Peru
Peru – Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lares Trek with Llamas, Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain (9 days)
Peru – Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lares Trek with Llamas, Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain (9 days)
Duration
9 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Demanding
Overview
This tour combines the lives of Quechua communities with the magic of the Inca Trail. You'll hike with llamas through the highlands of the Lares Valley, meet local families, and learn about their weaving techniques. Then, from kilometer 104, you'll follow the Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna and through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu.
Nine days of adventure, history and Andean culture. After discovering Cusco and the Sacred Valley with Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo, you set off on a two-day trek with llamas through the Lares region – past glacier lakes, over the 4,600 m Huayruruyoc pass and into the Quechua community of Patacancha, where you learn about traditional weaving. On the short Inca Trail you hike from Km 104 via Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate and reach Machu Picchu, which you explore the next morning on a guided tour. The journey ends with the colorful Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. A journey off the beaten track for travelers who want to combine trekking, culture and Peru's most famous sights – with experienced local guides, cooks and llamas carrying your luggage.
Tour Code
Maximum altitude
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Cusco
Hotel in Cusco
Airport transfer and time to acclimatize
Your Incatrekkers guide welcomes you at the airport in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) and takes you to your hotel. Take it easy today to get used to the altitude. Later you can explore the Plaza de Armas with its cafés and shops or visit one of the city's museums.
Arrival in Cusco
Day 1
Hotel in Cusco
Airport transfer and time to acclimatize
Your Incatrekkers guide welcomes you at the airport in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) and takes you to your hotel. Take it easy today to get used to the altitude. Later you can explore the Plaza de Armas with its cafés and shops or visit one of the city's museums.
Day 2
Cusco City Tour
Hotel in Cusco
Qoricancha and four Inca sites above Cusco
At around 8:00 am, before the crowds, you visit Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun and one of the most important religious buildings of the Incas. You then continue to Saqsayhuaman with its huge walls built without mortar and to the Inca sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Free afternoon in Cusco. (B)
Cusco City Tour
Day 2
Hotel in Cusco
Qoricancha and four Inca sites above Cusco
At around 8:00 am, before the crowds, you visit Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun and one of the most important religious buildings of the Incas. You then continue to Saqsayhuaman with its huge walls built without mortar and to the Inca sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Free afternoon in Cusco. (B)
Day 3
Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo
Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Full-day tour through the Sacred Valley
Pickup at 7:30 am. In Chinchero, Quechua weavers show you traditional dyeing and weaving techniques. In Moray you see the circular terraces of an Inca agricultural laboratory, and at the salt ponds of Maras local families harvest salt as their ancestors did. After lunch you explore Ollantaytambo, the living Inca town, with its mighty terraces above the valley. Overnight in Ollantaytambo. (B)
Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo
Day 3
Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Full-day tour through the Sacred Valley
Pickup at 7:30 am. In Chinchero, Quechua weavers show you traditional dyeing and weaving techniques. In Moray you see the circular terraces of an Inca agricultural laboratory, and at the salt ponds of Maras local families harvest salt as their ancestors did. After lunch you explore Ollantaytambo, the living Inca town, with its mighty terraces above the valley. Overnight in Ollantaytambo. (B)
Day 4
Lares trek with llamas to Auroray Cocha
Camping at Auroray Cocha
Trek through the Mantanay valley
Early pickup at your hotel and drive to Urubamba (2,870 m / 9,416 ft) for breakfast and last supplies. You continue to the community of Yanahuara-Pucara (3,300 m / 10,826 ft), the start of the trek. Through the Mantanay valley you hike past polylepis trees, streams and waterfalls, with llamas and alpacas grazing along the trail.
