Mystical Peru has been on every adventure traveler’s bucket list since Machu Picchu was made known to the world by Hiram Bingham III in 1911. Filled with rich cultural and historical heritage, stunning archaeological sites and endless views of the massive Andes, Peru has always exceeded the expectation of every traveler.
Cusco serves as the epicenter for the combination of long past Inca tradition fused with Spanish colonialism, which is prominently exhibited with its architecture. This melding of two very distinct cultures provides uniqueness to this region that is found nowhere else in the world.
This custom expedition has been specifically created to highlight the prominent cultural sites and experiences of Peru as well as immerse into the Andean culture, along with amazing hikes!
Bilingual guides will escort the group throughout their journey. The boutique hotels selected for this expedition are the most renowned of the region – all boasting beautiful grounds & facilities, high service standards and stunning scenery. The combination of impeccable service, breathtaking views and immersion into Andean culture makes for a true journey of a lifetime!
For this trip we have partnered with Peru Eco Expeditions to curate a custom and special trip. We are so excited to finally offer this Peru adventure after a long time in the works!
Note: If you are looking for a less intensive itinerary that includes minimal hiking, check out our alternate Peru itinerary August 29-September 1 that includes Machu Picchu (without the hiking) and the Amazon Rain Forest.
The entirety of the trip we will be at high elevations so this will make the hiking and general activities more difficult due to the reduced amount of oxygen at altitude. Cusco sits at 11,151 feet above sea level and all of our hiking will be above 7,000 feet of elevation. Additionally, some of the hikes will include significant elevation gain. The highest elevation we will experience is about 16,500 feet. These kinds of conditions are difficult to train for if you live at a low elevation, so we recommend finding the highest hikes you can find in your area and hike these frequently to train. We also recommend requesting altitude sickness medication from your doctor so you can try to alleviate your symptoms in a proactive manner. Comfortable hiking shoes or boots will be imperative for this trip. You will want to make sure they are broken in as we will be hiking long distances. The longest hike we will do in a day is 9.3 miles and the shortest will be 5.2 miles so be prepared to hike these distances at a 30 min/mile pace. This pace may be altered when we reach higher altitude hikes as we will need to hike slower to avoid altitude sickness.
This trip will require training beforehand so you can be as comfortable and fit as possible. Reach out to your Chicas Abroad guide if you have any additional questions or concerns. We can suggest ideas on how to train and prepare for this trip.
August is a fantastic month to visit Machu Picchu. The weather at Machu Picchu in August is characterized by mild temperatures, with average highs of 19°C (66°F) to lows of 7°C (44°F). Next to that, you'll enjoy many sun hours and clear skies during the day. However, the nights can get somewhat chilly.
All the excursions listed in the itinerary are included. Bring cash/credit cards for purchasing souvenirs, additional snacks/meals, alcoholic drinks, extra activities, and other items. You can either order Peruvian Sols from your bank at home or use an ATM on arrival in Cusco, Peru to get some cash. Exchanging USD to Sols in Cusco is also an easy option.
All gratuities are included with the exception of those for your Chicas Abroad tour leader. Tipping the Chicas Abroad tour leader is optional and not included in the price of your adventure.
● The Chicas Abroad Tour Leader(s) works hard to ensure a seamless adventure for you and tips are optional, but customary.
● If you have more than one tour leader on your adventure, gratuities may be given to one tour leader and the team will divide the tips.
● Typical tips $30-40/day
A custom packing list will be emailed out a few months prior to departure.
8 nights in a variety of boutique hotels and mountain lodges as we travel across Peru. The rooms are double occupancy, but single occupancy can be requested at an additional cost.
Airport transfer to/from the airport and all transportation during the trip.
Generous tips are provided for all LOCAL guides and drivers. Tips for the Chicas Abroad tour leader are optional and at your discretion.
All meals included as indicated in the itinerary. We can accommodate dietary restrictions, just let us know!
All excursions mentioned in itinerary.
We provide amazing swag items to our guests to enjoy during and after your adventure!
Make new friends and memories with Chicas Abroad!
Guests must book their own international flights to arrive in Cusco (CUZ) August 21 by 2:00 pm and depart Cuzco (CUZ) on August 29 at any time.
Travel insurance is highly recommend to cover any delayed/cancelled flights, lost/delayed luggage, medical expenses, etc. Chicas Abroad will recommend a travel insurance company after booking.
Alcoholic drinks are at your own expense.
Your Chicas Abroad tour leader works countless hours before and during the trip to ensure a seamless experience so you can adventure more and worry less! $30-40 per day is typical and much appreciated
Souvenirs and other personal purchases are not included.
Bienvenidos a Peru! All the Chicas will be picked up from the Cusco Airport (CUZ) and brought to our first hotel which has a gorgeous view overlooking Cusco City. We will enjoy a champagne toast with Peruvian appetizers to kick off our trip! Then we will explore the city of Cusco and have a delicious welcome dinner at an exclusive restaurant.
Activity: City Exploring
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Peruvian Appetizers & Welcome Dinner
Elevation: 11,151 feet in Cusco
Today will be a full day of exploration into the Sacred Valley of the Incas! Guests will embark on a scenic drive to Chinchero, which is world-renowned for its native textiles. Here, they will observe a native textile demonstration by local mamitas before continuing to Maras where they will gear up for an adrenaline filled adventure through the Andean countryside! The group will partake in a 2-Hour ATV Ride with a guided 30-minute visit of the Moray Archaeological Site. This site is world-renowned for its perfectly constructed concentric circle terraces. It will then be time to make their way to lunch. A gourmet picnic lunch will be served at Mountain View Experience, which is located at a panoramic viewpoint above the Maras Salt Mines. Known for its friendly llamas (which you can feed!) and stunning views, guests will indulge in a (3) course gourmet picnic lunch. The tour will then conclude with the Maras Salt Mines. This unique landscape has been in use since pre-Incan times and is still harvested by the local community. After exploring the salt mines, guests will be transported to their boutique hotel located under the peaks of the Sacred Valley!
