WhyYou’ll Love This Tour
Five Iconic Hikes, One Seamless Journey
From the Inca Trail’s cloud forest to the lakes of Siete Lagunas, Peru’s greatest hikes, expertly paced. No logistics, just trail.
Every Level of the Andes
Glacial lakes, multicolored slopes, ancient ruins, and sweeping Altiplano views, the full vertical range of the Andes in 11 days.
Built for Hikers, Backed by Experts
Certified guides, built-in acclimatization, and oxygen on every hike. You bring the fitness, we handle everything else.
Overview
Experience Peru’s greatest hiking journey on our signature 11-day tour, a private expedition that takes you from the Sacred Valley’s ancient ruins through the cloud forest paths of the Inca Trail, to the citadel of Machu Picchu, the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, and the remote high-altitude landscapes of Rainbow Mountain and Siete Lagunas. This 11-day Peru hiking itinerary is built for travelers who want to earn every view, five iconic trails, expertly paced, with acclimatization built in and certified guides on every step. As part of our adventure tour collection, this itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking Peru’s most spectacular hikes combined into one unforgettable journey. Backed by 1,500+ five-star reviews and our core philosophy of “German precision, Peruvian passion.”
Sacred Valley: The Foundation
Your hiking journey begins in the Sacred Valley, lower in altitude and the perfect place to acclimatize before the big trails ahead. A full day visits the sweeping terraces of Pisac, a local Andean community, and the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, setting the historical context for everything you’ll encounter on the trail. Every ruin you walk through here becomes a reference point for Machu Picchu tomorrow.
The Inca Trail & Machu Picchu: The Heart of the Journey
The centerpiece of any Peru hiking itinerary. The Inca Trail covers 12km through cloud forest, ancient ruins, and high mountain passes, ending at the Sun Gate with Machu Picchu spread out below as the light fades. The following morning, early entry puts you at the citadel in the mist, ahead of the crowds, with a licensed guide who brings the architecture, astronomy, and Inca history fully to life. Explore our Machu Picchu trek options to discover alternative routes and hiking experiences leading to Peru’s most iconic archaeological site.
Cusco: Rest, Recover & Explore
Back in Cusco, a guided city tour takes in Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, the Plaza de Armas, and the monumental ruins of Sacsayhuamán. The free afternoon gives your legs the rest they’ve earned before three final days of high-altitude hiking.
Humantay Lake: The Hidden Reward
One of the Cusco region’s most beautiful and underrated hikes. The trail climbs steadily through open Andean terrain before revealing Humantay Lake, a striking turquoise glacial lake at 13,779 ft, fed by the Humantay glacier with snow-capped peaks reflected in its surface. A moderate half-day hike that punches well above its weight.
Rainbow Mountain & Siete Lagunas: The Final Two Summits
The tour closes with back-to-back high-altitude days that rival anything that came before. Rainbow Mountain rises before dawn, the iconic multicolored mineral slopes of Vinicunca at 17,600 ft, with grazing alpacas and sweeping Altiplano views in every direction. The following day, the Siete Lagunas trail climbs through remote Andean terrain to a chain of seven vivid glacial lakes, each a different shade of blue and green, longer, less touristed, and for many travelers the most memorable day of the entire trip. If you’re comparing Peru tours around 10 days, this 11-day itinerary is an excellent choice for travelers who can extend their adventure slightly to experience Peru’s most iconic hikes at a comfortable pace.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1 : Arrival in Lima
- Day 2 : Flight to Cusco & Transfer to the Sacred Valley
- Day 3 : Sacred Valley Tour
- Day 4 : Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Day 5 : Machu Picchu & Overnight in the Sacred Valley
- Day 6 : Return to Cusco & Free Afternoon
- Day 7 : Humantay Lake
- Day 8 : Cusco City Tour
- Day 9 : Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca
- Day 10 : Free Day in Cusco or Optional hike to Siete Lagunas
- Day 11 : Farewell
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Lima
Today’s Highlight: Touch down in Peru and settle into one of Lima’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Welcome to Peru. Upon arrival, our team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco. The rest of the day is yours take a first walk along the Pacific cliffs, try your first ceviche, and prepare for 11 days of extraordinary hiking ahead.
Overnight in Lima
Optional: Add our Lima half-day city tour and explore the city’s beautiful neighborhoods, local markets and more.
Day 2 : Flight to Cusco & Transfer to the Sacred Valley
Today’s Highlight: Arrive in the heart of the Inca world and let the Sacred Valley ease you gently into altitude.
