A cultural and hiking adventure through the heart of the Andes ✨

Join Travel Light for the ultimate Peruvian adventure — a journey that weaves together culture, connection, and world-class hiking. We’ll start in Cusco, the vibrant capital of the Inca Empire, exploring its cobblestone streets and local markets before venturing into the Sacred Valley to visit the ruins of Pisac, the colorful Pisac Market, the dazzling Maras Salt Mines, the ancient terraces of Moray, and the weaving cooperatives of Chinchero — the perfect introduction to the spirit and creativity of the Andes.

Then, our hiking adventure begins. We’ll spend two incredible days hiking through the Lares Valley, one of the most culturally rich and least-traveled regions in Peru. Along the way, we’ll meet local families, walk beside herds of alpacas, and take in breathtaking views of glacial peaks before connecting with the Inca Trail for our final approach to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Arriving through the Sun Gate is a moment you’ll never forget — but the adventure doesn’t end there. We’ll hike Huayna Picchu, the dramatic peak rising behind the ruins, for panoramic views that few travelers experience.

After our trek, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved day of rest and exploration in Cusco. Spend the morning wandering the city, relaxing at a café, or shopping the local markets before coming together for a Peruvian cooking and cocktail class led by a professional local chef — a fun, hands-on experience to celebrate our journey. Some travelers will say their goodbyes the following day, but if time allows, we highly recommend adding on the Rainbow Mountain day trip, where we’ll ride horses up its vivid slopes and enjoy the trail in peace, starting later than most groups.

From the quiet valleys of Lares to the mist-shrouded stones of Machu Picchu, this journey is a perfect blend of nature, history, and human connection — the kind of adventure that stays with you long after you return home.

Age Requirement: 21+ 
Hiking Distances: Day 1: 7-8 miles, Day 2: 9-10 miles, Day 3: 7 miles, Day 4: 2.5 miles

Fitness Level: This adventure is best suited for travelers with a moderate to high fitness level who are comfortable hiking for several hours a day on uneven, rocky terrain. Cusco sits at an elevation of 3,400m (11,150 ft), and the highest point on our trek — Pachacutec Pass — reaches 4,500m (14,800 ft). We recommend preparing with cardio and hill training before the trip to ensure you can fully enjoy the incredible views, culture, and experience without feeling rushed.

✨ Iconic Lares + Inca Trails to Machu Picchu (3 days / 2 nights)

✨ Tour of Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

✨ Sacred Valley Exploration 

✨ Tour of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas

✨ Peruvian Cooking Class

✨ Cozy Hotels + 1 Night Camping Under the Stars 

✨ Memorable Group Connections 

✨ Rainbow Mountain on Horseback (optional add-on)

Arrive in Cusco, Peru! A private transfer will await you at the airport. Check into the hotel, meet the group and cheers to the adventure ahead at our Welcome Dinner!

Meals Included: D

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco, Double Occupancy

We’ll start the morning with an 8:00 AM pickup from our hotel for a guided tour of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Our local guide will lead us through the city’s most fascinating landmarks, beginning with the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) — where Incan and Spanish architecture blend into one breathtaking site — before continuing to the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo, perched just above the city with sweeping views of the valley below.

We’ll also visit the vibrant San Pedro Market, a lively hub where locals shop for everything from fresh fruit to handwoven textiles. Along the way, you’ll stroll through Cusco’s charming streets and main plaza, soaking in the city’s unique blend of ancient history and modern energy. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a group lunch together featuring local Peruvian flavors before returning to the hotel.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to rest, wander, and explore — whether that means relaxing in a café, visiting artisan shops, or watching the sunset from a rooftop terrace overlooking the city’s red-tiled rooftops.

Meals Included: B, L

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco, Double Occupancy 

We’ll start our day with an 8:00 AM hotel pickup to begin a full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas — one of the most beautiful and historically rich regions in Peru.

Our first stop is Pisac, where we’ll explore the impressive Inca ruins perched high above the valley before heading down to the Pisac Market, a lively maze of colorful textiles, local crafts, and traditional Andean foods. It’s the perfect place to experience daily life in the Sacred Valley and pick up a few handmade treasures.

Next, we’ll travel to the stunning Maras Salt Mines, one of the oldest salt production sites in the world. Thousands of shimmering salt pools blanket the mountainside, and remarkably, the local community still harvests salt here by hand, just as their ancestors did. Afterward, we’ll visit the nearby Moray Terraces, an extraordinary example of Incan innovation — these circular terraces were once used as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with different microclimates and crops.

