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This incredible 9-day journey takes you deep into the heart of the Andes, where you will experience breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and the spiritual significance of Peru’s sacred peaks.
Starting in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you will explore vibrant markets, ancient ruins, and traditional weaving communities while you acclimatize your body to the high altitude.
Hike past the stunning Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, traverse high-altitude passes with sweeping mountain views, and camp beneath towering peaks, including the stunning Ausangate mountain.
Along the way, witness turquoise lakes, red valleys, and Andean wildlife while connecting with the history and traditions of local communities. This is an unforgettable adventure through one of Peru’s most spectacular and sacred landscapes.
Cap things off with visit to one of the world’s most important – and impressive! – ancient sites: Machu Picchu. There is no better way to round out this perfect 9-day hiking tour in Cusco.
The Sacred Peaks 9-day / 8-night adventure takes you through the highlights of the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and the breathtaking Ausangate region, culminating in the iconic Machu Picchu.
First – Explore vibrant markets, ancient Inca ruins, and the stunning landscapes of Maras, Moray, and Chinchero.
Then, immerse yourself in Andean culture with hands-on weaving or other traditional workshops.
After a rest day in Cusco to explore this incredible cosmopolitan city on your own and continue to acclimatize, we head into the mountains.
For 3 days, trek through the dramatic scenery of Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley, and the glacial lakes near Ausangate, experiencing breathtaking mountain passes and remote high-altitude landscapes.
From here, we head to Ollantaytambo in order to embark a on an unforgettable train journey to Aguas Calientes. Then, we end this unforgettable 9-day Cusco hiking tour with the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu.
High quality personalized experience
Unique, off-the-beaten track routes
Experienced staff
Verified sustainability practices
$20 of every trek donated to Threads of Peru
Meals
Accommodation
Trekking Team
Safety
Transportation
Entry Fees
Additional Inclusions
We offer you the opportunity to personalize your trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades. All options are available during the reservation process; please ask your sales consultant for more information.
Get ready for warm days, cool nights, and plenty of adventure! Whether exploring Cusco, visiting the Sacred Valley, or marveling at Machu Picchu, here are some essentials to bring along:
With these essentials, you will be set for an unforgettable Ausangate tour!
Want to join a trek? Ready to confirm a departure date of your own, but interested in having others join you? Then Trekkers Wanted is for you! Our innovative Trekkers Wanted system matches people up who are interested in hiking the same trek, bringing costs down and multiplying the fun for everyone!
Read More about Trekkers Wanted, post your trek or search for confirmed departures!
Upon your arrival to Cusco, we will meet you at the airport and start our journey towards the Sacred Valley.
As we head out of Cusco, we will enjoy a picturesque drive through the mountains to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which held great significance in Inca culture. The Valley has a milder climate than Cusco and we will see a succession of quaint villages, agricultural terraces, and many archaeological sites.
Depending on your arrival time, we can make a brief stop at Awanacancha. Here we can see llamas, alpacas and vicuñas, all camelid species endemic to the Andes and culturally significant through the centuries as pack animals and for their fleece. We will also have a chance to learn a bit about traditional weaving, a practice that dates back nearly 5000 years.
After this stop, we continue on to Pisac, where we can make a brief stop to check out its famous artisan market, grab a coffee or a bite to eat (not included).
We then continue our picturesque drive through the Sacred Valley until we reach our hotel, nestled in the beautiful landscape alongside the Urubamba river. Enjoy a tranquil evening relaxing in your room or strolling the gorgeous grounds, and enjoying a delicious dinner at the hotel’s on-site restaurant (not included).
Meals: None.
Accommodation: Tierra Viva Valle, or similar (Yanahuara)
This morning, we travel back through the Sacred Valley for about 40 minutes until we reach the hamlet of Huaran, where we will be greeted by the Munay Urpi weaving association. They will demonstrate spinning, warping and weaving, as well as dyeing yarn with natural plant dyes. Most of these plant dyes are collected locally, and you might even have the chance to help!
The weavers will dye a small amount of yarn in 2-3 different natural shades. Depending on your interest and available time, join the weavers on a short excursion to look at or collect dye plants as they are found in nature. After this Andean weaving demonstration, the group will serve a delicious home-cooked meal for lunch.
