From: £2,366
From: $3,150
(The evening before your trip begins you will have a trip briefing with your guide and a chance to ask any questions.)
You will be picked up at around 7am from Cusco hotel for the drive to the village of Chinchero.
We stop for a brief visit of the Inca archaeological site and the 16th century colonial church, then continue with a short drive to the small community of Taucca (3,877m/12,717ft) where we start today’s hike. We have views of beautiful Lake Piuray and the full Urubamba and Vilcabamba mountain ranges are laid out before us, a truly spectacular sight.
We hike for 2-3 hours to Urquillos, a good acclimatisation hike to get warmed up for the days ahead.
We are picked up at the end of the hike to transfer to the small town of Lamay.
*Alternative: Explore the site of Moray and the salt mines of Maras (3,360m/11,023ft)
We say goodbye to the group doing the hike. We will have 30-minute drive to the start of our day’s tour visiting Moray (3,550m/11,646ft), an unusual site set on a high plateau with several huge terraced circular depressions that were probably used as agricultural laboratories in the Inca period.
We hike for two hours along a trail with views of snow-capped peaks and terraced hillsides toward the charming town of Maras (3,360m/11,023 ft).
After visiting the town, we hike for another 40 minutes to the salt mines of Las Salineras. Since pre-Inca times, salt has been gathered here by evaporating salty water from a subterranean stream – it’s an amazing place.
A vehicle will be waiting to take us to Lamay. Dinner and overnight at Lamay Lodge.
After breakfast we head off for the nearby town of Pisac and Qoya (9,514 ft / 2,900 m), with its attractive colonial church. After about a 1 hour drive (the last section on a mud road), we reach the Ayar Cancha community where our trek starts.
The trail winds gradually upwards to Challwaccasa Pass (4,250m/13,943ft), which we reach after around 2 hours. Views are of the peaks of the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges and, in the distance if it’s clear we can even see the massive snow-capped peaks of Ausangate and Salkantay.
We turn downhill to the community of Viacha (3,950m/12,950ft), where we enjoy a good lunch.
After a post-lunch rest, we join a restored Inca trail that leads to the extensive Inca site of Pisac (3,200m/10,826 ft). We can see below us impressive agricultural terraces and irrigation systems dating from Inca times.
After exploring the ruins we continue downhill to the picturesque village of Pisac (2,972m/9,750ft), which holds a colourful food and craft market on Tuesdays and Sundays. From there our vehicle will take us back to Lamay. Dinner and overnight at Lamay Lodge.
*Alternative: Lamay Lodge and Viacha community
You can start the morning with a leisurely breakfast and then choose a morning activity to suit. At lunch time, a private vehicle will take us to join the group of trekkers at Viacha for lunch. After lunch you can join the walkers or continue to towards Pisac by vehicle.
Today we have a one hour drive to Ancasmarca (4,044m/13,267ft), where we explore an Inca site that features a variety of ancient food warehouses, dwellings, and farming areas. The site is strategically located connecting the higher part of the Sacred Valley with the cloud forest communities below Lares.
Heading over the Lares Pass (4,420m/14,501ft), we arrive at Cuncani (3,884m/12,742 ft), the starting point of today’s hike.
Walking uphill for about two hours, we pass farmhouses and fields. We can see local inhabitants, descendants of the Incas, that have maintained their traditional way of life, growing potatoes and herding llamas and alpacas.
Reaching Cruzccasa Pass (4,188m/13,740ft), we enjoy a nice view of Veronica peak.
We walk downhill for an hour to our picnic lunch spot.
After resting, we walk again for an hour to Huacawasi Lodge (3,835m/12,579 ft). In the late afternoon, we have the opportunity to meet the local community. Dinner and overnight at the Huacawasi Lodge.
*Alternative: Huacawasi Lodge and visit local communities
Guests that would prefer not to do this hike, can relax at the lodge and do short hikes to the surrounding local communities, where we can see the traditional pottery and weaving skills.
Huacawasi is well known for its weavings. Today we set off from the lodge on foot. Right away we are immersed in scenes of community life, where men wear the traditional colourful ponchos and women wear layers of handmade skirts and decorated hats. Women work on looms and children head off to school.
One option today is to go for an early walk around the village of Huacahuasi where you will learn about its heritage and observe the daily activities. You may be able to visit a local farmer’s home. On return to the lodge there is the option to join a Peruvian food cooking class and test your skills with the rest of the group.
The trekking option: From the lodge, we drive to the village of Quiswarani (3,829m/12,562 ft), where we begin our hike, heading west up a small valley dotted with lakes and flocks of alpacas.
