The Andean Explorer

Day by Day Itinerary

• Day 1 Cusco Cathedral - Qoricancha - Sacsayhuaman - Qenqo - Puka Pukara - Tambomachay - Cusco

  City Tour:
  you'll start on a half-day tour to acclimatize to the high altitude (3,400 m / 11,155 ft). Cusco's Historical Significance: Known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas, Cusco has been a cultural center since 1,000 B.C. It became the heart of the Inca Empire and later served as a colonial capital under Spanish rule. Tour Highlights: Cathedral of Cusco, Qoricancha Temple and Santo Domingo Convent, Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay

  • Max. Elevation

    3,800 m / 12,467 ft

• Day 2 Cusco - Pisac Archaeological Site - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Chinchero - Cusco

  Arrive in Pisac
  The day begins with a pickup at 8:30 a.m. as you head toward Pisac, stopping at the Qorao and Taray lookouts for breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley

  Lunch in Urubamba
  In Pisac, you’ll visit the archaeological site and the famous traditional market, followed by a drive to Urubamba for a delicious buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes.

  Explore Ollantaytambo
  Next, you’ll explore Ollantaytambo, a classic Inca town with impressive archaeological sites, including royal water sources and high terraces, all set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and the Veronica glacier.

  Textile
  The day concludes in Chinchero, where you’ll enjoy a textile-making presentation by local women, learning about natural dyeing, weaving techniques, and the symbolism of traditional designs, along with a visit to an archaeological site and colonial church.

  • Meals

    Lunch

  • Max. Elevation

    3,762 m / 12,343 ft

• Day 3 Trek to Humantay Lake and Sky Camp

  Early Departure:
  You'll be picked up around 4:00 a.m. and travel in comfortable transportation with blankets. After a 2-hour drive, there will be a brief breakfast stop in Mollepata before continuing to Challacancha to start your hike.

  Starting the Hike:
  At Challacancha, you’ll meet the cooks and horsemen and check your equipment. The hike begins with a 3-hour, moderately challenging walk to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), following a restored Inca water channel. The trail is 7 km (4.35 mi) long.

  Arrival at Soraypampa:
  Upon reaching Soraypampa, you'll settle into the exclusive Sky Camp and have lunch. Afterward, you’ll hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), a 3-hour round trip covering 3 km (1.86 mi). The lake offers stunning views of turquoise waters against the glacier.

  Evening at Camp:
  Back at camp, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner with a sunset view. The tranquil atmosphere of the Sky Camp will be highlighted by a night under the stars, with a glass roof allowing you to gaze at the night sky and wake up to views of Apu Salkantay.

  • Walking Time

    5-6 H

  • Max. Elevation

    4,200 m / 13,780 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Sky Camp

• Day 4 Trek to Sakantay Pass and Arrival in Mountain Sky View

  Morning Start:
  You'll wake up with the sunrise, enjoy coca tea, and have breakfast. Then, begin a 7 km, 3-hour trek to the challenging Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), navigating the difficult "path of the 7 snakes."

  Salkantay Pass:
  At the top, take in breathtaking views of Salkantay Mountain and surrounding peaks. After enjoying the scenery, descend 7 km to Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) for lunch. This rocky, steep section offers impressive valley views.

  Descent to Rainforest:
  Post-lunch, trek 9.5 km (5.9 mi) for about 3.5 hours into the "cloud forest." Experience the transition from Andes to Amazon with vibrant landscapes, unique wildlife, and warmer climate.

  Arrival at Collpapampa:
  After a long day, reach Collpapampa for the night. Enjoy a hearty meal and rest at the exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite.

  • Walking Time

    10-11 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    4,630 m / 15,190 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Mountain Sky View

• Day 5 Jungle Adventure and Arrival in Jungle Domes

  Morning Routine:
  You’ll start your day at 6:00 a.m. with tea and breakfast before departing the campsite.

  Walk to Playa:
  The trek today is more relaxed with a focus on descending through the Santa Teresa Valley. Enjoy views of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and plantations like banana, coffee, and avocado. You’ll pass through Collpapampa and might spot the national bird of Peru, the ‘Cock of the Rock.’

  Lunch and Afternoon Exploration:
  In La Playa, you'll have lunch before heading to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft). Spend the afternoon exploring the tropical surroundings, visiting an organic coffee farm, and seeing avocado and orange plantations.