After lunch, we head back to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the afternoon to free.
Not interested in traditional weaving? Consider Chichubamba instead!
This is an excellent opportunity to explore the culture, food and traditions of everyday rural Peruvian life. The Chichubamba hands-on tour includes a series of workshops presented by community members who have received training in presentations and are experts in their field. By participating in this hands-on community tourism project, you are helping families improve their quality of life, preserve nature and foster self esteem and respect for their cultural heritage.
From your hotel, we travel back towards Urubamba and just beyond until we reach the community of Chichubamba, aiming to arrive around 10AM. We will spend the morning getting our hands dirty partaking in three 1-hour hands-on workshops. After this, we will enjoy a home-cooked meal with one of the families at the Chichubamba Agritourism project.
We will leave Urubamba at around 2:30 to head back to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the day free.
Available workshops (choose 3):
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tierra Viva Valle, or similar (Yanahuara)
We will enjoy this scenic hour and a half drive back to Cusco, making a couple of stops along the way.
Reaching the Maras salineras, or Cusco salt flats, we have about 40 minutes to spend taking in this fascinating sight from the lookout point. The Maras salt flats are a collection of watered terraces that take salt from an underground salty stream. Locals collect the salt through a fascinating process of evaporation. The pools and salt embankments are an incredible sight against the stunning mountain backdrop. Warning: it can get really hot in the salineras on a sunny day!
The next stop will be the archaeological site at Moray, one of the most unusual and interesting in the area. A pre-Incan site believed to have been used by the Incas, Moray is a series of circular agricultural terraces which are believed to be an experimental agricultural station for different crop strains.
Either before or after we visit Moray, we will head to the nearby Misminay community. Here, the traditionally-dressed community members will welcome you with song and dance. We will enjoy a healthy and delicious meal featuring traditional Andean fare, including potatoes, corn and sweet potatoes.
Leaving Moray behind, we continue on towards Cusco, stopping first in Chinchero. Here, you can visit the famous market, the Colonial Church and Incan ruins, as well as have a quick stop at an awana wasi, a weaving house.
Reaching Cusco in the early evening, you will be transferred to your hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Tierra Viva San Blas, or similar (Cusco)
We leave Cusco bright and early, around 7 AM, and head towards Chillihuani, the trailhead for our Sacred Peaks hike in the Ausangate region
Arriving at the trailhead by around 9AM, we begin with an uphill hike for about 2.5 hours until we reach the Vinicunca viewpoint (5040m / 16,568 ft). Here, we can take in the breathtaking vistas of Rainbow Mountain, a natural masterpiece with vibrant and intricately interwoven shades of red, orange, yellow, and turquoise, making it a true wonder to behold.
After marvelling at the views, we will hike for 20-30 minutes along a short trail that skirts alongside the mountain until we reach the Red Valley lookout, where even more breathtaking views await.
The trail descends from the lookout where it changes into a wide path, offering magnificent views of Ausangate Mountain. Along the way, we will pass peaceful lakes and, if we’re lucky, we may even spot some Andean geese and puna ducks! We will also see ichu grass (stipa ichu), a native plant that the Incas skillfully used to craft ropes, hanging bridges, adobe bricks, and thatched roofs.
At some point along the hike, we will stop at a picturesque spot to enjoy a freshly prepared box lunch.
The path begins flat and transitions into a gentle series of undulations. After about an hour of walking, we will reach Yanacocha (4800m / 15,748 ft) where we will be treated to breathtaking views of the Kayrahuire Alta valley.
Our journey continues with an ascent to the Warmisaya Pass, the second-highest point on the trek at 5000m (16,404 ft). From this vantage point, we will take in sweeping mountain vistas before descending for about an hour, eventually arriving at our Anantapata campsite (4700m / 15,419 ft) by late afternoon.
Meals: B at hotel; all meals on the trail
Included: Private transportation, private English-speaking guide, muleteers, trail chef, camping equipment, all entry fees & permits
Accommodations: Camping
After an early breakfast, we will begin a gradual descent before starting a two-hour climb to the highest point of our adventure: the Surimani Pass (4950m / 16,240 ft). This is not only the highest point but also the most breathtaking viewpoint of the journey!
