21-Day Quechua People Tour: Andean Immersion, Trek and Machu Picchu

Arrival at the airport and private transfer to your hotel in Arequipa. Take advantage of this first day to rest and gently acclimatize to the altitude of the mythical "White City" of the Andes, nestled at the foot of volcanoes.

Immerse yourself in history during an English-speaking guided tour of Arequipa. You will be enchanted by its colonial architecture made of volcanic stone (Sillar). You will explore the famous Santa Catalina Convent, a true city within the city, and discover the fascinating Juanita mummy, witness to Inca rituals dedicated to the sacred mountains.

Scenic drive towards Chivay with spectacular views of the mountain range. You will cross the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, a prime location to observe herds of wild vicuñas. After lunch amidst thousand-year-old pre-Inca terraces, you will settle into the hotel with the possibility of a short walk in the Andean countryside.

Early departure for the famous Condor's Cross viewpoint, offering a breathtaking view of the Colca Canyon and the opportunity to admire the majestic flight of the Andean condor. You will then cross traditional villages to reach Canocota. Welcome by your host family for a cultural immersion, a rural walk, and an authentic homestay night.

After saying goodbye to your host family, you will embark on a 2.5-hour panoramic hike along the Colca Canyon to the village of Chivay. After the meal, you will take a tourist bus towards Puno, with stops to photograph the sumptuous landscapes of the Altiplano highlands.

Departure by boat from Puno for a total immersion experience. Navigation on Lake Titicaca with a stop at the Uros Titinos islands before reaching the Llachon peninsula. You will have lunch with your host family and then participate in their daily activities (agriculture, discovering plants, crafts). Dinner and overnight homestay.

Morning dedicated to traditional fishing on the lake with your host, an essential daily activity for the inhabitants of Llachon. After a family lunch, you will take the boat back to the bay of Puno for a unique experience: a night on a Uros floating island in an atypical lodge on the waters of Lake Titicaca.

Your driver will take you on the famous Route of the Sun towards Cusco. You will cross grandiose Andean landscapes with a stop at the spectacular Tinajani Canyon, famous for its giant rock formations. At the end of the day, arrival in Raqchi, a village renowned for its pottery, for a night within the local community.

Morning exploration of the Inca archaeological site of Raqchi and its monumental Temple of Wiracocha. The adventure continues towards the spectacular colorful mountain of Palcoyo, located at nearly 5,000 meters above sea level. Enjoy a beautiful hike to admire this unique geological landscape with its rainbow hues, before hitting the road to arrive in Cusco.

Immerse yourself in history during an English-speaking guided tour of the historical center of Cusco. You will explore the grandiose Inca temples overlooking the city as well as the legendary Qorikancha complex, before wandering through the cobbled streets lined with original Inca walls.

Departure to the village of Yuncaypata for an easy Andean downhill hike. You will cross typical rural landscapes before exploring the little-known ruins of Inkilltambo. The excursion concludes with a convivial picnic surrounded by nature before returning to Cusco.

Begin your trek from Tambomachay with a panoramic 4.5-hour hike to the Queullacocha pass. You will reach the village of Patabamba to be welcomed by Rosalio and his family. There, you will taste an authentic Pachamanca, a traditional dish cooked underground, during your first homestay night in the Sacred Valley.

After breakfast, you will hike facing the snow-capped peaks from the spectacular balcony of the Sacred Valley. You will cross the impressive León Punku canyon and then take a real section of the Inca Trail to reach the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, before a warm night at Natividad's home.

The effort culminates with the ascent of the Tauca pass at 4,435 m, offering a majestic view of the mountain range. The descent leads you to the peaceful shores of the Piuray lagoon, down to the traditional village of Chinchero where you will settle for the night at Sonia's family home.

Discover the ancestral weaving techniques during a textile demonstration in Chinchero. The adventure continues to the ingenious Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray and then the dazzling Maras salt mines. After a beautiful downhill hike to the valley, you will explore the imposing strategic fortress of Ollantaytambo.

Head to the edge of the Amazon! In Huayopata, you are welcomed by Julia and her family in the heart of lush vegetation. You will spend the afternoon in the plantations to discover the production process of Peruvian coffee, from harvesting to tasting your own cup, before sleeping on site.

The morning is dedicated to learning about traditional cacao farming in the family fields. At midday, you will reach Hidroelectrica for a fascinating 3.5-hour hike along the train tracks, in the heart of the tropical forest, to the village of Aguas Calientes.

The culmination of your adventure: an English-speaking guided tour of Machu Picchu (Circuit 2). You will explore the temples and agricultural terraces of this Wonder of the World in perfect harmony with nature. After the descent, a picturesque train ride takes you back to the Sacred Valley to the village of Pisac.

Explore the majestic Inca ruins of Pisac overlooking the valley, before a 2-hour panoramic hike down to the village. Take a moment to stroll through the colorful aisles of the Andean craft market and then hit the road back to Cusco.

Take advantage of this completely free day in Cusco to visit its museums, wander through the San Pedro market, or taste a local specialty. Our team remains entirely at your disposal to perfect the end of your Andean stay.

Depending on the schedule of your domestic flight, enjoy a private transfer from the hotel to the Cusco airport. You will fly to Lima, your head full of Andean memories, marking the end of your magnificent adventure in Peru.