Quechua People
The journey continues through the highlands, where several experiences with the locals allow you to discover their daily life, their traditions and their environment.
Duration
21 days
From
€3,599/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
This circuit in Pérou invites you to explore the Andes through an itinerary combining cultural discoveries, hiking and encounters with local communities. From Arequipa, you reach the Colca canyon and its villages before continuing towards the Andean highlands. The journey then takes you to Lake Titicaca, where several experiences with local inhabitants allow you to discover their daily life, traditions and environment.
Your itinerary continues towards Raqchi, Palcoyo and Cusco, before devoting more time to trekking. The Huchuy Qosqo trek takes you through mountain passes, lagoons, pampas and Andean valleys, with several nights staying with local families. You then reach the Sacred Valley to discover Chinchero, Moray, the Maras salt ponds and Ollantaytambo. These different stages combine Incan heritage, high-altitude landscapes and exchanges with local populations.
The journey then changes scenery at Huayopata, where you discover the culture of coffee and cocoa with a local family, before continuing on foot towards Aguas Calientes. The visit to Machu Picchu is one of the last major stages of the route, followed by Pisac and a return to Cusco. An itinerary designed for active travelers who want to discover Pérou through its heritage, landscapes and immersion experiences with its inhabitants.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arequipa
Welcome to Arequipa, the white city of the Andes!
Named for its architecture built with Sillar, the white volcanic stone from the volcanoes bordering the city, Arequipa was conquered by the Incas, who developed rich agriculture in the midst of the desert.
Beyond its pleasant climate, you will be enchanted by colonial buildings, including the famous Santa Catalina convent, a veritable city within a city. You will also meet Juanita, the mummy, a witness to the Inca cult of the Apus, the tutelary spirits of the mountains.
Chivay - Yanque
You depart early in the morning heading towards Chivay, enjoying beautiful views of the volcanoes of the mountain range along the way. The road crosses the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, where you will have the opportunity to observe herds of vicuñas.
Upon arrival at Chivay, a village surrounded by verdant terraces dating back over 1,500 years, you have your midday meal before checking into the hotel.
In the afternoon, if you wish, you can set out for a short walk in the surrounding countryside.
Chivay - Canocota
You leave early in the morning to reach the Condor's Cross, an observation point over the canyon where you may have the chance to admire the flight of condors. You then follow the canyon passing through the villages of Pinchollo and Maca, before continuing to Canocota. Upon your arrival, your host family welcomes you to share a meal.
In the afternoon, you go for a walk in the countryside with your host. This time of exchange allows you to learn more about their traditions and culture.
In the evening, after sharing a meal with your host family, you extend this immersion in local life through stories and legends told by your host.
Canocota - Chivay - Puno
After breakfast, you say goodbye to your host before starting a walk of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes along the canyon, until you reach the village of Chivay. If you do not wish to do this walk, an alternative can be proposed upon request.
Upon your arrival in Chivay, you have your meal before continuing your journey by bus to your next destination.
Puno - Llachon
Today you begin a total immersion experience with a local family.
Your host will pick you up in Puno and then you will travel with them to Puno port. You will then take the boat to Llachon located on the Capachica peninsula.
Along the way you may stop if you wish on the Uros islands Titinos to learn more about the daily life of the populations living in this area.
You will have lunch with your family and in the afternoon you can accompany them in their activities. Depending on the weather or season these may vary. You can participate in field activities, hike on the peninsula, discover local plants, stone carving.
In the evening you will eat with your hosts and sleep at their home.
Llachon - Puno
Today you will go fishing with your host. You will discover one of the traditional activities of the region and learn more about its importance in the daily life of the inhabitants of Llachon Village and the lake.
Puno - Raqchi
Today, your driver takes you from Puno to Raqchi along the famous Route of the Sun, a fascinating itinerary that crosses some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Pérou. Several stops are planned to discover hidden treasures and little-known sites.
Along the way, you will be able to admire in particular the spectacular Tinajani canyon, a unique place with impressive rock formations.
At the end of the day, you will reach Raqchi, a village renowned for its craftsmanship and traditional pottery. Here, ceramicists perpetuate ancestral know-how, making this place an essential stop for lovers of art and living Incan culture.
