Hiking in the 3 Peruvian Andes, from the Colca Canyon to Cusco

Free day to discover the white city of Arequipa, located at the foot of the majestic Misti (5,820 m) and Chachani (6,057 m) volcanoes.

It's important to get plenty of rest in Arequipa to fully acclimatize to the altitude and jet lag. Arequipa is the perfect city for this adjustment. The city is beautiful and relatively peaceful, and everything is within walking distance of your hotel.

Suggested visits:

1. The historic center, including the parade ground and the cathedral,
2. The Santa Catalina Monastery, founded in 1580, is a veritable city within a city and is considered one of the greatest and most beautiful examples of colonial architecture in South America.
3. The Andean sanctuary museum with the mummy of young Juanita.

Meet with a French-speaking representative from the partner agency to give you explanations about the Arequipa region.

You are going on a 2-day trek in the heart of the canyon to observe the condors.

Departing very early from your hotel, with your shared transport and local guide, you'll head towards the Colca Canyon . From Arequipa, the journey takes approximately 4 hours to the village of Chivay. The road climbs into the Andes, ascending from 2,500m to 4,000m above sea level , where you'll reach a plateau: Aguas Blancas National Park , home to herds of wild vicuñas. The road then continues its ascent to the Mirador de los Volcanes viewpoint at 4,901m, making it the highest paved road in the world ! A 25km descent leads to the village of Chivay (3,635m above sea level). You'll continue your journey to Cabanaconde (approximately 1.5 hours from Chivay), located on the edge of the canyon, where the trek begins.

The hike begins with a descent into the depths of the canyon on a well-marked trail (approximately 3.5 to 4 hours depending on your pace). The panoramic view in this canyon, considered one of the deepest on the planet, is breathtaking. You'll appreciate the diverse Andean and tropical vegetation, as well as the canyon's geological formations, which are an integral part of the Andes Mountains. Arrival in the village of San Juan for lunch. Then, a rollercoaster trail along the canyon floor, between oases, to the oasis of Sangalle. Overnight in Sangalle.

You will begin the ascent at 4:30 am, on a fairly steep zigzag path, and you will set off for a 3-hour walk.

You will have breakfast at a local restaurant and then take a vehicle to the Condor Cross viewpoint, from where you will have a most impressive view of the canyon and from where you can normally observe the impressive flight of the condor.

Return to Chivay where you can visit La Calera and, weather permitting, enjoy the relaxing thermal waters.

Around 1 p.m., you take a bus to your next destination: Puno .

Passing through Pampa Canahuas, where it is possible to see herds of vicuñas, before taking a break at the "Mirador de Carlitos" with views of the lakes and the vast plains of the altiplano.

Then crossing a good part of the altiplano to the Lagunillas site where you can see different species of birds flying over the lagoons of these high Andean plateaus.

Arrival in Puno at the end of the day. The bus will drop you off at your hotel where you will meet a French-speaking representative from the agency who will give you an explanation about the Puno region.

Early morning transfer by car to the port of Puno for a two-day group cruise on the emerald waters of Lake Titicaca.

A visit to the Uros Islands, strange floating islands made of totora reeds and inhabited by a small fishing community. The Uros people began living on these floating islands to hide from emerging empires such as the Colla and the Incas. This strong and welcoming community lives today from fishing and crafts.

The morning continues to the peaceful island of Amantani, a car-free and dog-free island with its own unique pace of life and philosophy. Visit its two main temples, Pachamama and Pachatata, before meeting your host family who will give you an insight into their culture and way of life.

Free time before an approximately 1-hour walk to reach the highest point of the island and enjoy the sunset over the lake.

In the evening, a performance of typical island dances and songs will take place in the village's central square. Overnight stay with a local family.

Breakfast on Amantani Island then departure by boat to head to the neighbouring island of Taquile, located a few kilometres away.

Exploring Taquile on foot and discovering its inhabitants and culture.

On this island, the men wear hats they knit themselves, and the women dress in layered skirts. Their clothing reflects their social status: whether they are married, have children, or are single. The island's inhabitants speak Quechua, not Aymara as on Amantani's wing.

