Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventure in Peru

Welcome to Peru and Lima! Upon arrival, we'll meet you at Lima Airport and continue together to your hotel in Miraflores, where you are free to relax and wander around at your own pace. After check-in, we'll hand you your travel kit and have a short briefing to answer any last-minute questions. Depending on your time of arrival, we have plenty of suggestions for you to make the most of your first day in the city. 

Optional activity: If your arrival time permits, take a morning/afternoon walk to iconic sites near your hotel, such as the Amano Museum or the pyramids of Huaca Pucllana (closed on Tuesdays).

Transportation: Approx. 1 hour from the airport to your hotel.

Accommodation options: El Tambo Hotel (3-star hotel) 

We'll be heading into the Andes today. A morning flight leads us to Cusco. If possible, try to book a seat on the left side of the aircraft, as it offers the best views on bright days.  Upon arriving, our local guide will be expecting you at the airport, ready to take you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude first. We have plenty of suggestions in case you'd like to explore a little bit on your first day in Cusco. Remember, you don't want to do too much on this day, though; it is best to get used to the altitude first!

Transportation: Approx. 1 hour from Lima hotel to local airport / Approx. 30 minutes from Cusco airport to your hotel.

Optional Activities: Afternoon Cusco light guided hike and visit to Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Visit an artisan's workshop in the San Blas neighborhood.

Accommodation options: Casa San Blas Boutique (3-star hotel) 

Huchuy Qosqo is a hidden gem in Cusco that few people see. The site hangs on high mountain slopes with commanding views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. From your hotel, we drive through the Andes to Tauca village in the proximities of Chinchero. It is from here that we'll set off on a 9 km hike across a hilly plateau to Huchuy Qosqo. The trek begins with a short uphill segment that offers views of Piuray lagoon; llamas are frequently seen here too. Once we reach the mountain pass, at 4500 m, the trail continues downhill on an original Inca path until reaching Huchuy Qosqo. This place was once an Inca palace and still has well-preserved structures made of stone and adobe bricks. We'll have time here to explore the site freely and relax. When ready, we must descend for another 2km towards Lamay, at the base of the valley. Our transport will be waiting there to take us back to our hotel for tonight. 

Included Activities: Guided hike to Huchuy Qosqo site.

Optional Activities: Instead of this acclimatization hike, you could go to the Inkilltambo site, Zipline in the Sacred Valley, take a white river rafting.

Transportation: Approx. 1 1/2 hours from Cusco to point of beginning of the hike.

Accommodation options: Casa San Blas Boutique (3-star hotel)  

Today you’ll have the entire day to explore the city on your own. Cusco is alive, and you can find activities according to your interests. If you would like to take a short walk, you could head uphill to the Cristo Blanco viewpoint or San Cristobal convent, both perfect for watching a beautiful sunset. You could also visit some local museums, several from natural history to art. Take a walk around Cuesta San Blas in search of local workshops and galleries. Some of the most renowned are Hilario Mendivil and Maximo Laura, among many other impressive art proposals. Finally, a night in Cusco is the perfect opportunity to see the stars and constellations.  

Optional morning/evening activities: Visit San Pedro local market, visit an artisan's workshop in the San Blas neighborhood, walk to San Cristobal viewpoint.

Accommodation options: Casa San Blas Boutique (3-star hotel) 

An early morning departure from Cusco, in the private bus along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe. After a brief visit to the colonial Church of the Immaculate, we travel along the Pitumarca Valley and through spectacular Japura Gorge, which leads to the town of Chillca, where we’re greeted by the community. From there it’s a short, easy walk to our first eco-lodge or Tambo. Once at the lodge, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy traditional music provided by the native musicians of Chillca.

Included Activities: Visit Checacupe town, guided hike to Chillca

Transportation: Approx. 2 hours from Cusco to Checacupe town

Accommodation options: Chillca Lodge (Basic Eco-lodge)

Our hike begins at 8:30 am, in the direction of the town of Chillca, we pass the valley through the Qesoyuno sector, and then continue ascending with a gentle slope, through fields populated by hundreds of llamas and alpacas, towards the Quebrada de Alcatauri. Tremendous views of the glaciated south face of the sacred Ausangate Mountain will inspire us as we continue towards the red sandstone formations of the Nevado del Inca. Overnight stay in the Anantapata Tambo.

Included Activities: Guided hike to Qesoyuno, hike to Quebrada de Alcautari and Anantapata.

Accommodation options: Anantapata Lodge (Basic Eco-lodge)

We hike a spectacular part of the Route in the midst of mountains brightly colored by red, ochre, and blue soil strata, similar to Mt. Vinicunca, the “Rainbow Mountain”. This unforgettable leg offers views of amazing geological wonders. Look for small bands of graceful vicuñas, frequently spotted in this isolated area. We’ll spend the night at Huampococha Lodge, in the heart of large rock formations, with splendid views of a glacial lake where Andean geese nest and feed.