Palcoyo - Cusco
This morning, you will meet the Incan history with the visit of the archaeological site of Raqchi. You will discover the Temple of Wiracocha, one of the largest Incan constructions, as well as several remains testifying to the past of this civilization.
You then continue your journey towards the rainbow mountain range of Palcoyo, located at nearly 5,000 meters altitude. A more accessible alternative to Vinicunca, Palcoyo allows you to observe the colorful mountains characteristic of this region of Pérou.
Once there, you set off on a hike to Palcoyo through these landscapes with different hues. During a first stop, you learn more about the geological formation of the mountains and the origin of their natural colors.
After this discovery of the Andean landscapes, you return to the parking lot, where your driver awaits you to begin the return journey.
Cusco
You set off to discover Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, through a visit dedicated to its cultural heritage. You begin with the Inca temples overlooking the city, before heading to the historic center, where Spanish colonial architecture sits alongside Inca foundations through churches, palaces and museums.
According to your interests and available time, the itinerary is tailored to allow you to discover different facets of Cusco. You explore in particular its paved streets lined with Inca walls, witnesses to the city's past.
Yuncaypata - Inkilltambo - Cusco
You are picked up at your hotel in Cusco to reach, after approximately 30 minutes by bus, the village of Yuncaypata, located in the Andean highlands.
You then begin an easy trek, mainly downhill, through the rural landscapes surrounding Cusco. Your walk takes you to the ruins of Inkilltambo, a well-preserved archaeological site that you explore with your guide.
After the visit, you enjoy a picnic in the heart of nature, in a calm environment. You then continue your walk through an Andean valley, before meeting your driver for the return to your hotel.
Cusco - Patabamba
From Tambomachay, you set off on your first hike of approximately 4 h 30 until the Col de Queullacocha, with views of Cusco and the Andes.
After lunch at the summit, you continue hiking for approximately 4 hours, through the Andean lakes and pampas, until Patabamba.
Upon arrival, Rosalio and his family welcome you around a pachamanca, a traditional dish cooked underground. You then spend the evening in their company, for a moment of sharing at the heart of local culture.
Patabamba - Huchuy Qosqo
After sharing breakfast with Rosalio's family, you begin your walk towards the balcony of theSacred Valley. You enjoy a panoramic view of Pisac, Calca and Lamay, as well as the snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray and Verónica.
You continue climbing to the Pukamarka pass, the second challenge of the day, before descending towards the León Punku canyon. You have lunch there, surrounded by rock formations.
In the afternoon, you follow a section of the Inca Trail that leads you to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, nicknamed the "Little Cusco".
You end the day at Natividad's place, where you spend the night and enjoy another moment of sharing and Andean hospitality.
Huchuy Qosqo - Chinchero
For this last day of effort, you walk approximately 4 hours from Huchuy Qosqo to the Tauca pass, located at 4,435 meters altitude and the highest point of your trek.
At the summit, you enjoy a view of the Urubamba mountain range. After a break, you begin approximately 3 hours of descent towards the Piuray lake and the village of Chinchero, where you have lunch.
The afternoon is dedicated to free time in Chinchero.
Moray - Maras - Ollantaytambo
You set off to discover the Sacred Valley with a first stop in Chinchero, an Andean village where you attend a demonstration in a textile workshop. You discover ancestral weaving and natural dyeing techniques, passed down since the Inca era.
You continue towards Moray, an archaeological site shaped like a circular amphitheatre, formerly used as an Inca agricultural laboratory. Your guide's explanations allow you to understand how these terraces were used to experiment with different crops at various altitudes.
Moray,Pe → Maras
You then join the Maras salt mines, composed of thousands of white basins arranged on the mountainside. From Maras, you begin a downhill hike to the banks of the Urubamba River, through the valley landscapes.
After meeting up with your driver again, you continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the last still-inhabited Incan villages. You end the day by discovering its Incan ruins, a site that served as a fortress and religious center.
Huayopata
Today, you will head towards Huahyopata, located on the Amazon road that leads to Machu Picchu.
Upon your arrival in Huayopata, you will be welcomed by Julia and her family. You will have some free time to settle into your rooms before enjoying lunch.
In the afternoon, you will depart with Julia or her husband to explore the family's coffee and citrus plantations. You will discover the entire process of Peruvian coffee production, from plant to cup, and will have the opportunity to prepare your own coffee for tasting.