As we gain height the trail narrows to a series of switchbacks to Abra Huchuyccasa pass (4,414m/14,481 ft).
Views from the pass are superb: distant mountain ranges and stunning turquoise lakes.
Descending slightly, we continue hiking for an hour or so to our second pass at Phoñoccasa (4,387m/14,393 ft). From here we descend to Qeywaqocha Lake for a picnic lunch, then end our hike at the village of Qelqena (3,647m/11,965 ft).
Today we should see high Andean birds such as Andean geese, ducks, and plovers.
Our vehicle meets us at the trailhead for the drive back to Huacawasi. Dinner and overnight at Huacawasi Lodge.
*Alternative: Short hike to the waterfalls near Huacahuasi and lunch at the lodge.
Approximately 1.5 hour
After a scenic morning drive from Huacahuasi, spend time visiting the local community of Huilloc. Later, continue on to the shepherding community of Marcacocha and participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to honor the apus for the good health of their flock.
For a more active morning experience, choose a hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka (3 hours), where everyone will reunite for lunch and a tour of the archaeological site.
After lunch, hike downhill from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo (3 hours) visiting the amazing agricultural terraces along the valley.
Alternatively explore Ollantaytambo’s maze-like streets, and all the magic of this ancient living town.
The afternoon ends with an optional visit to an artisan beer brewery followed by dinner and overnight stay in the Sacred Valley.
Start your day with an optional early morning hike (approx 1.5 hours, moderate ) to the Inca storage houses perched above the town, offering stunning views of the Ollantaytambo fortress and ceremonial site.
Afterwards, we meet at the site entrance for a guided tour.
By midday, we board a scenic train along the Urubamba River to the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes, located at the base of Machu Picchu, and enjoy a relaxing free afternoon, exploring the colourful town.
Alternatively, for an additional cost, opt for an all-day hike from train marker KM 104 along the iconic Inca Trail to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.
Dinner and overnight at Aguas Calientes hotel.
This morning we have a very early breakfast at the hotel, then take the bus for the 30-minute ride up to Machu Picchu. Our guide gives a comprehensive tour of site. You then have the option of climbing the sheer Inca staircase of Huayna Picchu, a steep and vertically challenging hike of about two-hours.
We meet up with our guide again and return by bus to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch, then take the train to Ollantaytambo (about 1.5 hours), from where a private vehicle drives us back to Cusco (an additional 1.5 hours).
On arrival in Cusco (approximately 8 p.m.) you are dropped off at the hotel you have chosen (hotel not included).
*Note: To climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Permits have to be purchased in advance (please contact us for information).
The mountain lodges have brought together traditional Inca building techniques and sensitivity to the surrounding environment with all the comforts of home.
There are two: Lamay Lodge (2,958m/9,705ft) and Huacahuasi Lodge at 3,835m/12,585ft
Here you will find plenty of places to relax and soak in the moment, from the welcoming patio to a Jacuzzi surrounded by flowers to the balcony of your room, with views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Lares Region.
Local staff provides exceptional service and care to our guests, starting with a welcoming drink and warm towel upon arrival, to hot water bottle and herbal pillow in bed at night. Their warmth and attentive care are what makes our lodges truly feel like your home away from home.
We use comfortable hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, option to upgrade.
You can either hike a lot, with several consecutive days of 5-7 hour hikes, or take advantage of the fully flexible itinerary, with a menu of à-la-carte day hikes and cultural adventure activities.
The hikers need to be of a good fitness level. Pre-trip fitness planning, well-worn hiking shoes, and extra acclimatization nights in Cusco before the trip still come highly recommended.
Those interested in taking advantage of the harder day hike options available (a series of breathtaking trail days, on a par with those found on the Salkantay) should build a more intensive fitness regimen into their pre-trip preparations.
While general good health and an active lifestyle (including regular walking and/or hiking excursions) are necessary prerequisites to fully enjoy all variations of the program, participants can have confidence that there will always be an option to suit their individual interests and needs.
Shorter hikes of 1-2 hours may be possible, as well as cultural visits.
All guests are encouraged to hike at their own pace, taking breaks whenever needed, to ensure a successful and enjoyable trek for all.
Almost all dietary requirements can be catered to – please contact us for more.
Inventive menus which provide a refreshing take on the region’s most iconic dishes.
All food and drink is locally sourced where possible – from organic coffee blends to healthy snacks.
At the lodges, local villagers simultaneously share their customs and learn how to be industry professionals, from guides to chefs to mule drivers to lodge staff.
