Highlight’s hikes in Peru

PER-33 / 8-day trip / Grade: T2

Rainbow Mountain (photo: Sine Madsen)

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 1Arrival in Cusco, Peru
Day 2City tour in Cusco
Day 3Hiking:Trek to the ancient Inca ruins of Huchuy-Qosqo’s Inca
Day 4Hiking to the Three Lakes (Kinsa Cocha) – Pisac’s Ruins and visit to Ollantaytambo
Day 5Hiking: Short Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (2050 m)
Day 6Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Day 7Rainbow Mountain
Day 8Cusco – Departure
Tags: Cusco, Huchuy Qosqo, Acclimatization hike, Sun gate, Cusco Area, Cordillera Vilcabamba, Trekking, Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Peru, Vinicunca