Peru
Peru – Peru's Sacred Peaks and Inca Marvels (15 days)
Peru – Peru's Sacred Peaks and Inca Marvels (15 days)
Duration
15 days
Start/End
Lima/Cusco
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Moderate
Overview
The Inca Trail is one of the most legendary hiking trails in the world. For four days, you follow the original Inca steps through valleys and cloud forests, cross passes over 4,200 meters high, and discover ruins like Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarka, and Wiñay Wayna. Finally, you glimpse Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
A journey through the whole south of Peru. From Lima you fly to Arequipa, the "White City" built of volcanic stone, and travel through the highlands to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on earth, where Andean condors glide past the viewpoint Cruz del Cóndor. On Lake Titicaca you visit the floating Uros Islands, spend a night with a host family on Amantaní and meet the weavers of Taquile. The Andean route takes you on to Cusco, where the Inca sites, the Sacred Valley with Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo and a two-day trek with llamas through the Lares region await you. On the short Inca Trail you reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate in the late afternoon and return the next morning for a guided tour. Rainbow Mountain and a last day in Cusco complete fifteen days full of culture, landscapes and encounters.
Tour Code
Maximum altitude
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Lima
Hotel in Lima
Airport transfer
Welcome to Peru! Your host awaits you at Lima airport with a name sign and takes you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a first stroll through Miraflores or Barranco.
Arrival in Lima
Day 1
Hotel in Lima
Airport transfer
Welcome to Peru! Your host awaits you at Lima airport with a name sign and takes you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a first stroll through Miraflores or Barranco.
Day 2
Flight to Arequipa – the White City
Hotel in Arequipa
City tour with the Santa Catalina Monastery
Morning flight to Arequipa (2,335 m / 7,661 ft), where you are met at the airport. The "White City" owes its name to the pale volcanic stone sillar. After lunch, a guided tour takes you through the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Plaza de Armas and the traditional quarters of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara, always with a view of the El Misti volcano. (B, L)
Flight to Arequipa – the White City
Day 2
Hotel in Arequipa
City tour with the Santa Catalina Monastery
Morning flight to Arequipa (2,335 m / 7,661 ft), where you are met at the airport. The "White City" owes its name to the pale volcanic stone sillar. After lunch, a guided tour takes you through the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Plaza de Armas and the traditional quarters of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara, always with a view of the El Misti volcano. (B, L)
Day 3
Arequipa – Colca Canyon
Hotel in the Colca Canyon
Drive through the highlands with vicuñas
After breakfast, private transport takes you through the highlands of Yura, Pampa Cañahuas and the vicuña reserve – with a good chance of seeing wild vicuñas. Lunch on the way and arrival in the Colca valley in the afternoon. (B, L, D)
Arequipa – Colca Canyon
Day 3
Hotel in the Colca Canyon
Drive through the highlands with vicuñas
After breakfast, private transport takes you through the highlands of Yura, Pampa Cañahuas and the vicuña reserve – with a good chance of seeing wild vicuñas. Lunch on the way and arrival in the Colca valley in the afternoon. (B, L, D)
Day 4
Cruz del Cóndor – Puno
Hotel in Puno
Condor viewing and drive to Lake Titicaca
Early in the morning you visit the viewpoint Cruz del Cóndor, where Andean condors glide over one of the deepest canyons on earth. On the way back through the valley you see pre-Inca terraces, irrigation systems and villages. In the afternoon you continue through the highlands to Puno on Lake Titicaca (3,800 m / 12,500 ft). (B, L)
Cruz del Cóndor – Puno
Day 4
Hotel in Puno
Condor viewing and drive to Lake Titicaca
Early in the morning you visit the viewpoint Cruz del Cóndor, where Andean condors glide over one of the deepest canyons on earth. On the way back through the valley you see pre-Inca terraces, irrigation systems and villages. In the afternoon you continue through the highlands to Puno on Lake Titicaca (3,800 m / 12,500 ft). (B, L)
Day 5
Lake Titicaca: Uros and Amantaní
Host family on Amantaní
Boat trip and homestay
By boat you go to the floating Uros Islands, built from totora reeds, and on to Amantaní Island, where your host family welcomes you. After lunch with fresh local produce, you climb to the highest point of the island for the sunset. In the evening, dinner with the family and – dressed in traditional clothing – a festive evening with the community. (B, L, D)
Lake Titicaca: Uros and Amantaní
Day 5
Host family on Amantaní
Boat trip and homestay
By boat you go to the floating Uros Islands, built from totora reeds, and on to Amantaní Island, where your host family welcomes you. After lunch with fresh local produce, you climb to the highest point of the island for the sunset. In the evening, dinner with the family and – dressed in traditional clothing – a festive evening with the community. (B, L, D)
Day 6
Taquile Island – Puno
