If you wish to experience the Peruvian Andes with a private guide—and a touch of luxury—then this weeklong itinerary is for you. Starting and ending in Cusco, you’ll tour the area’s best villages and archaeological sites, take an epic hike to Machu Picchu, and visit a lesser-known Rainbow Mountain at 15,500 feet (4,724 m) above sea level. Of course, each day includes memorable meals on family farms, top-notch restaurants, and even a special train ride to round out this quietly sophisticated adventure.
Highlights
- Cycle along a rarely-used trail in the Sacred Valley of the Inca with an e-bike
- Accomplish the 7-mile (11 km) Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a private guide
- Treat yourself to a ride—and dinner—on one of the most deluxe trains in the world
- Learn about local markets and cuisine with one of the most fun characters in Cusco
- 7 Days/ 6 Nights
- January to December
- Moderate
Difficulty
Condition
Travel Program
Day 1: Arrive in Cusco, Andean Lunch at Piuray Lake
Welcome to the Peruvian Andes! This is the heartland of the Inca Empire—a place of rich history and dramatic beauty where Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Cusco are located. Upon landing at Cusco’s small airport, your private guide and local host will greet you in the arrivals hall with a sign.
After a brief introduction, you will begin the drive to the Sacred Valley where you’ll stay for the first two nights. Make your way through the dramatic Andean scenery as you look for rice fields, eucalyptus forests, small Andean villages, and the imposing peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Because of its elevation at approximately 9,000 feet (2,743 m) and its peaceful atmosphere, this valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first days in Cusco while you acclimatize to the altitude. Day 2: E-Bike Tour to Taray, Pisac Archaeology & Village Tour
Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the Sacred Valley, and today you will cross fields and Andean villages on a guided bike route toward Taray using high-end specialized mountain e-bikes. The full route for today is about 24 miles (38 km) long, however, it is a flexible route and, if necessary, can be shortened by starting at other villages such as Yucay, Huayllabamba, or Huito.
The first few minutes of the journey take you along the main road of Urubamba, so you must be a little careful of traffic. After this, the fun begins as you pedal along a lovely, rarely-used trail that follows the Urubamba River. This dirt track undulates between local villages and haciendas, where you can see traditional farming methods that are still in use against the beautiful backdrop of glaciated mountains and Inca ruins. This dirt trail is mostly flat with some small ascents that are easy to accomplish with an e-bike.
Today’s lunch will be served at a special place called Hacienda Sarapampa, which is an old colonial farm owned by the Sumar family that produces giant Peruvian corn that is exported all over the world. Before lunch begins, you can join a member of the Sumar family for a brief tour of the hacienda to learn about its history and how the farm works in the present day. Lunch will be served in the beautiful gardens with home-style food inspired by family traditions and based on the fresh ingredients that are obtained from the hacienda and neighboring farms.
Next is a tour of Pisac village and its archaeological site, which is one of the most renowned sites in the region of Cusco—and for good reason. The colorful old Andean village is full of shops and artisan stands that are bound to catch the eye of any visitor. You can also try a tasting empanada baked in old colonial mud ovens in the village. Moreover, on the mountain slopes just above the colonial village, you’ll find the original Inca settlement of the same name, which is also open to visitors who want to check out panoramic views.
Day 3: Hike to Machu Picchu on the Short Trail
Get ready today for the ultimate day hike! The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a beautiful yet moderately challenging 7-mile (11 km) route that takes you through a cloud forest that leads to the Sun Gate—the original gateway into Machu Picchu.
Rise and shine as it will be an early start as you need to catch one of the first morning trains from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, where the trail begins. You’ll then check in at the national park office and cross the Urubamba River to begin the adventure. Depending on your hiking speed and interest, there are two Inca sites you can visit on your way to Machu Picchu: Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna. However, the main highlight of today is the trail itself (and the views), so there is no need to rush to try and see everything.
This trail is mostly uphill and the first segment can take up to four hours. At Wiñaywayna, you can have a well-deserved rest with a little time to explore one of the most beautiful places on the Inca trail, which includes an impressive cascade that falls just next to the site.