After lunch you climb to the lake Yuraq Cocha and on to Auroray Cocha (4,480 m / 14,698 ft), where the camp is set up for the night. (B, L, D)
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi · Time: 6–7 hours · Camp: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
Lares trek with llamas to Auroray Cocha
Day 4
Camping at Auroray Cocha
Trek through the Mantanay valley
Early pickup at your hotel and drive to Urubamba (2,870 m / 9,416 ft) for breakfast and last supplies. You continue to the community of Yanahuara-Pucara (3,300 m / 10,826 ft), the start of the trek. Through the Mantanay valley you hike past polylepis trees, streams and waterfalls, with llamas and alpacas grazing along the trail.
After lunch you climb to the lake Yuraq Cocha and on to Auroray Cocha (4,480 m / 14,698 ft), where the camp is set up for the night. (B, L, D)
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi · Time: 6–7 hours · Camp: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
Day 5
Huayruruyoc pass to Patacancha
Camping in Patacancha
Trek over the pass and visit to a Quechua community
After breakfast you climb gradually to the Huayruruyoc pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft) with great views of the lakes and mountains. You descend past lakes rich in birdlife to the Quechua community of Patacancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft).
After lunch you get to know the daily life of the families, who farm and keep llamas and alpacas as their ancestors did, and learn about their traditional weaving. Overnight camping in Patacancha. (B, L, D)
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi · Time: 3–4 hours · Camp: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
Huayruruyoc pass to Patacancha
Day 5
Camping in Patacancha
Trek over the pass and visit to a Quechua community
After breakfast you climb gradually to the Huayruruyoc pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft) with great views of the lakes and mountains. You descend past lakes rich in birdlife to the Quechua community of Patacancha (3,750 m / 12,303 ft).
After lunch you get to know the daily life of the families, who farm and keep llamas and alpacas as their ancestors did, and learn about their traditional weaving. Overnight camping in Patacancha. (B, L, D)
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi · Time: 3–4 hours · Camp: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
Day 6
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Train to Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, private transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo and train to Km 104, the start of the short Inca Trail. In about four hours you climb to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) with its terraces and temples, with views of the Urubamba valley.
You continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,720 m / 8,923 ft) with your first view of Machu Picchu, then walk down and take the bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner and the night. (B, box lunch)
Distance: about 14 km / 8.7 mi · Time: 6–7 hours · Aguas Calientes: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 6
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Train to Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, private transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo and train to Km 104, the start of the short Inca Trail. In about four hours you climb to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) with its terraces and temples, with views of the Urubamba valley.
You continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,720 m / 8,923 ft) with your first view of Machu Picchu, then walk down and take the bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner and the night. (B, box lunch)
Distance: about 14 km / 8.7 mi · Time: 6–7 hours · Aguas Calientes: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
Day 7
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Overnight in Cusco (hotel on request)
Guided tour of Machu Picchu and train back
With one of the first buses you go up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) and explore the most important temples and sectors on a guided tour until about 10:00 am. Entry is by time slot; hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain require an extra ticket. Bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, train to Ollantaytambo and private transport to your hotel in Cusco. (B)
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Day 7
Overnight in Cusco (hotel on request)
Guided tour of Machu Picchu and train back
With one of the first buses you go up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) and explore the most important temples and sectors on a guided tour until about 10:00 am. Entry is by time slot; hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain require an extra ticket. Bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, train to Ollantaytambo and private transport to your hotel in Cusco. (B)
Day 8
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Overnight in Cusco (hotel on request)
Day hike to Vinicunca (5,050 m)
Pickup at 5:00 am and about three hours' drive through the South Valley of Cusco to the trailhead, where you have breakfast. In about two hours you hike up to Rainbow Mountain (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), then continue to the Red Valley. After the descent and lunch, you are back in Cusco around 4:00 pm. (B, L)
Start: 4,330 m / 14,206 ft · Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi round trip · Time: about 4 hours · Highest point: 5,050 m / 16,568 ft
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Day 8
Overnight in Cusco (hotel on request)
Day hike to Vinicunca (5,050 m)
Pickup at 5:00 am and about three hours' drive through the South Valley of Cusco to the trailhead, where you have breakfast. In about two hours you hike up to Rainbow Mountain (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), then continue to the Red Valley. After the descent and lunch, you are back in Cusco around 4:00 pm. (B, L)
Start: 4,330 m / 14,206 ft · Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi round trip · Time: about 4 hours · Highest point: 5,050 m / 16,568 ft
Day 9
Departure from Cusco
Airport transfer
After breakfast, one of our guides takes you to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Departure from Cusco
Day 9
Airport transfer
After breakfast, one of our guides takes you to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Price from
€1,860.00
Services
What's included
Transfers: Airport pickup in Cusco and all transfers in the itinerary with private transport.