Activity: ATV Riding
Accommodation: Historic Hotel in Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 9,160 feet in Sacred Valley
Guests will embark from the Ollantaytambo Train Station early this morning for an approximate 1 hour & 5-minute train ride to KM104, the start of the trail. This shorter version of the Classic Inca Trail Trek allows guests to enjoy the splendor of trekking along the world-famous Inca Trail as well as visit the most beautiful Incan ruins along the way to Machu Picchu - Winay Wayna. Sweeping vistas, perfectly constructed terraces and stunning views of Incan ruins make this an unforgettable trek through the Andes! After immersing into the cloud forest, guests will arrive to the Inca Citadel through the Sun Gate, which offers the first view of the Lost City of the Incas. Guests will then continue the scenic trek to the entrance of Machu Picchu where they will take a bus the remainder of the way to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Dinner is included at the hotel and the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Activity: 9.3 Mile Trek on Inca Trail to the Sun Gate & to Machu Picchu; 2,034 ft elevation gain
Accommodations: Hotel near Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After waking up amidst the tropical Andes, today will be dedicated to enjoying the splendor and beauty of the mystical Machu Picchu! Guests will have a privately guided tour of Machu Picchu as well as ascend to the Huayna Picchu precipice before returning to Machu Picchu Pueblo for a gourmet lunch. Transportation via train and private vehicle will be provided back to Cusco for an evening at leisure. Dinner will be provided for the group at the Cusco hotel.
Embedded within a dramatic landscape at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere in the world. This masterpiece is the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization. Recognized for outstanding cultural & natural values, this UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 32,592 hectares of the mountain slopes, peaks & valleys surrounding its heart – the spectacular monument of “La Ciudadela” (The Citadel) at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. It was not until 1911 that the archaeological complex was made known again to the world by Hiram Bingham III on an expedition funded by Yale University and the National Geographic Society.
Activity: Hiking around Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 7,972 in Machu Picchu
The group will awake in the historical city of Cusco and enjoy a special experience this morning! At the beautiful Exhala Yoga Studio a sound healing ceremony will be performed for the guests. Sound healing is a conduit of frequency between worlds. Through musical sound baths the musician is able to connect each person’s energy field to their higher self and release energy blocks and toxins. The toxins are often released through the shedding of tears and guests come away from ceremonies refreshingly cleansed and renewed. The remainder of the day will be at leisure for guests to either relax or explore the city on their own. Sightseeing and restaurant suggestions will be provided for the guests. Cusco is world-renowned for its cuisine, rich history and colorful local markets! A pre-trek Ausangate briefing will also take place this evening.
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
After departing Cusco in a comfortable coach, the group will head along the Vilcanota River to visit the temple of Checacupe. The drive will continue to the upper valley of Pitumarca. From here, the group will trek a short distance to view the picturesque Ausangate Cocha, a beautiful lake directly under the massive Ausangate glacier. The trek will continue through a valley filled with alpacas and surrounded by stunning scenery before arriving to Anantapata Tambo for the evening.
Activity: Hike 5.77 Miles (~3-4 hours); about 1,000 ft elevation gain
Accommodation: Lodge along the trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, the group will ascend a mountain pass that stands at 4,985 meters (16,355 feet). After passing by several lakes and varying landscape they will then come to one of the highlights of the trek, Vinicunca, also known as “Rainbow Mountain”. The geology of this region is simply breathtaking with the mountains being striated with various different colors due to the complex mix of minerals. The trek continues through the red mountains to the last lodge, Huampococha Tambo. This lodge is fronted by a lake and it offers the last views of Apu Ausangate.
Activity: 6.3 mile hike; about 850 ft elevation gain
Accommodation: Lodge along the trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning begins with the ascension of the final mountain pass. From there the trek is all downhill. It is the last chance for trekkers to soak up the beautiful surroundings of the remote villages in the Peruvian High Andes. At the conclusion of the trek, lunch will be served and the private coach will be waiting for the return to Cusco. This evening will be the guests’ final night in Cusco and a group dinner will be held at Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse!
Activity: 5.2 mile hike; about 400 ft elevation gain
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Guests will awake for their final time in Cusco and have the morning to relax, shop and explore the city prior to their departure to the Cusco Airport. If required, luggage can be stored at the hotel and a late check-out can be requested, but is subject to availability. A private vehicle and Peru Eco Expeditions staff will escort the group to the Cusco Airport for the final farewell. Safe travels home!
Meals: Breakfast
Extend your time in Peru and join us at the Tambopata Research Center for 4 days and 3 nights of being immersed in the Amazon jungle. You’ll witness brilliant macaws at the world’s most active clay lick, search for monkeys, sloths, and capybaras along jungle trails, and glide past caimans on a sunset river cruise.
This is an additional fee of $2,000 for a "Comfort" room (double-occupancy). Please inquire about room upgrades, if interested.
Lodging: Eco-lodge
Meals: 3B, 3L, 3D
Note: You'll need to purchase a flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado for Aug 29 and Puerto Maldonado to Lima on Sept 1. Additional details will be provided after booking.
