At a glance
Set yourself on an ancient path, as you travel through the centre of the Americas on a Discovery Tour in Peru.
You’ll be guided through the continent’s oldest city and the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco. You’ll explore Puca Pucara, the ‘red fortress’, and visit sites such as Coricancha and Sacsayhuamán that combine amazing Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. It’s truly a feast for the eyes. Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, with its soothing gradients will make the trek from Chilica worth it. It may even become a personal favourite.
Not only will you make some lifelong memories, but you’ll also have gained some world-famous alpaca knits and a revived love of history and architecture.
What are the highlights of my Discover Peru trip?
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Here are the highlights of our Discovery Tour in Peru:
- Take in the culture of the Incan Empire in Cusco city
- Explore the famous Archaeological park, Sacsayhuamán
- Visit the Sacred Valley, full of charm, history and scenic views
- Hike the Inca trails, the most famous hike in South America
- Marvel at the beauty and mystery of Machu Picchu
- Trek to the majestic and unique wonder, Rainbow Mountain
Is this trip to Peru right for me?
If adventure and keeping active are on your New Year resolutions list, then our Discovery Tour in Peru should appear on your to-do list.
You’ll spend a week adventuring through the oldest reaches of the Americas with an itinerary packed with exploration, culture and views that will forever be engraved in your memory. Our local guides will also show you traditions around every corner.
This Discovery Tour is open to anyone over the age of 18 years old. You’re also required to have at least a decent level of fitness due to the nature of some of the hikes and other activities on your itinerary.
During your stay, you’ll be living in a hotel with the rest of your group. Your accommodation will be in the navel of soaring peaks, cloud forests and untroubled waters with the opportunity of fresh ceviche always around the corner.
Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco
The moment you land in Peru, our staff will be by your side. They’ll collect you from the airport and take you directly to your accommodation in Cusco. Depending on the time you arrive, you might be able to explore the surrounding area or have a rest before the rest of your group arrives.
Once everyone has arrived, you’ll receive a full country, safety and cultural induction. This will prepare you for the week ahead and it will give you and your group the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You’ll end off a long day of travelling with a hearty group dinner. Use this opportunity to get to know each other and interact with the rest of your group.
Day 2 – Sacred Valley tour
You’ll awake to the smell of Peruvian coffee and will be greeted with a Peruvian breakfast of freshly baked bread and rolls, golden yoked eggs, cheese, and fresh fruit when you sit down to eat.
After breakfast, you’ll visit the Sacred Valley which is a great starter tour to help you with your acclimatisation. It’ll be a day packed full of charm, history and luscious scenic views for days.
Day 3 – Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
After breakfast, you’ll start the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu like many conquistadors, adventurers and like-minded travellers before you. The trail will take you through the vast abundance of diverse flora and fauna, and see the breathtaking archaeological sites of Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and Intipunku. You’ll be greeted by cloud forests with the pinnacle of your trip just on the horizon of your gaze.
At dusk, you’ll cross the Sun gate into Aguas Calientes, where you’ll feast on a traditional Peruvian dinner. Think ceviche, croquettes, humitas, salads and lots more!
Day 4 – Machu Picchu Excursion
You’ll wake up early to begin your day. As you get ready for breakfast, take a few moments to just gaze at the vast scenery and take in the rich mountain air before you have that first sip of coffee.
You’ll then take the first bus up to the Machu Picchu ruins to catch the sunrise at the ancient site. This Inca citadel is located at 7,970 ft (2,430 m) above sea level and is a majestic feat of engineering. Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain," is considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Day 5 – Incan and Wari Archaeology Project
You’ll have spent the last few days exploring some of the world’s most majestic and famous archaeological sites. Now, you'll get to experience ‘a day in the life of an archaeologist’ on our Archaeology Project in Peru!
You’ll assist with the discovery and registration of new archaeological artefacts, maintain current sites, and attend workshops and presentations about the work that happens on the project.
Use your evening to explore Cusco with your group. You can walk along streets lined with beautiful cobblestone passages and cathedrals that tower over the Inca temples. You can also feed your appetite with the bountiful supply of street vendors and brush up on your Spanish with the locals.
Day 6 – Rainbow Mountain
Your morning will start with a quick tea or coffee before a drive to the start of your trek at Chilca. Once you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll be greeted with an appetising Peruvian breakfast to help fuel your three-hour hike ahead.
Along the way, you’ll see breathtaking views of the Andes, glacial peaks, red mountains, rocky hills, peppered with llamas and alpacas grazing along the valley.
Before long, you’ll arrive at the top of the majestic and natural wonder which is Rainbow Mountain. Take in your surroundings and adore the splendour of the red mountains that surround you. You’ll have a great shot of the distant valleys below, not forgetting the Ausangate Glacier Peak which will be bang in front of you! Ausangate is the tallest mountain of the Cusco region, so you can’t miss it.
Day 7 – Departure from Cusco
Once you’ve had your fill of your favourite Peruvian breakfast delights, you have a few more hours to visit those last few places in Cusco. Don’t forget to pick up those last minute souvenirs before packing your bags. You’ll head back to the airport to catch your flight home. Use this time to exchange contact information with your group and relive the memories you made over the last week.
Food and accommodation
You'll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad travellers during your stay in Peru. This is a great way to get to know each other, share experiences, and explore your surroundings during your free time together.
The accommodation is safe, clean, and comfortable. Your programme fees include three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
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