Active Peru Adventure – 9D/8N
Join us and experience the archaeological and cultural treasures of this fascinating country with this brand new 9-day itinerary.
Our Active Peru Adventure tour is perfect for those looking to discover Peru’s most famous destinations, but who only have limited time available to explore.
This trip of a lifetime includes four days hiking and camping along the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Following in the footsteps of the Incas this challenging trail rewards its intrepid explorers with breathtaking views across the majestic Andes, the opportunity to walk among the ruins of ancient Incan towns and temples and, of course, witness first hand one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
Accompanied at all times by one of our world class guides and our incredible team of Porters, you will sleep comfortably in the most dramatic and beautifully remote locations, under the magnificent South American skies. But this trip is about so much more than the Inca Trail.
We will spend time in the country’s modern and ancient capitals of Lima and Cusco, be stunned by the raw natural colours of the Rainbow Mountain and marvel at the mystical terraces at Moray.
We take care of booking everything from hotels to transport so that you can just relax and enjoy everything that this trip has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our beautiful country with you!
Eco Andes Trekking is highly recommended by TripAdvisor and Trustpilot. Join hundreds of happy trekkers who have experienced the adventure of a lifetime!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Lima
You are welcome to schedule your arrival in Lima at any time. There are no planned activities today, so check into your hotel and relax after your long journey, and then spend some time exploring the city.
We will hold a Welcome Meeting at your hotel when one of our representatives will give you all of the exciting details of the trip ahead of us.
- Accommodations: Tierra Viva hotel Miraflores (or similar)
- Lima altitude: See level
Day 2: Lima to Cusco
In the morning you will be transported back to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco, and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon we will take you on a tour of Cusco’s main sites.
Starting in the bustling Plaza de Armas, flanked on 2 sides by two magnificent Cathedrals, we will wander the cobbled backstreets exploring a city steeped in the history of one of the world’s most alluring and ancient cultures.
We also venture outside of the city to visit the ancient ruins at Qenqo, and Puca Pucara, as well as the water temple of Tambomachay and the magnificent Inca site of Sacsayhuaman.
At the end of this first full day, you will already feel immersed in the culture and history of this incredible country..
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva hotel (or similar)
- Maximum altitude: 3,750 m/12,350 ft
- Minimum altitude: 3,399 m/11,150 ft
- Approximate walking time: 5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 3: Moray, Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo
Today we take you on a guided tour through the incredible Sacred Valley of the Incas. Accompanied as always by your expert guide, we will drive you deep into the Sacred Valley, a land almost lost in time deep in the heart of the Andes mountains.
In the morning we visit Moray, a circular terraced agricultural site with an almost mystical quality, and the Salinas salt pans, an ancient agricultural marvel where salt is still produced today!
In the afternoon we visit the archeological site of Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,160 ft)with its impressive Inca constructions, before finishing the day wandering through the Artisan Markets in the quaint, local town of the same name. Here we will spend the night, the excitement building ahead of our journey on the Inca Trail.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Samanapaq hotel (or similar) Hotel
- Maximum altitude: 3,380 m/11,088 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,792 m/9,160 ft
- Approximate tour duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Our adventure on the Inca Trail begins
Leaving Ollantaytambo early in the morning, we drive you to Piscacucho (also known as KM 82) which is the trailhead and start of our 4-day Inca Trail adventure.
You will be accompanied by our expert crew of local porters and cooks who attend to every last detail of the trek, ensuring you are comfortable and safe at all times.
Our hardy Porters will carry the majority of your gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with some essentials, like water, rain gear, snacks, a camera etc.
The trail begins following the banks of meandering streams and past ancient archeological ruins, at all times surrounded by breathtaking views of the Andes and the flora and fauna of this unique region.
We will even pass through small villages where we can stop to try Chicha, a locally brewed corn beer!
The trekking is moderately easy and serves as a good training for the days ahead. Arriving at our campsite for the night, the Porters will have arrived ahead of us and setup camp.
After the days exertions you will be pleased to change into some warmer clothing (nights in the mountains can be chilly!) and then sit out under the stars, sharing stories and enjoying the delicious gourmet dinner that the kitchen team will have prepared for you.