To reach the Sun Gate from here, you must hike another 2.5 miles (4 km) through the forest. The last 300 feet (100 m) includes a rather steep stone Inca stairway before being rewarded with the first breathtaking glimpses of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku—the original name of the Sun Gate. Then begin the final 1.2-mile (2 km) section of the hike, which is an easy downhill walk that should only take about 35 minutes. You’ll eventually reach Machu Picchu and enjoy some of the most classic views from The Guardian’s Hut before heading to your hotel for a well-deserved dinner.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Experience, Hiram Bingham Deluxe Train Journey
The wake-up call will be at dawn today if you wish to be among the first people to enter Machu Picchu, since the gates open at 6 am. Once inside, your guide will find a good spot with views to provide an initial overview. There are four possible circuits and three optional viewpoints called Montaña, Huchuy Picchu, and Huayna Picchu with varying lengths and spectacular views.
Day 5: Explore Cusco & Sacsayhuaman, Degustation Dinner at Map Café
Today, after a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have a leisurely day to explore Sacsayhuaman and Cusco during a half-day tour with a private guide.
The excursion starts with a 10-minute drive to Sacsayhuaman, a vast Inca complex that looks upon the city from above. The immense stones used to build Sacsayhuaman came from a quarry located about 20 miles (32 km) down the valley, and it’s baffling to imagine how they were transported. Sacsayhuaman is not only an impressive Inca site but it also offers great views of the city below. After finishing the visit, you can choose to either walk back to Cusco’s main square (about 20 minutes downhill), or return in a private vehicle.
Once back in the city, your walking tour can be adapted to your particular interests. Your guide can take you through some of the most emblematic sites in the city, such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cusco Cathedral, and the Koricancha Temple. You could also enjoy wandering through the narrow streets and old neighborhoods to feel the magic of this charming city. If you’re interested in visiting some less conventional places, you can go to the San Francisco Convent, which includes small catacombs and interesting art, and various cafés that offer locally grown coffee and cacao grown near Machu Picchu.
Day 6: Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
Departing from Cusco, the journey to Palcoyo takes about 3.5 hours, which is about 30 minutes more than to Vinicunca. Upon arrival, you will be rewarded with a much less crowded environment that is just as awe-inspiring and colorful. You must hike along an easy 1-mile (1.6 km) trail that leads to the mountain at a striking altitude of 15,500 feet (4,700 m) above sea level. Your guide will lead you slowly up the mountain with plenty of time to rest if necessary. During hikes like these, an oxygen tank is available in your transport just in case.
Once at the summit, you’ll enjoy the surreal landscapes with views of the Ausangate mountain range (the highest snow peaks of Cusco) in the distance. For the more adventurous travelers, it is possible to hike uphill for an extra 10 to 15 minutes to reach a small rocky viewpoint called Stone Forest because of the peculiar rock formations. After the visit, you will stop at a tranquil location for a picnic box lunch before returning to Cusco.
Day 7: Market Tour & Cooking Class, Depart Peru
Today you will have the perfect opportunity to learn about local cuisine in Cusco with an exceptional and charismatic local chef named Seledonia Montalvo. In the morning, she will pick you up from your hotel lobby to go for a stroll through Cusco’s lively markets: San Pedro and Cascaparo. Here, you’ll have the chance to see the vast variety of local produce that can be obtained from this mountainous region and the nearby Amazon, such as lucuma, guanabana, chirimoya, and granadilla, to name a few.
Once Seledonia has completed her shopping list, you’ll head to her restaurant’s kitchen on Ruinas Street. This is where you can test your skills at preparing some Peruvian classics, or choose to get creative and prepare something new with local ingredients. This cooking class is all about having fun, learning about local culture, and tasting some delightful treats, The activity ends with an early lunch based on the dishes you created.
Following your meal, it’s time to say farewell to Cusco. A private driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport so you arrive two hours before your flight departs. Hopefully, you will leave full of happy memories, new friends, and great pictures from your epic adventure. Safe travels!
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
What's Included
Included
- English- and Spanish-speaking guide
- Entrance tickets as per itinerary
- Accommodation
- Trekking staff (if applicable)
- Camping equipment (if applicable)
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation as per itinerary
- Airport transfers (if specified)
Not included
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Optional tours or additional entrance tickets
- Personal equipment
What to Bring
What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition
This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, climbing or mountain expeditions tours is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.
Equipment Trekking
Hiking backpack for hiking 50 to 60 liters
Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)
Medium weight socks
Sleeping bag (-15º to 20ºC)
Small daypack for one day hiking 30 liters
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking boots or shoes
Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down
Rain poncho (or rain gear)
Long-sleeved shirts
Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers
Lightweight pants
Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
Water bottle for hiking or trekking
Strong waterproof duffel bag
Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit
Regular and long underwear
Knife or multi-tool
Light cap and wool hat
Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips
The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike
Grooming and personal hygiene kit
One Hiking Buff per person
Equipment Mountain
3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person
We recommend 2 ice screws for each client
1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person
2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company
1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains
2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)
Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters
Harness for climbing
Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress
Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company
Walking sticks – Trekking Poles (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company
Down Jacket for expedition
Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification
First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients
Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things
Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair
Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.
