WALKING PERU 12D

Lima, Cusco, Camino Inca, Cusco, Puno

A journey through time and nature, discovering the essence of Peru with every step.

This program has been designed for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the history, culture and most sublime landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, combining unforgettable hikes with stays in first-class accommodations, where rest and comfort complement each day’s journey. From vibrant Lima to the sacred heights of Machu Picchu, passing through the legendary Inca Trail and the mystical waters of Lake Titicaca, this experience is a tribute to ancestral Peru, created for those who wish to feel, along every path, the strength of history and the beauty of the present.

Highlights

Authentic Inca Trail – 4 days of trekking along the ancestral route with comfortable campsites and premium logistics.
Machu Picchu at Sunrise – Entrance through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and private guided exploration.
Luxury Train and Bus Journey to Puno – Panoramic travel along the Route of the Sun, with cultural stops in Andahuaylillas and Raqchi.

Exclusive Lake Titicaca Experience – Private navigation to Uros and Taquile with meaningful interaction alongside local communities.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley – In-depth exploration of the Imperial City, Pisaq and Ollantaytambo through unique cultural experiences.
High-End Accommodations – Boutique hotels in Cusco and Puno, gourmet gastronomy and personalized service.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Welcome to Lima – The City of Kings

walking Peru Lima Your first encounter with Peru begins in its vibrant capital. Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, you will be welcomed and privately transferred to the district of Miraflores, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the horizon. Your hotel, carefully selected for its comfort and privileged location, will become an oasis of rest after your journey.

In the afternoon, we will immerse ourselves in Lima’s history through a guided visit that takes us from the elegance of its historic center — declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site — to the modern beauty of its coastline. We will stroll through the majestic Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the Church of San Francisco, where we will descend into its enigmatic catacombs. To conclude the day, we will enjoy a welcome dinner at an exclusive oceanfront restaurant, where Peruvian gastronomy offers the perfect introduction to the country’s extraordinary cultural diversity.

📍 Accommodation in Lima | Meals: Dinner

Day 2 | Flight to Cusco – Imperial City and Cradle of the Incas

walking Peru sacsayhuaman We bid farewell to the coast as we fly toward Cusco, the jewel of the Andes, where the air is infused with history and tradition. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed and transferred to our boutique hotel, a charming and comfortable retreat ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude.

The afternoon invites us to enjoy a leisurely exploration of the city. We will walk through its stone streets, where every Inca wall tells stories of a glorious past. We will visit the Temple of the Sun, Qoricancha, whose fusion of Inca and colonial architecture stands as a testament to the meeting of two worlds. Later, we will explore the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, where artisans bring their creations to life in small workshops hidden among cobblestone streets.

The evening will be free to enjoy Cusco’s mystical atmosphere, with recommended options for savoring a traditional dinner.

📍 Accommodation in Cusco | Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 | Exploring the Sacred Heights – Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay

walking Peru cusco The morning begins with a gentle walk toward Sacsayhuamán, the imposing ceremonial fortress that watches over the city from above. Its cyclopean walls will amaze us not only because of their scale, but also for the extraordinary precision of their construction, a lasting legacy of Inca engineering.

From there, we will continue toward Q’enqo, an ancient sanctuary carved into the rock that once served as a sacred ceremonial site. Later, we will visit Puca Pucara, the red fortress that stands like a sentinel in the Andes, before arriving at Tambomachay, a site dedicated to water and purification rituals.

In the afternoon, we return to Cusco to enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel or at one of the recommended restaurants.

📍 Accommodation in Cusco | Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 | Journey into the Sacred Valley – Paths among Terraces and Ancestral Communities

walking Peru Ollantaytambo Today we leave Cusco behind to venture into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will travel along a panoramic route leading us to Pisaq, where we will visit its artisan market and remarkable archaeological site, from which the agricultural terraces descend harmoniously along the mountainside.

After lunch at a traditional hacienda surrounded by cornfields and breathtaking Andean views, we will continue toward Ollantaytambo, a village that still preserves its original Inca urban design. We will explore its fortress and stone streets before settling into our hotel, where we can rest and prepare for the great journey that awaits us.

📍 Accommodation in the Sacred Valley | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 | Beginning the Ancestral Journey – From Piscacucho to Wayllabamba

walking Peru Inca Trail Today marks the beginning of our great journey along the legendary Inca Trail, a sacred route once traveled by ancient pilgrims on their way to Machu Picchu. We rise early and, after a revitalizing breakfast, head toward the starting point at Piscacucho (Kilometer 82), where our guides will provide final instructions and review the equipment before we cross the first suspension bridge over the Urubamba River.

