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Route:
Technical Characteristics:
Tour Profile: Medium. Sightseeing and cultural activities designed for people who are generally fit and are comfortable walking up to 6 hours per day. Some of the longer hikes in the Sacred Valley and Atacama require some comfort with activities at higher altitudes.
Travel Season: Departures on request from January 4 to December 20, 2023
*Group rates available for this tour. As this is a guided tour, the pricing improves with more people participating. Please ask us for details
Accommodation:
3* hotels and lodges, all with private washrooms. Tent accommodation during hike along the Inca Trial to Machu Picchu
This voyage combines the best of Peru and Chile, two of the most versatile countries in South America. Experience the contrast from tranquil landscapes in the Andes to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. The famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will be the experience of a lifetime. As you hike along one of the most important trekking paths of the Incan Empire, you will see the ever changing landscape from Valley to the Andes to Cloud Forest, ending with a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After visiting Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, you will hike through the Atacama Desert, visiting hot springs, local farms, and geysers.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Lima
Lima, also known as the “City of Kings”, was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro. Located directly on the Pacific coast, Peru’s capital city is a melting pot of cultures where you will encounter people, flavors, and history from different regions. The bustling metropolis has something for all tastes and ages: indulge in exquisite, internationally-praised cuisine, catch some waves on the coast, visit museums, and stroll around the historical center or the bohemian district of Barranco.
Day 2
Colonial and Contemporary City Tour with San Francisco Monastery and Larco Museum 5 hours
In the historical center, admire the colorful colonial architecture around the “Plaza San Martín” and the main square “Plaza de Armas”, where you can also see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the Municipality. From here, visit the San Francisco Monastery and discover its underground maze of tunnels and catacombs. Finally, head to Lima’s contemporary districts, Miraflores and San Isidro, that combine beautiful parks, such as “El Olivar” and “Parque del Amor”, shopping centers, and modern architecture. End your tour at the Larco Museum and appreciate its collection with over 45.000 objects including pre-Columbian ceramics, textiles, gold and silver pieces. Don’t miss the museum’s famous and unique erotic ceramics collection from the Mochica culture.
Day 3
Lima - Cusco Cusco City and Ruins Tour 4 hours
Start your Cusco City Tour in the “Plaza de Armas” and visit the impressive renaissance style Cathedral. Make your way through small alleys edged with Incan walls until you reach Koricancha, the temple dedicated to the sun “Inti”. Believed to be the most important temple for the Incas, it was destroyed by the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century. Its foundations were used to build the Catholic Church Santo Domingo. Continue your journey into the past as you explore the different Inca ruins around Cusco. Your first stop is Sacsayhuamán, the Inca ceremonial fortress dedicated to the sun. Admire the gigantic rocks used to build the site and the way they were perfectly fitted together. Nearby, head to Qenqo, a temple carved in a gigantic monolith with tunnels and chambers that were hand carved by men thousands of years ago. Visit the Puca Pucara fort, an important a military checkpoint for Inca Empire. End your tour at the Inca Baths known as Tambomachay and learn about the aqueducts and channels that allow the water to flow naturally. Cusco, located at 3,400 meters in the Andes Mountains, was the heartland of the Incan Empire. The city blends ancient Andean cultures with Spanish colonial splendor. Visit nearby Inca citadels and temples like “Qorikancha” or “Saqsaywaman”, or admire the colonial mansions, balconies, and churches throughout the city. As you stroll along the cobblestone streets, you can appreciate the colorful textiles, handicrafts, and art galleries. From Cusco, deepen your experience and adventure out to the Sacred Valley and to Machu Picchu.
