Experience the best of Peru, from Lima and Cusco to the Sacred Valley, Lares Trek, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon jungle, blending culture, adventure, and stunning landscapes.
August 24 - September 4, 2025
12 Days 
4-16 People 
$3500 USD 
Travel style
Adventure, Culture and I-Can’t-Believe-We-Did-That Moments!
Minimum age
18 yrs+
Physical rating
Demanding
Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.
Comfort level
StandardOur trips are based on three different comfort level ratings: Basic, Standard, Comfort.
Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Join Kristen and experience the best of Peru, from ancient ruins to the heart of the Amazon.
We’ll start in Lima before heading to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, where we’ll explore local markets and visit a women’s weaving co-op. Then, we’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime hike along the stunning Lares Trek, hiking through remote Andean villages, crossing a breathtaking 4,800m pass, and soaking in incredible mountain views. After the trek, we’ll watch the sunrise over the legendary Machu Picchu before exploring Cusco.
Then, we’ll swap mountains for the Amazon jungle, where we’ll cruise, spot wildlife, and relax to the sounds of the rainforest. This adventure is the perfect blend of culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences!
This Hopscotch the Globe Group Trip is a combination of beauty and contrasts in scenery, wildlife, and cultures.
On this trip, you’ll give back in more than one way:
- Trees for Days: We’ll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
- Planeterra International Foundation: For every day of your trip, $1 will go directly to Planeterra projects. Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism.
A portion of the trip fee will support the following organizations:
Trip Highlights
Lima
Cusco
Lares Trek
Machu Picchu
Amazon Jungle
Sacred Valley
Aguas Caliente
Trip itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Arrive in Lima
Welcome to Peru! Arrive in Lima at any time. There are no planned activities so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. There is a welcome meeting in the evening where you’ll meet your the rest of HTG travel tribe.
Lima to Cusco
Today we’ll hop on a flight to Cusco (one of my favorite cities ever)! Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, and getting used to the altitude. You can also choose to pre-book a Cusco Cooking Class OR half-day city tour.
Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Today, we’ll also stop at the women’s weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. We’ll break for lunch at Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
Lares Trek
Today is the start of the Lares Trek – a scenic, less touristic route to hike through the Andes. We’ll depart Ollantaytambo by van to Lares town where the hike. We’ll hike 4km (2.5 mi) to Chancachaca then stop for lunch. We’ll continue trekking along mountain paths to the isolated village of Cuncani. We’ll spend the night at the Lares Community campsite, owned and managed by the 71 families that belong to the Cuncani community. The earnings from the campsite are allocated for investment in social projects such as health, education, nutrition, and infrastructure improvements to water and electricity.
Lares Trek Continued
We’ll start early to hike from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to its high pass (4,800m/15,748 ft), providing scenic views of lagoons and the snow-capped Chicon Mountain. After reaching the highest point, we’ll celebrate by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods. After the morning hike, we’ll stop to rest and take in the amazing view before continuing our hike downhill to our second campsite near the stream for the night.
Lares Trek/Aguas Calientes
Today, we’ll follow the trail to see typical Andean flora and fauna, llamas and alpacas. Together, we’ll descend through the valley of Pumahuanca and meet friendly local Quechua people and explore some Inca storehouses along the way. We’ll trek 3-4 hrs to reach the town of Pumahuanca where we’ll enjoy lunch before travelling by van to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a good night’s rest at our hotel.
Machu Picchu/Cusco
Today starts early but it will be 100% worth it! This morning, we’ll catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with our guide to explore the Lost City of the Incas. We’ll learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Get ready to feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World!
Cusco
Continue to explore Cusco on a free day in the city.
You can also opt to pre-book a visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain.
Cusco/Amazon Jungle
Today, we’ll fly to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the lowlands of the Amazon Jungle, and continue by motorized boat to a comfortable and intimate lodge in the Amazon Jungle. En route, we’ll spot bird species typical of the river and forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area.
Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff. With an expert naturalist guide, we’ll have the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich flora and fauna and locals’ extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting. During a night walk, we’ll try and spot snakes, tarantulas, owls, poison dart frogs, to name a few.
Amazon Jungle
This morning, we’ll head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). We’ll walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe where we’ll search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. We’ll also get time to relax in a hammock, enjoying the local swimming hole, or visit a nearby plantation. After dinner, we’ll go on a caiman-spotting cruise.
Amazon Jungle/Lima
After enjoying a delicious Amazonian breakfast, we’ll head back to the airport by motorized boat and van. Then we’ll fly to Lima and opt for a final night out for dinner and Pisco Sours.
Lima
Today we say our “see you laters” because let’s face it, once you become part of the Hopscotch the Globe Travel Tribe, you’re forever part of it. Depart Lima at any time.
Additional Information
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
- Arrival and departure transfers from Lima airport to hotel
- Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo
- Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
- Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
- Cuncani Community Campsite, Cuncani
- Sacred Valley guided tour
- Pottery making demonstration
- Lares Trek guided hike with cooks and porters (3 days)
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- Amazon Jungle stay at the exclusive lodge (3 days)
- Guided excursions with naturalists
- Rubber boot use
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels/guesthouses (7 nts), camping (2 nts), G Lodge Amazon (2 nts).
- 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
- Transportation throughout trip on public bus, plane, train, boat, canoe, hiking.
- Professional Tour Leader in Lima and Cusco, specialist Lares Trek guide on hike, expert jungle guide in Amazon.
NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Tips for drivers and guides (at your discretion)
- Additional snacks and meals not mentioned (allow 215-280 USD for meals not included)
- Optional activities
- Pre and post accommodations
- Souvenirs
Photo Gallery
Meet your hosts
Kristen Sarah
Hey friend and future travel buddy! I’m the adventure seeking, world travelling, tiny home-living gal behind the Hopscotch the Globe brand. If you’re going to travel with me, you must know that I enjoy random dance parties, Disney sing-a-longs, big hugs, laughing until you can’t breath and star-gazing. You can often find me be-friending as many dogs as possible in every country I visit. I can’t wait to create awesome memories with you in Peru!
Traveler Testimonials
Kristen and Siya are the most down to earth, compassionate, inspirational and fun people we know! We’ve gone on two HTG trips so far and would love to go on more in the future. My husband proposed to me during our second trip at the Pailon del diablo waterfall. We couldn’t be happier to have been surrounded by such wonderful people to share in our joy.
We had never done a group trip before and did not know what the dynamic would be like, and it truly exceeded our expectations. We made lifelong friendships with people from all over the world. We also got to take part in making a positive impact in several impoverished communities. Interacting with the children and their families and seeing how much our efforts meant to them was the best feeling in the world.
Kristen and Siya have inspired me to go out of my comfort zone and travel more. When I heard they were going to travel with their subscribers for the first time, I knew I had to sign up! Little did I know my world was going to change – for the better. I made life-long friends, conquered fears, helped a community in Guatemala, and made incredible memories.
Our trip was a life changing experience. Kristen and Siya are amazing and genuine people full of positivity. I loved getting to know them. Also, HTG trips are focused on impact. Knowing u are making a difference in the world is priceless. Getting to do that next to such incredible people is a major plus.
Apply Now
We have limited spots available, don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity!
This trip has has extremely high interest and is likely to sell out quickly. Book soon to avoid disappointment! A $500 USD non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
Once payment is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email with additional information about your trip, an intake form and invite to a private WhatsApp chat for your trip. This will give you a chance to get to know everyone else on your trip before meeting in person. It will also give you a chance to ask any additional questions, know what to pack and expect for your trip as we lead up to departure day.
If you can’t make this trip, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to be the first to know of future trips and retreats. We can’t wait to travel with you!
Peru: Sacred Trails & Jungle Tales
Price range: $3,500.00 through $3,850.00