Return to Puno port in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Private transfer from your hotel to the Puno bus terminal.

Departure by unaccompanied tourist bus (bus guide speaking English and Spanish) to Raqchi . The route crosses the golden landscape of the altiplano before passing into the green valleys of the Cusco region.

A stop along the way to visit Pucara , a pre-Inca fortress of the Pucara culture, the archaeological site of Rachi, and its temple dedicated to the god Viracocha. Crossing of the La Raya pass at 4340m. Buffet lunch en route.

Overnight stay with a local family in the Raqchi community in a private room with private bathroom.

Departure from your hotel to travel to the Apu Ausangate region, a mythical peak, the fourth highest mountain in Peru and a region of profound natural beauty.

To get to Vinicunca or "rainbow" mountain, you will pass through the Chilca Valley, from where you will begin the ascent on a dirt road via the village of Pitumarca and the community of Hanchipata-Quesuno, near Chillca.

The trail will follow a river, passing through charming alpaca pastures, bordered by typical small villages, a gradual climb, which will lead you to the final spectacle of the majestic colors of the Arco Iris mountain.

The car journey will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The hike, which takes approximately 1 hour (45 minutes at a brisk pace) to climb and 30 minutes to descend, requires a relatively good level of fitness as it involves climbing to an altitude of just over 5000 meters.

Arrive at your hotel at the end of the day and meet with a French-speaking representative from the partner agency to give you explanations about the Cusco region.

Free day to discover the imperial city of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will enjoy getting lost in its alleyways and exploring every nook and cranny of this ancient city steeped in history.

Suggested visits:

1. The Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Cusco
2. The Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) built in 1440 by the Incas
3. The San Blas neighborhood
4. The colorful market of San Pedro
5. The 4 ruins of Sacsayhuaman

Your driver will pick you up in a private vehicle for a journey into the world of Inca cosmogony : the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, located on a rural plateau just above Cusco (by vehicle). First stop, the Sacsayhuaman fortress, the largest megalithic structure in Peru and the most enormous known Inca construction. This fortress served not only a military function, but also administrative and religious ones.

The day continues with a visit to the Q'enco astronomical and ceremonial center, followed by a visit to the small fortress of Puka Pukara, the "red fortress" that guarded the entrance to the Inca capital. Finally, a visit to the ruins of Tambomachay, which were "the Inca baths," consisting of two ritual baths, a place of water worship.

Along the way, visit the Awanacancha textile center and the Zoolojico animal sanctuary.

On the way to Pisaq, there are several panoramic viewpoints . Explore the ruins of Pisaq, a site perched high in the mountains stretching along a ridge more than 2km long, giving you a view over the entire valley.

Departure around 4:30 am from your hotel in Cusco, towards the small village of Mollepata (2869 m), the last point of civilization before starting the trek.

The journey will take us through communities in the Anta pampas, where locals cultivate potatoes, corn, beans, and wheat, before crossing the Willque Pass at 3,900 meters altitude and reaching the Limatambo Valley. In total, the drive to Mollepata, located 8 km from Limatambo, will take approximately four hours.

Free time in Mollepata to prepare, make the last purchases before the start of the expedition and get to know the trek team : arrieros (person in charge of the mules), cooks and our friends the mules who will take care of transporting the equipment.

The hike begins with a relatively gentle climb to reach the Cruzpata site. After 2 hours of walking, you arrive at the Soraypampa campsite (3920m).

Lunch at the campsite.

In the afternoon, we climbed the ridge overlooking Soraypampa to explore the magnificent Humantay lagoon , at the foot of the mountain of the same name! Allow approximately 3.5 hours for the round trip and break on site.

It is also possible to stay at the Soraypampa camp in the afternoon, it's your choice, but the walk on the Humatay is highly recommended!

Dinner and overnight stay in a private dome in Soraypampa.

Wake up early to a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salcantay. Depart after breakfast towards Salcantaypampa , located at 4070m altitude, before reaching the Incachiriasca pass or “Abra Salcantay”, located at 4638m. Take a short break to enjoy the view of Apu Salcantay mountain from its 6271m summit and perhaps take the opportunity to make an offering to Pachamama, Mother Earth.

