Peruvian Trilogy: Machu Picchu, Titicaca and Rainbow Mountain
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-Emissions315.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on an exclusive immersion in the heart of Southern Peru , a complete itinerary that perfectly combines wild hikes and jewels of the Inca civilization.
Your adventure begins amidst the colonial elegance of Arequipa , before plunging into the spectacular Colca Canyon to witness the majestic flight of the condor . Crossing the vast Altiplano , be amazed by the geological formations of Tinajani and the enchanting hues of Palcoyo's Rainbow Mountain . A cruise on the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca then opens the doors to the traditional communities of the Uros and Taquile Islands for special moments of connection. Finally, explore the treasures of the Sacred Valley , from the impressive circular terraces of Moray to the bastion of Ollantaytambo , a true prelude to the highlight of the journey: exploring the mythical citadel of Machu Picchu .
Accompanied by our expert local guides , you will uncover the fabulous architectural genius of this vanished empire while immersing yourself in the warm daily life of the Andean people . A complete and structured escape to stand out from the very first glance.
The highlights
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Colca Canyon: Condor flight observation and high-altitude landscapes
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Lake Titicaca: sailing to the floating islands of the Uros and Taquile Island
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Altiplano: the Tinajani rock formations and the Palcoyo rainbow mountain
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip is classified as intermediate level for two main reasons: the altitude and the pace of the days.
- Altitude: A significant portion of the route takes place above 4,000 m. Although the circuit is designed for gradual acclimatization, the altitude may cause faster fatigue or temporary headaches.
- Physical commitment: While the hikes do not present major technical difficulties, some days are packed, with activities and transfers lasting between 6 and 8 hours . A reasonable level of fitness is necessary to fully enjoy the combination of visits and walks.
- Climatic conditions: The Andean climate is changeable. Between the intense solar radiation and the brisk winds of the plateaus, plan for total protection (sunscreen and category 3 or 4 sunglasses) as well as modular clothing to adapt to temperature variations.
In figures
Autre
- Maximum altitude: 160 m
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Maximum altitude: 5200 m
Management
For this trip, we have opted for continuity; you will be accompanied by the same French-speaking guide from day 3 to day 11.
A true expert on his country and Andean culture, he ensures group cohesion and smooth logistics. This extended presence allows for the creation of a relationship of trust and a deeper exploration of the topics covered, from the colonial history of Arequipa to the Inca mysteries of Machu Picchu.
Local expertise as reinforcement:
To enrich your experience at specific sites, your guide will occasionally be assisted by local specialists. These experts provide a complementary perspective and firsthand knowledge of the traditions of their own region.
Program
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Flight to Lima (not included)
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
International flight to Lima. Depending on flight schedules, arrival the same evening or the following morning (day 2). Check-in at our hotel in the Miraflores district.Day 1 -
Lima - Free day
- Activity Autre
- Maximum altitude 160 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This day is free to recover from the journey and explore the capital at our own pace. We'll enjoy the Miraflores district and its parks overlooking the Pacific Ocean. An optional guided tour will take us from the colonial center to the modern part of the city. This is also an opportunity to discover Peruvian cuisine in one of the many local restaurants. In the evening, we'll have a welcome meeting with our group.Day 2 -
From Lima to Arequipa
- Transportation Plane - 03h - 500km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Maximum altitude 2400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, we take a domestic flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel before beginning our exploration of the city with lunch at a traditional picantería to sample local specialties. The afternoon is dedicated to a walking tour of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We discover the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and the Church of the Society of Jesus, all built from sillar, the white volcanic stone typical of the region. We end the day with a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, a veritable religious city with colorful streets and flower-filled patios, before returning to our hotel for the night.Day 3 -
Colca Valley - Yanque
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h45
- Maximum altitude 4910 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We leave Arequipa and head towards the Colca Valley. The road crosses the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we spot our first herds of vicuñas and alpacas. We cross the Patapampa Pass, at 4,900 meters above sea level, to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes before descending to Chivay for lunch. In the afternoon, we hike to the village of Yanque for a walk to the archaeological site of Uyo Uyo, an ancient pre-Inca city. At the end of the day, we relax in the village's natural hot springs.Day 4 -
Colca Valley - Puno
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 300km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Maximum altitude 5200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
An early departure takes us to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. This spectacular vantage point overlooking the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, offers the chance to observe the majestic flight of condors using thermals above the cliffs. On the way back, we stop in the traditional village of Maca, known for its colonial church built of volcanic stone. We then continue our journey through the wild landscapes of the Altiplano, passing high-altitude lagoons and herds of llamas, until we reach the shores of Lake Titicaca.Day 5 -
