No traveller should ever have to choose between exploring Peru’s coastal desert or adventuring to Machu Picchu, so we created this 11-day, hostel-based tour to help the world out. Kicking off from Lima, you’ll feast on fresh seafood and cruise around on dune buggies at a desert oasis before heading up to the mountains where ruins, hikes, and outrageous scenery await. In Cusco, you’ll get an insider’s tour of the city and then head out to visit some lesser-known highlights of the Sacred Valley, all leading up to the big moment of seeing Machu Picchu for the very first time.
Day 1: LimaArrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Hungry? You've got solid options with all of the great bars and restaurants near the hostel in the funky neighborhood of Barranco.
Day 2: Lima/HuacachinaBuckle up, it's going to be a big one today. Head south from Lima along the coast to a small fishing town for a delicious seafood lunch and learn how Peruvian ceviche is prepared ... doesn't get much fresher than that! Next, head inland and board dune buggies to rip around the sand dunes and even try your hand at sandboarding before taking a swim in a desert oasis at sunset. Carry on to another desert oasis at Huacachina, where we'll check into our hostel and take a load off. Having fun yet? It’s only day 2!
Day 3: HuacachinaToday is all about you with a free day in Huacachina. If exploring the surroundings is your thing, you could check out the Nazca Lines from the air, take a kiteboarding class in Paracas, visit some nearby pisco distilleries, or maybe even take another ride in the dune buggies! Otherwise staying near the hostel at the oasis by the pool with a cold drink is always a great option too.
Day 4: Huacachina/LimaStart early today and hop on a bus to the nearby town of Paracas for a boat excursion out to the Ballestas Islands. Seabirds, penguins and sea lions galore! Take some time to eat some more great seafood for lunch if that's your jam before returning to Lima in the afternoon for a final night out on the town with your mates. Pisco sour anyone?
Day 5: Lima/CuscoRise and shine and get ready to head high up into the Andes today on a short 1 hour flight to Cusco. You'll check into our comfy hostel in the historical centre and then take taxis up to the "Cristo Blanco" statue with the CEO for awesome views of the city and of the sprawling Sacsaywaman archaeological site right next to it. We'll wander back down to the main plaza through the backstreets of the city and then have the rest of the afternoon to explore and acclimatize to the altitude, grab a drink at a cafe on the main plaza or just relax back at the hostel.
Day 6: CuscoBust out the walking shoes as today we’re going to hit the pavement! Set out on foot with your CEO to the San Pedro market before heading up into the narrow cobblestone backstreets to check out the Sapantiana aqueduct and stairway waterfall, a hidden gem of the city. Continue to San Blas for killer views and scarf down a delicious local lunch at one of the restaurants near the small plaza. Take the rest of the day to continue exploring or grab a drink near the main plaza and watch the world go by.
Day 7: Cusco/OllantaytamboYou may have seen the typical day tours to the Sacred Valley, well today is definitely not one of them! Head out in a private ride and make the first stop at the lesser-visited (but awesome) Inca ruins of Killarumiyoq, a sanctuary dedicated to the moon. After a visit with our expert guide we'll carry on to another site at Iglesia Ñaupa before setting off on foot along a trail through the mountains to the beautiful waterfall of Perolniyoc. Soak in the scenery while eating a tasty boxed lunch before hiking back out to the bus and continuing to the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. Still want more? Check out the Ollantaytambo ruins at sunset, have a drink at a cafe or just hang out with friends at the hostel.
Day 8: Ollantaytambo/Aguas CalientesAll aboard! Jump on the morning train and sit back for stunning views of the valley along the Urubamba River. For the hikers amongst us who have pre-booked the 1-day Inca Trail option, you'll get off the train early at km 104 to hike to the Sun Gate with a local guide and see Machu Picchu in the afternoon before meeting up with everyone again in the evening. For the rest of us, we'll arrive in town before lunch and will have the rest of the day to explore, shop, see a nearby waterfall or soak in the local hot springs. Don't stay up too late tonight though, tomorrow's the big day!
Day 9: Aguas Calientes/CuscoRise and Shine! The early start today might be a bit painful but it's more than worth it, we swear. Before dawn, take a bus from town up the mountain to Machu Picchu for a guided tour with our local expert. Grab some lunch in Aguas Calientes at one of the many restaurants and then head back to Ollantaytambo by train to catch the bus back to Cusco. If you haven't noticed by now, the nightlife is pretty great in Cusco, and if not.. well, now's your chance to see for yourself.
Day 10: CuscoFree day in Cusco, yes please! For those that have not gotten enough hiking and feed-worthy moments, you could take on the full-day trek to Rainbow Mountain. Otherwise there are plenty of other things to keep you busy like mountain biking, or exploring the city's museums, markets and shops - or you may just want to relax at the hostel with friends. It's pretty win-win no matter what.
Day 11: CuscoDepart at any time, or maybe extend your stay in the hostel for a few more days to keep the good times rolling.