Big Five Trek’s Peru
Trek Peru’s ancient trails the Big Five way, an exhilarating journey through the country’s heartland! where the vibrant district of Miraflores sets the stage for your adventure. From rustic charm at Puqio Camp in Colca Canyon in the Sacred Valley, each day unveils new wonders. Explore ancient ruins, hike to Machu Picchu via the scenic Inka Trail, and cap it off with culinary delights in Cusco. Prepare to see and feel Peru like never before!
Peru
Price starts at Call for Rates Land per person, per day, double occupancy.
15
Day 1- Arrive Lima, Peru
Welcome to Peru!
Lima Airport to Fausto Hotel Transfer
Upon arrival at the Lima International Airport, proceed through Customs and Immigration; once cleared, collect your luggage and take the left exit gate to the main lobby of the airport, where you will be met by a Big Five Representative who will be waiting for you with a sign indicating your last name. You will be welcomed, assisted, and privately transferred to your hotel in Miraflores.
True to the spirit of the house, Fausto Hotel warmly welcomes guests to spoil them as lifelong friends. Nestled on a charming tree-lined street, is a heaven in bustling Lima. Only a short walk away from the ocean’s edge, this hideaway finds its place in one of Lima’s liveliest districts. Miraflores is a neighborhood steeped in history and heritage that also boasts energy and life. It’s often referred to as the crossroads of tradition and modernity, where travelers and locals meet.
Fausto Hotel
Day 2 -Lima-Arequipa-Colca Canyon-Yanque-Puqio
Journey to Puqio Camp: Discovering Colca Canyon’s Rustic Charm and Natural Wonders
In the early morning, you’ll be transported to the airport for your flight to Arequipa.
Arrive at Arequipa airport where you are met by our local representative. Immediately board a private vehicle with a tour guide to Puqio Camp at Colca Canyon.
The only camp of its kind in Peru, Puqio redefines rustic charm and retreat. Canvas tents harken back to times of remote exploration, while earthen adobe rooms blend harmoniously into the surrounding high desert landscape. Here, each detail–from the hot tubs to the organic amenities and bedding–has been carefully curated for whole-person wellness, where guided excursions are bookended by personal reflection and setting a mere conduit for contemplation. A place where you finally have the time to slow down and rediscover the allure of simplicity, whether that means putting pen to paper or learning to identify unique birdsong.
On the journey from Arequipa to Puqio 5 hours approx. You will detour to visit the quarries of Añashuayco, where the sillar originated. There will be an opportunity to interact with some quarry workers who still practice this ancestral craft passed down through generations. Continuing the expedition towards Puqio you pass through the Salinas reserve, where you can observe Andean camelids such as vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. At the journey’s highest point, at 4890 meters, you can appreciate the Ubinas, Misti, Chachani, Ampato, Sabancaya, and Misti volcanoes. You will arrive and check in at your accommodations.
In the afternoon, a short drive by private vehicle to the town of Coporaque to enjoy a bath in the pools offered by the community or other nearby hot springs. You will have private space. This activity can be enjoyed individually or as an extension of various activities or excursions in different locations. Return to Puqio Camp.
Puqio Camp (B/L/D)
Day 3: Puqio-Cruz Del Condor-Uyo Uyo-Puqio
La Cruz del Condor
The excursion begins promptly at very early in the morning, setting off in a private vehicle towards La Cruz del Cura, where breathtaking vistas of the Colca Canyon await. From this point; moderate hike for about 30 minutes to La Cruz del Condor (1 mile) at 12,000 feet. Arrive to La Cruz del Condor and enjoy the flight of the Andean Condor in this spectacular place. After this magical fly of the condor, you continue the route to Uyo Uyo,
Uyo Uyo is an archaeological site 2km away from Yanque’s main square and across the river from PUQIO. On the way there (by car or walking), you’ll get the chance to observe the beautiful landscape around the camp from the other side of the river. This complex built by the Kollawa culture is situated halfway up the hill and features traditional constructions made of plastered rock walls.