Our first steps lead us along a gentle trail bordering the valley, accompanied by the sound of the river and the majestic flight of condors occasionally soaring overhead. The vegetation gradually transforms as we ascend gently toward Miskay, a small community where we will pause briefly to regain our energy. From here, a more demanding hike takes us to our first archaeological site, Llactapata, a hidden citadel nestled among the mountains, whose agricultural terraces descend like green stairways toward the river.

After a countryside lunch surrounded by panoramic views, we continue ascending along a winding trail until reaching Wayllabamba, a small valley covered in lush vegetation where we will spend our first night camping. Dinner, prepared by our mountain chefs, will comfort us as the stars begin to appear across the Andean sky, shining with a unique intensity untouched by light pollution.

📍 Accommodation at the Wayllabamba campsite | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner q

Day 6 | The Ultimate Challenge – Ascent to Warmiwañusca Pass

walking Peru Inca Trail The day begins with the first rays of sunlight filtering through the snow-capped peaks, announcing the most challenging stage of our journey. A nourishing breakfast prepares us for the ascent to Warmiwañusca Pass, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,215 meters above sea level.

As we move forward, the landscape changes dramatically. The valley’s vegetation gives way to a more alpine ecosystem, with hillsides covered in ichu, the resilient grass of the Andes. The air becomes thinner and every step demands greater effort, yet the steady pace, strategic pauses and determination will guide us toward the summit.

Upon reaching the summit, the sense of accomplishment is indescribable. From this natural viewpoint, the valleys unfold in every direction while the cold wind brushes against our faces in a silent tribute to the travelers who have walked this path for centuries.

After celebrating this achievement, we begin a steep descent toward Pacaymayo, our campsite for the second night. Along the way, the flora changes once again, and the first signs of the cloud forest begin to emerge. A warm dinner awaits us, and beneath the star-filled sky, we will share stories and reflections about the extraordinary journey we have experienced.

📍 Accommodation at the Pacaymayo campsite | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 | Journey Among Ruins – The Sacred Path of the Incas

walking Peru Inca Trail The third day of the Inca Trail is, without a doubt, the most beautiful and fascinating. After a comforting breakfast, we bid farewell to the campsite and begin a new ascent toward Runkurakay Pass (3,950 meters), where we encounter the remains of an ancient Inca watchpost. From here, the trail leads us along a perfectly preserved stone pathway winding through the mountains and, in certain stretches, passing through tunnels carved into the rock by the ancient Incas.

Soon we arrive at Sayacmarca, a citadel perched upon a cliff with spectacular views over the surrounding valleys. Its stone walls, terraces and ceremonial structures tell stories of a time when Inca priests and wise men performed sacred rituals here.

The landscape continues to transform. The route leads us deeper into the cloud forest, where trees covered in moss and orchids intertwine to form natural tunnels. Here, the air becomes more humid, birdsong accompanies our steps and a sense of mystery surrounds the trail.

By midday, we arrive at Phuyupatamarca, “The City Above the Clouds,” where we will enjoy lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery: Inca terraces emerge through the mist while, in the distance, snow-capped peaks appear to float upon the horizon.

The afternoon descent leads us to Wiñay Wayna, an impressive Inca complex with perfectly aligned agricultural terraces and a small waterfall that brings life to the surroundings. Here we will spend our final night at camp, enjoying a special dinner to celebrate the completion of our journey before the grand arrival at Machu Picchu.

📍 Accommodation at the Wiñay Wayna campsite | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 | Sunrise at Machu Picchu – The End and the Beginning

walking Peru Inca Trail We awaken before sunrise, with excitement pulsing in our hearts. Today is the day we cross the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and witness the majesty of Machu Picchu for the very first time.

The trail is short yet filled with anticipation. Every step brings us closer to the culminating moment of the journey. When we finally arrive at Inti Punku, the sun begins to illuminate the mountains, slowly revealing the citadel hidden within the morning mist. It is a magical moment, an indescribable reward after four days of trekking.

From the Sun Gate, we descend toward the citadel and begin our guided exploration. We discover its temples, plazas and viewpoints while our guide reveals the secrets of its architecture, rituals and connection to the Andean worldview.

After the visit, we descend to Aguas Calientes for a celebratory lunch at a gourmet restaurant, where we toast to the accomplishment we have achieved. Later, we board the train back to Cusco, where a well-deserved rest awaits us in a boutique hotel in the heart of the imperial city.

📍 Accommodation in Cusco | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 | The Triumphant Return to Cusco – Rest and Celebration in the Imperial City

walking Peru Cusco We awaken in the magical city of Cusco with our souls filled with emotion and gratitude for the journey experienced along the Inca Trail. The city welcomes us with its cobblestone streets, its fresh air infused with history and the warmth of its people.

