Peru: Inca Culture Machu Picchu & Huayhuash Circuit Trek

We suggest taking a very early flight at 5:00 am from Lima to Cusco to explore the Sacred Valley. Spend the day exploring the archaeological sites and Andean culture of the Sacred Valley in the company of National Geographic grantee Peter Frost, who has lived and worked in Peru for decades. He (or occasionally a colleague, if he is in the field) joins us for a talk at the hotel and continues with us to Ollantaytambo, where massive stone walls stand sentry over a thriving Inca community. Stop at a family-owned hacienda for lunch and witness a presentation of traditional horsemanship. Later, meet National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, founder of El Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco, who has helped preserve and revive traditional Inca textiles..
Overnight 
 Hotel
Driving
 6 Hours approx
 Tours/Hiking
 3 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/-

Spend the day exploring the archaeological sites and Andean culture of the Sacred Valley in the company with our local guide, who has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the área. He (or occasionally a colleague, if he is in the field) joins us for a talk at the hotel and continues with us to Ollantaytambo, where massive stone walls stand sentry over a thriving Inca community. Stop at a family-owned hacienda for lunch and witness a presentation of traditional horsemanship. Later, meet National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, founder of El Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco, who has helped preserve and revive traditional Inca textiles.
Overnight 
 Hotel
Driving
 3 Hours approx
 Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/-

An exhilarating morning train ride takes us along the Urubamba River, passing between steep slopes on the way to magnificent Machu Picchu. Isolated among mountain peaks, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring sites. The sacred citadel was abandoned by the Inca, reclaimed by the jungle, and lost to history until it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from the National Geographic Society. Discover the mysteries of the “lost city of the Inca” on a guided walk of the citadel and then check in to our incredible lodge overlooking the ruins—the only accommodation adjacent to Machu Picchu. This afternoon, return to the site to explore with a guide and see the Inca Bridge, built on a stone path that the Inca cut into a sheer cliff face. Watch twilight descend on Machu Picchu after the crowds have disappeared, and soak up the quiet enchantment of this legendary site.

Overnight  
 Hotel
Driving
 3 Hours approx
 Tours/Hiking
 3 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/-

At sunrise, hike up to the Sun Gate, the final checkpoint of the Inca Trail, and watch day break over the timeless ruins of Machu Picchu. Spend the rest of this morning wandering through the site on your own. After lunch, board the train back to the Sacred Valley. Continue to Cusco, a city of astonishing charm and beauty that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Our home here is an exquisite 16th-century monastery just steps from the city square. Take a stroll in the elegant arcaded courtyard and admire the 16th-century antiques and paintings decorating the halls before a special dinner with opera singers in the vaulted dining room.
Overnight  
 Hotel
Driving
 5 Hours approx
 Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/-/-

Immerse yourself in the rich legacy of the Inca and Spanish during a full day of exploration in Cusco. Marvel at the colossal stone boulders that form the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress, the site of one of the bloodiest battles during the Spanish conquest. Visit the Coricancha, the “Golden Temple” of the Incas, located at the symbolic heart of their empire. Afterward, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, either wandering the charming streets of this historic city or relaxing at our elegant.
Overnight   
 Hotel
 Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours

 Meals
 B/L/D

Driving
 5 Hours approx

After our flight back to Lima, we’ll visit the renowned Museo Larco, home to the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art. We’ll then witness the changing of the guard at the Plaza Mayor before gathering for a farewell lunch at Casa Aliaga, a charming colonial-era home. Later, we’ll check in to our hotel, beautifully situated on the waterfront in the upscale Miraflores district, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring at your leisure.

Overnight  
 Hotel
Driving
 3 Hours approx
 Tours/Hiking
 4 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/-/-

northeast of the city. This scenic 8-hour drive offers breathtaking views of the Callejón de Huaylas. Huaraz serves as the gateway to the Huayhuash Circuit Trek, the Cordillera Blanca, and Huascarán National Park. You can choose between public or private bus options for this journey. We will stay at Hotel Rubi*, conveniently located in the heart of Huaraz.

