High-altitude trekking and Andean traditions in southern Peru
In summary
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Sports
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Duration14 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAmerica / Peru
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions610.91 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Spanish
English
In a few words
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Peru , filled with cultural immersion, authentic encounters, and spectacular panoramas. This journey takes you from the vibrant streets of Lima , where you'll learn to prepare ceviche and pisco sours , to the sacred heights of Machu Picchu . In Arequipa, explore the elegant Santa Catalina Monastery and contemplate the famous mummy Juanita, before marveling at the condors of the Colca Canyon .
Next, head to Lake Titicaca for an immersion in the daily life of the inhabitants of Llachon, between traditional fishing , kayaking, and agriculture. Along the Route of the Sun, discover the archaeological site of Raqchi, then the colorful landscapes of Palcoyo , a hidden gem of the Andes. In Cusco, the former Inca capital, stroll among millennia-old temples and colonial heritage . The Sacred Valley reveals its treasures: traditional weaving in Chinchero, the agricultural terraces of Moray, and the salt mines of Maras before a stop in Ollantaytambo, a village living to the rhythm of its traditions. The journey culminates in a spectacular finale at Machu Picchu , the mythical city perched between the sky and the mountains.
The highlights
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Immersion at Lake Titicaca: local life, traditional fishing and kayaking.
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Colourful mountains of Palcoyo and Raqchi: unique sites off the beaten track.
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A sensory journey: gastronomy, crafts, Machu Picchu and the Andes.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
You will have some time to acclimatize before starting the hikes in the highlands of Peru.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 5 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 205 m
- Average daily descent: 289 m
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Majority river class : Class 1 - calm river
Management
Aquino is the guide who has collaborated with our agency the longest. Originally from the Cusco region, his native language is Quechua, and he also speaks Spanish and French. Passionate about nature and Inca culture, he enjoys accompanying our travelers and sharing his profound knowledge of his country with them. Curious and an explorer at heart, he regularly travels throughout Peru in search of new routes still untouched by mass tourism.
With Aquino, you feel safe throughout the journey, and his contagious good humor helps you to cross the most demanding passes with a smile.
(SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)
Program
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Arrival in Lima
- Transportation Car - 01h - 22km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Our driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.
Day 1 -
City tour and gastronomy in Arequipa
- Transportation Car - 02h - 32km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Savor a variety of Peruvian specialties and drinks in Barranco, one of Lima's most beautiful, artistic, and bohemian neighborhoods. Interact with our local hosts to learn how to prepare the famous ceviche and pisco sour. Discover the historical and cultural details behind each dish you'll taste during this 4-hour culinary walking tour through the streets of Barranco.
Our driver will pick you up at the hotel to take you to Lima airport.
Transfer to your hotel upon arrival in Arequipa.
Overnight stay at Hotel Mirador del Monasterio in a standard room.
Day 2 -
Visit to the city of Arequipa
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to Arequipa, the white city of the Andes!
Named for its architecture built with Sillar, the white volcanic stone from the volcanoes bordering the city, Arequipa was conquered by the Incas, who developed a rich agriculture in the middle of the desert.
Besides its pleasant climate, you'll be enchanted by the colonial buildings, including the famous Santa Catalina convent, a veritable city within a city. You'll also encounter the mummy Juanita, a testament to the Inca cult of the Apus, the guardian spirits of the mountains.
Overnight stay at Hotel Mirador del Monasterio in a standard room.
Day 3 -
Heading towards Chivay
- Transportation Car - 05h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We set off early in the morning for Chivay, with a magnificent view of the volcanoes of the Cordillera along the way.
Shortly after our departure from Arequipa, we will stop at the Añashuayco quarries, where you will have the opportunity to observe the work of the stonecutters of this white volcanic stone which is used extensively in the region.
We will cross the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve where we will have the opportunity to observe herds of vicuñas. Upon arrival at the village, located amidst verdant terraces dating back more than 1,500 years, we will have lunch. Afterwards, we will check into our hotel.
In the afternoon, if you wish, we will go for a short walk in the countryside.
We will depart from the hotel for the ruins of Uyo Uyo, an ancient Inca village located at an altitude of 3,000 meters. We will then return to the hotel. We will also have the option of returning via the hot springs.
Overnight stay at Hotel Tradicion Colca in a standard room.
Day 4 -
Condor and Colca Canyon
- Transportation Car - 02h - 95km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Rising early, we'll first head to Cruz del Condor, an excellent viewpoint overlooking the canyon, where we might be lucky enough to witness the majestic flight of the lords of the Peruvian skies. Then, we'll follow the canyon rim to reach the villages of Pinchollo and Maca.
We will continue to the village of Canocota, where our host family will be waiting for us for a meal.
In the afternoon, we will go for a walk in the countryside with our host, who will teach us about his traditions and culture.
In the evening, after sharing a meal, we will still have time to learn more about the local culture, through the stories and legends told by our host.
