From Cusco: 10-Day Adventure – Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Choquequirao Trek, Humantay Lake, Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
Explore Choquequirao, trek to stunning Humantay Lake, and complete the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on this 10-day adventure.
From Cusco: 10-Day Adventure – Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Choquequirao Trek, Humantay Lake, Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
Embark on the ultimate Andean adventure with this 10-Day Trekking Odyssey through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and ancient wonders. Begin your journey in the historic city of Cusco, exploring its cultural and archaeological treasures. Discover the Sacred Valley’s vibrant markets and Inca ruins before setting off on the Choquequirao Trek, a challenging but rewarding expedition to the “sister city” of Machu Picchu.
After immersing yourself in the mystique of Choquequirao, continue to Humantay Lake, a pristine glacial lake nestled beneath towering Andean peaks. From there, embark on the Short Inca Trail, hiking through lush cloud forests and ancient ruins to reach the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and your first view of Machu Picchu. Conclude your odyssey with a guided tour of this legendary citadel, uncovering its fascinating history and architectural marvels.
This well-rounded itinerary combines adventure, culture, and history, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s most iconic sites.
| Departure & Return Location | Cusco Airport or Bus Station (Pickup and drop-off coordination based on your flight or bus details) |
| Departure Time | Flexible, scheduled around your arrival for your convenience |
| Estimated Return Time | Flexible, adjusted to ensure timely arrival for your flight or bus departure in Cusco |
| Guide Languages Available | Guides fluent in English and Spanish |
| Key Attractions | Choquequirao, Humantay Lake, Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and Cusco City Tour |
Cusco Airport – Arrival – City Tour & Nearby Archaeological Sites
Welcome to Cusco! Upon arrival, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, embark on a guided city tour to explore Cusco’s rich history and culture.
Visit the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and nearby archaeological sites, including Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara. These landmarks showcase the grandeur of the Inca civilization and its remarkable engineering.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: None included
Hiking: Light walking
Transport: Approx. 3 hours
Cusco – Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero) – Cusco
Today, dive into the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking beauty and rich history. Begin with a visit to Pisac, where you’ll explore the vibrant artisan market and marvel at the impressive Inca terraces.
Continue to Urubamba for a lunch break (meal not included) before heading to Ollantaytambo to tour its massive fortress and learn about its strategic importance. The day concludes in Chinchero, known for its colonial church and vibrant weaving traditions. Return to Cusco in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: Approx. 2 hours
Transport: Approx. 6 hours
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Santa Rosa (Choquequirao Trek Begins)
Your trekking adventure begins with an early morning drive to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,350ft), where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Apurimac Canyon and surrounding peaks. After breakfast, meet your trekking team and begin the descent into the canyon.
The trail offers incredible views of the Apurimac River and the surrounding landscapes. After several hours of trekking, arrive at Santa Rosa (1,800m/5,906ft) for your first campsite. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the Andean night sky.
Accommodation: Camping in Santa Rosa
Meals: Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 6-7 hours, 15 km
Transport: Approx. 4 hours
Santa Rosa – Choquequirao – Marampata
Wake up to the sounds of nature and begin the day’s ascent to Choquequirao (3,035m/9,957ft). Trek through lush cloud forests and experience breathtaking Andean landscapes.
Upon reaching Choquequirao, explore its archaeological wonders, including terraces, temples, and sacred llama carvings. Your guide will share fascinating insights into its history and spiritual significance. After the tour, descend to Marampata, where you’ll camp for the night.
Accommodation: Camping in Marampata
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 7-8 hours, 10 km
Marampata – Santa Rosa – Chiquisca
After breakfast, retrace your steps through Choquequirao’s trails. Descend to Rosalinas Beach (1,500m/4,921ft), where you can enjoy the soothing sound of the Apurimac River.
Stop at a local hacienda to sample Cambray, a traditional sugarcane spirit, before ascending to Chiquisca (1,800m/5,906ft). Celebrate your trekking achievements over a hearty dinner at the campsite.
Accommodation: Camping in Chiquisca
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 7 hours, 11 km
Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Soraypampa
Conclude your trek with a scenic ascent to Capuliyoc. From here, enjoy the panoramic views of the Apurimac Canyon one last time. After lunch, drive to Soraypampa (3,900m/12,795ft), the basecamp for the Humantay Lake trek.
Settle into your campsite and enjoy a restful evening surrounded by towering Andean peaks. Prepare for tomorrow’s adventure to the dazzling Humantay Lake.
Accommodation: Camping in Soraypampa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 4 hours, 8 km
Transport: Approx. 4-5 hours
Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Ollantaytambo
Begin the day with an early hike to Humantay Lake (4,200m/13,779ft), renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters set against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The 1.5-hour ascent is both challenging and rewarding, offering breathtaking views along the way.
At the lake, take time to soak in its beauty, capture photographs, and learn about its spiritual significance in Andean culture. After descending back to Soraypampa, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before departing for Ollantaytambo.