Lake Titicaca: Exploring the Uros and Taquile Islands
- Transportation Boat - 00h40 - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Maximum altitude 3800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set off to explore Lake Titicaca, situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The day begins with a visit to the floating islands of the Uros people, built from totora reeds by the local population. We continue our journey to Taquile Island, famous for its preserved textile traditions. A short walk takes us to the main village where we can admire the panoramic view of the lake and observe the daily life of the community. After lunch at a community restaurant, we board the boat again for the return trip to Puno in the late afternoon.Day 6 -
Puno - Tinajani - Sicuani
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 400km
- Activity Hiking
- Maximum altitude 4300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We leave Lake Titicaca and cross the vast expanses of the Altiplano. Our first stop takes us to the Tinajani Canyon, where we hike amidst impressive natural rock formations. We then travel to the town of Ayaviri to enjoy kankacho, a local specialty of roasted meat, for lunch at a local restaurant or community home. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the pre-Inca site of Kanamarca, whose stone ruins overlook the valley. At the end of the day, we arrive in Sicuani, located on the banks of the Vilcanota River, for the night.Day 7 -
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain - Cusco
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 497km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Maximum altitude 4700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set off towards the colorful mountains of Palcoyo. An easy hike allows us to admire the multicolored mineral strata and explore a natural "stone forest" offering a unique panorama of the Altiplano. We then descend to the village of Checacupe to discover its recently restored colonial bridge and its Inca suspension bridge. After this immersion in Andean history, we continue our journey to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, where we settle in for the night.Day 8 -
Cusco - Maras-Moray - Ollantaytambo
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 199km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Maximum altitude 3500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set off to explore the Sacred Valley, the agricultural heartland of the Inca Empire. Our first stop takes us to the Moray site, with its astonishing concentric circular terraces that served as an agricultural laboratory. We continue on to the Maras salt mines, where hundreds of salt pans cascade down the mountainside, exploited for centuries by local communities. After lunch, we travel to Ollantaytambo to visit its monumental fortress and temples overlooking the valley. We end the day with a stroll through the village's narrow streets, one of the best-preserved from the Inca era, before settling in for the night.Day 9 -
Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 01h30 - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Maximum altitude 2700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, we hike up to the heights of Ollantaytambo to explore the ancient Inca granaries, once used for storing harvests. From this vantage point, we enjoy a panoramic view of the village and the valley. We then head to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. The journey offers breathtaking scenery, where the Andean peaks give way to lush tropical vegetation. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to discover the atmosphere of this village nestled at the foot of Machu Picchu.Day 10 -
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 03h30 - 296km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Maximum altitude 2430 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
At dawn, we take a shuttle bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Perched at 2,430 meters above sea level on a ridge overlooking the Urubamba Valley, this Inca city is an exceptional testament to the architectural genius of the empire. We enjoy a guided tour of the site before descending to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, we take the train back, and a private transfer takes us back to Cusco for the night. Note: To preserve the Machu Picchu site, local authorities impose time slots and visitor quotas. Depending on availability, our group may be split up to access Machu Picchu at different times and/or on separate tours. In this situation, and to ensure a smooth experience, an additional guide (French- or English-speaking, depending on availability) will accompany us on the tour. The group will then reunite at the exit of the site or later in Aguas Calientes.Day 11 -
Cusco - Free day
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We're enjoying a free day to explore Cusco at our own pace. The former Inca capital is perfect for strolling through the narrow streets of the San Blas neighborhood, visiting the central market of San Pedro, or relaxing in the Plaza de Armas. It's the ideal opportunity to pick up some last-minute handcrafted items or savor a local coffee in the historic center. Note: This morning, we say goodbye to our guide. Depending on flight schedules, the flight to Lima may be moved to the end of the day (overnight in Lima instead of Cusco).Day 12 -
Cusco - Lima - Paris (flight not included)
- Transportation Bus - 02h10 - 50km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima. We always prioritize a morning departure to ensure a comfortable buffer (minimum 4 hours) before your international connection. Late this afternoon, international flight to Paris.Day 13 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of the journey.Day 14
Note
The durations are given as a guide and may vary slightly depending on traffic conditions and the walking pace of our group.