Included Activities: Guided hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Vicuñas observation, hike to Huampococha.

Accommodation options: Huampococha Lodge (Basic Eco-lodge)

Following a hearty breakfast, we hike the final ascent over Anta Pass and gradually descend toward the trail’s end. The landscape changes as red sandstone cliffs are followed by eroded Karst limestone that forms a unique stone forest -a perfect habitat for cute “vizcachas” (a squirrel-like species in the chinchilla family). Along this leg, the first native crop fields and homes come into view as we hike through the valley. Our bus will be waiting at the trailhead for the return trip to Cusco.

Included Activities: Hike to Anta Pass and Valley, Vizcachas observation.

Transportation: Approx. 4 hours to Cusco.

Accommodation options: Casa San Blas Boutique (3-star hotel) 

Put your helmet on and get on the bike to visit some of the Sacred Valley's most impressive sites! Cycle from the Cusco outskirts into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoying the views of the Andean peaks next to you. First, reach Moray, a unique Inca site consisting of circular terraces built upon a natural depression. Next, start riding towards the small town of Maras. After having some snacks, go on a downhill dirt road to Maras salt mines, an impressive salt-extraction complex composed of hundreds of small ponds. Locals have been collecting and selling the salt since before the Inca times. Following Maras salt mines, continue downhill to Pichingoto, at the bottom of the valley, and then head to a nearby countryside restaurant for a delicious meal to end your fun day.  After enjoying your box lunch, we'll take you to your comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you can relax for the rest of the day. 

Notes: We use only high-end bikes and equipment with full front and rear suspension for more comfort. This excursion requires previous experience riding a mountain bike.

Included Activities:  Guided biking tour to sites described and all necessary equipment.

Optional Activities: Visit Chinchero village for a weaving demonstration with Andean techniques.

Transportation: Approx. 1 hour by car from Cusco hotel to the point of beginning of the tour in the Sacred Valley.

Accommodation options: La Casona de Yucay (3-star hotel) 

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the best places in Peru to enjoy a relaxing day and disconnect from the hectic modern lifestyle. Today, spend a full day at your own pace. You can take a walk in the surroundings of your hotel, enjoy a cup of coffee while reading a book, or take a massage session at the spa; it's up to you! Your hotel offers some activities for an additional cost such as mountain biking, rafting, horseback riding, or even cooking classes. This day is just for you! 

Optional Activities: Visit Ollantaytambo Fortress and hike Pinkuylluna viewpoint, enjoy the Pachamanca Experience (andean meal with an ancestral technique of cooking).

Accommodation options: La Casona de Yucay (3-star hotel) 

This morning, we'll leave very early (before 6 am) to take one of the first trains departing Ollantaytambo train station to the km 104 of the train track (Chanchabamba), where our trail starts. From here, we begin our adventure by hiking for approximately 4 hours towards Wiñaywayna, which is probably the most impressive sight of all the Inca Trail. We'll have some time to explore the area a little and maybe enjoy a little snack. Then, we must continue hiking for another 2 hours until reaching Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), from where we'll have our first views of Machu Picchu from the distance. From here, as we enjoy a tasty box lunch, we can take great panoramic pictures of the famous Inca Citadel. Afterward, we'll begin our descent to Machu Picchu itself. The afternoon is a great time to take our guided tour around the site since many travelers may have left. After the visit, we'll head back to town and take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where your private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco city. 

Notes: 

· Be sure to be at the train station 30 minutes before the train departure.

· Please bring your passport since it's required when both starting the Inca Trail and entering Machu Picchu.

Included Activities:  Guided Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and guided visit around the citadel.

Optional activities: Hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain hike & Machu Picchu Montaña hike will require to spend at least one night in Machu Picchu town (entrance tickets to both mountains are subject to space availability).

Transportation: Approx. 25 minutes from Valle hotel to Ollantaytambo train station / 50 minutes by train from Ollantaytambo station to Km 104, where the hike begins / 30 minutes from Machu Picchu entrance to the town / 1 1/2 hours by train Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo station / 1 1/2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco hotel.

Accommodation options: Casa San Blas Boutique (3-star hotel) 

Puno and Lake Titicaca await! Today, at the coordinated time, we'll head to the airport to catch our flight to Juliaca, and upon arriving, we'll be ready to take you to your hotel in Puno, at the shores of Lake Titicaca. On route, we'd like to show a place called Sillustani. This archaeological site, located at the shores of Lake Umayo, is an area full of energy and mystery. Sillustani is something entirely different from what Lake Titicaca has to offer. Here you will see a marvelous burial site made up of cylindrical, tower-like tombs called Chulpas. Most of the Chulpas here were built by the Pukaras, a prehispanic civilization related to the Tiwanaku, who were conquered by the Incas in the XVth century. After the tour, we continue to the hotel.

