Southern Peru and Cusco in slow travel mode – 14D/13N

Our driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel El Patio in a standard room.

Taste various Peruvian specialties and drinks in one of Lima’s most beautiful, artistic, and bohemian neighborhoods: Barranco. Interact with our local hosts to learn how to prepare the famous ceviche and pisco sour. Discover the historical and cultural background behind each dish you will have the chance to taste during this 4-hour culinary walk through the streets of Barranco.

Our driver will pick you up from the hotel to take you to Lima airport.

Transfer from the airport to your hotel upon arrival in Cusco.

Overnight at Llipimpac Guest House in a standard room.

We remain at your full disposal to advise you and organize an activity if you wish!

Overnight at Llipimpac Guest House in a standard room.

We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco to begin a unique experience. After about 30 minutes by bus, we reach the charming village of Yuncaypata, perched in the Andean highlands.

We then start an easy hike, mostly downhill, through the typical rural landscapes surrounding Cusco. Our destination: the little-known ruins of Inkilltambo, a well-preserved archaeological site that we will explore with our guide.

After the visit, you will enjoy a picnic in the heart of nature, in a peaceful and relaxing environment. Finally, we continue the walk through a beautiful Andean valley before meeting our driver again for the return to your hotel.

Overnight at Llipimpac Guest House in a standard room.

Dive into the heart of Cusco, the former capital of the Incas, and explore its cultural treasures through an immersive visit. We will start with the Inca temples overlooking the city, witnesses to the grandeur of this empire, before strolling through the historic center, where Spanish colonial architecture blends with Inca foundations in majestic churches, lavish palaces, and fascinating museums. Depending on your interests and available time, we will customize the itinerary to help you experience Cusco in a different way, guiding you through its cobbled streets lined with Inca walls—true remnants of a legendary past.

Overnight at Llipimpac Guest House in a standard room.

Overnight with a local family in Patabamba.

From Tambomachay, we hike for 4h30 to the Queullacocha pass, with a stunning view of Cusco and the Andes.

After lunch at the summit, we continue 4 more hours through Andean lagoons and pampas toward Patabamba.

Rosalio and his family welcome us with a pachamanca, a traditional meal cooked underground.

We enjoy a warm and friendly evening with them, immersed in the heart of local culture.

Distance: 15 km
Elevation gain: +675 m
Elevation loss: -675 m
Max altitude: 4275 m

After breakfast with Rosalio’s family, we begin our hike toward the balcony of the Sacred Valley, with panoramic views over Pisac, Calca, Lamay, and the snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray, and Veronica.

We climb up to the Pukamarka pass, our second challenge of the day, then descend toward the León Punku canyon, where we enjoy lunch surrounded by impressive rock formations.

In the afternoon, we follow a section of the Inca Trail that leads us to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, nicknamed the “Little Cusco.”

We end the day at Natividad’s home, for another night of sharing and warm Andean hospitality.

Distance: 14.50 km
Elevation gain: +500 m
Elevation loss: -650 m
Max altitude: 4080 m

Overnight at a local family's home in Huchuy Qosqo.

Last day of effort: We hike for 4 hours from Huchuy Qosqo to the Tauca pass (4,435 m), the highest point of the trek.

At the top, we enjoy a spectacular view of the Urubamba mountain range.

After a good break, we descend for 3 hours toward Lake Piuray and the village of Chinchero, where we have lunch.

In the afternoon, free time or transfer to Cusco or the Sacred Valley, depending on your program.

Distance: 12 km
Elevation gain: +800 m
Elevation loss: -575 m
Max altitude: 4400 m

Overnight at Sonia’s family home.

Departure for the Sacred Valley!

First stop of the day: Chinchero, a charming Andean village where we’ll attend a fascinating demonstration in a textile workshop. There, you’ll discover ancient weaving and natural dyeing techniques passed down since Inca times.

We’ll then continue our visit to Moray, a mysterious archaeological site shaped like a circular amphitheater, once used as an Inca agricultural laboratory. Thanks to your guide’s explanations, you’ll understand how these terraces allowed for experimentation with different crops at various altitudes.

Our adventure continues to the salt mines of Maras, a unique landscape of thousands of white pools clinging to the mountainside. From there, we’ll begin a beautiful downhill hike that takes us to the banks of the Urubamba River—an ideal moment to enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the valley.

After meeting back up with our driver, we’ll end the day in Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining inhabited Inca villages. We’ll explore its impressive Inca ruins, a strategic site that served as both a fortress and a religious center.

Overnight at Hotel Sol Natura Ollantay in a standard room.

Today, you’ll head to Huayopata, a charming village located along the Amazonian route toward Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, Julia and her family will welcome you warmly. You’ll have a moment to settle into your room before enjoying a traditional lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll head out with Julia or her husband to discover the family’s coffee and citrus plantations. You’ll learn all about Peruvian coffee production, from the plant to the cup, and you’ll have the chance to prepare your own coffee to enjoy on site.

Dinner will be shared with the family, and you’ll spend the night there, surrounded by nature and warm hospitality.

Overnight at Julia and her family’s home in Huayopata.

You will walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, the last village before the famous Machu Picchu.

The hike takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Stay observant along the way—at certain points, you may already catch a glimpse of the ancient Inca citadel perched atop the mountain.

Overnight at Hatun Inti Classic in a standard room.

You will need to go to the main avenue of Aguas Calientes to take a shuttle that will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The ride takes about 30 minutes.

Discovering Machu Picchu will be one of the most unforgettable moments of your trip to Peru. This iconic Inca citadel, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest, is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and showcases Inca architecture in perfect harmony with nature.

Revealed in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, it still fascinates with its landscapes, temples, and mysteries. Walking through its cobbled streets, agricultural terraces, and sacred plazas is an experience full of history and energy.

Visiting Machu Picchu is a way to connect with the grandeur of the past in a breathtaking setting.

After your visit to Machu Picchu, you will hike down to Aguas Calientes. The walk takes approximately 1.5 hours.

If you prefer to take the bus down to the village instead, it is always possible to purchase your ticket at the exit of the site.

You will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

The ride takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Our driver will take you from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Overnight at Llipimpac guest house in a standard room.

We remain fully at your disposal to advise you and organize an activity if you wish.

Overnight at Llipimpac guest house in a standard room.

Your driver will take you from your hotel to Cusco airport.