From Cusco: 11-Day Exploration – Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Choquequirao Trek, Humantay Lake, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
Immerse yourself in the Andes with this 11-day journey featuring Choquequirao, Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
From Cusco: 11-Day Exploration – Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Choquequirao Trek, Humantay Lake, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
Embark on an extraordinary 11-day journey through Peru’s most iconic and awe-inspiring destinations. Begin in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, and explore its rich heritage with visits to ancient ruins and sacred sites. Discover the Sacred Valley, a fertile region filled with vibrant markets and impressive Inca terraces.
Challenge yourself with the thrilling 4-day Choquequirao Trek, a lesser-known but equally stunning counterpart to Machu Picchu. Marvel at the breathtaking Humantay Lake, a glacial wonder nestled among towering Andean peaks. Follow the footsteps of the Incas on the Short Inca Trail, leading you to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.
Complete your adventure with a trek to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain or choose from other curated day tours. This well-paced itinerary combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty, offering an unforgettable Peruvian experience.
| 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 | Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Choquequirao Trek, Humantay Lake, Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain |
Cusco Airport – Arrival – City Tour & Nearby Archaeological Sites
Welcome to Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire! Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, embark on a guided city tour to explore Cusco’s historical landmarks.
Start with the Plaza de Armas and the iconic Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun). Continue to the outskirts of the city to visit Sacsayhuamán fortress, Q’enqo’s ceremonial site, Tambomachay’s water temple, and Puka Pukara. This introductory day helps you acclimate to Cusco’s altitude (3,400m/11,152ft) while delving into its rich history.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: None included
Hiking: Light walking
Transport: Approx. 3 hours
Cusco – Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero) – Cusco
Experience the beauty of the Sacred Valley with a full-day tour. Start with a visit to Pisac, exploring its impressive Inca terraces and bustling artisan market.
Continue to Urubamba, where you’ll have a relaxing lunch (meal not included). Afterward, visit Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca town with a massive fortress. End the day with a stop in Chinchero, famous for its colonial church and traditional weaving. Return to Cusco in the evening to prepare for your trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: Approx. 2 hours
Transport: Approx. 6 hours
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Santa Rosa (Choquequirao Trek Begins)
Begin your trek with an early morning drive from Cusco to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,350ft), enjoying breathtaking views of the Apurimac Canyon and surrounding peaks. Meet your trekking team and begin your descent into the canyon.
The trail winds through lush vegetation and offers spectacular views of the Apurimac River. Arrive at the private campsite in Santa Rosa (1,800m/5,906ft) for a hearty dinner under the stars.
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 a serene Andean morning and fuel up with a nourishing breakfast. Begin the ascent to Choquequirao (3,035m/9,957ft), trekking through lush cloud forests and spectacular mountain scenery.
Explore the archaeological site, often called Machu Picchu’s ‘sister city,’ and learn about its history and significance from your guide. Afterward, trek to Marampata for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Camping in Marampata
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 7-8 hours, 10 km
Marampata – Santa Rosa – Chiquisca
Begin your return trek, retracing your steps through the Apurimac Canyon. Stop at a local hacienda to enjoy Cambray, a traditional sugarcane spirit.
Descend to Rosalinas Beach before a gradual ascent to the campsite at Chiquisca. Celebrate the day’s achievements over a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Camping in Chiquisca
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 7 hours, 11 km
Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Soraypampa
Complete your final ascent to Capuliyoc, where you’ll bid farewell to your trekking team. From Capuliyoc, drive to Soraypampa (3,900m/12,795ft), the basecamp for the Humantay Lake trek.
Settle into the campsite, enjoy a hearty dinner, and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Accommodation: Camping in Soraypampa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 4 hours, 8 km
Transport: Approx. 4 hours
Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Ollantaytambo
Start the day with an early morning trek to Humantay Lake (4,200m/13,780ft), renowned for its turquoise waters and dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. This moderate trek is a highlight for nature lovers and offers stunning photo opportunities.
After enjoying the serene beauty of Humantay Lake, descend to Soraypampa for a well-deserved lunch. From there, drive to Ollantaytambo, a charming Inca town where you’ll rest for the night and prepare for the Short Inca Trail.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hiking: Approx. 3-4 hours, 6 km
Transport: Approx. 3 hours
Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Begin the day with an early train ride to Kilometer 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Trek through lush cloud forests and mountain terrain, visiting Wiñay Wayna, an impressive archaeological site featuring terraces and temples.
Continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Descend to Aguas Calientes for a relaxing evening in preparation for the Machu Picchu tour the next day.
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
Take an early morning bus to Machu Picchu to experience a guided tour of this world-famous Inca citadel. Explore its temples, plazas, and terraced fields while learning about its historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.
After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to Cusco for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: Approx. 2 hours
Transport: Approx. 4 hours
Cusco – Rainbow Mountain or Day Tour of Your Choice
Choose an exciting adventure for your final full day in Cusco:
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Trek to this vibrant, multicolored mountain surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. This full-day hike is both challenging and rewarding.
- Alternative Day Tour: Select a cultural or historical experience from our curated options (see our Day Tours page).
Return to Cusco in the evening for your last night in the city.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (depending on the selected tour)
Hiking: Varies by chosen activity
Transport: Approx. 8 hours
Cusco – Departure
At the agreed time, we’ll transfer you to Cusco Airport or bus station for your departure. Please provide your travel details in advance for a seamless transfer.
Take with you unforgettable memories of the Andes, its breathtaking landscapes, and the rich Inca heritage you’ve explored.
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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