Included Activities: Guided visit to Sillustani tombs.

Optional Activities:  Walk around Puno's main square.

Transportation: Approx. 30 minutes from Cusco hotel to local airport / 1 hour by flight from Cusco to Juliaca airport (Puno) / 1 hour from Juliaca airport to Sillustani tombs / 40 minutes from Sillustani to Puno hotel.

Accommodation options: Intiqa Puno (3-star hotel) 

Early in the morning, we’ll pick you up from the hotel in Puno towards Lake Titicaca, on the way visit the town of Chucuito (Temple of Fertility), arrival at the Socca community that offers us a spectacular visit to Lake Titicaca, a place and moment propitious for the ceremony of asking permission to the lake with a basic offering; We continue to Perka Norte viewpoint, where we make a stop to appreciate the landscape of the lake and Islands, the mobility will bring us closer to the shores of the lake in the area, a snack in the place is a welcome (box Lunch made with local inputs) admiring the splendor of the lake. From this point, we start a walk along an old local path that connects us with Karina beach later with the Luquina Chico Community where we will stay the night at a family home and share their living culture.

Included Activities: Guided hike towards Luquina Chico and cultural activities in the community.

Transportation: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes from Puno to Luquina Chico

Accommodation options: Homestay in Luquina Chico (Basic Eco-Lodge)

Start this wonderful day by walking to see the sunrise, picturesque settings that delight the beauty of Lake Titicaca. Then, enjoy an exquisite breakfast with the local family, afterward, we recommend leaving luggage ready as we will start our kayaking adventure by 9:30 am, which lasts around two hours along with an expert guide. For lunch, we will go to Casa del Pescador Restaurant. Depart from Luquina Chico at around 1 pm arriving in Puno city by 3:30 pm. The rest of the day is free for relaxing and walking around this charming place. We will naturally share recommendations of restaurants in case you wish to have a farewell dinner!

Included Activities: Kayaking experience in Lake Titicaca

Optional Activities:  If interested in taking a longer kayaking adventure, we can arrange it upon request

Transportation: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes from Luquina Chico to Puno

Accommodation options: Intiqa Puno (3-star hotel)

After a great time in the Andes, it is now time to continue to Lima. At the coordinated time, we'll head to Juliaca's airport to catch our flight back to Lima and international connecting flights to your next destination. Hopefully, you will be heading home full of happy memories, new friends, and great pictures of your time with us!

Transportation: Approx. 1 hour from Puno hotel to Juliaca airport

Accommodations

Hotel accommodations as indicated, including all hotel taxes and service charges

Tours and activities

Unique experiences available daily. See the day-by-day itinerary for recommended tours and additional options available

Local Guides

English speaking local & specialized guides during activities

Transport

All ground transportation for all excursions as indicated

Domestic flights

Domestic flights with Latam Airlines are included (subject to price variation at the time of booking)

Entrance fees

To sites of interest, museums and national parks

Food

Included meals are noted in the itinerary: B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, BL= Boxed Lunch, D= Dinner

24/7 Assistance

In country assistance in English during the whole trip + Comprehensive assortment of pre-tour planning materials and amenities

Tips

For guides or drivers

International flights

Travel Insurance

We can recommend some options

Additional activities

Nonspecified meals

Our No Gimmicks Pledge

• When booking a trip with us, we require a 5% front pay, non-refundable deposit. This covers the costs of the hard work our team and collaborators put towards creating your itineraries and making all the necessary pre-trip arrangements.

• There are scenarios in which the initial payment is higher (e.g. domestic flights, Inca trail, and some high-end hotels that need upfront payments to be booked). In these cases, we always let you know in advance and explain the reasons. You will always be in control of your decisions.

• Your deposit is non-refundable because we value all our collaborators' hard work highly. Many of them work from long before you arrive to prepare your trips. For guides, drivers, and communities we work with, their time is just as valuable as yours or ours, and it is not easy to find new bookings when cancellations happen. It also allows us to offer better protection to the guides, communities, field staff, and other partners whose livelihoods depend on tourism.

• Just like with the initial down payment, the final trip payment is a non-refundable commitment from you and us to ensuring that your fantastic holiday experience will happen. The final trip payment is always scheduled 35 days before you arrive.

• We understand that you are making a significant effort to visit our country. This is why we prefer to make our pledge clear before you book. Having said this, we also assure you that you can always reach us about any issue concerning the trip.

• We do not have a policy stating that you can postpone your journey after booking. Through our time, we could help travelers postpone trips on a case-by-case basis. We are a small, trusted operator, so there is no computer-generated algorithm deciding if we can help with your postponement, a human being is. We will always do the best we can to help accommodate you, however, charges corresponding to new services or penalties are passed to you.

• We ask you to please purchase travel insurance to guarantee that you are well protected in case of any unexpected situations. We can recommend some options that best fit your necessities.