The walk continues with the descent towards the Huayraqmachay quebrada where the camp will be set up for lunch.

Free time to rest.

The hike resumes in the early afternoon for a long descent into the narrow Humantay valley. The landscape and vegetation gradually change, becoming increasingly tropical as you enter the “serra de selva”, a type of high-altitude jungle.

Arrival at the end of the day at Colcapampa (2844 m) or Wayraqpampa, or at the Challapampa campsite, depends entirely on the group's walking speed! If you walk more distance today, you will walk less the following day!

Evening meal and overnight stay in a mountain refuge, private room.

A day in the heart of the valley with a walk along the crystal-clear Santa Teresa river, from Colcapampa to Playa Sahuayaco (2072 m).

Located in the heart of lush vegetation , today's walk is significantly shorter than previous days and is mainly along a gently sloping path.

We arrived at the campsite relatively early and had free time to recharge. Those who wished could refresh themselves with a swim in the Santa Teresa River.

Given its low altitude and more tropical vegetation, the heat and humidity increase and contrast sharply with the high mountain climate of the previous days!

Get up early to enjoy the morning freshness and start the walk in the best conditions .

A climb of approximately 2 hours on an Inca path in very good conditions to reach the archaeological site of Llactapata (2700 m).

Passing through a dense cloud forest, known as Yungas, with its specific smell.

At Llaqtapata, perched on a mountainside, the location is strategic, offering a panoramic view of the rear of Machu Picchu and the sacred Urubamba River. A quick visit to the Michihuanusca site follows, then a descent to the heart of the valley and the hydroelectric power station, where lunch will be served.

The walk resumes in the early afternoon along the railway line towards the village of Aguas Calientes (approx. 2h30 walk).

For those who wish, it is possible to take the train from the hydroelectric power station to Aguas Calientes (train ticket not included in the package).

Your guide will drop you off at the door of your hotel in the village of Aguas Calientes.

Early departure from your hotel in Aguas Calientes to reach the entrance of the Machu Picchu sanctuary by bus.

Built around 1450 by Emperor Pachacuti on a cliff overlooking the valley from a height of 400 meters, Machu Picchu was first and foremost a religious sanctuary inhabited by the Inca nobility. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been officially named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Exploring the city in detail could take days; the guided tour will only take about 3 hours.

From Aguas Calientes (departure at 13:37), travel comfortably on board the Peru Rail return train "Expedition 204" to the village of Ollantaytambo (arrival at 15:10).

Admire the landscapes of the sacred valley, its imposing mountains, its snow-capped peaks, its winding river and the gradual change in vegetation.

You will have an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Andes!

Your private vehicle will pick you up for a visit to the "Gardens of Maras and Chinchero." You will then visit the Maras salt mines, which date back to the pre-Inca period. Salt production, which began in pre-Inca times, is still in operation today. You will have the opportunity to walk to the village of Maras (1.5 hours) along the salt trail and explore this charming and peaceful village.

The next stop will be the Moray Terraces. These are three circular craters of varying depths that served as an Inca agricultural laboratory. The temperature difference between the bottom of the craters and the upper terraces can be as much as 10°C!

In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Chinchero (meaning rainbow in Quechua), which was an important checkpoint for agricultural trade during the Inca era, transporting goods from the Sacred Valley to the capital. The village, renowned for the quality of its textiles, boasts beautiful Inca walls and the foundations of a palace.

Private transfer from your hotel to Cusco airport. Domestic flight from Cusco to Lima (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).

Self-guided tour of Lima's historic center (3 to 4 hours) to discover the viceroyalty, the former capital of the great South American continent.

If you are having lunch in the city centre, we recommend a cevicheria, a symbol of the gastronomy of Lima, a city on the coast.

During your exploration, your luggage will remain safe in the car; we have been working with the same two drivers in Lima for over 10 years! The vehicle will be waiting for you at the same place where it dropped you off at the agreed time.

Transfer from city center to airport (20 minutes).