After a restorative breakfast at our boutique hotel, the morning will be free to rest or stroll at our own pace through the city’s plazas and markets. This is the perfect moment to enjoy a coffee on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, admire the colonial architecture or explore the artisan workshops of San Blas, where the region’s finest goldsmiths and weavers display their creations.

At midday, we gather for a special lunch at one of Cusco’s most exclusive restaurants, where Peruvian cuisine blends harmoniously with Andean ingredients. Dishes such as lomo saltado, Andean trout crusted with quinoa or rocoto relleno with huacatay cream will delight us, accompanied by a fine wine or a signature pisco sour.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy a more relaxed cultural experience with a visit to the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, where each exhibited piece transports us into the worldview of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the Andes.

The evening will be free, with recommendations for enjoying a light dinner or perhaps a cocktail at an elegant lounge overlooking the illuminated city at night.

📍 Accommodation in Cusco | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 10 | Journey to Puno – Crossing the Heights of the Altiplano

walking Peru Route of the Sun Today we leave Cusco behind and embark on a panoramic journey toward Puno, crossing the spectacular landscapes of the Andean highlands. This route, known as the Route of the Sun, takes us through valleys, snow-capped peaks and communities that have preserved their traditions for centuries.

The luxury train journey allows us to travel in complete comfort, enjoying privileged views through expansive windows while savoring a gourmet lunch onboard. Along the way, we make stops at emblematic sites:

Andahuaylillas, where we visit the so-called “Sistine Chapel of America,” a baroque temple whose frescoes and gilded altarpieces are true jewels of colonial art.
Raqchi, where the remains of the majestic Temple of Wiracocha rise proudly, a ceremonial site dedicated to the supreme Inca deity.
La Raya, the highest point of our journey (4,335 meters), where we pause to admire the snow-capped mountains framing the horizon and feel the vastness of the Andean plateau.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Puno, on the shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and cradle of ancient myths and legends. We settle into a lakeside hotel, where the serenity of the landscape invites us to a night of complete rest.

📍 Accommodation in Puno | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 | Lake Titicaca – Uros and Taquile Islands, Where Time Stands Still

walking Peru Titicaca We awaken to the golden light of sunrise reflecting upon the waters of Lake Titicaca, a serene spectacle that seems to suspend time itself. After breakfast featuring local products, we board our private boat to begin the exploration of this mystical lake.

Our first stop is at the floating islands of the Uros, a world entirely built upon reed platforms, where this community has preserved its ancestral way of life for centuries. Here, we learn about their extraordinary ability to adapt to nature, navigate aboard a traditional reed boat and share meaningful moments with the local inhabitants.

Later, we continue toward Taquile Island, a place where textile traditions are recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We walk along trails leading to natural viewpoints with breathtaking views over the lake and, in the village’s central square, we witness local weavers working on vibrant looms, creating pieces adorned with Andean symbolism that tells the story of their ancestors.

In the afternoon, we return to Puno, with free time for one final stroll through the city or a light dinner at the hotel while enjoying the tranquility of the lakeshore.

📍 Accommodation in Puno | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 | Farewell – The End of a Great Adventure

Our journey comes to an end, yet the memories of this experience will remain forever engraved in the soul.

After breakfast, we will be transferred to Juliaca Airport for our return flight. Along the way, we will make one final stop at Sillustani, an archaeological site home to the imposing chullpas, funerary towers of the pre-Inca Colla culture, rising like silent witnesses to an enigmatic past.

From above, with panoramic views over Lake Umayo, we bid farewell to the Peruvian Andes, grateful for every trail walked, every story shared and every moment of connection with the culture and nature of this extraordinary country.

With hearts filled with unforgettable memories, we board our flight back home.

📍 Meals: Breakfast

Pricing and Inclusions

NOT INCLUDED

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals not specified
Tips

INCLUDED SERVICES:

Personalized itinerary planning
Peru Ancestral Paths host assistance at every destination
Most meals included in the itinerary
Daily activities and excursions according to the itinerary

ACCOMMODATION:

To ensure maximum comfort throughout your journey, our team carefully selects accommodations ranging from luxury properties to boutique hotels, ensuring that every stay is perfectly suited to you.

Discover Other Personalized Itineraries

From gentle mountain treks to luxury river cruises, each trip is tailor-made to your dreams. Let us inspire you with these itineraries, examples of what your Peru adventure could include

LUXURY TRIP TO MACHU PICCHU

ENJOYING THE TITICACA

PERU AMAZONIAN

Discover itineraries that could inspire your next adventure.

Discover Peru like never before, with luxury and comfort designed just for you.

AtPERU ANCESTRAL PATHS we create trips that celebrate your passion for exploring, connecting you with the culture, nature and tradition of Peru. Every detail is designed to provide you with tranquility, exclusivity and unforgettable experiences. Dare to live a journey that will mark your life.”