Take to the Trails: Hiking and Rafting in Peru

Day 1 | Arrive in Lima You’re met on arrival and privately transferred to Barranco, Lima’s creative quarter by the Pacific. Your boutique base is perfectly placed for an evening stroll along the cliffs or through lantern-lit streets lined with galleries and cafés. After your journey, today is about easing in: fresh coastal air, excellent food and the reassurance that everything is taken care of. We’re on hand with our personal recommendations, so your first night feels relaxed yet considered – a soft landing before the adventure gathers pace.

Day 2 | Lima’s Culinary Underground This morning, delve into Lima’s celebrated food scene with a private guide, visiting tucked-away huariques known mainly to locals. Expect bold flavours, family recipes and insight into the city’s layered culinary heritage. Afterwards, explore Barranco by bike, weaving between murals, hidden courtyards and ocean viewpoints. It’s active without being demanding, striking the right balance between indulgence and exploration. The afternoon is free to linger over lunch or explore independently, with our team ensuring every detail flows seamlessly.

Day 3 | Into the Sacred Valley Fly to Cusco, where you’ll be met and driven directly into the Sacred Valley to aid acclimatisation. As the road winds past terraced hills and snow-dusted peaks, the shift in atmosphere is palpable. Your hacienda-style retreat sits among farmland and mountains, offering space, calm and Andean warmth. Spend the afternoon unwinding in the gardens or taking a gentle walk nearby. This is a purposeful pause, allowing you to adjust comfortably while anticipation builds for the days ahead.

Day 4 | White Water in the Andes Today brings a burst of energy with a private rafting experience near Ollantaytambo. Guided by experts, you’ll navigate lively rapids framed by dramatic valley scenery – exhilarating yet accessible for confident beginners. It’s a refreshing way to experience the Andes from a different perspective. Return to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon; perhaps a spa treatment or simply time to absorb the views. The blend of adrenaline and comfort is carefully judged, keeping the journey dynamic without feeling rushed.

 Day 5 | Inca Strongholds and Living Culture With your private guide, explore Ollantaytambo’s remarkable fortress, climbing vast stone terraces and tracing the ingenuity of Inca engineering. Continue to lesser-visited Pumamarca and into Huilloc village, where traditional weaving techniques are still practised. A countryside picnic adds a thoughtful touch between explorations. This is an immersive day – iconic ruins balanced by genuine community encounters – offering depth beyond the usual circuit. You return to the valley with a richer understanding of both past and present.

Day 6 | Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Board the Vistadome Observatory train for panoramic views en route to your trailhead. From here, your private guide leads you along a rewarding section of the Inca Trail through cloud forest and ancient stone paths. Approaching Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate is unforgettable – your first glimpse of the citadel from above. Descend to Aguas Calientes and your tranquil riverside hotel. It’s an active, deeply satisfying day, fully supported so you can focus on the experience.