In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.
Prices & Dates
FROM/TO
PRICE (USD)
TRAVEL STATUS
- Single Supplement (I want my own room and tent) – $000 on request.
Please note: Insurance for emergency evacuation is required for this trip. Call for more details.
» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays
Prices (per person):
| 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 4 PAX | 6 PAX | 8 PAX | 10 PAX | 12 PAX | 14 PAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD |
Deposit for reservations
— USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!
Places: 
*Available
Trip-code: Number ►BOL-000
Duration: 1 day
Participants: Minimal: 2 Maximal: 15
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Bolivia
Mountain Guide: Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2024
Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.
Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions
- WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066
- E-Mail: office@peru-expeditions.org
Hans Honold | Certified Mountain and Ski Guide
For a trip with a Professional Certified Mountain Guide from abroad with your own language that you speak, please request us to get in touch. We have guides working for our company from all over the world who are members of IVBV/UIAGM/IFMGA Certified Guides.
- Tel: +49(0)7344 929144-0
It is very important to have accident coverage for trekking and climbing mountains, more if you go a technical mountains over 6 thousand meters, we oblige and recommend buying travel insurance with our partner Global Rescue, you get the peace of mind that the finest medical, security evacuation, field rescue, intelligence and telehealth.
- Tel: +1 (617) 459-4200
Only $1000 deposit to book
Pay over time, interest free
No booking fee, no change fee
24/7 support
Accommodations
Scroll through our exclusive accommodations for this trip below. Although very unlikely, we will be able to make substitutions when necessary. The comfortable accommodations that guests stay in every night offer comfort, the level that these options are are 3 stars and some hostels in some towns of first class quality to make your stay very pleasant.
*These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some cases, alternative accommodation of similar quality and location can be used.
Albergue Ecológico Tomarapi
Hoteles Taykas
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
What our travelers or clients always ask questions before joining our trips, tours & expeditions, read all the information provided here.
Suggested FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
For our mountain climbing trips: If they are easily accessible mountains: For easy-climb mountains, well, you don’t need much experience, but if you already want to climb mountains above 6,000 meters and the conditions become more difficult, we recommend if you already want to go through mountains above 6,000 meters, have a basic or intermediate course for a good preparation. It is very important to be physically, technically and psychologically prepared.
Regarding the preparation of children: Everything will depend on which mountain you want to climb with your children, once you are clear on which of our tours or mountains you want to go with your children, we can give you some advice or see how to prepare them before going with they.
Regarding older people: It all depends on the condition of experience and how well the person is in health, on many occasions older people are the best to walk in the mountains because they have more experience, so it is always good to ask and find out about their experience of older participant. If you have any other questions, please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
In all our trekking or mountaineering trips we do not include personal equipment in our prices, so you have to have your own equipment: Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc. ) and also within each page of the trips that we sell is a small list so you can see it on our website.
Our company can also rent the materials that you would need for your trip, see the list here on our website: https://peru-expeditions.org/equipment-rental/ . For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
Safe and effective vaccines are available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Billions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19, help end the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.
We also recommend having accident insurance, we always recommend. We are Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any other questions about the trip we can schedule a date for a calling via WhatsApp. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
To do long-distance hiking you need to at least train or do some tours such as visiting lagoons to get the experience and feel comfortable with what you do, it is always good before doing a long-distance hiking tour to test yourself so as not to be with the problems of altitude sickness during the trekking, and if you travel with children it is good to first train them before taking them, if they are accompanied by an adult of legal age, they must do a good acclimatization before going on the long-distance tour or with high altitude camps If you want to know or learn more advice, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
The preparation is according to what type and what technical level you want to go and climb a trek or mountain, the preparation will always gain experience little by little.
