About Peru

As adventure tour people, we can’t help but love Peru to extremes; it offers a diversity of adventure travel opportunities that defies belief.

Hiking the Inca trail and Machu Picchu will never go out of style, but there’s so much more to Peru in general and Cusco in particular. High and low jungle, rafting and biking, world-class cuisine, trekking to undisturbed ruins, authentic cultural interchange throwing pots and chewing coca with Quechua-speaking locals: all within surprisingly easy reach of the must-see sights.

Our Peru Itineraries

Generally speaking the first week of each of our trips is similar. It always includes the Inca Trail or Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu, time to explore Cusco, and awesome hiking and biking in the Sacred Valley. The second week of each trip has its own unique defining feature - often a unique multi-day local fiesta.

Challenge For A Cure

15 days

Sat 5 May 2012 - Sat 19 May 2012

From US$3,299

from Lima to Cusco

The soaring peaks of the Andes and the cultural legacies of the Incas are two of Peru’s most compelling attractions. We discover both and much more on this amazing 2 week adventure.

After savouring the historical and cultural highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas whilst taking our time acclimatising, we commence our trek. For a week we explore the wilderness following trails to 5000m in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and establishing camp beneath the spectacular 6220m Mount Salcantay. This stunning trail is much quieter than the busier Inca Trail and is highly regarded by past trekkers. On the final day we join the classic Inca Trail for the dramatic view of Machu Picchu from the ‘Sun Gate’. Rather than rushing back to Cusco, we spend a night in Aguas Calientes for a well deserved soak in the hot springs before heading back to Machu Picchu at the best time of day, as the sun is rising.

This trip is run in conjunction with Malcolm (Mal) Law of Running Wild, a New Zealand based adventure tourism company with a philosophy of helping people who because of ill health cannot enjoy the outdoors the way that so many of us can. Along with the Trip Cost, each participant is to raise funds for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation. Mal has set your goal at $2,500 - so have a chat with us about how to reach your goal!

Pato

14 days

Sun 6 May 2012 - Sat 19 May 2012

From US$2,999

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Pato' is a trip with a special food focus: there’s a cooking class where we’ll try our hands at producing novo-andina fusion cuisine, an orchard and farm visit leading to a traditional home-cooked family meal, a couple of world-class gourmet dinners, and feasting at a Sacred Valley fiesta. Of course, we also visit Machu Picchu - as well as several other much lesser-known Inca sites - and keep the adrenaline flowing with hiking, biking, zip lining, and more outdoor action!

Rana

14 days

Sun 20 May 2012 - Sat 2 June 2012

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

The Ccoyllorritty trip

12 days

Sat 2 June 2012 - Wed 13 June 2012

From US$2,600

Cusco to Cusco

This trip has it all… soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca ruins; ride South America’s highest zipline; hike the Inca Trail (optional); wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco; experience the full-immersion cultural encounter that is Ccoyllorritty, the most ‘out there’ experience we offer (or know of) in Peru, a very ‘out there’ country; hike from one Inca marvel to another in the stunning Sacred Valley… and much more!

Raymi

14 days

Mon 18 June 2012 - Sun 1 July 2012

From US$2,900

From Cusco to Puno

On our Raymi trip you'll soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca ruins; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco; experience the cultural festival known as Inti Raymi - the festival of the sun; mountain bike from one Inca marvel to another in the stunning Sacred Valley… and much more!

We finish with the Rana’s signature super-authentic homestays on the shores of Lake Titicaca and in the altiplano, where we’ll climb a volcano and learn to throw pots in the shadow of some of Peru’s most striking ruins!

Please note: It’s possible to do the Inca Trail during or after this trip - please contact us for more details!

Biking trip

13 days

Sun 24 June 2012 - Fri 6 July 2012

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

We'll bike to Machu Picchu, ride myriad tracks around the hills of Cusco, and cycle from Maras to Salineras - two unique and incredible Incan sites. Cycle through the incomparable farmland and river gorges of the Lares Valley, camping overnight along the way at high-altitude, natural thermal hot baths perched over a jagged river gorge! Mix hiking and biking single-track or easy downhill road riding in any combination. Optional rides for confident riders include taking on the Red Bull Mega Avalanche ride. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or just starting out - if you enjoy riding, this is the trip for you!