Additionally Guided visit by car to visit the Weaverss and Artisans associations of producers and recognized artisans in the area. Some of the products you will see are looms, weavings, embroideries, ceramicists, etc Late afternoon return to Puqio Camp.
Hiking distance: 1 mile
Hiking time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Altitude: 12,000 feet
Puqio Camp – (B/L/D)
Day 4: Puqio Lodge-Arequipa-Cusco- Sacred Valley
Begin with an early morning drive back (4 hours approx.) to Arequipa airport for the afternoon flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, our dedicated team will greet you and transfer you to Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley) where your luxurious hotel awaits. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of this ancient land as you check in and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
Andenia is a hotel created for the sophisticated traveler who seeks an authentic connection with the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Set in extensive gardens, our rooms are created with casual and effortless comfort that respects its environment and speaks luxury with its every detail.
Andenia Hotel – (B)
Day 5: Sacred Valley
Maras & Moray
Later today, explore Moray, an intriguing site featuring a series of circular Inca terraces embedded into the earth. Often dubbed the “Greenhouse of the Incas” by locals, historians speculate it served as an agricultural research center. As you descend each layer, so does the temperature. The Incas may have used Moray mainly to test and develop new crops.
Next, proceed to the Moray ruins. Your guide will lead you through these ancient structures, providing insights into their purpose and significance
It is said that the ancient agricultural terraces of circular and concentric shape, which were built by the Incas, were used as a seed-producing area for the principal crops of the empire: maize and potato. Indulge in a special deluxe picnic lunch, complete with breathtaking views of the majestic Andes Mountains.
Later, explore the ancient Maras Salt Mines with your guide, who will explain the salt-draining process. You may even have the opportunity to try making salt yourself. Then, embark on an optional descent into the Sacred Valley, navigating a narrow path, walking very cautiously while keeping an eye out for the Cara Cara, a distinctive Andean a typical mountain bird and a member of the falcon family. While the path, which runs alongside a gorge, takes you down to the Urubamba River.
Andenia Hotel – (B,Picnic Lunch)
Day 6: Sacred Valley- Marampata
Choquequirao Experience
Today before dawn, you will driven to the Capuliyoc, a 4-hour transfer where your porters will wait for you with the horses. In Capuliyoc at 2,800 m.a.s.l. , is where breakfast awaits and where your backpacks will be packed by your porters, (each passenger has the option of sending the weight of 7 kilograms or 15 pounds of luggage on the horses). This marks the beginning of your your walk, you will arrive at the viewpoint where you can observe the Vilcabamba mountain range with its impressive glaciers, the Apurímac river with its canyon, and its incredible panorama. For the first two and a half hours you will descend by a zig-zag road to the hamlet of Chiquisca 1,800 masl where you will have a traditional lunch. Continue descending for 50 more minutes until you reach the bridge of Playa Rosalina at 1,500 m.a.s.l., the lowest point. After crossing the bridge you will start the ascent for 2 1/2 hours until you reach Santa Rosa and then another 3 hours until you reach Marampata at 2,900 m.a.s.l. , approximate time of arrival will be in the evening staying at Glamping Choquequirao Sanctuary Lodge
Distance: 16 km./10 miles
Climate: warm and sunny.
Walking time: 6 hours.
Minimum altitude: 1,500 masl Playa Rosalina.
Maximum altitude: 2,900 masl Marampata.
Difficulty: Demanding
Choquequirao Sanctuary Lodge at Marampata – Tent (B,L,D)
Day 7: Marampata-Choquequirao-Marampata
Early this morning you will be awakened by the songs of the birds while sipping on hot cocoa tea and a typical breakfast before venturing on a two hour guided walking tour along beautiful paths with incredible views of the archaeological site of Choquequirao (2900 masl), and canyons. Your guide will be sharing stories of their rich culture and incredible history of this place, also known as the last city of the last Incas, afterwards visiting the main square, the terraces of lamas.