We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in the Maras area, surrounded by breathtaking Andean views, before continuing to Chinchero, a charming highland village famous for its weaving cooperatives. Here, local women will demonstrate the centuries-old techniques of washing, dyeing, and weaving alpaca wool using natural dyes — a beautiful tradition still thriving today.

After a day filled with history, culture, and stunning scenery, we’ll return to Cusco around 6:00 PM, full of inspiration and appreciation for the incredible legacy of the Inca civilization.

Meals Included: B, L

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco, Double Occupancy 

Cusco - Huaran – Cancha Cancha

Your Andean mountain adventure through the Lares Valley begins bright and early with a 6:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a scenic 90-minute drive to Huaran, where you’ll meet your team of horsemen and horses — your trusted companions for the journey ahead. After gearing up and lacing your boots, the trek begins with a 4–5 hour gradual ascent toward the remote village of Cancha Cancha.

Along the way, you’ll stop for a freshly prepared lunch beside the river — a well-deserved break and a taste of the delicious meals your trekking chef will create throughout the journey.

Perched at 3,900 meters (12,800 ft), Cancha Cancha is one of the most traditional and self-sustaining Andean communities, untouched by modern development for centuries. There’s no road access, and the village only received electricity in 2018. You’ll be surrounded by spectacular mountain views and herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely.

After settling into your tents, enjoy a cozy afternoon tea, followed by a visit with a local family to learn about daily life in this highland village — your guide will help translate their stories and traditions. After dinner, gaze up at the night sky as your guide points out the Inca constellations, once used for agricultural guidance and still honored by the Quechua people today.

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Hiking Stats: 11-13 km / 7-8 miles

Accommodation: Camping in tents with bathroom facilities, double occupancy

Cancha Cancha – Quiswarani – Ollantaytambo

After another delicious breakfast, we’ll set out on our second day of adventure — a challenging but deeply rewarding 7-hour trek northeast toward the high mountain pass. The day begins with a steep climb as we make our way to the highest point of the trek: Pachacutec Pass (4,500m / 14,800 ft).

The effort is well worth it. All along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, grazing alpaca herds, rugged valleys, and sweeping Andean peaks. Keep an eye on the sky — you might spot Caracara falcons or Andean geese soaring above.

After celebrating at the summit, we’ll begin our three-hour descent toward the Quishuarani community (3,700m / 12,139 ft). This route takes us along a remote, lesser-traveled trail where you’ll meet indigenous highland villagers dressed in vibrant traditional clothing, guiding their llamas and alpacas across the landscape. Our guide will help translate their conversations in Quechua — the ancient language of the Incas — and even teach you a few words to connect more deeply with the locals.

As we pass by the spectacular Seven Waterfalls, you’ll know the day’s journey is almost complete. From Quishuarani, we’ll transfer 2 hours by private transport to Ollantaytambo, where a cozy bed and a well-deserved night of rest await after an unforgettable day in the Andes. Enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Meals Provided: B, L

Hiking Stats: 14-16 km / 9-10 miles

Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo, double occupancy

Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – WIÑAYHUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU

We start this exciting day early with breakfast at the hotel. At 7:00 AM, your guide will meet you in Ollantaytambo for a short walk to the nearby train station. Before boarding, you’ll receive your packed lunch to carry in your daypack. The Expedition Train departs at 7:45 AM, offering a scenic hour-long ride through the Sacred Valley until we reach the famous Km 104 — the starting point of your unforgettable hike to Machu Picchu.

Stepping off the train at 2,000m (6,560 ft), you’ll cross the Urubamba River via a picturesque footbridge and check in at the trailhead. The trek begins with a gentle ascent through lush landscapes and sweeping views of the valley below. For the next few hours, you’ll pass through cloud forest terrain, where mist drifts through the trees and waterfalls cascade down mossy cliffs — a reminder that you’re deep in the Peruvian Andes.

A highlight of the morning is reaching the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna ruins (2,600m / 8,500 ft) — a stunning terraced complex clinging to the mountainside. Once used as an agricultural and spiritual center, parts of it still lie hidden beneath dense jungle. Your guide will share stories about its history and the significance of this sacred place before stopping nearby for lunch.

After lunch, the trail levels out as you continue toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the original entrance to Machu Picchu for Inca pilgrims. The final stretch is a gentle rolling path, ending with a short climb up steep stone steps carved by the Incas themselves. As you turn the final corner, the view opens up — your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance. This moment, often described as one of the most moving on the Inca Trail, offers time for quiet reflection and stunning photos.