For this type of demanding or technical climbing sports, it is recommended to do some summits above 5 thousand meters beforehand and have good knowledge of high mountain technical equipment such as the use of technical ice axes, ice screws, correct use of crampons, and of course all the technical material. For more information, we can schedule an appointment to be able to explain in more detail everything about the mountain equipment and the preparations prior to joining our outings. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Every day we have active walks around approximately 4, to 5 sometimes 6 hours of walking, everything is according to your pace and physical condition of each person, in each of our travel programs you will find more detailed information, and if If you need more information about each day of the travel program, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts or questions, for this please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
In our trips, either hiking or mountaineering: Depending on the type or destination of the trip that you are going to book, in some parts of the treks you go with mules or donkeys or sometimes with horses, and within the mountain trips, the approach camps are also They go with mules or donkeys, but there are some stretches where pack animals can no longer reach. In this part, our logistics is fully supported by the porters.
Who are the porters? They are people from the area who were born and live in the heights of the towns, they are very strong and are very acclimatized, the reason is that after the tourist season ends they dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock for that reason they are people They are used to the altitude and have lived in nature all their lives and they are happy to be in the mountains together with our expeditions. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
About accommodation or meals during the tour: Well, depending on the type of tour, when the tour is a classic cultural tour or a city tour, we eat during the route in tourist restaurants and sleep in category hotels that the client has requested.
If the tour is with camps and trekking: During the activity, logistics we include the service of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with traditional and typical meals of the region where you are going to travel with us, during the night we stay in tents, and we have a special tent for the kitchen and another for the dining room.
If the trip is at altitude or in the mountains: We bring special high mountain food, It are quicker meals to cook and we provide complete logistics such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and we sleep in special 4-season high mountain tents, with the best tents. If you have any questions or concerns, we can schedule an appointment via Whatsapp to clarify all your doubts and give you better information so that your trip is an unforgettable tour.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
In mountains above 5000 meters: A local guide takes a maximum of 3 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide
In technical mountains: In large-big mountains we manage the travel policy, a guide and a maximum of 2 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Do I have what it takes to succeed on this expedition?
In the interest of the team’s enjoyment and success, we work with every single guest to ensure they are properly prepared and ready for this expedition. We pride ourselves on vetting every member to make sure that the team can bond and succeed together. It really sucks to be grouped with members that are much faster, or much slower, than you are. No one wants to the weakest link on a trip like this. By setting expectations and a solid training plan, we work to insure maximum cohesive success. Use this trip as an exercise motivator, and we will succeed together with style.
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
For the pick-ups of each trip, depending on the place or the trip that you are going to make with us, the meeting point is always at our office, in one of our trips we pick you up where you are staying or staying, or in some cases a A representative of our company will pick you up and then ship you to your transport to continue with your destination of the tour or trip you have booked with us. If you wish to request more information, do not hesitate to contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What happens in the event of bad weather?
About the meteorological conditions of the climate, we try to organize the trips of each tour in the best season to have the best views and enjoy the selected trip but sometimes even is good season we can have bad weather, in this case on hiking or treks trips The complications are minimal, but when this happens during high-altitude climbing expeditions, the complications can become very difficult, that is why the bosses or leaders of the local guides must always make the most correct decision for the safety of our passengers, so we always recommend listening to the best advice from the local guide assigned for each tour. If you have any other questions please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Can I join a group?
We as a local company and connoisseurs of tours have departures on different dates. The best thing to do is to join a travel group to take care of your budget, and of course you can join our groups, but on trips like mountaineering we recommend going in small groups. To join a group, ask us for the dates and we will send you the necessary information to be able to join any of our trips.
Why go in a private trip: For trips whether trekking or high mountains, going privately is the most recommended option, but the costs are more expensive. So, if one joins a group, the prices will be more reasonable. In the mountains, the only disadvantage is if you are in a wall with another partner and if one of the participants gets tired or gets sick. In this case, you have to abort or cancel the summit and return together. For more information, contact us. We can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify all your questions.
In a mountain, for example, if 3 people go and one of the participants falls ill on the route, for security reasons they have to cancel or abort the summit or return all together. The same in a technical mountain if the climbing partner gets sick they all have to return, for these reasons sometimes it is better to go private only because for a single person the costs are more expensive for the same reason that the trip would already be private .
For more information please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
The company Peru Expeditions Tours has the most experience in organizing commercial ascents and complex high-altitude expeditions. 
We have the most experienced and qualified guides for cultural trip, climbing tours, MTB tours, Ski tours, including famous climbers.
We always give away team jerseys-T-shits, buffs, or a cap as a gift
Good own personal tents to live in height and special big tents to dine inside the trekking or mountain.
The highest percentage of successful ascents.
We provide the best living and eating conditions. We take into account the peculiarities of nutrition (you can order a vegetarian menu).
Free conferences in the office with own videos material and photographs
