Cusco and Arequipa (10 Days)

Overview

Highlights

• Machu Picchu with a professional guide
• Sacred Valley, Moray and Maras Salt Mines
• Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
• Humantay Lake at over 4,200 m
• Sillar Route and the Añashuayco quarries
• Salinas Lagoon, among volcanoes and flamingos

1. Day 1Arrival in Cusco and acclimatization

   As soon as you leave the airport, our private car will be waiting to welcome you and take you comfortably and safely to your hotel.

   This is a free day, designed so you can rest from your journey and let your body adjust gently to Cusco's altitude of approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level.

   No rush and no commitments: take the time to rest, stay hydrated and start soaking up the magical atmosphere of the Andes.

2. Day 2Andean women, Moray and Maras Salt Mines

   After breakfast, at around 8:30 am, we leave Cusco for the Valley, a lower-altitude area that is ideal for an unhurried day.

   Our first stop is with the Andean Women, where you will see the traditional process of making wool by hand, from washing and dyeing to spinning and weaving textiles decorated with geometric designs that reflect the Andean worldview and harmony with nature.

   Next we visit Moray, an impressive archaeological site made up of circular terraces, and then continue to the Maras Salt Mines, with hundreds of salt pools built by the Incas on the mountainsides and still in use today.

   After the visits we return to Cusco, arriving at around 3:00 pm at Plaza Regocijo, leaving the rest of the afternoon free to rest or explore the city at your own pace.

3. Day 3Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

   Check out of your hotel. We recommend taking only a backpack with what you need for the night in Aguas Calientes, while your larger luggage can stay in Cusco.

   After breakfast, at around 7:30 am, we set off for the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with the charming Pisac Archaeological Complex, where you will learn about Andean culture and history.

   Next we continue to Urubamba for a lunch break, before heading on to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and best-preserved Inca towns in the Sacred Valley.

   At the scheduled time, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

   On arrival, our team will be waiting for you at the station to meet you and take you to your hotel, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.

4. Day 4Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

   The big moment of the trip has arrived!

   In the morning we head up to Machu Picchu with a professional guide, who will lead you through the sanctuary and share every detail of this incredible city built by the Incas.

   During the visit you will learn about the history and architecture of Machu Picchu: the impressive agricultural terraces, ancient buildings, temples, ceremonial spaces and the way the Incas made the most of nature and the mountain's strategic location.

   After the visit we return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch, a stroll around this charming town or simply a rest until it is time to board the train back to Cusco.

   At the scheduled time you will board the train back to Cusco, taking home not only beautiful photos but the unforgettable experience of having visited one of the greatest wonders of the world.

5. Day 5Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca

   At around 4:30 am, our transport will pick you up at your hotel and drive to Cusipata, where we stop for breakfast at about 7:00 am.

   We then continue to the trailhead and begin a hike of approximately 2 hours uphill to the top of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, with rest stops along the way. Although demanding because of the altitude, the route rewards you with incredible scenery, and your guide will share information about the site.

   There is an option to go up on horseback (around 100 soles, paid in cash on site).

   After taking in the view and snapping photos, we begin the roughly 1.5-hour descent back to the vehicle. We then have lunch at a local restaurant and return to Cusco, arriving at around 5:30 pm. Drop-off is at Plaza Regocijo.

   Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots are recommended. In the rainy season, bring a waterproof poncho.

6. Day 6Humantay Lake

   We start our journey with a hotel pickup at around 4:30 am, heading for the majestic Humantay Lake, one of the most impressive natural sights in the region.

   The first leg takes about two hours to the village of Mollepata, where we stop for a hearty breakfast. We then drive another hour to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.

   The hike up to Humantay Lake takes approximately 2 hours, on a trail that, while challenging because of the altitude, rewards you with spectacular scenery.

   There is an option to go up on horseback (around 100 soles, paid in cash on site).

   Once at the lake, located more than 4,200 meters (13,780 ft) above sea level, you will have time to explore, admire its crystal-clear turquoise waters and capture the beauty of Andean nature at its finest.

   After the visit we begin the descent, about 1.5 hours, back to the meeting point to board our van. Back in Mollepata, we enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. Finally, we return to Cusco, arriving at around 5:00 pm, wrapping up a day full of adventure, nature and unforgettable scenery. Drop-off is at Plaza Regocijo.

7. Day 7Flight from Cusco to Arequipa

   Transfer to Cusco airport
   After breakfast at your hotel, our team will pick you up at the agreed time for your transfer to Cusco airport, starting the next leg of your trip.

   VIP welcome at Arequipa airport
   When you land in Arequipa, our team will be waiting to give you a warm welcome and take you to your hotel, ensuring comfort, safety and peace of mind from your very first moment in the "White City". The rest of the day is free.

   Please note: the Cusco–Arequipa flight is not included in the package.

8. Day 8Sillar Route

   Discover the famous Sillar Route, one of Arequipa's most iconic tours, and learn the story of the volcanic stone that gives the city its distinctive white architecture.

   On the tour you will visit the impressive Añashuayco quarries, watch the stonemasons at work and see figures carved into the rock itself, set in a unique landscape shaped by the volcanic activity of the Andes.

9. Day 9Salinas Lagoon

   Discover the stunning Salinas Lagoon, a natural setting surrounded by volcanoes and cinematic Andean landscapes.

   On the tour you can admire the vast salt flats and, depending on the season, see the lagoon's waters mirroring the mountains and even flamingos in their natural habitat. A perfect experience for anyone who wants to see one of the most striking landscapes in the Arequipa region.

10. Day 10Departure / return home

    Time to say goodbye to Arequipa!

    At the agreed time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable, relaxed transfer to Arequipa airport for your flight home.

    We hope you take home not only wonderful memories, but also the desire to come back and discover even more of Peru.

What's included

What to bring

• Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
• Dress in layers
• Warm clothing for the hikes and Salinas Lagoon (hat, gloves and jacket)
• Comfortable sneakers
• Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Water
• Snacks
• Motion-sickness medication for the winding roads
• Rain poncho during the rainy season
• Cash in Peruvian soles
• A small backpack for the night in Aguas Calientes
• Avoid alcoholic drinks
• Avoid raw food
• Drink only bottled water
• Keep your documents with you at all times

Frequently asked questions

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