The local teams, comprised of this rich blend of traditions and cultures, are trained to provide outstanding service and will go above and beyond to give each guest an unforgettable experience.
Local expert trekking guides are bilingual, English-speaking and of the highest quality.
A thrilling family holiday through Peru’s rainforest, Andes, and Lake Titicaca, filled with wildlife, adventure sports, and unforgettable Inca history.
A rewarding trek to Choquequirao blended rich culture, stunning scenery, and heartfelt local hospitality.
By day you hike in some of the most wonderfully scenic mountains, close to glaciers, waterfalls and authentic Andean highland villages.
Lares is ideal for all – there are optional cultural visits and alternatives trails for guests that prefer not to do the longer, more challenging hikes.
With a great walk under your belt, evenings see you unwinding in cosy lodges dotted along this Lares trek.
From: $3990 per person
Duration
7 days
From: $1653 per person
Duration
5 days
Peru is made up of 3 distinct geographical areas: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.
The costa or coastal region is a narrow ribbon of desert 2,250 km long, crossed by fertile river valleys flowing from the Andes. It takes up 11% of the country and holds more than 40% of the population.
The cold Humboldt current gives rise to a blanket of mist – the garua – which hangs above coastal cities like the capital Lima from May to November.
Heading east, you’re soon climbing above the garua and into the Andes. The sierra, or mountainous region, covers some 25% of Peru’s territory and contains 50% of the population. The sierra inhabitants are mainly Indigenous or Mestizo, and many still speak Quechua or Aymara.
The sierra contains dozens of 6,000-metre snow peaks and volcanoes, including Huascaran (6,768m) the highest mountain in the tropics. The deep valley basins contain most of the towns and arable land; the terracing and canal systems of the Incas and pre-Incas are often still used today.
The eastern Andes are heavily forested up to 3,350m and sweep down into the Amazon Basin.
Peru’s selva or jungle makes up almost two thirds of the country’s area, but holds only about 6% of the population: the only towns with significant populations are Iquitos and Pucallpa.
Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.
The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.
The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
When planning for the varied climatic conditions you will encounter across Peru, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.
The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital.
It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
Below is a more detailed guide.
You can also read about the weather of Peru in our blog.
You can also read about the weather of Peru in our blog.
Peru is located in the southern tropics (latitudes 0º to 18º), but climate varies significantly according to season, altitude and region.
From May to October, Lima is often overcast, but with minimal precipitation. There are sunny spells, and it’s a fresh to pleasant 13-20ºC.
At the same time, inland areas and the north coast mid to high 20’s ºC.
November to April is generally warm and sunny and Lima enjoys warm temperature of 19-25ºC, with the coast averaging 22-30ºC.
Climate depends largely on altitude. As a rule of thumb, below 2,000m climate is mild and above 2,000m warm clothing is required for evenings, nights and early mornings.
The Andean sun is very strong.
Cusco (3,300m): Average max/min temps: 22ºC /2ºC. Average 3 or 4 wet days per month.
Arequipa (2,380m): Average max/min temps: 26ºC /9ºC. Sunny more than 340 days/year with minimal precipitation.
On highland treks: Conditions are generally dry. However, at this time of year, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m, where pre-dawn temperatures can be -5ºC; warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings.
Note that mountain weather can be fickle and localised, and that precipitation is not unknown in the dry season. Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.
In the cloud forest, e.g. around Machu Picchu, daytime conditions are generally warm or hot, and evenings cool.
Cusco: Average max/min temps: 23ºC /6ºC. Average 13 wet days per month.
Arequipa: Average max/min temps: 25ºC /14ºC.
On highland treks: Wetter conditions, with cooler days and milder nights than dry season. Jan-Mar usually the wettest months.
Year-round, weather conditions are hot and humid and there is always the risk of rain.
There is a ‘dry season’ in Tambopata and Manu between May and October. The average daytime high temperature is between 25°C and 34°C and the average nighttime low is between 16°C and 22°C. Heavy downpours typically occur every few days.
Around 80% of annual average rainfall – approx 2,000 mm in Manu and Tambopata and 1,400 mm in Iquitos – occurs in the wet season Nov-April.
On rare occasions, between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina – ‘friajes’ – can sweep into southwest Amazonia and push temperatures down to 9°C. (Friajes usually last between 1 and 3 days).
A thrilling family holiday through Peru’s rainforest, Andes, and Lake Titicaca, filled with wildlife, adventure sports, and unforgettable Inca history.
A rewarding trek to Choquequirao blended rich culture, stunning scenery, and heartfelt local hospitality.
