Ancient Cities & the Inca Trail from Dublin

Days 1-2  Lima
Fly to Peru's buzzing capital and settle into your hotel. The next day, head out on a guided tour to learn about Lima’s fascinating history and see the wonderful highlights of this dynamic city.

Day 3  Lima to Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and drive into the stunning Sacred Valley. En route, visit an Andean textile centre to see the intriguing traditional weaving techniques.

Day 4  Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is teeming with Inca history and breathtaking scenery with the backdrop of the Andes mountains.  Visit the Pisac market, marvel at the ruins of Ollantaytambo and perhaps shop for local handicrafts to take home.

Day 5  Inca Trail: Sacred Valley to Wayllabamba
Rise early and head to KM 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Walk to the first camp (approximately 5-6 hours) passing the impressive Inca ruins of Llactapata and pretty valleys lying in the shadow of snow-capped mountains. Your Inca Trail experience will be on a shared basis, with an experienced trek guide and porters to help carry your belongings.

Day 6  Inca Trail: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo
This hike (approximately 6-7 hours) begins with a steep climb to the highest point on the trail, the Abra Warmihuañusca, also known as 'Dead Woman’s Pass'. Descend into the Pacaymayo Valley to reach your second camp.

Day 7  Inca Trail: Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna
Today, embark on the longest day of the trek (approximately 8 hours), taking you through lush cloud forest and beautiful mountain scenery. Arrive in Wiñay Wayna, an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural centre with numerous terraces.

Day 8  Inca Trail: Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu
Enjoy your last day of hiking (approximately 2 hours). Rise early and walk to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) for an incredible view over mighty Machu Picchu as the sun rises. Enter the Inca Citadel from the highest point ‘House of the Guardians’ and enjoy a two hour guided tour of the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Later, descend the mountain to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 9  Machu Picchu to Cusco
Return to the ruins this morning and explore the citadel at your own pace. Later this afternoon, travel to Cusco by train.

Day 10  Cusco
Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure before an afternoon guided tour to see the highlights of Cusco.

Day 11  Cusco
Today is free for you to further explore this beautiful city. Alternatively, opt to join a cooking class to create (and taste) delicious Peruvian cuisine.

Days 12-13  Fly home
Fly to Lima before your flight home.