Inca Trail and Amazon Adventure

Take a two-hour boat ride downriver to the scintillating Valencia oxbow lake. Fishing in the lake is perfectly complemented by sightings of varied wildlife and birds, including ospreys, herons, huge flocks of flying macaws, and the king vulture. For lunch savour the fish you caught in the lake, served alongside other local food. Walk one hour in the primary forest and Brazilian nut fields on your way around the rainforest.

Depending on which lodge you choose, there will be a wide variety of activities to fill your days with. Head out to explore the flooded forests, waterways, rivers and nature trails through the national reserve encountering all the abundant wildlife and birdlife in between.

One of the highlights of your stay in this area is bound to be an excursion to the Maras salt terraces and the Moray Inca terraces for some soft hiking in these spectacular landscapes.

Head to a 300-metre rock face in Pachar, and with safety equipment and instructors you’ll begin the climb that will give you fantastic views over the valley and spectacular mountain scenery. Once at the top, you’ll rappel back down and enjoy a picnic lunch with fantastic panoramas in front of you.

A great expedition for those looking to combine the wild beauty of the Sacred Valley with a bit of adventure and thrill. After a safety talk and a brief period of practising on the flatter parts of the Urubamba river, your rafting experience, led by trained professionals, will begin.

On your first day, you’ll be taken to Piskacuchu, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Crossing the Urubamba River, you’ll hike along its shore to the Sacred Valley and then on a flat trail to Miskay. After ascending to a viewpoint over the Inca city of Llactapata, the trek continues up the Kusichaca River valley for about five hours to reach Wayllabamba, where you’ll camp for the night. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Vilcanota ridge and Veronica peak.

Set off after breakfast on the most challenging part of the trek which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for about 9 km, and along this climb you will see the landscape change from sierra to puna. This will take you to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca where you’ll see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu. Finally descend into the Pacaymayo valley where camp will be set up for the evening.

The final two days of the trek are the most impressive and rewarding. Climb from Pacaymayo to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay, stopping to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. Go over the pass to descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca. The climb to the third pass, Abra de Phuyupatamarca, is easier. Then trek down the long descending stone steps that lead to Wiñaywayna where you’ll camp. An early start on the final day sees you departing at 4am to reach Machu Picchu’s Intipunku or Sun Gate in time for sunrise.

Begin your day with a visit to Cusco’s central market, a wonderful way to discover the Andean culture and daily life. This vibrant spot, with its dazzling displays of fresh produce and fascinating local products, could keep you entertained for hours.

Become an honorary Peruvian chef! You’ll make two appetisers, a main course, enjoy a Pisco tasting and learn how to make a Pisco sour. You’ll also enjoy delectable bite-sized appetisers throughout the class prepared by Marcelo Batata’s restaurants.