THE BEAUTY OF

PERU

An immersive journey through the Peruvian Andes blending high mountain trekking, ancient history, remote landscapes, and cultural experiences from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

Book Now

Duration

12 days

Location

Cusco, Peru

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

This 12-day expedition through Peru is designed to experience the Andes through movement, immersion, and connection. Beginning in the historic city of Cusco, the journey moves through the Sacred Valley via the Salkantay Trek, remote mountain villages, glacier-covered passes, cloud forests, and ancient Inca paths before arriving at Machu Picchu by foot. Along the way, we sleep in glass cabins beneath towering peaks, cross the high alpine terrain of Salkantay Pass, explore Rainbow Mountain and Pallay Punchu, camp in the remote Andes, and experience the cultural traditions that continue to shape life throughout Peru today. Combining high mountain trekking, cultural immersion, and thoughtfully curated logistics, this expedition is built for travelers seeking a deeper and more adventurous experience of Peru.

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco, Peru. After airport transfers and check-in at our hotel, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and expedition briefing to prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2: We explore the Sacred Valley, beginning with a visit to the Andean community of Ccaccaccollo where local women share traditional weaving and agricultural practices. We then continue to the Pisac archaeological site before stopping for lunch in Lamay. In the afternoon, we visit Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved living Inca towns, before returning to Cusco for the evening.

Day 3: We depart Cusco early and drive through the Andes toward Challacancha, where our the Salkantay Trek begins. After hiking into Soraypampa and settling into our Glass Cabins beneath the glaciers, we continue to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake before returning to camp for a cooking class and dinner under the stars.

Day 4: Today we cross Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,630m / 15,190 ft. The route traverses dramatic alpine terrain beneath towering glaciers before descending into greener valleys and cloud forest ecosystems. We spend the night in our Glass Domes in Wayracmachay.

Day 5: We continue descending from the high Andes into the lush cloud forest and jungle landscapes of Peru. Along the route we pass waterfalls, coffee fields, orchids, and tropical vegetation before arriving at the Hobbit House eco-lodge hidden deep within the forest.

Day 6: After breakfast, we hike along an original section of Inca Trail toward Llactapata, where we experience one of the most spectacular panoramic viewpoints of Machu Picchu from across the valley. After descending to Hidroelectrica for lunch, we continue through the canyon to Aguas Calientes for the evening

Day 7: We rise early to explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour through Circuit 2, including the iconic postcard viewpoint overlooking the citadel. Afterward, we climb Huayna Picchu for panoramic views above Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andes. In the afternoon, we board the expedition train back through the Sacred Valley before returning to Cusco.

Day 8: Today is a free day in Cusco to rest, explore the city, visit cafés and markets, or recover after the trek.

Day 9: We journey deeper into the Andes to Pallay Punchu, one of Peru’s most dramatic and lesser-visited rainbow mountains. After exploring the ridgelines and surrounding landscapes, we camp overnight in the remote Andean village of Layo.

Day 10: We depart early for Rainbow Mountain, where colorful mineral-striped ridges rise above the Andes at high altitude. After returning to Cusco, the evening is yours to relax and recover.

Day 11: Today we experience a traditional Peruvian cooking class before visiting Apukunaq Tianan, also known as the Abode of the Gods, a series of monumental stone sculptures overlooking Cusco. In the evening, we gather for our final celebration dinner together.

Day 12: Airport transfers are provided for your international departure from Cusco.

$4,505 per person

Based on 6+ participants.

Dates: August 28th - Sepetember 8th 2027

This 12-day Peru expedition includes guided trekking, Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, Sacred Valley exploration, Rainbow Mountain, Pallay Punchu, airport transfers, accommodations, key meals, entrance fees, private transportation, expedition train, and full trek support.

What’s Included

Accommodations

  • Cusco hotel stays
  • Glass Cabins during the Salkantay Trek
  • Glass Domes during the Salkantay Trek
  • Hobbit House eco-lodge stay
  • Aguas Calientes hotel before Machu Picchu
  • Camping in Layo for Pallay Punchu

Meals

  • Welcome dinner in Cusco
  • Celebration dinner in Cusco
  • All meals during the main Salkantay trekking days
  • Breakfast on Machu Picchu day
  • All meals during the Pallay Punchu / Layo camping experience
  • Breakfast and lunch for Rainbow Mountain
  • Lunch during the cooking class day
  • Trek snacks and hot drinks
  • Boiled water for drinking during trekking portions
  • Hot water for washing during trekking/camping portions
  • Vegetarian and special diet options available

Guides, Permits & Entry Fees

  • Professional bilingual tour guide
  • Pre-departure briefing in Cusco
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Machu Picchu Circuit 2 guided tour
  • Huayna Picchu permit
  • Pisac entrance
  • Ollantaytambo entrance
  • Pallay Punchu entrance fee
  • Rainbow Mountain entrance fee
  • Apukunaq Tianan entrance fee
  • Included Sacred Valley and cultural site visits

Transportation

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
  • Private transportation for included itinerary activities
  • Transportation to the Salkantay Trek starting point
  • Transportation for Pallay Punchu and Layo
  • Transportation for Rainbow Mountain
  • Bus transportation to Machu Picchu
  • Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco

Trek & Camping Support

  • Personal tents with 2 people in each 4-person-capacity tent for extra comfort and backpack storage
  • Thermarest air sleeping mat
  • Camping equipment
  • Cooking tent
  • Dining tent
  • Chairs and tables
  • Chef and cooking equipment
  • First-aid kit
  • Emergency oxygen bottle

Experiences

  • Sacred Valley exploration
  • Ccaccaccollo Andean weaving community visit
  • Pisac archaeological site
  • Ollantaytambo archaeological site
  • Humantay Lake
  • Salkantay Pass
  • Llactapata viewpoint overlooking Machu Picchu
  • Machu Picchu guided tour
  • Huayna Picchu climb
  • Pallay Punchu
  • Layo camping experience
  • Rainbow Mountain
  • Traditional Peruvian cooking class
  • Apukunaq Tianan / Abode of the Gods

Recommended Gear List

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of personal gear, including your sleeping bag and sleeping pad if bringing your own.

Required Documents

  • Passport
  • Student ID (if booked with student pricing)

Bags & Storage

  • Small daypack (recommended under 25L for Machu Picchu)
  • 2–3L water storage or hydration bladder
  • Large plastic bags or dry bags for organization

Clothing

  • 2–3 moisture-wicking shirts
  • 2–3 hiking pants
  • 4 sets of underwear
  • 4 pairs hiking socks
  • Fleece layer
  • Warm down jacket
  • Rain jacket and rain pants
  • Sun hat
  • Wool hat
  • Waterproof gloves

Footwear

  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Camp shoes or sandals

Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C
  • Sleeping pad (optional if bringing your own)

Personal Items

  • Quick-dry towel
  • Small soap or toiletries
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Face moisturizer
  • Bug spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toilet paper
  • Earplugs
  • Personal medications
  • Small personal first-aid kit

Electronics

  • Headlamp
  • Portable battery charger
  • Camera
  • Phone and headphones/music

Additional Recommendations

  • Extra spending money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
  • Rain poncho
  • Plastic bag for trail waste