Early afternoon lunch will be prepared and brought to you by your chef at Choquequirao. Allowing time for a short rest before continuing onto your next visit to the astronomer’s house where probably if you are lucky you can observe the condor flying through the Andean sky, also visiting the platforms and waterfalls of Pacchayoc, a place where you will be in contact with nature. Finally, you will return to Marampata, later this evening where dinner will be awaiting prepared by your chef.
Distance: 15 km 9 miles
Climate: Temperate and cold.
Walking time: 7 hours.
Minimum altitude: 2,900 m.a.s. Marampata.
Maximum altitude: 2,900 m.a.s. Choquequirao.
Difficulty: Demanding
Choquequirao Sanctuary Loge at Marampata – Tent (B,L,D)
Day 8: Marampata-Chiquisca-Capuliyoc-Sacred Valley
Arise very early this morning, to prepare for a 2.5-hour downhill walk.to reach first the Rosalina Beach Bridge (1,500 masl), then you will climb for 50 minutes to Chiquisca (1,800 msnm), where you will have breakfast.
After recharging energies in Chiquisca, you will return along the same path until you reach Capuliyoc (2,800 m.a.s.l.). From chiquisca it will be a hard stretch because of the temperature when the sun sets. In Capuliyoc you will have lunch, where the transport will also be waiting for you to return to the hotel in the Valley on a 4-hour trip.
Distance: 16 km.
Climate: Tempered-Warm.
Walking time: 6 hours.
Minimum altitude: 1,500 meters above sea level Rosalina Beach.
Maximum altitude: 2,900 m.a.s.Marampata ..
Difficulty: Demanding.
Andenia Hotel – (B,L)
Day 9: Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu
Short Inka Trail-Machu Picchu
Early this morning you will be transferred to Ollanta station to board the Vistadome train.
After a 1 hour and 10-minute ride on the train, you arrive at 104 kilometers, this place is also known as Chachamba and is at 2,100m/6,927ft) between Cusco – Machu Picchu train road, where you will begin the Inka Trail. Here you´ll pass by the first checkpoint “Chachabamba”. Then, you start a moderate climb for three hours to the magnificent archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna (Young Forever) (2,650m/8747ft). Once you arrive you may enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Canyon and the sacred river of Vilcanota, stunning Inca sites, and the connection with the traditional four-day Inka Trail.
After you have had time to enjoy this beautiful sight, you continue your hike to Inti Punku “Sun Gate” (2,730mts/9,007ft). From there you will have the first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance and majestic monumentality. After enjoying the view, you walk downhill for about one hour to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Once there you will visit one of the most important mystic centers of the world: Machu Picchu
A 2-hour guided tour takes you into the fascinating history of this mysterious Inca city
Later you head down to your nice hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 10: Machu Picchu-Cusco
After breakfast, you may witness a breathtaking sunrise in Machu Picchu and enjoy this amazing place for a second time. For the most adventurous ones, we suggest going up the Huayna Picchu Mountain from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant. It’s an exciting adventure for travelers who want to see, from the top, nature and the carved stone emerging from the ground. Less demanding and beautiful hikes are also available such as the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge.
After lunch at MP Sanctuary Lodge board the Vistadome Valley train back to the Sacred Valley and continue by road all the way to your hotel in Cusco.
Inkaterra La Casona is in the traditional Plaza de las Nazarenas, surrounded by vibrant, cobblestoned streets. This 16th-century manor house stands on the training grounds for an elite army of Incas and had Spanish Conquistador Diego de Almagro and ‘Libertador’ Simón Bolívar among its illustrious guests. After being harmoniously restored by Inkaterra throughout five years, emphasizing its original architecture, Inkaterra La Casona reflects the encounter of cultures and traditions across centuries. Surrounding the main patio, its 11 suites are provided with chimneys, heated floors, and extra-large bathtubs. Its halls are decorated with colonial furniture, pre-Columbian textiles, and original murals.
