Inca Encounter

All content by Intrepid

9 days (ex Lima)

Destinations visited: Peru, Lima, Cuzco & The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,485

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Description

Travel to South America and tour Peru on an eye-opening sojourn from the depths of the Amazon to the heights of the Andes. Visit Lima, explore ancient Cuzco, see the lush Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo, and marvel at the wonder of Machu Picchu. Offering an up close look at Peru's diverse attractions, this is an unforgettable trip at a relaxing pace. Discover ancient cultures, natural wonders, welcoming locals and vibrant modern life as you journey through the homeland of the Incas.

Highlights

Stroll through Lima's vibrant Plaza Mayor.
Learn the secrets of the Amazon Jungle from a local guide.
Admire Cuzco's stunning colonial architecture.
Glimpse terraced walls in the fertile Sacred Valley.
Stroll geometrically perfect streets in Ollantaytambo.
Wander among the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.
Discover Peru's colourful traditional textiles.

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Welcome to Peru! Plaza Mayor, in Lima's historic centre, the ideal place to begin an exploration of the city's churches, palaces and ornate colonial mansions. Try the local seafood specialty - ceviche.

Days 2-3 Amazon Jungle

The call of exotic birds and dense jungle awaits. Learn about the Amazon's complex ecosystem on a hike with a local guide.

Days 4-5 Cuzco

Become acquainted with Cuzco on a stroll around the city centre. Cuzco is a melting pot of Spanish and Inca influences, rich in history and legend. Visit a coca tea shop - tasting included - then haggle for wares at the colourful San Pedro market. Top off the stay here with a trip out to the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman.

Day 6 Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo

See woolly llamas, and locals dressed in brightly-coloured traditional clothes on a trip through the spectacularly terraced Sacred Valley. Stay overnight in the ancient Inca town of Ollantaytambo and visit its fortress, which played a crucial role in Inca history.

Day 7 Aguas Calientes

Reach the mountain village of Aguas Calientes by train. Spend free time soaking in the natural hot springs or take an optional sneak peek of Machu Picchu.

Days 8-9 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu and be sure to have cameras ready - these ruins are seriously photogenic. Return to Cuzco for more sightseeing. The cathedral - built on the foundations of an Inca palace - is well worth a visit. Why not have lunch at Aldea Yanapay Cafe? All proceeds go towards helping Cuzco's underprivileged kids.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nts), Jungle Lodge (2 nts)

Transport

Plane, Bus, Train, Canoe

Budget

Allow USD $175 for meals not included.

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Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,485

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