An early flight brings you to Cusco (11,150 ft.). Rather than heading straight into the city, we transfer you to the Sacred Valley, lower in altitude and the ideal place to begin acclimatizing before the hikes ahead. Stop at the Pisac ruins or the Awanakancha alpaca farm along the way, then settle into your valley hotel and rest. Your legs will thank you later.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Day 3 : Sacred Valley Tour
Today’s Highlight: Explore the agricultural and spiritual heart of the Inca Empire before the big trails begin.
A full day in the Sacred Valley, visiting its most significant sites with your expert guide. Explore the Pisac ruins and their sweeping agricultural terraces, descend into the valley to visit a local community, and continue to the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved examples of Inca urban planning still standing. This day sets the historical context for everything you’ll see on the trail tomorrow.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Day 4 : Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Today’s Highlight: Trek one of the world’s most legendary paths through cloud forest, mountain passes, and ancient ruins.
An early start onto the Inca Trail. Today’s route covers approximately 12km through some of the most dramatic Andean scenery imaginable, cloud forest, high mountain passes, and a string of ancient ruins that hint at what awaits at the end.
Your expert guide shares the history and ecology of the trail throughout. Reach the Sun Gate as the light begins to fade for your first view of Machu Picchu below, before descending to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned rest.
Breakfast & Box Lunch included.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 5 : Machu Picchu & Overnight in the Sacred Valley
Today’s Highlight: Machu Picchu at its most peaceful, early entry, expert guiding, and the citadel almost to yourself.
Rise early for the first entry into Machu Picchu. Morning mist, golden light, and the ruins nearly to yourself, this is why the early start matters. Your licensed guide brings the site fully to life: the architecture, the astronomy, the agricultural terraces, and the story of a civilization that built all of this without mortar or the wheel.
After time to explore independently, board the train back toward the Sacred Valley for an overnight rest before returning to Cusco tomorrow.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Day 6 : Return to Cusco & Free Afternoon
Today’s Highlight: Arrive in the former Inca capital and spend the afternoon exploring on your own terms.
Transfer back to Cusco and check into your hotel in the heart of the city. The afternoon is entirely yours, wander the cobblestone streets, browse the artisan markets around San Blas, find a rooftop café overlooking the Plaza de Armas, or simply rest your legs ahead of the high-altitude hikes to come. Dinner is on your own tonight, and Cusco has no shortage of excellent options.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 7 : Humantay Lake
Today’s Highlight: Hike to one of Peru’s most beautiful glacial lakes, tucked into a high Andean valley below a snow-capped peak.
An early departure for the Humantay Lake trail, one of the most rewarding hikes in the Cusco region. The path climbs steadily through open Andean terrain before revealing the lake: a striking turquoise body of water fed by the Humantay glacier, sitting at 13,779 ft. with snow-capped peaks reflected in its surface.
The hike takes approximately 2 to 3 hours round trip and is considered moderate in difficulty. Your guide will pace the group carefully with altitude in mind.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 8 : Cusco City Tour
Today’s Highlight: Two civilizations layered on top of each other and the extraordinary story of how they coexist.
A guided morning tour of Cusco’s most significant sites. Visit Koricancha the Inca Temple of the Sun, where perfectly fitted stonework still stands beneath a Spanish colonial church the vibrant Plaza de Armas, and the monumental ruins of Sacsayhuamán overlooking the city.
The afternoon is free to explore independently, shop for last souvenirs, or rest ahead of two big mountain days.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 9 : Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca
Today’s Highlight: Hike to one of Peru’s most extraordinary natural wonders a mountain streaked with vivid bands of color at over 5,000 meters above sea level.
Rise before dawn for the drive to the trailhead. Depending on conditions, weather, and your preference, choose between two spectacular options: Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain, with its iconic multicolored mineral slopes or Pallay Punchu, a lesser-visited alternative that offers equally dramatic scenery with far fewer crowds.
Either way, the high-altitude landscape of grazing alpacas, snow-capped peaks, and sweeping Andean views makes this one of the most memorable days of the entire trip.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 10 : Free Day in Cusco or Optional hike to Siete Lagunas
Today’s Highlight: A well-earned free day in one of South America’s most extraordinary cities, explore at your own pace.
Your final full day in Cusco is yours to spend however you choose. Wander the cobblestone streets of San Blas, browse the artisan markets around the Plaza de Armas, discover hidden cafés, or simply rest your legs after an extraordinary week of hiking. Cusco rewards those who slow down.