In the evening, you will share dinner with your host family and spend the night there.
Huayopata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
This morning you will enjoy a typical breakfast before heading out again to the fields of your host family. After coffee the day before, you will discover today the Peruvian cacao.
The basis of our much-appreciated chocolate, cacao and its production process are often quite unknown to us. This half-day should therefore be rich in learning and discovery!
Mid-morning we will continue towards our next destination.
Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes
You will hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, the last village before the famous Machu Picchu.
The hike lasts approximately 3.5-4 hours. Be attentive during it. At certain points along the way you will already be able to catch a glimpse of the ancient Inca citadel, perched at the summit of the mountain.
Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Pisac
Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
You will need to go to the main avenue of Aguas Calientes to take a shuttle that will take you to the gate of Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Discovering the Machu Picchu will be one of the most unforgettable moments of your trip to Pérou. This emblematic Inca city, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest, is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and embodies Inca architecture in perfect harmony with nature.
This circuit, through Machu Picchu, takes you across the terraces of the middle section and the heart of the urban area of the ancient Inca city. Moving between perfectly assembled stone walls, you discover enclosures where the daily life of ancient inhabitants unfolded. The route includes ceremonial spaces and observatories from which the stars were contemplated to maintain the spiritual connection with nature. Each section of the path combines the urban zone and the agricultural zone of the Llaqta.
Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
After your visit to Machu Picchu you will hike back down to Aguas Calientes. The hike takes approximately 1h30.
If you would prefer to take the bus down to the village instead, it is always possible to buy your ticket at the exit of the site.
Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
You will take the train from Aguas Calientes to the village of Ollantaytambo.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Our driver will take you from Ollantaytambo to the village of Pisac, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes drive.
Pisac - Patabamba - Cusco
Leave today for a cultural and immersive adventure in the Sacred Valley. You will visit, to begin with, the majestic ruins of Pisac in the company of your guide before enjoying a panoramic tour of approximately 2 hours that will take you to the main square of this picturesque village. You can also take time to explore the streets of the town center as well as the local market before heading back on the road to your next destination.
Cusco
Enjoy this free time as you wish. If you would like, we can also recommend an activity suited to your preferences.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flight to the starting point of the tour and from the ending point
- Domestic flights unless mentioned as included
- Airport taxes during the trip
- Your mandatory travel insurance (accident, repatriation)
- What is not included in the "The price includes" section
Included
- The trip as described in the itinerary
- Accompaniment by a guide (if option chosen)
- The services of local teams (guides, drivers, muleteers, etc.)
- Hotel nights, as described, on a double room basis
- Necessary transportation for the proper conduct of the trip (taxis, buses, trains, flights)
- Activity entrances mentioned
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns entry requirements for tourism stays in Peru. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Peru, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourism stay without a visa
Entry requirements depend on your nationality. You must verify the visa requirements and any visa exemptions applicable to you with the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country of residence.
Generally, immigration authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the country (return flight or onward travel),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of an accommodation booking for the first nights.
Health and vaccinations
Vaccination requirements depend on your nationality and the regions you plan to visit. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended according to the areas visited:
yellow fever is recommended for travelers going to the Amazon regions and low-altitude areas (below 2,300 m); an international vaccination certificate may be required upon entry if you are arriving from a risk country,
updating routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid fever, tetanus) is advised.
Precautions against malaria are recommended in certain regions of the Peruvian Amazon. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one or both parents, Peruvian authorities may require a notarized parental authorization, ideally translated into Spanish. Additional requirements may apply depending on your country of residence.
Entry requirements verification
Entry conditions may vary according to your nationality. You must check with the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country of residence to verify the specific requirements that apply to you.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance and repatriation insurance as well as foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedure for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Peru without a visa. A valid passport for at least 6 months after entry is required. The immigration form (TAM) is now electronic and must be completed upon arrival. Before booking your trip, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Peruvian consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 270 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros round-trip) are additional. Access to Machu Picchu (permit, train, bus) represents a separate budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each trip to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Arequipa Region
Explorer of the Andes and Forgotten Worlds, based in Cusco
Peru often feels like traveling through several worlds in a single trip. Each region tells a different story, with its own landscapes, traditions, and its own way of experiencing time.
— Lionel