Virgin Rana

14 days

Sun 8 July 2012 - Sat 21 July 2012

From US$2,900

The most famous of all of Peru’s all-singing, all-dancing religious rituals – la fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, in Paucartambo - this is a trip into the heart of Peru's ancient culture and customs.

We start with a week of action, scenery and history, taking in gorgeous, historic Cusco before hiking and biking our way to Machu Picchu via ziplines and hot springs! Then we head to Paucartambo for days of non-stop music, parades, games, dances, and fireworks, along with an unforgettable sunrise at Tres Cruces – a hallucinogenic optical illusion that’s worth staying up all night for.

Finally we head for Lampa and Lake Titicaca where we get up close and personal with ancient, recent and living history. Thanks to the way Paucartambo dates fall in 2012, this trip really does have it all!

Rana

14 days

Sun 22 July 2012 - Sat 4 August 2012

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

Food trip

13 days

Sun 5 August 2012 - Fri 17 August 2012

From US$2,800

Peruvian cuisine, as yet fairly little-known in the English speaking world, is justly famous throughout Latin America. If you enjoy learning about and eating good food you will love this trip. We start with the hidden, back-street treats and mind-bogglingly huge produce markets of Lima – long known as the gastronomic capital of Latin America.

Then we move on to Cusco for more markets, a very local lunch, and a cooking lesson.

The rest of the trip is less ‘foody’ as we catch up on all the attractions included in a traditional Aspiring trip – stunning Cusco, the history and scenery of the Sacred Valley, and of course Machu Picchu. And then of course there’s hiking, hot springs, incredible markets, churches and ruins, and homestay in quirky Raqchi and on the timeless islands of Lake Titicaca.

Rana

14 days

Sun 12 August 2012 - Sat 25 August 2012

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

Rana

14 days

Sun 26 August 2012 - Sat 8 September 2012

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

Food trip with Mistura

14 days

Sun 9 September 2012 - Sat 22 September 2012

From US$3,000

Peruvian cuisine, as yet fairly little-known in the English speaking world, is justly famous throughout Latin America. If you enjoy learning about and eating good food you will love this trip. We start with the hidden, back-street treats and mind-bogglingly huge produce markets of Lima – long known as the gastronomic capital of Latin America. We also have the opportunity to attend Lima’s annual gastronomic fair, Mistura, where you can sample cutting-edge fusion food from South America’s best restaurants – this is an unsurpassable, once in a lifetime opportunity to eat incredibly well and one we are delighted to present as part of an Aspiring trip!

Then we move on to Cusco for more markets, a very local lunch, and a cooking lesson.

The rest of the trip is less ‘foody’ as we catch up on all the attractions included in a traditional Aspiring trip – stunning Cusco, the history and scenery of the Sacred Valley, and of course Machu Picchu. And then of course there’s hiking, hot springs, incredible markets, churches and ruins, and homestay in quirky Raqchi and on the timeless islands of Lake Titicaca.

NOTE - At the time of updating this itinerary (January 2012), dates for Mistura 2012 and 2013 had been confirmed, but not the exact order of events, so we may swap things around in the first three days of the trip to make sure we’re there for the best bits!

Biking trip

12 days

Sun 23 September 2012 - Thu 4 October 2012

From US$2,800

We'll bike to Machu Picchu, ride myriad tracks around the hills of Cusco, and cycle from Maras to Salineras - two unique and incredible Incan sites. Cycle through the incomparable farmland and river gorges of the Lares Valley, camping overnight along the way at high-altitude, natural thermal hot baths perched over a jagged river gorge! Mix hiking and biking single-track or easy downhill road riding in any combination. Optional rides for confident riders include taking on the Red Bull Mega Avalanche ride. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or just starting out - if you enjoy riding, this is the trip for you!