Hotel in Puno
Weavers of Taquile and return to Puno
After breakfast with your host family, a one-hour boat ride takes you to Taquile, known for its masterful hand weaving. You meet the islanders, learn about their textile tradition and have lunch in a family-run restaurant with views of the lake. In the afternoon, boat back to Puno. (B, L)
Taquile Island – Puno
Day 6
Hotel in Puno
Weavers of Taquile and return to Puno
After breakfast with your host family, a one-hour boat ride takes you to Taquile, known for its masterful hand weaving. You meet the islanders, learn about their textile tradition and have lunch in a family-run restaurant with views of the lake. In the afternoon, boat back to Puno. (B, L)
Day 7
Andean route Puno – Cusco
Hotel in Cusco
Tourist bus with stops at Pukara, La Raya, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas
A guided first-class bus takes you through the Andes to Cusco. Stops include the pre-Inca site of Pukara, the La Raya pass with its sweeping views, the Inca site of Raqchi and the baroque church of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Lunch on the way; your host welcomes you in Cusco. (B, L)
Andean route Puno – Cusco
Day 7
Hotel in Cusco
Tourist bus with stops at Pukara, La Raya, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas
A guided first-class bus takes you through the Andes to Cusco. Stops include the pre-Inca site of Pukara, the La Raya pass with its sweeping views, the Inca site of Raqchi and the baroque church of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Lunch on the way; your host welcomes you in Cusco. (B, L)
Day 8
Cusco and the Inca sites
Hotel in Cusco
Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay
By private transport you visit the Inca sites above Cusco: the fortress of Saqsayhuaman with its huge stones, the labyrinthine rock shrine of Qenqo, the fortress of Puka Pukara and the water temple of Tambomachay. The rest of the day is free to explore Cusco, its markets and restaurants. (B)
Cusco and the Inca sites
Day 8
Hotel in Cusco
Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay
By private transport you visit the Inca sites above Cusco: the fortress of Saqsayhuaman with its huge stones, the labyrinthine rock shrine of Qenqo, the fortress of Puka Pukara and the water temple of Tambomachay. The rest of the day is free to explore Cusco, its markets and restaurants. (B)
Day 9
Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo
Hotel in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba)
Full-day tour through the Sacred Valley
In Chinchero, weavers show you how alpaca and sheep wool is washed, spun, dyed and woven. In Moray you see the circular terraces of an Inca agricultural laboratory and at Maras the salt ponds still worked by local families. After lunch in Urubamba you explore Ollantaytambo and climb its terraces to the Temple of the Sun. (B, L)
Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo
Day 9
Hotel in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba)
Full-day tour through the Sacred Valley
In Chinchero, weavers show you how alpaca and sheep wool is washed, spun, dyed and woven. In Moray you see the circular terraces of an Inca agricultural laboratory and at Maras the salt ponds still worked by local families. After lunch in Urubamba you explore Ollantaytambo and climb its terraces to the Temple of the Sun. (B, L)
Day 10
Lares trek with llamas to Auroray Cocha
Camping at Auroray Cocha
Trek through the Mantanay valley
After breakfast you set off through the Mantanay valley – past polylepis trees, streams and waterfalls, with llamas and alpacas along the way. After lunch by a stream you climb to the lake Yuraq Cocha and on to Auroray Cocha (4,480 m / 14,698 ft), where the camp awaits you. (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 10
Camping at Auroray Cocha
Trek through the Mantanay valley
After breakfast you set off through the Mantanay valley – past polylepis trees, streams and waterfalls, with llamas and alpacas along the way. After lunch by a stream you climb to the lake Yuraq Cocha and on to Auroray Cocha (4,480 m / 14,698 ft), where the camp awaits you. (B, L, D)
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi · Time: 6–7 hours · Camp: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
Day 11
Huayruruyoc pass to Patacancha
Camping in Patacancha
Trek over the pass and visit to a Quechua community
You climb gradually to the Huayruruyoc pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft) with views of lakes and mountains, then descend past lakes rich in birdlife to the Quechua community of Patacancha. After lunch you learn about the daily life and weaving traditions of the families. (B, L, D)
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi · Time: 5–6 hours · Camp: about 3,700 m / 12,100 ft
Huayruruyoc pass to Patacancha
Day 11
Camping in Patacancha
Trek over the pass and visit to a Quechua community
You climb gradually to the Huayruruyoc pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft) with views of lakes and mountains, then descend past lakes rich in birdlife to the Quechua community of Patacancha. After lunch you learn about the daily life and weaving traditions of the families. (B, L, D)
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi · Time: 5–6 hours · Camp: about 3,700 m / 12,100 ft
Day 12