Inkaterra La Casona- Suite Balcon (B)
Day 11: Cusco
Visit Cusco
This morning you will discover Cusco City, which was the capital of the vast and impressive Inca Civilization. Explore the Qorikancha or Sun Temple, now is referred to as Santo Domingo Church. The curved stonework of the temple is probably unequalled in the world which probably was covered with gold during the Inca period. Then, visit the impressive archaeological sites around the city: Saqsayhuaman, an Inca complex with huge stone constructions, where the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun is held every June. Sacsayhuaman has great cosmic energy – that is why people think it was an astronomic observatory and an Inca oracle. Explore also Q’enqo, a place used for ceremonial purposes, fertility rites, and celebrations of the solstice and equinox. Once back to the city, visit the very colorful San Pedro market and finally proceed to San Blas, the Artisans’ Neighborhood of narrow and high streets, visit its beautiful little plaza and discover unique workshops.
Afternoon at leisure
Inkaterra La Casona – Suite Balcon(B)
Day 12: Cusco-Rainbow Mountain-Cusco
Early this morning, the guide will pick you up at your hotel. After you board the private vehicle with a private guide, you will go to Cusipata on a 3-hour drive where you will have a delicious breakfast and the chance to stop for some pictures, relax a little, and stretch your legs. After stopping at Cusipata, you will continue until the starting spot call (Chillihuani). Your guide will organize everything before starting your hike. Then, you will start your journey to the famous Rainbow Mountain. There is 2.1 Miles (3.5 km) of trekking. First, you will go uphill, followed by some flats and uplands that will take you to your goal called Rainbow Mountain, located at 17,125 ft (5,220 m), where you will enjoy the spectacular panoramic views across the ancient valleys of Ausangate. You will enjoy good lookouts and stop and see wild Llamas, Alpacas, and Vicuñas. After this significant time, you will turn back on the same trail; this time will be easier because most of the path is easy sailing—downhill! (1 hour) Or downhill to the Red Valley (Valle rojo) (2 hrs) then you will board your private car and enjoy the drive back to Cusipata, you will have lunch; then, you will take your transportation back to your Cusco hotel. Arriving in Cusco late afternoon.
Hiking distance: 3.5 km/2.1 miles
Hiking time: 1 hour approx..
Difficulty Levels: Demanding
Altitude: 5,220 meters /17,125 feet
Inkaterra La Casona- Suite Balcon (B)
Day 13: Cusco
Culinary Experience
An early evening exploring the streets of Cusco Sample Peruvian Street food and appetizers alongside drinks pairing at three restaurants during this chef-lead tour in the historic center.
Learn about the ingredients and traditional Peruvian dishes including dessert throughout the tour (3 hours approx..)
Inkaterra La Casona Suite Balcon (B,D)
Day 14: Cusco-Waqrapukara-Cusco
Today it is necessary to leave very early in the morning, for a private deluxe vehicle trip to the Acomayo district, until finally arriving at Cocha 4000m / 13123f, where the 2½-hour hike to Waqrapukara will begin. The geography is rugged with incredible natural rock formations and small lagoons, where you can observe the wild fauna of the place, such as condors, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, wild horses, and wild ducks
During this hike, you can see a lot of flora and fauna typical of the area to reach your destination Waqrapukara, where you will have a guided tour visiting the following places: Intipunku (Sun Gate), main square, towers, terraces, Wiracocha enclosure and cave paintings with representation of flames. Box lunch will be provided.
The archaeological complex is located sinuously along a rocky promontory, built around two horn-shaped mountain peaks, the site has eight Inca terraces with retaining walls and stone stairs.
It will take three hours of walking back along an old road to the town of Waqui, before finding your private deluxe vehicle that will take you back to the city of Cusco.
Hiking distance: 12 Km. / 6.4 miles.
Hiking time: 6½ to 7 hours approximately.
Difficulty Levels: 3 of 5
Maximum Altitude: 4400 masl. / 14.436 ft.
Return to your Cusco hotel around late afternoon.
Later this evening, there will be a briefing with your guide to discuss the upcoming Choquequirao experience scheduled for the next day.
Inkaterra La Casona -Suite Balcon (B,Box Lunch)
Day 15: Cusco-Lima /Depart
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight from Cusco to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, our team will meet you to assist with check-in for your flight back home.
(B)
Price quotes are in USD, per person, per day, land only.
*Please call for rates