  Evening at Jungle Domes:
  After dinner, you'll stay overnight in the Jungle Domes, our exclusive camps. Enjoy the natural sounds and feel connected with nature as you rest.

  • Walking Time

    5 to 6 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    2,950 m / 9,678 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Jungle Domes

• Day 6 Arrive in Aguas Calientes

  Morning Trek:
  After breakfast, you'll embark on the final day of trekking, beginning with a 2-hour uphill climb. You’ll walk a segment of the original Inca Trail and reach Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca archaeological site offering the first view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

  Exploring Llactapata:
  At Llactapata, you'll explore the ancient site and learn about Inca history from your guide. Enjoy your first views of Machu Picchu and take photos to share with friends and family.

  Descent and Lunch:
  After Llactapata, you’ll descend for 1.5 hours with more views of Machu Picchu. Lunch will be in Aobamba before continuing to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft), where you’ll see a 250-meter-tall artificial waterfall that powers Cusco.

  Options from Hidroeléctrica:
  At Hidroeléctrica, you can choose to take a train to Aguas Calientes (not included) if you prefer to rest, or walk the 3-hour flat stretch along the tracks to Aguas Calientes, enjoying the jungle scenery. Along the way, see Intihuatana, an ancient Inca rock used for measuring the solstice. In Aguas Calientes, you'll have dinner and stay in a comfortable hotel.

  Note:
  During the rainy season, the hike up Llactapata Trail may not be possible due to safety concerns.

  • Walking Time

    8-9 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    2,800 m / 9,186 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Hotel

• Day 7 Explore Machu Picchu Archaeological Site

  Today’s the Day:
  You’ll finally visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site – Machu Picchu! Be prepared for an early start to avoid the crowds and enjoy the site in the serene morning light.

  Guided Tour:
  Upon arrival, you'll embark on a guided tour of approximately two hours, exploring the key sectors of Machu Picchu. You'll see houses, temples, terraces, and crop fields, and marvel at the advanced engineering of the Incas, who built and organized their community with remarkable ingenuity.

  Bonus Fact:
  When Hiram Bingham first visited, the site was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegetation and disrepair. It has since been cleaned, restored, and is now a globally treasured site.

  Return Journey:
  After your visit, head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding your train to Ollantaytambo at approximately 2:55 pm (subject to availability). A private bus will then transport you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 8 pm. Enjoy some well-deserved rest, though the rhythm of the Andes will stay with you long after your journey.

  • Walking Time

    2-3 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    2,430 m / 7,972 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast

• Day 8 Cusco | Quiquijana - Llacto - Peru’s Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca - Cusco

  Andean Mountains
  After a three-hour drive through the Southern Valley, you'll be treated to views of charming Andean towns, Inca agricultural platforms, and rolling mountains while enjoying a delicious continental breakfast to energize you for the hike ahead.

  Local communities
  Upon reaching the hike's starting point, you'll follow a scenic path alongside a stream, ascending to see the majestic Ausangate glacier. Along the way, you'll encounter local communities, learn about their traditional clothing and textile art, and have the chance to pick up some Quechua words from your guide.

  Rainbow Mountain
  After a 90-minute hike, you’ll arrive at Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Here, take time to appreciate its stunning natural beauty, capture memorable photos, and hear fascinating theories about its colorful appearance.

  Return Journey:
  You’ll spend 30 minutes to an hour at the top, depending on conditions, before beginning your descent, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour back to the starting point.

  • Walking Time

    2-3 hours

  • Max. Elevation

    5,100 m / 16.732 ft

  • Meal

    Breakfast and Lunch

  • Accommodation

    Hotel

• Day 9 Cusco - Cusco’s Airport (or Bus Station)

  Bid Farewell to Cusco.
  Today, you'll get up, eat breakfast, and pack your belongings, as it's time to bid farewell to the imperial city of Cusco for the time being. We'll arrange a time to pick you up and transport you to the airport or bus station so you can continue your holiday or return home.

  Goodbye
  This isn't a permanent goodbye, and we're sure you'll want to return to relive all of the great experiences, learn more about the ancient city and cultures, and sample more of the excellent restaurants and their delectable cuisine. So it's not farewell, but rather see you soon!