Overnight stay with a local family in Canocota in a standard room.
Day 5 -
Hiking along the Canyon
- Transportation Bus - 05h - 300km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we'll have to say goodbye to our friendly host. We'll then begin a short 2.5-hour walk along the canyon to the village of Chivay (please inquire if you don't wish to walk).
Once we arrive, we will have our meal, then continue our journey by bus to our next destination.
We will take the bus from Chivay to Puno, with a few stops along the way to appreciate the magnificent landscapes of the highlands.
Overnight stay at Hotel Colonial Plaza - Puno in a standard room.
Day 6 -
Discovering Lake Titicaca
- Transportation Boat - 02h30 - 50km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today you begin a total immersion experience with a local family.
Your host will pick you up in Puno, and you will then travel with them to the port of Puno. From there, you will take a boat to Llachon, located on the Capachica peninsula.
Along the way you can stop if you wish on the Uros Titinos islands to learn a little more about the daily life of the people living in this area.
You will have lunch with your host family, and then in the afternoon you can join them in their activities. These activities may vary depending on the weather or season. You could participate in fieldwork, hike on the peninsula, discover local plants, try your hand at stone carving, and more.
In the evening you will eat with your hosts and sleep at their house.
Day 7 -
Activities on Lake Titicaca
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Majority river class Class 1 - calm river
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Today you will go fishing with your host. You will discover one of the traditional activities of the region and learn a little more about its importance in the daily lives of the inhabitants of Llachon and the lake.
Once back on the peninsula you will continue your exploration of local customs and traditions.
You will have lunch with your host family and then you will head off to your next destination.
In Llachon we offer you different types of activities in the company of your host family
Have you always dreamed of sailing on Lake Titicaca? This morning you start by getting equipped and then you go down to the village port where your kayaks will be waiting for you on the beach.
Embark on several hours of exertion on the highest navigable lake in the world.
A unique experience that you won't soon forget... neither will your arms or your breath!
Night at Las casitas del Titicaca Lodge in a standard room.
Day 8 -
Ruta del Sol
- Transportation Car - 08h - 390km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 180 m
- Negative elevation 180 m
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, your driver will take you from Puno to Raqchi along the famous Route of the Sun, a fascinating itinerary that winds through some of Peru's most beautiful natural landscapes. Several stops are planned to discover hidden gems and lesser-known sites.
Along the way, you can admire the spectacular Tinajani Canyon, a unique place with impressive rock formations, and explore the mysterious archaeological site of Kananmarca, a rarely visited vestige of the Wari civilization, offering a timeless plunge into pre-Inca history.
At the end of the day, you will reach Raqchi, a village renowned for its crafts and traditional pottery. Here, ceramicists perpetuate ancestral know-how, making this place an essential stop for lovers of art and living Inca culture.
Night in the Raqchi community.
Day 9 -
Between history and nature
- Transportation Car - 05h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 5 km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we begin our journey into Inca history by visiting the archaeological site of Raqchi. This fascinating place is home to the majestic Temple of Wiracocha, one of the largest Inca constructions, as well as impressive remains that testify to the rich past of this civilization.
We will then continue our adventure towards one of Peru's most spectacular landscapes: the Palcoyo Rainbow Range, located at nearly 5,000 meters above sea level. Unlike the famous Vinicunca, this region offers a more accessible alternative for admiring Peru's incredible colorful mountains, a truly unique natural spectacle.
Once there, we'll enjoy a hike in Palcoyo, ideal for exploring these landscapes with their stunning hues. During our first stop, we'll learn more about the geological formation of these mountains and the origin of their natural colors.
After this immersion in the Andean landscapes, we will return to the parking lot where our driver will be waiting to begin our return journey.
Overnight stay at Hotel Andenes Del Sol in a standard room.
Day 10 -
City tour in Cusco
- Transportation Car - 00h35 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Immerse yourself in the heart of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, and explore its cultural treasures on an immersive tour. We'll begin with the Inca temples overlooking the city, testaments to the grandeur of this empire, before exploring the historic center, where Spanish colonial architecture blends seamlessly with Inca foundations in majestic churches, sumptuous palaces, and fascinating museums. Depending on your interests and available time, we'll personalize the itinerary to offer you a unique Cusco experience, guiding you through its cobblestone streets lined with Inca walls, true vestiges of a legendary past.
Overnight stay at Hotel Andenes Del Sol in a standard room.
Day 11 -
Sacred Valley
- Transportation Car - 02h30 - 80km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Departure for the Sacred Valley!
First stop of the day: Chinchero, a charming Andean village where we will attend a fascinating demonstration in a textile workshop. There you will discover ancestral techniques of natural weaving and dyeing, passed down since Inca times.
We will continue our tour to Moray, a mysterious archaeological site shaped like a circular amphitheater, once used as an Inca agricultural laboratory. With the explanations of your guide, you will understand how these terraces allowed for experimentation with different crops at various altitudes.