Accommodation
Comfortable, locally standard 3-star hotels, double rooms with private bathrooms.
We ensure that the hotels in the cities are well located to allow you to easily get around during your free time.
Please note that some accommodations are not always heated; in some cases, heaters can be made available upon request.
Access
Go to the starting point
International transport (custom flights not included, please contact us)
From Paris, we use regular flights (with a stopover via Madrid or Amsterdam, or direct via Paris) on the airlines Air France/KLM, Iberia or LATAM.
- Outbound : Daytime flights arriving late in the day (Day 1) or night flights arriving in the morning (Day 2).
- On the return journey: Night flights with arrival in France the following day.
Note: This information is indicative and depends on availability at the time of your registration.
Travel within the country
- Domestic flights: We operate flights between Lima and Arequipa, and between Cusco and Lima, with LATAM, Sky Airline, or Avianca . We allow a 4-hour buffer in Lima before your international connection to account for any unforeseen circumstances.
- Ground transportation: Private minibuses or shuttles depending on the activities planned in the program. For high-altitude journeys, our vehicles are equipped with oxygen cylinders as a safety precaution.
- Train: Scenic train journey "The Voyager" or "360°" from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Navigation: Motorized boat for exploring Lake Titicaca.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation with breakfast in a double or twin room.
- The tour will be led by a French-speaking guide from day 3 to day 11.
- 11 breakfasts and 8 lunches.
- The transfers mentioned in the program (trains, boat, private transfers).
- Hotel transfer Lima / Lima airport on day 3.
- Hotel/airport transfer in Cusco on day 13.
- The domestic flight Lima - Arequipa on day 3.
- The domestic flight Cusco - Lima on day 13 (or day 12 depending on flight schedules).
- The activities described in the program.
- Entrance fees to the sites described in the program.
The price does not include
- International flights (custom flights not included, please contact us)
- Airport transfer Lima / hotel Lima on day 2
- Drinks and mineral water during your stay, including during meals
- Early arrival or late departure at the hotel
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Meals not included
- Optional activities
- Tips
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, 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.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Equipment to bring
- Insulated water bottle: Please note that single-use plastic bottles are strictly prohibited on the Machu Picchu site.
- Hydration: Micropur-type tablet
- Sun protection: High protection sunglasses (category 3 or 4) and sunscreen.
- For rain protection: A quality rain cape or poncho, also covering your backpack.
- Organization: A few plastic bags or waterproof bags to protect your electronic devices and spare clothes in your backpack.
- Hygiene: A light toiletry bag and a pack of tissues for daytime stops.
- Miscellaneous: A headlamp, a pair of sandals for the evening at the hotel and mosquito repellent cream (essential for the Machu Picchu region which is in a subtropical zone).
Clothing to bring
Temperatures vary greatly in the Andes. We advise you to wear multiple layers:
- Technical underwear: Breathable for daytime, and a warm layer for nights at altitude.
- Insulating layer: A good fleece jacket or a warm sweater.
- Protective layer: An anorak or a "Gore-Tex" type windbreaker, waterproof and breathable.
- Trousers: Opt for lightweight and comfortable hiking trousers. Avoid jeans for walking.
Accessories for protection against cold and sun:
- Gloves and hat: Essential for evenings and mountain passes (can be purchased locally from local artisans).
- Sun protection: Hat or cap, sunglasses (category 3 or 4) and high protection sunscreen.
Shoes :
- Hiking shoes: High or mid-top with a non-slip sole (Vibram type).
- Casual shoes: A pair of lightweight sneakers for evenings at the hotel and sightseeing.
A little extra:
- Swimsuit: To enjoy the Yanque hot springs (Day 3).