Food trip

13 days

Sun 28 April 2013 - Fri 10 May 2013

From US$2,800

Peruvian cuisine, as yet fairly little-known in the English speaking world, is justly famous throughout Latin America. If you enjoy learning about and eating good food you will love this trip. We start with the hidden, back-street treats and mind-bogglingly huge produce markets of Lima – long known as the gastronomic capital of Latin America.

Then we move on to Cusco for more markets, a very local lunch, and a cooking lesson.

The rest of the trip is less ‘foody’ as we catch up on all the attractions included in a traditional Aspiring trip – stunning Cusco, the history and scenery of the Sacred Valley, and of course Machu Picchu. And then of course there’s hiking, hot springs, incredible markets, churches and ruins, and homestay in quirky Raqchi and on the timeless islands of Lake Titicaca.

Rana

14 days

Sun 5 May 2013 - Sat 18 May 2013

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

Biking trip

12 days

Sun 12 May 2013 - Thu 23 May 2013

From US$2,800

We'll bike to Machu Picchu, ride myriad tracks around the hills of Cusco, and cycle from Maras to Salineras - two unique and incredible Incan sites. Cycle through the incomparable farmland and river gorges of the Lares Valley, camping overnight along the way at high-altitude, natural thermal hot baths perched over a jagged river gorge! Mix hiking and biking single-track or easy downhill road riding in any combination. Optional rides for confident riders include taking on the Red Bull Mega Avalanche ride. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or just starting out - if you enjoy riding, this is the trip for you!

Rana

14 days

Sun 19 May 2013 - Sat 1 June 2013

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

The Ccoyllorritty trip

12 days

Sat 25 May 2013 - Wed 5 June 2013

From US$2,600

Cusco to Cusco

This trip has it all… soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca ruins; ride South America’s highest zipline; hike the Inca Trail (optional); wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco; experience the full-immersion cultural encounter that is Ccoyllorritty, the most ‘out there’ experience we offer (or know of) in Peru, a very ‘out there’ country; hike from one Inca marvel to another in the stunning Sacred Valley… and much more!

Rana

14 days

Sun 2 June 2013 - Sat 15 June 2013

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

Food trip

13 days

Sun 9 June 2013 - Fri 21 June 2013

From US$2,800

Peruvian cuisine, as yet fairly little-known in the English speaking world, is justly famous throughout Latin America. If you enjoy learning about and eating good food you will love this trip. We start with the hidden, back-street treats and mind-bogglingly huge produce markets of Lima – long known as the gastronomic capital of Latin America.

Then we move on to Cusco for more markets, a very local lunch, and a cooking lesson.

The rest of the trip is less ‘foody’ as we catch up on all the attractions included in a traditional Aspiring trip – stunning Cusco, the history and scenery of the Sacred Valley, and of course Machu Picchu. And then of course there’s hiking, hot springs, incredible markets, churches and ruins, and homestay in quirky Raqchi and on the timeless islands of Lake Titicaca.

Raymi

14 days

Tue 18 June 2013 - Mon 1 July 2013

From US$2,900

From Cusco to Puno

On our Raymi trip you'll soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca ruins; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco; experience the cultural festival known as Inti Raymi - the festival of the sun; mountain bike from one Inca marvel to another in the stunning Sacred Valley… and much more!

We finish with the Rana’s signature super-authentic homestays on the shores of Lake Titicaca and in the altiplano, where we’ll climb a volcano and learn to throw pots in the shadow of some of Peru’s most striking ruins!

Please note: It’s possible to do the Inca Trail during or after this trip - please contact us for more details!

Biking trip

12 days

Sun 23 June 2013 - Thu 4 July 2013

From US$2,800

We'll bike to Machu Picchu, ride myriad tracks around the hills of Cusco, and cycle from Maras to Salineras - two unique and incredible Incan sites. Cycle through the incomparable farmland and river gorges of the Lares Valley, camping overnight along the way at high-altitude, natural thermal hot baths perched over a jagged river gorge! Mix hiking and biking single-track or easy downhill road riding in any combination. Optional rides for confident riders include taking on the Red Bull Mega Avalanche ride. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or just starting out - if you enjoy riding, this is the trip for you!