From here, you can marvel at the majestic Apu Ausangate (6370m / 20,897 ft) and its surrounding turquoise lagoons, which create a stunning color contrast. Ausangate is one of the most important sacred mountains – hence the name of this adventure! – and is revered as the protector of the Cusco region and a vital provider of water and life.
We will then hike downhill for about 1.5 hours, reaching the Hatun Pucacocha Lake (4650m / 15,255 ft) around 11 AM. This is the largest lake near Ausangate, offering fantastic photo opportunities in a serene setting. It will also be our lunch site, and if we are lucky, we may spot wild vizcachas – chinchilla-like rodents that thrive in the rocky mountain landscapes.
After lunch, we will continue with a 1.5-hour hike, gradually ascending and passing by small crystal-clear lakes until we arrive at our campsite at Huchuycocha (4666m / 15,304 ft). This final stretch is a pleasant and mostly flat walk, allowing you to fully enjoy the surrounding mountain landscapes.
Meals: All meals
Included: Camping equipment & field team as described on Day 1 of trek
Accommodations: Camping
The longest day awaits us! We first walk for 40 minutes until we reach the Arapa Pass (4750m / 15,584 ft). If we are lucky, we may even spot some vicuñas, Peru’s national animal. These animals are highly valued for their soft fiber and collection of their fleece is highly controlled by the government, with only a handful of companies possessing a license.
We will continue descending for 2.5 hours until we reach Upis. On the way we can admire the Upis Lake, known for its different colors and crystal-clear water, making it quite beautiful! It is fascinating to see the incredible contrast between yesterday’s turquoise lakes and today’s crystal-clear Upis Lagoon. During this portion of the trek, we may also see llareta, a native plant very common in this area and elevation. It is an ancient plant, over 3000 years old.
From this point, the hike is flat, and we will pass by local houses and farms. Three local families live here, and we will likely see them working and taking care of their alpaca herds.
We will spend the night here, or alternatively, you may wish to add a homestay with a local family.
Meals: All meals
Included: Camping equipment & field team as described on Day 1 of trek
Accommodations: Camping
After enjoying a hearty breakfast this morning, we’ll begin the journey to Ollantaytambo, about a 4-5 hour drive.
The design of Ollantaytambo village and the majority of its foundations date from the Inca era when it was a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. On one end of the village are its impressive resistance terraces, constructed to avoid landslides. This series of superimposed terraces is made of carved stones, and accessed by long staircases.
After lunch on your own, you might have some time to climb these ruins if you desire. Otherwise, stroll the picturesque cobblestone streets or browse its lively souvenir market. Do a little shopping, wander or enjoy coffee and a treat at one of the town’s cute cafes.
Around mid-afternoon, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, a stunning 1.5h journey through the magnificent Vilcanota Canyon. Arriving at Aguas Calientes, we will check into our accommodations. Time permitting, you can explore this village to do some souvenir shopping or check out the town’s namesake hot springs!
We’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner together and then it will be time to turn in for the night, in preparation for tomorrow’s special day.
Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Tierra Viva, or similar (Aguas Calientes)
Today we will enjoy a guided visit of the unparalleled Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu. This is a lifelong dream for many, and also the pinnacle of the Sacred Peaks trek.
We will take a bus in the early morning up to the ruins of Machu Picchu so that you can appreciate this famous city in the early morning light, aiming to enter the site around 8 AM. Your guide will give you a 2h walking tour of the historic citadel which will leave you in awe of the Incan people’s ingenuity!
After our tour, we exit the site and head back down to Aguas Calientes on the bus (you can choose to walk down, but the bus ticket is included in the price of your trek). There, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before catching our train
We will travel on the Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo where our driver will meet us and transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco. Total travel time is about 4 hours from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Feeling adventurous? You may wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in addition to your tour of the Machu Picchu ruins. This requires an extra permit, and they can sell out well in advance! Be sure to tell us at booking if you would like to add one of these hikes.
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Tierra Viva San Blas, or similar (Cusco)
Depending on the time of your flight, you might have the chance for a final walk around Cusco or some last-minute souvenir shopping.
After checking out of your hotel, we transfer you to the Cusco airport in time to catch your outbound flight.
Keep in mind: it is recommended to be at the airport at least 1.5 hours prior to domestic flights, and 3 hours prior to international flight departures.
Meals: B
Included: Airport transfer