Overnight  
 Hotel
Driving
 8 Hours approx
 Tours/Hiking
 1 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/-/-

Take a relaxing break in Huaraz with various options to unwind. Enjoy a spa day with massages, laundry services, or indulge in a delicious traditional meal in the city. For a scenic experience, you can take a taxi to the Rataquenua viewpoint for breathtaking views. Alternatively, try rock climbing near Huaraz or visit the soothing thermal baths to relax and rejuvenate.

Overnight  
 Hotel
Driving
 8 Hours approx
 Tours/Hiking
 1 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/-/-

Drive to Pitec: Depart from Huaraz in the morning, heading towards the village of Pitec (about 1.5 hours). Hike to Churup Lake: Begin the hike, ascending through scenic forest trails and rocky terrain, to the stunning turquoise Churup Lake. The hike offers beautiful views of waterfalls and the surrounding mountains. Return to Huaraz: After enjoying the lake and its surroundings, return to Pitec and drive back to Huaraz in the late afternoon.

Overnight  
 Hotel
Driving
 3 Hours approx
 Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/-

Today is another acclimatization day. It is critical to acclimatize well at the beginning of the trip. This gives you a better experience and enjoyment going to higher altitudes. We will head out again from Huaraz. We will also take private transport towards the valley Santa River, pass the village of Yungay driving via Quebrada Llanganuco and Cruze Celbollapampa 3,850m/ 12,631 feet. From here we will hike up to Luguna 69 4,650m/ 15,256 feet for some amazing viewing before head back to Huaraz for another night in the hotel.

Overnight  
 Hotel
Driving
 6 Hours approx
 Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/-

Today, we begin our incredible journey into the Huayhuash region. Departing from Huaraz, we’ll transfer to the trailhead. While we won’t be trekking today, it’s a relaxed day as we drive for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to our campsite. Our first stop will be Camp Matacancha at 4,150m / 13,615 feet, where we’ll meet the rest of our expedition team, including the donkey driver and his team of donkeys and horses, who will carry our equipment for the rest of the journey.

Overnight  
 Camping
Driving
 4 Hours approx
 Tours/Hiking
 1 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/D

We’ll rise early for breakfast, then pack up and prepare as our Huayhuash Circuit trek begins. The breathtaking mountain views at camp will inspire excitement for the adventure ahead. From Matacancha, we’ll embark on a steep ascent to the stunning Cacanampunta Pass at 4,700m / 15,420 feet, before descending to the serene Laguna Mitucocha at 4,300m / 14,107 feet, where we’ll camp for the night. Today’s trek will be approximately 4 hours of walking.
Overnight   
 Camping  
 Tours/Hiking
 6 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/D

We’ll begin the day early with breakfast, then set off towards the Punta Carhuac Pass at 4,640m / 15,256 feet. Today, we follow the Quebrada Caliente until we begin the challenging ascent to the second pass, Carhuac Pass, at 4,650m / 15,255 feet. Our efforts are rewarded with stunning views of the towering peaks of Yerupaja (6,634m / 21,765ft) and Siula Grande (6,344m / 20,813ft). We’ll continue along dirt trails to the top of the pass, where we’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of glaciers flowing down majestic rock walls. Siula Grande is famously known for the harrowing mountaineering story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, recounted in the book and film Touching the Void.

After reaching the pass, we’ll descend into a grassy valley, offering even more breathtaking views of the towering peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash, each more spectacular than the last. Our day will culminate with a camp at the shimmering, turquoise Lake Carhuacocha (4,150m / 13,615ft), with the mighty Yerupaja and Jirishanca peaks towering in the background. This lake provides incredible photo opportunities, as its still waters perfectly mirror the snow-capped mountains above. Today’s trek will take 6-7 hours of walking.
Overnight   
 Camping
 Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/D

Today, we embark on an unforgettable trek towards the majestic Siula Pass at 4,950m / 16,240 feet, one of the highlights of our journey. Along the way, we’ll be surrounded by stunningly colored lakes, nestled at the foot of towering mountains. We’ll take time to appreciate the breathtaking views before continuing on to the serene Laguna Quesillococha Huayhuash at 4,450m / 14,600 feet. Today’s trek will be approximately 6 hours of walking, filled with spectacular landscapes that will leave you in awe.
Overnight   
 Camping
 Tours/Hiking
 9 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/D

