Slow Cusco
Discover an authentic and deeply human Pérou, between Inca heritage, Andean landscapes and local encounters.
Duration
14 days
From
€2,099/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
This journey invites you to explore the Peruvian Andes up close, discovering their landscapes and people. From Cusco, you gradually leave the beaten track to reach Yuncaypata, Inkilltambo, and then the trails of the Huchuy Qosqo trek. Between high mountain passes, lagoons, pampas and valleys, walking shapes your days while nights with local families in Patabamba, Huchuy Qosqo and Chinchero offer precious moments of connection. A way to discover the region by taking time to walk, observe and above all to meet people.
The Sacred Valley then reveals some of its emblematic sites, from Moray to the Maras salt ponds, before reaching Ollantaytambo. Your itinerary then heads towards Huayopata, where Julia and her family welcome you in the heart of their plantations. Coffee, cocoa and citrus fruits immerse you in a different daily life, before you take to the trails again on foot to Aguas Calientes. At the end of this progression emerges one of the most anticipated stages of the journey: discovering Machu Picchu and its Inca heritage.
The journey continues to Pisac, between Inca ruins, exploration and the local market, before returning to Cusco. More than a succession of visits, this itinerary offers you a true Andean adventure, where major sites sit alongside more intimate stops and where trekking becomes a guiding thread. You return home with images of peaks and valleys, but also with memories of the families you met and the moments shared along the way.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Free day in Cusco
Enjoy this free time as you wish. If you would like, we can also recommend an activity suited to your preferences.
Cusco
Discover Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, through a visit dedicated to its heritage. You will start with the Inca temples that overlook the city, before heading to the historic center.
You will then explore the paved streets of Cuzco, lined with Inca walls, and observe the meeting point between Inca foundations and Spanish colonial architecture. Churches, palaces and museums punctuate your discovery of the city.
Depending on your interests and available time, the itinerary can be adapted to let you discover Cusco at your own pace and according to your wishes.
Yuncaypata - Inkilltambo - Cusco
You leave your hotel in Cusco to reach the village of Yuncaypata, located in the Andean highlands.
From the village, you begin an easy hike, mainly downhill, through the rural landscapes surrounding Cusco. You thus reach the ruins of Inkilltambo, a well-preserved archaeological site that remains little known, which you explore with your guide.
After the visit, you enjoy a picnic in nature, in a peaceful setting. 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 a 4.5-hour hike towards the Queullacocha pass, with views of Cuzco and the Andes throughout the journey.
After lunch at the summit, you resume your walk for approximately 4 hours through the lakes and Andean plains, until you reach the village of Patabamba.
Upon arrival, Rosalio and his family welcome you with a pachamanca, a traditional dish cooked underground. You then spend a pleasant evening in their company, immersed in local culture.
Patabamba - Huchuy Qosqo
After breakfast with Rosalio's family, you resume your walk towards the balcony of the Sacred Valley. The route offers 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 take a break there to have lunch among the rock formations.
In the afternoon, you take a section of the Inca Trail that leads you to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, nicknamed the "Little Cusco".
You end this day at Natividad's place, where you spend the night and share another moment of Andean hospitality.
Huchuy Qosqo - Chinchero
For this last day of trekking, you leave Huchuy Qosqo and set off for approximately 4 hours of hiking to the Tauca pass, located at 4,435 meters altitude and the highest point of your trek.
At the summit, you enjoy a clear view of the Urubamba mountain range, before taking time for a break.
You then begin a descent of approximately 3 hours towards the Piuray lagoon and the village of Chinchero, where you have lunch.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy Chinchero at your own pace.
Moray - Maras - Ollantaytambo
You will set out to discover the Sacred Valley with a first stop at Moray, an archaeological site composed of circular terraces once used as an Inca agricultural laboratory. Thanks to your guide's explanations, you will discover how these terraces made it possible to experiment with different crops at various altitudes.
Moray,Pe → Maras
After meeting up with your driver, you head to Ollantaytambo, one of the last inhabited Incan villages. You explore its Incan ruins, once used as a fortress and religious center.
Huayopata
Today you will head to Huahyopata located on the Amazonian route leading to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival at Huahyopata, you will be welcomed by Julia and her family. You will have some free time to settle into your rooms before having your lunch.
In the afternoon you will set out with Julia or her husband into the heart of the family's coffee and citrus plantations. You will discover the entire production process of Peruvian coffee from plant to cup and will finally be able to create your own coffee for tasting.
You will share dinner with your host family and sleep on site.
Huayopata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
This morning you will enjoy a typical breakfast before heading back out into your host family's fields. After yesterday's coffee, today you will discover Peruvian cacao.
The basis of our highly 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-day we will continue towards our next destination.
You will walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, the last village before the famous Machu Picchu.
The hike lasts approximately 3.5-4 hours. Stay alert during it. At certain points along the walk you will already be able to catch sight 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 Incan city, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest, is part of the 7 New Wonders of the World and embodies Incan architecture in perfect harmony with nature.
This circuit, through Machu Picchu, takes you through the terraces of the middle section and the heart of the urban area of the ancient Incan city. As you advance between perfectly assembled stone walls, you discover enclosures where the daily life of ancient inhabitants unfolded. The route includes ceremonial spaces and observatories from where the stars were contemplated to maintain the spiritual connection with nature. Each section of the path combines the urban zone and agricultural zone of the Llaqta.
Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
After your visit to the Machu Picchu you will walk back down to Aguas Calientes. The hike takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you would prefer to go down by bus to the village instead, it is always possible to purchase 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.
Your driver takes you from Ollantaytambo to the village of Pisac, located approximately 1 hour 30 minutes away.
Pisac - Patabamba - Cusco
Set off 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 ride of approximately 2 hours taking you to the main square of this picturesque village. You can also take time to walk through 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 suggest 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 circuit departure point and from the circuit endpoint
- Internal flights unless mentioned as included
- Airport taxes during the trip
- Your mandatory travel insurance (accident, repatriation)
- What is not included in the "Price includes" section
Included
- The journey as described in the itinerary
- The support provided by a Pasión Andina guide (if option selected)
- The services of local teams (guides, drivers, muleteers, etc.)
- Hotel nights, as described, on a double room basis
- Required transportation for a smooth trip (taxis, buses, trains, flights)
- The entrance fees for the activities 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 — Sacred Valley of Cusco
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
