Highlight of the day: Sail in front of colonies of marine fauna and walk through a desert that ends by the ocean.

Departure from Lima

The pick up will take place during the early morning.

We will travel along the South Pan-American Highway to Paracas. The journey usually takes between three and a half hours and four hours, depending on the traffic and the type of service.

It is important to bring a light coat, because the morning by the sea can be cold and windy.

Navigation to the Ballestas Islands

After the port registration we will board an open boat.

Navigation usually lasts about two hours. First you see the Candelabra from the sea and then continue to the islands.

The Ballestas Islands are part of the System National Reserve of Islands, Islets and Guaneras Points. SERNANP points out that these are three islands where you can see rain-dry wolves, pigeo and penguin colonies, among other marine fauna.

Depending on the season you can see:

• Marine wolves.

Observation of a specific species is not guaranteed. The fauna moves and maintains its own behavior.

The boat does not allow landing on the islands. Everything is observed from the sea.

Paracas National Reserve

After navigation we will continue to the Paracas National Reserve.

The tour may include viewpoints, authorized beaches, coastal formations and desert sectors.

The administration presents a combined fee for the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands. Values can be changed and must be confirmed before booking.

The wind can be strong and lift sand. Keep cameras and phones protected.

Lunch and return to Lima

There will be time for lunch in Paracas. Feeding is not included, unless otherwise indicated in the confirmation.

In the afternoon we will return to Lima.

The arrival will occur during the night, depending on the transit in the Panamericana Sur.

Technical Details

• Duration: Between 14 and 17 hours.
• Transportation: Tourist vehicle or bus and boat.
• Approximate distance: More than 500 kilometers between return and return.
• Difficulty:
• Land: Pier, sand, viewpoints and short trails.
• Climate: Fresh, sunny and windy.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Lima not included.

Highlight of the day: Arrift in the Andes and allow the body to adapt before starting the busiest routes.

Transfer to Lima airport

At the coordinated time we will make the transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Lima–Cusco flight is not included. We recommend booking a departure in the morning.

Lima traffic and the time required for check-in, luggage and security checks should be considered.

Arrival in Cusco

Upon landing, a representative will wait for you to transfer you to the hotel.

Cusco is approximately 3,399 meters above sea level. The difference in altitude with Lima can cause:

• Accelerated breathing.
• Lack of appetite.

During the first hours it is advisable to rest, drink water and avoid heavy meals.

Free afternoon

You can take a light walk through:

• Plaza de Armas.
• San Blas neighborhood.
• Hatun Rumiyoc Street.
• San Pedro Market.
• Squares and streets near the hotel.

The activity is optional. if you have a headache or exhaustion, it will be better to rest.

We do not recommend drinking alcohol during this day.

Technical Details

• Transportation: Airport transfer and reception in Cusco.
• Flight: Not included.
• Final altitude: Approximately 3,399 meters.
• Difficulty:
• Activity: Optional ride.
• Land: Cobbled streets, slopes and stairs.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco not included.

Highlight of the day: Tour Pisac and Ollantaytambo before traveling by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Pick up in Cusco

The departure will be made in the morning.

The vehicle will travel from Cusco to the Sacred Valley. During the tour you will observe mountains, agricultural areas and towns located next to the Vilcanota River.

Pisac

The first visit will be Pisac.

Depending on the mode contracted, the tour may include the archaeological site, the artisan market or both.

The complex features terraces, roads, enclosures and slopes. The guide will explain its relationship with agriculture, territorial control and storage systems.

The route requires walking by stone and earth, although there are panoramic sectors for those who cannot complete the entire route.

Buffet lunch in Urubamba

We will continue to Urubamba for lunch.

The buffet may include:

Drinks are usually paid separately.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergy-related diets should be ordered prior to the trip.

Ollantaytambo

In the afternoon we will arrive in Ollantaytambo.

The main ascent is made by stone steps. In the upper part you can see terraces, walls and the valley.

Travelers with knee pain can stay at the lower levels or take a reduced tour.

After the visit we will go to the station.

Chinchero

The original itinerary includes Chinchero, but making Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and taking the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo the same day can generate an unsafe connection.

For this reason, Chinchero will be visited only if the railway schedule and the operational route allow it. In most evening train programs, the priority will be Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.

When Chinchero cannot be included, it may be replaced by a short textile demonstration at another point or by more time in Ollantaytambo.

Train to Machu Picchu Town

We will board a tourist train from Ollantaytambo or the confirmed station.

The seats are allocated by the railway company. The passenger must present the passport used for the reservation.

The trip continues along the Vilcanota River and ends in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Upon arrival, a representative will assist with the location of the hotel or meeting point.

Technical Details

• Duration: Between 11 and 14 hours.
• Transportation: Tourist vehicle and train.
• Altitude: Between about 2,040 and 3,700 meters.
• Difficulty:
• Land: Stone, stairs, dirt and cobbled streets.
• Buffet lunch:
• Accommodation: Hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo not included.

Highlight of the day: Tour Machu Picchu with a guide before returning by train through the Vilcanota valley.

Bus to Machu Picchu

At the indicated time we will walk to the bus station.

The Consettur bus ride takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

The departure time will depend on the time printed at the entrance.

Entry to Machu Picchu

The passenger must present:

• Original passport.
• Documents linked to discounts.
• Bus ticket when applicable.

Machu Picchu is approximately 2,430 meters above sea level.

The visit is made through official circuits. Each ticket authorizes a certain route and does not allow free passing between all sectors.