From the Huayhuash camp, home to herders of alpacas and vicuñas, we begin our early morning trek. Our first challenge is the Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass at 4,750m / 15,583ft, which offers stunning panoramic views of remote peaks such as Puscanturpa, Cuyoc, and Millpo, located to the southeast in the Cordillera Raura. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we’ll continue to the village of Viconga, at 4,400m / 14,436ft, where we’ll set up camp for the night. To relax and rejuvenate after today’s trek, we’ll soak in the natural hot springs before settling in for the evening. Today’s walking time is approximately 4 hours.
Overnight   
 Camping
 Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/D

Today, we bid farewell to this beautiful campsite and embark on a day filled with exciting options. Our goal is to reach either Elefante Camp at 4,450m / 14,600ft or Huanacpatay at 4,350m / 14,271ft. Along the way, we aim to experience the awe-inspiring Nevado Pumarinri, standing tall at 5,465m / 17,930ft, the highest point of the entire Huayhuash Circuit trek. From the pass, we’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the towering peaks of Huayhuash to the north and the Raura peaks to the south. Additionally, the striking glacier of Puscanturpa (5,650m / 18,536ft) will complete this truly unforgettable experience. As we descend from the pass, we’ll make our way to the Quebrada Huanactapay to set up camp. This will be a long and challenging day of walking and climbing, lasting approximately 9 to 11 hours.
Overnight   
 Camping
 Tours/Hiking
 1 Hours approx tours
 Climbing
 9 hours approx
 Meals
 B/-/-

After a restful night and energized by some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world, we rise early to continue our journey. Today offers a more relaxed day of hiking, as we make our way downhill through a beautiful valley towards the village of Huayllapa at 3,600m / 11,811ft. From there, we gradually ascend a narrow valley, heading towards the pastures and trekking onwards to Huatiac Camp at 4,290m / 14,075ft. This will be a scenic and moderate day of hiking, taking approximately 4-5 hours.
Overnight   
 Camping
 Tours/Hiking
 6 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/D 

Another exciting day awaits as we journey toward the glacier at the end of the valley. After departing Huatiac Camp in the morning, we continue our trek, crossing the Tapush Pass at 4,800m / 15,748ft. Upon reaching the pass, we descend and set up camp at Gashgapampa at 4,500m / 14,763ft. Today’s hike will take approximately 9 hours, offering magnificent views and an unforgettable experience.
Overnight   
 Camping
 Tours/Hiking
 5 Hours approx tours
 Meals
 B/L/D

After a restful night at Camp Jahuacocha, we begin the day with a scenic trek to the Jahuapunta Pass at 4,650m / 15,255ft. The path offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Once we reach the pass, we descend towards the village of Pocpa at 3,600m / 11,811ft, immersing ourselves in the tranquil beauty of rural Andean life. From Pocpa, we transfer back to Huaraz at 3,100m / 10,170ft, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible journey through the Huayhuash region.
Overnight   
 Hotel  
 Tours/Hiking
 6 Hours approx tours
 Driving
 4 hours approx
 Meals
 B/L/-

Today is a rest day in Huaraz, offering the option to enjoy rock climbing at the renowned Chancos walls. Alternatively, you can unwind at the hot springs or simply relax and explore the charming town of Huaraz at your own pace.
Overnight   
 Hotel  
 Tours/Hiking
 2 Hours approx tours
 Driving
 3 hours approx
 Meals
 -/-/-

You will depart from Huaraz to Lima, with the option to take a scenic 8-hour bus journey or a convenient 1-hour domestic flight. Upon arrival in Lima in the afternoon, you will be transferred to Hotel Kamana for one last night in Peru.
Overnight   
 Hotel
 Tours/Hiking
 1 Hours approx tours
 Driving
 8 hours approx

 Fligh
 1 hours approx
 Meals
 B/-/-

Lima to the Airport: On your final day in Peru, indulge in some last-minute shopping or unwind and savor the vibrant atmosphere of the city. In the afternoon, you will be privately transferred to the airport for your departure, marking the end of a memorable journey and your return flight home. 
Overnight   
 Plane/Fligh 
 Tours/Hiking
 No tours
 Driving
 2 hours approx
 Meals
 B/-/-