Highlight’s hikes in Peru
PER-33 / 8-day trip / Grade: T2

This thoughtfully designed journey is perfect for active travelers seeking to experience the essence of the Andes through low-intensity hikes and deep cultural encounters. Each day reveals a new facet of Peru’s natural beauty and ancestral heritage—while evenings offer the comfort of a cozy hotel or a charming farm, ideal for relaxing after invigorating but gentle days on the trail.
The adventure begins in Cusco, the imperial heart of the Inca civilization. After a guided city tour that explores its rich blend of Inca and colonial heritage, we set out into the surrounding highlands. Our first hike leads to Huchuy Qosqo, a hidden archaeological site perched high above the Sacred Valley, reached by scenic trails and mountain passes.
Next, we explore the enchanting alpine landscapes of Kinsa Cocha, where three serene lakes mirror the sky at over 4,000 meters above sea level. A gradual descent brings us into the traditional village of Pisac, known for its artisan market and hillside ruins.
We continue deeper into the Sacred Valley, visiting the living Andean towns of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, where Inca walls and traditions remain part of everyday life. From here, the journey builds to a thrilling highlight: a full-day hike along the Inca Trail from Km 104 to Machu Picchu, entering the legendary citadel through the awe-inspiring Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunset.
After a restful night, we return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour, discovering its hidden corners and mysteries. The journey concludes with a spectacular hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), nestled in a side valley of the Ausangate range, where the mineral-rich soil paints the landscape in surreal stripes of color.
| Day 1 | Arrival in Cusco, Peru |
| Day 2 | City tour in Cusco |
| Day 3 | Hiking:Trek to the ancient Inca ruins of Huchuy-Qosqo’s Inca |
| Day 4 | Hiking to the Three Lakes (Kinsa Cocha) – Pisac’s Ruins and visit to Ollantaytambo |
| Day 5 | Hiking: Short Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (2050 m) |
| Day 6 | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco |
| Day 7 | Rainbow Mountain |
| Day 8 | Cusco – Departure |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Cusco, Peru Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history and culture. It is a beautiful city with well-preserved colonial architecture, bearing witness to a rich and complex past. The city itself represents the heart of indigenous Quechua culture in the Andes, and simply walking its cobblestone streets reveals the layers of history — from Inca stone foundations to Spanish colonial buildings. Many colonial structures were built directly atop ancient Inca walls, especially around the Plaza de Armas, where the vibrant energy of modern life and tourist nightlife coexist with centuries of heritage. |
| Day 2 | Cusco city tour (half a day) |
| Day 3 | Hiking:Trek to the ancient Inca ruins of Huchuy-Qosqo Ascent: 500 m / Descent: 1100 m) / Highest altitude: 4400 m / Distance: 14 km / Activity duration: 8 h / hiking time: 5-6 hours. |
| Day 4 | Hiking to the Three Lakes (Kinsa Cocha) – Pisac’s Ruins and visit to Ollantaytambo From there, transportation will take us to Paruparu (3950 m), where our hike begins. The first These lakes were considered sacred by the Incas and are now protected and preserved by From Kinsa Cocha, we’ll descend for around 3.5 hours, eventually reaching the town of Pisac We return to Urubamba and continue on to Ollantaytambo, bringing the day to a close with Note: The order of visits may vary depending on the trail conditions. Ascent: 500 m / Descent: 1333 m / Highest altitude: 4301 m / Distance: 13,2 km / Activity |
| Day 5 | Hiking: Short Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (2050 m) The trailhead (2128 m) leads us up a fairly steep section of well maintained switchbacks, eventually connecting with the final stretch of the Classic Inca Trail. Along the way, we’ll have the chance to see other archaeological sites. After passing the checkpoint, we’ll visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba, believed to have been built for ceremonial or religious purposes. Continuing our hike, we’ll take our first break to enjoy some snacks while admiring the stunning landscape, with views of the Urubamba River, the surrounding mountains, and the Veronica Glacier visible throughout the route. We’ll continue hiking until we reach the impressive archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna (2650 m), a beautiful Inca structure believed to have served various functions related to daily life. From there, we’ll proceed to Intipunku, or the Sun Gate (2730 m), where we’ll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains and valleys. After a short rest, we’ll descend along a scenic trail, passing briefly by the citadel before boarding a bus at 2433 meters that will take us back to the town of Aguas Calientes. Ascent: 602m / Descent: 297 m / Highest altitude: 2730 m / Distance: 16,7 km / Activity duration: 5-6 h Luggage allowed: A day-backpack with 8 kilos per person. Rest of luggage, must be left at your hotel. |
| Day 6 | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco Beyond its architectural brilliance, Machu Picchu reflects the deep spiritual and cosmological beliefs of the Inca civilization. Its layout aligns with astronomical events, such as solstices and equinoxes, and reveals a profound respect for nature and the cosmos. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu stands as a powerful symbol of Peru’s cultural legacy. Visiting the site is a journey into the heart of Andean history, spirituality, and ingenuity. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Morning Tour to Machu Picchu Level of difficulty: Normal / walking time: 2 hours / Total distance approx.: 4 Km. |
| Day 7 | Rainbow Mountain (full-day tour) |
| Day 8 | Cusco – Lima – Departure |
To request prices, please click on the BOOK TRIP bottom on the right sidebar and fill the information.
INCLUDED
- English-speaking cultural guide for day 2
- English-speaking trekking mountain guide from day 3 to 11
- Assistant local English-speaking trekking mountain guide from 6 PAX
- Hotel accommodation according to the hotel list
- Private transportation throughout the entire program
- All tour and activities are on private basis (Except Rainbow Mountain, se below)
- The Rainbow Mountain tour is based on shared services for 1 to 3 PAX and from then on, on private basis
- Entrance tickets and community permits
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Expedition class train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- All transfers
- The weight allowance for the Inca Trail train: 7 Kg.
- Meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary
NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic & international flights
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- Personal camping equipment
- Insurances
- Tips
- Everything not mentioned in the “Included” list
CUSCO: Hotel Tikawasi or similar
YUCAY: Hotel Casona Yucay or similar
OLLANTAYTAMBO: Hotel Tunupa Lodge or similar
AGUAS CALIENTES: Hotel Terraza de Luna or similar