Guide: Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish) for all tours and treks.
Entrance Fees & Permits: All entrance fees in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu.
Train & Bus: Train Ollantaytambo – Km 104 and back, bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes on day 6 and round trip on day 7.
Accommodation: 3-star hotels on nights 1, 2, 3 and 6 (double occupancy) and two nights camping on the Lares trek.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotels; three breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the trek. Vegetarian and special diets on request.
Trekking Team & Equipment: Cook, horsemen, horses and llamas for luggage, tents and kitchen; 4-person tents shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, dining and cooking tent, duffel bag.
Water & Safety: Warm water for washing every morning and afternoon, filtered and boiled drinking water from day 2 of the trek, first aid kit and emergency oxygen.
What's not included
Flights: International flights and domestic flights within Peru (including the flights to and from Cusco).
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Meals: Meals not listed as included.
Personal Expenses: Drinks, laundry, phone calls and souvenirs.
Tips: Gratuities for guides, drivers and staff (optional).
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
High (up to 5,050 m)
Culture / nature
Culture-led
Fitness – challenging: Two trekking days with llamas of 6–7 and 3–4 hours at high altitude, a day hike of about 14 km (8.7 mi) on the Inca Trail and the hike to Rainbow Mountain. Good fitness and hiking experience are recommended.
Altitude – high: Cusco lies at 3,400 m / 11,155 ft; the camp at Auroray Cocha lies at 4,480 m / 14,698 ft, the Huayruruyoc pass at 4,600 m / 15,091 ft and Rainbow Mountain at 5,050 m / 16,568 ft.
Culture & nature – balanced: Inca sites, Quechua communities and weaving traditions combined with glacier lakes, high passes and Machu Picchu.
Accommodation: 3-star hotels in Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes and two nights camping on the Lares trek.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
4 to 12 participants · €1,860.00 per person
Groups of 6 or more: contact info@silvertip.at for special rates and tailor-made options.
Notes on the trip
Good to know
Acclimatization: Cusco lies at 3,400 m / 11,155 ft. We recommend arriving at least two days before the Lares trek – the city tour and the Sacred Valley help you get used to the altitude.
Hotels: 3-star hotels in double rooms on nights 1, 2, 3 and 6 are included. Hotel nights 7 and 8 in Cusco can be added on request; upgrades are available.
Lares trek: Llamas carry your duffel bag (max. 6 kg / 13 lb); you only carry a small daypack. Tents (two people per 4-person tent), sleeping pads, dining tent and cook are included. Sleeping bags can be rented for US$25.
Inca Trail permit: Permits for the short Inca Trail are limited and personal – please book early and bring the passport you booked with.
What to bring
Daypack & Binoculars: A small backpack for the day and good binoculars.
Original Passport: Mandatory (also for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu); ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Clothing: Lightweight long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for the rainforest, warm layers, fleece, hat and gloves for Cusco, and rain gear (jacket or poncho).
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and sandals.
Protection: Insect repellent, sunscreen, after-sun lotion, sunglasses and a hat.
Other: Headlamp with spare batteries, water bottle, personal first-aid kit and medication, camera, some Peruvian soles and optional walking poles (with rubber tips for the Inca Trail).
Information
Book as early as possible: Inca Trail permits are strictly limited and often sold out months in advance, especially from May to September. Permits for the following year usually go on sale in October. Please send us your inquiry as early as possible – ideally 6 to 8 months before your trip.