The availability of the circuit depends on the time of booking. The routes with greater demand can be exhausted several months in advance.

Guided Tour

The visit usually lasts between two and three hours.

According to the circuit, they can be observed:

• Agricultural terraces.
• Residential sectors.
• Water channels.
• ceremonial enclosures.

Not all tickets include the same view or the same sectors.

The guide will explain the probable use of spaces and construction techniques, avoiding presenting as facts those interpretations that are still debated.

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is an additional hike that requires a specific ticket.

It should not be understood as free time available to any passenger. It has limited slots, own schedule, steep stairs and narrow flights.

When this mountain is added, the order of the visit must be coordinated according to the schedules of both tickets.

Return to Cusco

After leaving Machu Picchu, we will descend by bus to the village.

You will have a margin to eat or pick up luggage, depending on the train schedule.

Then we will board the return service to Ollantaytambo or the confirmed station. From there, a vehicle will make the transfer to Cusco.

Arrival may occur overnight.

Technical Details

• Duration: Between 10 and 15 hours.
• Transportation: Bus Consettur, train and tourist vehicle.
• Walk: Between 2 and 5 kilometers.
• Altitude: Approximately 2,430 meters.
• Difficulty:
• Land: Stone, steps and trails.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco not included.

Highlight of the day: Ascend from Soraypampa to a lagoon of glacial origin under the Salkantay massif.

Departure from Cusco

The pick up will take place during the early morning.

We will travel to Mollepata, where breakfast will be served.

The journey includes curved roads. Movement-sensitive people should carry the medication recommended by their doctor.

Breakfast

Food can include hot drinks, bread, eggs, fruit, cereals and products available in the restaurant.

We do not recommend overeating before the walk.

Transfer to Soraypampa

Then we will continue by vehicle to Soraypampa.

The latest sector has a narrower road, curves, dirt and possible bumps.

Soraypampa is located approximately 3,900 meters above sea level.

Hike to Humantay

The trail ascends continuously.

The route may include:

• Dry land.
• Natural steps.
• Mud during the rains.
• Small waterways.
• Slippery sectors.

The climb usually takes between an hour and a half and two and a half hours.

The official tourist promotion information presents Humantay as a high walk with steep climb and temperature changes.

Although horses are rented in the area, they do not always reach the edge of the lagoon. The passenger must complete a walking part.

Humantay Lagoon

The lagoon is approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.

Its tonality depends on sunlight, cloud cover and mineral particles from the mountains.

On days of fog, rain or snow, the summits may remain covered.

The residence time will be limited to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.

It is not allowed to enter the water.

Descent

Descent requires attention.

Breathing usually improves, but the knees and ankles get more pressure. The canes provide stability.

Lunch and Return

We’ll go back to the restaurant for lunch.

Then we will start the trip back to Cusco. The arrival will be during the afternoon or evening.

Technical Details

• Duration: Between 12 and 14 hours.
• Transportation: Tourist vehicle.
• Walking distance: Approximately 6 kilometers.
• Initial altitude: Approximately 3,900 meters.
• Difficulty: Demanding for altitude and slope.
• Land: Earth, stone and seasonal sludghow.
• Recommendation: Sleep early because Day 7 begins during the early morning.

Highlight of the day: Reach the highest altitude of the program in front of the mineral slopes of Vinicunca.

Pick up from the hotel

The departure will take place during the early morning.

The exact schedule will depend on the route operated and the restaurant assigned.

Journey to Cusipata

We will travel along the south road until we reach Cusipata or a nearby town.

Breakfast will be served there.

Transfer to the start of the trek

After breakfast we will continue by road and troche.

Access can be changed by maintenance, communal decisions, weather or road.

Hike to Vinicunca

The walk is done in an open puna area.

The trail may present:

The climb usually takes between an hour and a half and two hours, although some passengers require more time.

Vinicunca is located approximately 5,036 meters above sea level.

At this point, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, tiredness and loss of coordination may occur.

The guide may recommend that a passenger not continue when symptoms pose a risk.

Viewpoint of the Mountain of Colors

From the authorized area are observed the mineral strips of Vinicunca and parts of the environment of the Ausangate.

The colors can be seen with greater or lesser intensity depending on:

• Solar light.
• Moisture of the soil.
• Number of visitors.

We cannot guarantee the appearance shown in promotional photographs.

The viewpoint usually receives many travelers. The route is not a route designed to completely avoid the crowds.

Descent and lunch

After the stay we will begin the descent.

Horses are optional and contracted directly with local providers. They don’t always cover the whole walk.

When you return to the restaurant, lunch will be served.

Return to Cusco

The arrival in Cusco usually occurs between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., although it may be delayed.

The end point may be a central square or an agreed place.

Transfer to airport or terminal

We do not recommend booking a flight during the afternoon of Day 7.

Return depends on the weather, traffic, group pace and road condition. A delay could result in the loss of flight.

The final transfer to the airport or terminal will only be viable when:

• The flight leaves during the night.
• There is a sufficient margin.
• The passenger carries his or her baggage prepared.
• The connection has been approved by operations.

The safest alternative is to sleep an additional night in Cusco and travel on Day 8.

Technical Details

• Duration: Between 12 and 14 hours.
• Transportation: Tourist vehicle.
• Maximum altitude: Approximately 5,036 meters.
• Difficulty:
• Land: Earth, stone, sludge and seasonal snow.
• Breakfast:
• Recommended flight: Next day.