Arrival in Lima, reception and transfer to the international hostelling lodge in Miraflores Lima.

Free day to explore Lima. Most of the museums will offer discounts to students with a valid international student card.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital. Reception and transfer to the international hostelling lodge. In the afternoon a self guided tour of Cuzco on foot. Places to visit include the cathedral, Qoricancha temple, and for a small cost, perhaps take a taxi to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco, Qenko and Puka Pukara. Free evening.

Full-day excursion to Urubamba, the sacred valley of the Incas and to the ancient Inca market town of Pisac. A visit will be made to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that was not defeated by the Spanish. Return to Cuzco and the traditional market town of Chinchero. Return to your hostel and preparation for the up and coming trek.

Pickup from your hotel and transport to KM82. Start the Inca Trail and hike for about 5/6 hours, before reaching your first camp at Huayllabamba (3000m).

The hardest part of the trail, ascending the Warmiwañusca pass (4200m), before descending to your camp at Pacaymayu (Hiking time 6/7 hours).

With fabulous views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, today you will visit the archaeological ites of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Conchamarca and Puyupatamarca (where many well-preserved Inca baths are located) before reaching the beautiful Inca complex of Wiñaywayna.

An early start to reach the sungate, which overlooks the spectacular citadel of Machu Picchu. Guided visit of the ruins. Time may allow for a possible ascent of Huayna Picchu for a spectacular view over the whole complex. Afternoon return to Cuzco. Free evening.

Transfer to the bus station for the wonderful journey across the Altiplano. You will stop along the way at numerous, archaeologically significant places and lunch at Sicuani. Arrival and transfer to your international hostelling lodge.

After breakfast, a tour by boat to the island's of Uros on Lake Titicaca. A tour of the reed islands of Uros before continuing on to Taquile. Accommodation on the island in one of the Islander's homes.

Morning on the island before returning to Puno and your lodge.

Journey towards Juliaca, and an excursion to the Silluastani towers. These ancient funereal towers dating back to pre-inca times are examples of the most ancient cultures found on the altiplano. Transfer to Juliaca airport for the flight to Lima and your onward flight home or for numerous other extensions to the program.