The Andes Mountains will satisfy your craving for adventure during your 10-day off the beaten path tour of Peru. You will trek the trails to secluded Chocuequirao and witness the snowcapped peaks of the altiplano piercing the sky. Discover forgotten ruins, follow the footpaths of Inca messengers, and traverse the pristine landscape as you experience the untouched heritage of the Andes on your exclusive tour of Peru.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco - Arrive in the Capital of the Incans to Prepare for the Stunning Trek
The city of Cusco creates a marvelous ambiance at an elevation of over 11,000 feet above sea level. Spanish Colonial churches stand atop strong foundations set by the Inca and the boulder walls of Sacsayhuaman remain strong on the hill overlooking the city. The black and gray colors of the ruin’s stones shimmer in the passing sunlight surrounding by the rolling peaks of the Andes Mountains. The Inca crafted the boulders like puzzle pieces, fitting each stone together without the need for mortar, and the snug positioning keeps objects as thin as a blade of grass from entering between the stones.
Your flight lands at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, where your private transfer greets you upon arrival. Cusco offers a captivating atmosphere shaped by the cobblestone streets, tiled rooftops, and urban sprawl winding along the bordering slopes. The Central Market is filled with the aromas of fresh popcorn and simmering chicken soup. Produce, such as purple corn and a variety of potatoes line the aisles against large bags of quinoa and beans.
The church of La Compania de Jesus was erected in the 16th century and rebuilt after an earthquake in the mid-1600’s. The church boasts a grand facade competing with the beauty of the crowning cathedral in the Plaza de Armas. The baroque design of the exterior gives way to the magnificent gold altarpiece of the interior, which hosts a series of shimmering polychrome statues. The structure was erected on the foundations of the Huayna Capac Palace, home to the last ruler of the Inca Empire.
Consider reading some of our travelers' Peru vacation reviews for more information on this exhilarating tour.
What's Included:
Day 2
Santa Rosa - Reach the Trailhead and Enjoy the Views of the Andes on the Way to Santa Rosa
Day 3
Choquequirao - Traverse the Landscape and View the Historical Choquequirao Ruins
Day 4
Pajonal - Start Early to Ascend the Mountain Ridges and Cloud Forest to Pajonal
Day 5
Yutuypata - Pass Abra San Juan Peak and Visit a Village en route to Yutuypata
Day 6
Inca Machay - Reach the Trail’s Highest Point and Enjoy the Views of the Inca Trail
Day 7
Huancacalle - Relish an Easy Downward Hike and Explore Fascinating Ruins
Day 8
Aguas Calientes - Delight in a Scenic Drive to Santa Teresa and Stunning Train Ride
Day 9
Cusco - Discover the Fabulous Ruins of Machu Picchu before Transferring to Cusco
Day 10
Cusco - Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Delight in the rugged experience of trekking along the secluded Choquequirao Trail to discover the hidden splendors of the Andes
- Explore the mystical ruins of Choquequirao, which is often referred to as the “Sister of Machu Picchu”
- Relish the fascinating panoramas encompassing flowing rivers, craggy ridges, and snowcapped peaks from a mountain pass reaching 15,000 feet above sea level
- Stroll through the majestic complex of Machu Picchu with a private guide to learn about the unique history and mysterious remains of Peru’s iconic Wonder of the World
- Follow a portion of the Inca Trail, the path that the special engineers carved and used to create the stunning architecture inspired by the landscape
- Enjoy the comforts of a luxury train ride leading you from a small Andean town to the base of Machu Picchu on the Urubamba River
- Visit with local farmers and villagers in the remote regions of the Andes mountains where horses and mules carried supplies until the recent completion of the winding road
Detailed Description
Experience the trek of a lifetime, following in the footsteps of the Inca on an unforgettable 10-day Peru tour. The mountain passes and plunging valleys create a memorable landscape leading to the last refuge of the Inca. Villages hide amidst the winding ridges, and the water rolls over the boulders in the rivers below. The journey begins with your arrival in Cusco where your private transfer welcomes you to Peru and escorts you to a luxurious hotel for you to settle into the thin atmosphere of the high altitude. You have time in the evening to walk around and enjoy the capital of the Inca as you prepare for the following day.
Your guide leads you along the mountainous terrain that rises and falls around the 11,000-feet at which Cusco is positioned, and you take in the unique scenery that combines arid grasslands, craggy slopes, and flooding waterways. During this fascinating expedition, you will travel more than 50 miles and reach an altitude of 15,000 feet above sea level to uncover the forgotten ruins of Choquequirao and the celebrated plateau complex of Machu Picchu. The ruins at Choquequirao offer insight into the last stronghold of the Inca after the Spanish arrival, decorated with stone structures and hidden llamas.
The pathway connects the Inca Trail near the end, leading you through the region of Vilcabamba. Enjoy the thrilling change in landscape from the high-altitude plains to the lush rainforest spreading across the lowlands of the Sacred Valley. Your guide provides an encompassing tour of Machu Picchu, immersing you in the historical structures and majestic ambiance surrounded by the familiar image of powerful summits. You return to Cusco by train, using the remainder of your time in the fascinating city to enjoy the colonial architecture, cosmopolitan culture, and comforts of your luxury hotel welcoming you back from the trails.
Consider browsing our Peru tours page to gain further inspiration on planning your own Peru tour.
Starting Price
$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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