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Train to Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Private transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo and train to Km 104. In about four hours you climb to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) with its terraces and temples, then continue to the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,923 ft) for your first view of Machu Picchu in the late afternoon light. Walk down and bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner. (B, box lunch, D)
Distance: about 14 km / 8.7 mi · Time: 7–8 hours
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 12
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Train to Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Private transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo and train to Km 104. In about four hours you climb to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) with its terraces and temples, then continue to the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,923 ft) for your first view of Machu Picchu in the late afternoon light. Walk down and bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner. (B, box lunch, D)
Distance: about 14 km / 8.7 mi · Time: 7–8 hours
Day 13
Machu Picchu at sunrise – Cusco
Hotel in Cusco
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 experience the morning light over the citadel. A three-hour guided tour takes you through the most important areas. After lunch in Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco. (B)
Machu Picchu at sunrise – Cusco
Day 13
Hotel in Cusco
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 experience the morning light over the citadel. A three-hour guided tour takes you through the most important areas. After lunch in Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco. (B)
Day 14
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Hotel in Cusco
Day hike to Vinicunca (5,050 m)
Pickup at 5:00 am and 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) and continue to the Red Valley. After the descent and lunch, return to Cusco. (B, L)
Start: 4,330 m / 14,206 ft · Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi round trip · Time: about 4 hours
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Day 14
Hotel in Cusco
Day hike to Vinicunca (5,050 m)
Pickup at 5:00 am and 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) and continue to the Red Valley. After the descent and lunch, return to Cusco. (B, L)
Start: 4,330 m / 14,206 ft · Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi round trip · Time: about 4 hours
Day 15
Cusco and departure
Free morning and airport transfer
Enjoy a last morning in Cusco at your own pace – your guide is happy to give you tips. Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and your onward journey. (B)
Cusco and departure
Day 15
Free morning and airport transfer
Enjoy a last morning in Cusco at your own pace – your guide is happy to give you tips. Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and your onward journey. (B)
Price from
€3,495.00
Services
What's included
Transfers: All airport and station transfers in the itinerary.
Briefing: Pre-departure briefing at your hotel.
Tours: All tours and excursions in the itinerary with professional bilingual guides, private tours where indicated.
Entrance Fees & Permits: All entrance fees, including the Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu.
Transport: Private transport Arequipa – Colca – Puno, boat trips on Lake Titicaca, tourist bus Puno – Cusco, train and bus tickets for Machu Picchu.
Accommodation: Hotels in double rooms, one night with a host family on Amantaní and two nights camping on the Lares trek; hotel upgrades on request.
Meals: As listed in the itinerary.
Trekking Team & Equipment: Cook, horsemen and llamas, tents, sleeping pads, dining and cooking tent.
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
Moderate
Altitude
High (up to 5,050 m)
Culture / nature
Pure culture
Fitness – moderate: Two trekking days with llamas, a day hike of about 14 km (8.7 mi) on the Inca Trail and the hike to Rainbow Mountain. Many days are sightseeing and travel days; a good basic fitness is enough.
Altitude – high: Puno and Lake Titicaca lie at about 3,800 m / 12,500 ft, Cusco at 3,400 m / 11,155 ft; on the Lares trek you camp at 4,480 m / 14,698 ft and Rainbow Mountain reaches 5,050 m / 16,568 ft. The route via Arequipa and Colca helps you acclimatize gradually.
Culture & nature – culture focus: Colonial cities, Inca sites, island communities on Lake Titicaca and Quechua villages, combined with canyons, high Andean lakes and Machu Picchu.
Accommodation: Hotels in double rooms, one night with a host family on Amantaní and two nights camping on the Lares trek.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
4 to 12 participants · €3,495.00 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: The route climbs gradually from Lima via Arequipa (2,335 m / 7,661 ft) and Colca to Puno (3,800 m / 12,500 ft) – ideal preparation for the treks around Cusco.
Flights: The domestic flight from Lima to Arequipa and the flight from Cusco to Lima are not included; we are happy to help you book them.
Amantaní: The homestay is simple and authentic – a small gift for the host family (e.g. fruit, school supplies) is very welcome.
Lares trek: Llamas carry your luggage; tents, 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.