Day 4
Cusco - Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo 6 hours
Start your tour in the small town of Pisac. Well-known amongst locals and tourists, the bazaar-like open market offers a wide selection of Peruvian handicrafts: ceramics, paintings, weavings, and jewelry. About 58km (36mi.) away, explore the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo, one of the few places where the Incas won a battle against the Spaniards. Climb up the platforms and enjoy the view above the village and onto the valley. Near the ruins, visit a typical home and learn about the unique way their family has lived for generations in the Sacred Valley. In the evening your trekking guide will visit you at your hotel for your briefing of the Inca Trail. **Remark: In Pisac, the main market days are Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. There is a smaller market on other days. The Sacred Valley, located at approximately 2,800 meters in the Peruvian Andes, was the heartland of the Inca Empire. Bordering the Urubamba River, its fertile soils were ideal for maize production, which was an esteemed crop and key ingredient to make “chicha”, a fermented maize drink highly consumed by the Incas during festivities and ceremonies. As you drive through the winding roads, stop to explore many fascinating ruins, citadels, and agricultural terraces. Some of the Sacred Valley’s favorite attractions include Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, and the weaving village of Chincheros.
Day 5
Cusco - Wayllabamba 12 km 5 – 6 hours
Your four-day adventure on the famous Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu will be an experience of a lifetime. Walk along one of the most important trekking paths in Peru and encounter many archeological sites, ecosystems rich in flora, and stunning Andean views. End your journey with a spectacular sunrise over the Inca’s ancient citadel and learn about its history and mysteries that go back thousands of years.
Pick up from your hotel in Cusco and early morning drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Km 82 of the Machu Picchu railroad. After a short arrival break, start the hike crossing a footbridge to hike a gentle two hours down the Urubamba Canyon. On the way you pass imposing sculpted Inca farming terraces and the settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichaca side river. Then climb a short way up the Cusichaca Valley to Wayllabamba, the last inhabited village on the trail, where you stay the night. Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress.
Day 6
Wayllabamba - Pakasmayu 11 km 6 – 7 hours
Climb the steep sided Llulluchapampa valley past a rushing stream and through enchanted native polylepis woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, you abruptly find yourself in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. The trail traverses an open slope opposite mighty mountain crags as we ascend to the first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200 meters). Here you encounter spectacular views of the trail ahead to the second pass and look back to the sweeping snow peaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif. The trail leads you to the floor of the forested Pakasmayu valley, where the night camp will be prepared.
Day 7
Pakasmayu - Wiñay Wayna 16 km 8 hours
Climb up an Inka stairway and ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. As you reach the second pass, the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range. Descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. The Inca trail, now a massive, buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms overlook the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town). Pausing to explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways that spill down the mountainside here, begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads you finally to your camp by the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites.
Day 8
Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu - Cusco 4 km 2 hours
A very early morning hike takes you across a steep mountainside through lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. Suddenly you cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry -a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. Complete the final leg down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and into the heart of Machu Picchu, where you spend the rest of the morning with a guided tour of the highlights. In the early afternoon a bus takes you to the small town of Aguas Calientes, where you board your return train to Cusco.
Day 9
Cusco - Puno
On your private bus ride from Cusco to Puno, you will stop at several interesting sights, reaching the highest point at “La Raya”, (4319m/14,170ft). Visit the Andahuaylillas Church, considered the Sistine Chapel of the Americas because of the artworks that were found inside. Explore the Raqchi ruins; the best-preserved and only adobe ruins that rest on an Inca rock base. Stop in the town of Pucará that is renowned for its pottery and the “Toritos de Pucara”: colorful hand painted bulls. Visit the "Museo Lítico de Pucará" (Pucará Stone Museum), and appreciate objects from this pre-Inca civilization. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included) and end your journey at your hotel in Puno. Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca (3,812 meters), the world’s highest navigable lake. Don’t miss a visit to the Uros floating islands, where people have preserved their culture and still live in a fascinating way. The city is also known as the folklore capital. In February, it hosts important celebrations and receives around 50,000 artists that fill the streets with their music, traditional dances, and vibrant colors.
Day 10
Puna – Full Day Inca Trek 5 hours
Put your backpack on and trek one of the region’s original Inca trails. Walk along the shores of Lake Titicaca for about 90 minutes. Then, ascend to the Apacheta viewpoint where you can relax and appreciate the landscapes and views on the lake. Relax at one of the most beautiful beaches, it offers a landscape of clean and calm water, with a bank of sediment sand protected by a rocky chain of hills with various formations that create an environment for rest and healthy relaxation. Afterwards, head back to your hotel.