Arrive in Ollantaytambo in the evening, where you can relax and prepare for the Short Inca Trail trek the following day.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hiking: Approx. 4 hours, 8 km
Transport: Approx. 4 hours
Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Embark on the Short Inca Trail trek, starting with a morning train ride to Kilometer 104. The trail begins with a scenic hike through lush cloud forests and ancient Inca ruins. Along the way, visit Wiñay Wayna, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the trail.
The final stretch leads to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll catch your first awe-inspiring glimpse of Machu Picchu. After a short descent, arrive in Aguas Calientes for a restful evening in preparation for tomorrow’s tour of Machu Picchu.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast and Boxed Lunch
Hiking: Approx. 6 hours
Transport: Approx. 1 hour (train ride)
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco
Start early with a bus ride to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the legendary citadel. Explore key landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana Stone, while your guide shares the site’s history, architecture, and cultural significance.
After the tour, enjoy free time to explore the site further before descending to Aguas Calientes. Board the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer back to Cusco for your final evening in the city.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: Approx. 2 hours (at Machu Picchu)
Transport: Approx. 4 hours
Cusco – Transfer to Airport or Bus Station
On your final day in Cusco, we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport or bus station at the agreed time. Please provide your travel details in advance to ensure a seamless departure.
Take with you unforgettable memories of the Andes, the legacy of the Inca Empire, and the natural wonders of Peru.
Accommodation: None included
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Approx. 30 minutes
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Special Discounts
- Adult (12+ Years): Standard rates apply for travelers over 12 years old.
- Student (-25 Years with Student Card): Save USD 20 with a valid Student Card for those younger than 25 years old.
- Child (3 – 11 Years): Save USD 30 for children between 3 and 11 years old.
- Infant (0 – 2 Years): Infants younger than 2 years old are free (must ride on the adult’s lap; for a separate seat, add them as a child).
- Group Discount: Automatically applied during online booking.
- Save 5% per person for groups of 5-9 people.
- Save 8% per person for groups of 10-14 people.
- Save 10% per person for groups of 15 or more people.
*Please note that the applicable age is considered at the time of completion of the trip.
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Kindly take a moment to read our Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy before booking. Happy adventuring!
Payment Terms
Beginning Your Adventure – Booking Confirmation and Deposit
Your journey starts with a commitment: a 50% deposit of the total tour cost. This initial investment is pivotal in activating the extensive preparatory process, ensuring every aspect of your tour is curated to perfection.
Final Payment: The Last Step Before Your Journey Begins
The remaining 50% of the tour cost is due no later than 30 days before the commencement of your tour. This timely payment is critical to finalize all logistical arrangements, guaranteeing a hassle-free start to your adventure.
Expansive Payment Options for Ease and Flexibility
In line with our commitment to your convenience, Peru Tripper accepts a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and PayPal. Please be aware that additional fees may apply depending on the payment method selected. Detailed payment procedures and potential fees can be found on our dedicated payment page.
Implications of Late Payments – Protecting Your Reservation
Adherence to the payment schedule is crucial. Late payments can unfortunately lead to the cancellation of your reservation, with the deposit being retained as a non-refundable fee. We urge you to maintain timely payments to safeguard your tour plans.
Policy for Last-Minute Adventurers
For those inspired to join this tour on short notice, namely less than 15 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. This ensures that we can expedite all necessary preparations for your inclusion.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Terms for Clients
We recognize that life is ever-changing. However, due to the elaborate planning and expenses involved in preparing for this tour, we maintain a strict no-refund policy after booking confirmation. This underscores the importance of obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, which can offer protection against unforeseen cancellations.
Navigating Unpredictable Circumstances – Force Majeure
In extraordinary situations beyond our control, such as natural disasters or political upheavals, Peru Tripper will strive to offer alternative arrangements. This may include rescheduling your trip or issuing a credit for future travel, based on current availability and discretion.
Navigating Through Force Majeure
In the event of extraordinary and uncontrollable circumstances, such as natural disasters or significant political unrest, Huaynas Expeditions adopts a flexible approach. We prioritize your safety and satisfaction, offering to reschedule your trip or provide a credit for future travel, subject to availability.
Emphasizing the Need for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
To cover unexpected events, including trip disruptions and medical emergencies, we cannot stress enough the importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance. It’s your safety net, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey. Please note, Peru Tripper does not bear responsibility for costs arising from incidents not covered by your travel insurance.
Standard Inclusions
All package options include the following:
Exclusions:
Not included in our standard tour packages. Consider additional costs. Deluxe packages may cover some exclusions, as specified in the Additional Inclusions section.
Additional Inclusions
Deluxe Packages Only
Elevate your travel experience with our bespoke Deluxe Package, meticulously designed to offer an array of premium amenities and services.
Deluxe Packages Include:
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Packing List
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