Our adventure continues to the Maras salt mines, a unique landscape of thousands of white basins clinging to the mountainside. From there, we'll embark on a superb downhill hike that will take us to the banks of the Urubamba River, a perfect opportunity to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the valley.
After meeting our driver, we will end the day in Ollantaytambo, one of the last inhabited Inca villages. We will explore its impressive Inca ruins, a strategic site that served as both a fortress and a religious center.
Overnight stay at Hotel Sol Natura Ollantay in a standard room.
Day 12 -
Visit to Machu Picchu
- Transportation 03h30 - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 3 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the last village before the famous Machu Picchu.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
You will need to go to the main avenue of Aguas Calientes to catch a shuttle bus that will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Discovering Machu Picchu will be one of the most unforgettable moments of your trip to Peru. This iconic Inca city, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and embodies Inca architecture in perfect harmony with nature.
Revealed in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, it still fascinates with its landscapes, temples, and mysteries. Exploring its cobbled streets, agricultural terraces, and sacred squares is an experience rich in history and energy.
Visiting Machu Picchu is about connecting with the grandeur of the past in a breathtaking setting.
After exploring the Inca citadel, you will take the bus back down to the village of Aguas Calientes.
The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
You will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Our driver will take you from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Overnight stay at Hotel Andenes Del Sol in a standard room.
Day 13 -
End of the journey
- Transportation Plane - 01h50 - 586km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your driver will take you from your hotel to Cusco airport.
The domestic flight between Cusco and Lima is included.
Day 14
Accommodation
Starting with 3-star hotels, comfort improves considerably: comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, more professional service, and included Wi-Fi access.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
Comfortable room.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
Homestays are perfect for those who want a real cultural immersion: you will sleep in family homes, with close and authentic attention, but with basic amenities, without a private bathroom in some cases, and without access to Wi-Fi or hot water permanently.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
2-star hotels are functional and economical, ideal for tight budgets, but with limited services: simple rooms, no heating, very basic breakfast and no Wi-Fi guarantee.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
Access
An extension in the Amazon can be added to your stay, as well as group or private excursions in Southern Peru.
Go to the starting point
We can arrange your inbound and outbound transfers from the airport.
Price details
The price includes
1. The journey as described in the itinerary
2. Supervision by a French-speaking guide (if option chosen)
3. The services of local teams (guides, drivers, muleteers, etc.)
4. Hotel nights, as described, based on double occupancy.
5. Transportation necessary for the smooth running of the trip (taxis, buses, trains, flights)
6. Admissions to the activities mentioned
The price does not include
1. International flight to the starting point of the tour and from the ending point.
2. Domestic flights unless specifically mentioned as included.
3. Airport taxes during the trip.
4. Your mandatory travel insurance (accident, repatriation)
5. What is not mentioned in the "Price includes" section
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before you leave, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website (https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Tourist season
The climate varies considerably depending on the region. From April to November, the skies are generally clear, although light rain is still possible. At higher altitudes, the days are pleasant and the nights are cold. Pack warm clothing, although you might be able to walk around in a t-shirt during the day. Be careful of the strong sun at higher altitudes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Customs formalities
No visa is required for stays of less than 90 days. A passport valid for at least six months after the end of the stay is required.
Health
When visiting high-altitude regions, some people experience adverse effects such as headaches, nausea, insomnia, and fatigue. However, the journey is designed to allow our bodies to gradually adapt (increasing red blood cell count).
All major cities have modern private clinics offering care comparable to that available in Europe. However, you must pay on-site and then claim reimbursement from your health insurance provider.
We advise you to check if your insurance covers medical expenses in the countries you will be visiting and, if not, to take steps to remedy the situation. Repatriation insurance is mandatory.
Currency / Credit cards
Dollars and euros are accepted in shops in major cities. Currency exchange offices are widely available. However, it's best not to carry large sums of money.
Credit cards are accepted at all ATMs (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express). ATM fees range from 5 to 10 USD.
Vaccines
You must be up-to-date with Tetanus, Hepatitis and Typhoid (Yellow Fever if visiting the Amazon).
All services (including hotels) are subject to availability. In case of unavailability, alternatives will be offered.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Kayak
- Oars
- Life jacket
- Fishing equipment
- Hiking pole
Equipment to bring
- Water bottle, plastic bags for waste
- Mini first aid kit
- Waterproof backpack or backpack with rain cover
- Thin bath towel
- Camera, smartphone, charger
- Water purification tablets
- Power bank, padlock, travel adapter
- Sunscreen, lip balm
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, quick cleaning wipes
- Close-fitting bag or slim fanny pack
- Mosquito repellent
Clothing to bring
- Thermal underwear
- Long-sleeved, short-sleeved and technical T-shirts
- Technical trousers and shorts
- Fleece jacket
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Hat and gloves, sunglasses
- Hat, cap or head covering
- Walking shoes
- Comfortable shoes for resting
- Thick socks
- Swimsuit
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