Optional Add-On: Siete Lagunas
For those who want one final challenge, the Siete Lagunas trail is the most rewarding and least-visited full-day hike in the Cusco region. The trail climbs through remote Andean terrain to a chain of seven vivid glacial lakes, each a different shade of blue and green. Longer and more demanding than Rainbow Mountain, it rewards those who make it with scenery and solitude that few travelers ever find. Approximately 14km, moderate to challenging terrain.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 11 : Farewell
Today’s Highlight: A final Peruvian breakfast before the journey home.
Enjoy a last breakfast before our private driver transfers you to Cusco Airport for your onward flight. Ten days, five major hikes, and landscapes that most people only see in photographs, you’ve earned this send-off.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Cusco
- Included
- Airport transfers with our staff accompanying you
- All tours stated in the itinerary with fluent English speaking licensed local guides
- Entrance tickets for all tours
- Private Machu Picchu tour with entrance tickets, train tickets and shuttle bus
- Hotels if selected
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above (vegan and vegetarian options available). We eat in some of the best restaurants in the area.
- Trekking pole, first aid kit and oxygen for the hikes
- Welcome kit and virtual support during your trip
- Not Included
- Domestic and international flights (domestic flights will be added in the quote if desired)
Prices
Based on double/triple occupancy and the hotels mentioned below or similar ones in the same category.
- Service
- Comfortable 3-start hotels
- Standard train to Machu Picchu
- Shared/private transfers
- Daily breakfast
- Service
- Upgraded 4-start hotels
- Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
- More comfortable transport
- Restaurant upgrades
- Service
- Luxury 5-start hotels Ico
- Hiram Bingham train (optional)
- VIP private transfers
- Exclusive experiences
Hotels
JW Marriott
- 250 m from the oceanfront
JW Marriott Miraflores offers ocean-view rooms, excellent dining, and a well-equipped gym, in a prime waterfront location beside Larcomar for an upscale stay.
Souma Miraflores
- 650 m from Parque Kennedy
Souma Miraflores offers modern comfort near Parque Kennedy and Larcomar, with air-conditioned rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, rooftop terrace, restaurant, and convenient access to Lima’s highlights.
Lima 18 Boutique Hotel
- Steps from Huaca Pucllana
Lima 18 Boutique offers charming, intimate accommodation in the heart of Miraflores, with just 11 air-conditioned rooms featuring curated artwork and modern touches, a serene garden terrace, complimentary à la carte breakfast, and attentive personalized service — all within walking distance of Parque Kennedy, Huaca Pucllana, and Larcomar.
Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection
- 500 m from Plaza de Armas (main square)
Palacio del Inka, beside the Koricancha Temple, is a luxury hotel built on original Inca foundations, featuring stunning colonial architecture and guided historical tours.
Novotel
- 350 m from Plaza de Armas (main Square)
Novotel Cusco, set in a restored 16th-century building just three blocks from the main square, offers modern comfort, local charm, and a heated courtyard for relaxing.
Rumi Punku
- 300 m away from Plaza de Armas (main square)
Hotel Rumi Punku is a charming 3-star stay just 300m from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, offering cozy rooms with private bathrooms and cable TV, free WiFi, and a traditional courtyard garden.
Tambo Del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
- Next to Urubamba River
Tambo del Inka is a luxury Sacred Valley resort with a private train station to Machu Picchu, elegant rooms with local details, a spa, pool, and stunning mountain views.
Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado
- 11 km from Ollantaytambo
Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley offers mountain views near Ollantaytambo, with a spa, outdoor activities, gardens, playgrounds, and an observatory for relaxed stargazing.
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado
- 11 km to Ollantaytambo
This hotel offers 36 spacious rooms with warm wood and stone accents, lush gardens, Andean mountain views, and an on-site sauna for a relaxing retreat.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
- 250 m from the oceanfront
Inkaterra El Pueblo sits at the foot of Machu Picchu near the train station, offering upscale comfort, lush nature, and an immersive stay for your visit.
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu
- Next to train station
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu is a luxury retreat near the train station, with elegant rooms, modern comforts, private bathrooms, mini-bars, satellite TV, luggage storage, and attentive concierge service.
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu
- Next to train station
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu offers 53 cozy rooms in central Aguas Calientes, with mountain and river views – an ideal, comfortable stay before visiting Machu Picchu.