Day 11
Puno – Lima - Santiago
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport to take your domestic flight to Lima. You will be welcomed at the airport in Lima by our representative, who will help you to check for your international flight to Santiago de Chile. You will be welcomed at the airport and driven to your hotel in Santiago. Santiago de Chile is a dynamic and cosmopolitan capital. The city’s diversity shines through its contrasting neighborhoods. Explore the streets and discover beautiful and original art galleries, design shops, handicraft markets, as well as a great selection of restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightlife. Learn more about the country in its great museums, wandering around the Central Market for a gastronomic experience, or escaping to the nearby mountains for fantastic views.
Day 12
Santiago De Chile – Calama - Atacama Moon Valley Hike 4 hours
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Santiago airport. You will be welcomed at the airport and driven to your hotel in San Pedro. (1 hour 15minutes). In the late afternoon drive to the Moon Valley for trekking and appreciate the moon-like landscape, snow-capped volcanoes, and the silence in this remote place. See the sky fill with multicolored hues of orange, red, and purple: a unique experience not to be missed! San Pedro de Atacama is an old town near the world’s driest desert. Contemplate stunning views filled with arid landscapes, volcanic rock formations, active geysers, clear lagoons and breathtaking salt flats. Immerse in local cultures from small villages that have maintained their customs and traditions through festivals, handicrafts, and folklore. Relax in the natural hot springs, indulge in local flavors, and appreciate the fiery skies during the sunrise or the impressive starry nights.
Day 13
San Pedro De Atacama Hike Archeology Tour 4 hours
San Pedro is Chile’s archaeological capital. Visit the most important sites and learn about the Atacama and Licanantai cultures. The “Pukará de Quitor” is important for the country’s history because of the battle of Quitor (1540), one of the first conflicts between the Spaniards and Indigenous. At a typical Atacama farm, see how a family combines ancient agricultural traditions and taste local products. Continue your tour to the village of Tulor, one of the oldest settlements and the region’s first attempt towards a sedentary lifestyle.
Day 14
San Pedro De Atacama Hike Guatin Cactus & Puritama Hot Springs
This place unfolds between two rivers; on the one hand the frozen Purifica River and on the other the Thermal Puritama. At the moment in which these two rivers meet, they give rise to the Vilama River at whose edges the valley of the cactus or Quebrada de Cardones is located. Starting from Guatin we will go down the river where we will find abundant fox tails accompanied by the reeds, we also find succulent and plants such as the rich and pingo typical of this part of the desert. Puritam Hot Springs situated inside a rocky ravine, surrounded by high pampas grass, you will find another of the wonders that the dramatic Atacama landscape offers, 8 natural thermal pools of clear hot mountain water.
Day 15
San Pedro De Atacama-Santiago de Chile El Tatio Geysers and Machuca Village Tour 8 hours
Start the day early to watch the sun rise in one of the most beautiful geothermic fields in the world: the impressive “El Tatio” Geysers, located at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Enjoy breakfast in an amazing setting: the 70 geysers spurt vapor and create a beautiful contrast with the intensely blue sky. Afterwards, visit the typical “atacameño” village of Machuca. Inhabitants’ main income is tourism; their handicrafts make great souvenirs and their regional food includes llama meat, sopaipillas (a traditional bread made with squash) and empanadas. Before you go, visit the beautiful San Santiago Church and photograph the impressive wetlands home to flamingos, ducks, and other birds. You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Calama Airport for your return flight to Santiago.
Prices
Included:
- 14 nights’ accommodation
- Meals mentioned in the tour description (14 x breakfasts, 5 x lunches and 3 x dinners)
- All guiding services
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Entrance fees
- Tax and service charge at the hotels
- Mandatory luggage handling fees at the hotels based on one piece per person
Not Included:
- Optional tours
- Domestic airfares
- Personal expenses
- Extras at the hotels
- Drinks during meals if not otherwise mentioned
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