Virgin Rana

14 days

Mon 8 July 2013 - Sun 21 July 2013

From US$2,900

The most famous of all of Peru’s all-singing, all-dancing religious rituals – la fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, in Paucartambo - this is a trip into the heart of Peru's ancient culture and customs.

We start with a week of action, scenery and history, taking in gorgeous, historic Cusco before hiking and biking our way to Machu Picchu via ziplines and hot springs! Then we head to Paucartambo for days of non-stop music, parades, games, dances, and fireworks, along with an unforgettable sunrise at Tres Cruces – a hallucinogenic optical illusion that’s worth staying up all night for.

Finally we head for Lampa and Lake Titicaca where we get up close and personal with ancient, recent and living history. Thanks to the way Paucartambo dates fall in 2012, this trip really does have it all!

Rana

14 days

Sun 21 July 2013 - Sat 3 August 2013

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

Biking trip

12 days

Sun 4 August 2013 - Thu 15 August 2013

From US$2,800

We'll bike to Machu Picchu, ride myriad tracks around the hills of Cusco, and cycle from Maras to Salineras - two unique and incredible Incan sites. Cycle through the incomparable farmland and river gorges of the Lares Valley, camping overnight along the way at high-altitude, natural thermal hot baths perched over a jagged river gorge! Mix hiking and biking single-track or easy downhill road riding in any combination. Optional rides for confident riders include taking on the Red Bull Mega Avalanche ride. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or just starting out - if you enjoy riding, this is the trip for you!

Rana

14 days

Sun 11 August 2013 - Sat 24 August 2013

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

Rana

14 days

Sun 25 August 2013 - Sat 7 September 2013

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

Food trip with Mistura

14 days

Sun 8 September 2013 - Sat 21 September 2013

From US$3,000

Peruvian cuisine, as yet fairly little-known in the English speaking world, is justly famous throughout Latin America. If you enjoy learning about and eating good food you will love this trip. We start with the hidden, back-street treats and mind-bogglingly huge produce markets of Lima – long known as the gastronomic capital of Latin America. We also have the opportunity to attend Lima’s annual gastronomic fair, Mistura, where you can sample cutting-edge fusion food from South America’s best restaurants – this is an unsurpassable, once in a lifetime opportunity to eat incredibly well and one we are delighted to present as part of an Aspiring trip!

Then we move on to Cusco for more markets, a very local lunch, and a cooking lesson.

The rest of the trip is less ‘foody’ as we catch up on all the attractions included in a traditional Aspiring trip – stunning Cusco, the history and scenery of the Sacred Valley, and of course Machu Picchu. And then of course there’s hiking, hot springs, incredible markets, churches and ruins, and homestay in quirky Raqchi and on the timeless islands of Lake Titicaca.

NOTE - At the time of updating this itinerary (January 2012), dates for Mistura 2012 and 2013 had been confirmed, but not the exact order of events, so we may swap things around in the first three days of the trip to make sure we’re there for the best bits!

Rana

14 days

Sun 22 September 2013 - Sat 5 October 2013

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!

Rana

14 days

Sun 29 September 2013 - Sat 12 October 2013

From US$2,800

From Cusco to Cusco

Our 'Rana' brings you the best of historic Cusco and legendary Lake Titicaca…soak up scenery, traditional culture and Inca and pre-Inca remains in the Sacred Valley; ride South America’s highest zipline; chill out in beautiful natural hot springs in high jungle and freezing windswept altiplano; hike the Inca Trail; wander in awe through Machu Picchu, the unsurpassable jewel in Peru’s crown; explore the ancient passageways of historic Cusco and the frenetic streets of bustling Puno; stay with locals at the foot of a volcano, and on the shores of Lake Titicaca; contemplate life and death in Lampa… and much more!