the tour are not included and can be arranged separately.