The last hour descends gradually toward the citadel, with panoramic views at every turn and smaller archaeological sites along the way. Upon arriving at Machu Picchu, you’ll have time to take in the view from the House of the Guardians, the perfect spot for those iconic postcard photos. Arriving in the late afternoon, you’ll enjoy a peaceful atmosphere as the day visitors depart — ideal for soaking in the beauty of this ancient wonder.

Afterward, take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner at your leisure, and rest after this extraordinary day of adventure.

Meals Provided: B, L

Hiking Stats: 11 km / 6.8 miles

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes, double occupancy

AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

The day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived! After an early breakfast at our hotel, we’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise over the ancient citadel — a truly magical sight and an experience none of us will ever forget.

Our expert guide will lead us on a three-hour tour through the most fascinating parts of the Machu Picchu Citadel, sharing stories about its history, architecture, and mysteries. Together, we’ll explore sacred temples, agricultural terraces, and hidden corners — all while soaking in the breathtaking views that make this one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.

After our guided tour, we’ll set out together on an unforgettable hike up Huayna Picchu, the steep mountain that towers behind Machu Picchu in all the iconic photos. This thrilling climb follows ancient Incan stone steps carved directly into the mountainside, winding past terraces and hidden viewpoints that offer a bird’s-eye perspective of the citadel below. It’s a challenging yet exhilarating experience — and the panoramic views from the top are some of the most spectacular in all of Peru.

Once we’ve descended, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for a celebratory lunch. Depending on our train schedule, we may have time to browse the local markets, pop into artisan shops, or simply relax and reflect on the journey we’ve just completed.

In the afternoon, we’ll board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo (departing around 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM). The route follows the spectacular Urubamba River, winding through lush valleys and steep canyon walls — if we look up, we might even spot Wiñay Wayna, perched high on the cliffs above.

When we arrive in Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting to take us back to Cusco in private transport, arriving at our hotel around 7:00 PM. As the city lights appear and the mountains fade into the distance, we’ll carry with us the unforgettable memories of our journey through the Andes to the sacred city of the Incas.

Enjoy dinner at your leisure in Cusco.

Meals Included: B, L

Hiking Stats Huayna Picchu: 4 km (2.5 miles) out and back

Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 meters each way (1,000 ft)

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco, Double Occupancy

Enjoy a slow, easy morning in Cusco — sip coffee in the Plaza de Armas, browse the artisan markets, or simply relax and soak in the mountain air. It’s the perfect time to unwind after the trek and savor your final days in the Andes.

Later, we’ll gather for a Peruvian cooking and cocktail class led by a professional local chef — a fun, hands-on experience where we’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes and mix the perfect Pisco Sour. To keep the experience intimate and engaging, the class will be split into two small groups: one from 10 AM–2 PM and the other from 3–7 PM.

Meals Included: B, L or D (depending on your cooking class time)

After one last breakfast together, we’ll say “see you later” to our new friends — not goodbye, because these kinds of connections last far beyond the trip. Head to the airport with a private transfer from Cusco, carrying home memories, laughter, and a little piece of the Andes in your heart.

Meals Included: B

**Optional Rainbow Mountain Add-On

This optional add-on will take place on September 13th. Includes full day tour + hotel in Cusco. We highly recommend adding this if you have time.

We’ll start with a 6:30 AM pickup from our hotel in Cusco (the other groups start at 4 or 4:30, we start later to avoid the crowds!), setting out on a scenic drive through the South Valley toward the trailhead at 4,450m / 14,600 ft (approximately a 3-hour journey).

From here, our adventure begins! We’ll meet our horses and begin the gentle ascent to Rainbow Mountain, following a beautiful trail lined with traditional Andean life. Along the way, we’ll pass through herds of alpacas and llamas, vibrant potato fields, and have constant views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain, one of the most sacred peaks in the Andes.

Keep your eyes peeled for vicuñas, the graceful, wild relatives of llamas and alpacas — and the only non-domesticated members of their family in Peru. The surrounding landscape is filled with striking red and ochre mountains, creating an unforgettable backdrop as we approach the main attraction.

After about one hour on horseback, we’ll reach our destination: the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain (5,200m / 17,060 ft). Take your time to explore, capture photos, and soak in the surreal colors and high-Andean atmosphere.

When it’s time to head back, we’ll descend the same route — a 1.5 to 2-hour hike downhill — where our private transport will be waiting. On the return journey to Cusco, we’ll stop in Cusipata village for a well-earned lunch before continuing to the city. Expect to arrive back at our hotel around 5:00–6:00 PM, with hearts (and camera rolls) full from an incredible day in the Andes.

Enjoy dinner in Cusco at your leisure.

Meals Included: B, L

Hiking Stats: 8 km / 5 miles

Highest Elevation: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco, Double Occupancy