Our chefs are especially selected for their skills at mountain-cooking, and you will not be disappointed with the quality of food provided! Retiring for the night to your comfortable, high quality tent (with ground mattress) you can be assured of a good night’s sleep to rest your weary legs.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3,300 m/ 10,824 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,598 m/ 8,525 ft
- Approximate walking time: 8 hours
- Distance to walk: 14 km/ 8.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: A challenging day on the Inca Trail
Day 5 is the most challenging day, and it starts early! You will be gently woken by one of our Porters and served fresh coffee or Cocoa Tea (perfect for altitude adjustment) before a delicious and nutritious breakfast that is perfect fuel for the challenging day ahead.
The trek starts with a steep, 3-hour climb to Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 13,769ft so be prepared to face strong Andean weather (blazing sun or cold winds) as we reach the summit.
Your guide will ensure we take the hike at a pace suitable for everyone, encouraging everyone to drink lots of water along the way.
The reward of course for reaching the summit are some of the most spectacular mountain vistas found anywhere in South America! After resting and taking those all-important photos, we start the descent to our lunch spot in the Pacaymayu valley.
Our crew will be waiting with a delicious lunch, preparing us for another tough few hours on the trail in the afternoon.
The afternoon begins with a 1 hour climb to the Inca ruins of Runcuracay. Here we will stop for a while and our expert guide will give you a full tour of the site. We then climb for one more hour to reach the second pass of the Inca Trail, the Runcuracay pass.
Breathtaking is the only word to describe the views of the snow-capped peaks that stretch out before us! We then hike downhill for 2 hours through Cloud Forest to reach the archeological site of Sayacmarca (steep-place town).
This is another incredible Inca ruin set in a spectacular location with majestic views across the Aobamba valley.
Finally, we hike for just 45 more minutes to our camp at Chaquicocha. Here we will have time to rest and relax before dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 4,215 m/ 13,825 ft
- Minimum altitude: 3,300 m/ 10,824 ft
- Approximate walking time: 10 hours
- Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 6: Another perfect day on the Inca Trail
Hiking through cloud forest on a gentle, undulating trail we reach the third pass of the Inca Trail trek.
The Phuyupatamarca pass is located at 12,136ft and on a clear day you can enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba mountain range. Hiking downhill for 15 minutes we reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the “town above the clouds”.
Your guide will again provide a tour of the ruins before we follow the trail further downhill for two hours to the ruins of Intipata. Our hiking today ends with a gentle 45-minute downhill section to our camp at Wiñay Wayna where our lunch will be waiting for us.
Relaxed and well rested after lunch, we will visit the site at Wiñay Wayna. Meaning “Forever Young” in the Quechua language this is the last Inca ruin along the trail to Machu Picchu. Built into a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River the site consists of upper and lower house complexes connected by a staircase and fountain structures.
Above and below the houses the Incas built areas of agricultural terraces which are still visible today. Once back at the camp site we will enjoy our final night with our porters and kitchen team, as they do not join us for the visit to Machu Picchu
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3,600 m/11,808 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,680 m/8,792 ft
- Approximate walking time: 5 hours
- Distance to walk: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 7: Machu Picchu!
Our final day starts before dawn to reach the famous Sun Gate before sunrise. It is here that we will get our first views of the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu and on a clear day the sunrise will be unforgettable.
It is hard to put into words the impact of seeing one of the most iconic sights on the planet for the first time, but we will have plenty of time to take in those first views for ourselves.
We then hike down to the main entrance for a 2-hour guided tour of the site. Our guides are experts in the history of the site, and will really bring the visit to life for you.
After the tour, you will have some time to be at the site, or maybe just find a quiet spot to sit and reflect; this was, after all, a spiritual center for the Incas. Around midday we catch a bus for a 25-minute ride downhill to Aguas Calientes where there will be time to eat and relax before returning by train to Cusco in the evening.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva Cusco (or similar hotel)
- Maximum altitude: 2,700 m/ 8,856 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,430 m/ 7,972 ft
- Approximate walking time: 2 hours
- Distance to walk: 5 km/ 3.73 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 8: The Rainbow Mountain of Peru
Our final full day starts with a 5am pick from your hotel to drive to the village of Cusipata where we will stop for breakfast before heading to the trailhead for the Rainbow Mountains.
Vinicunca or “Rainbow” mountain is a sacred place near the Ausangate mountain. The mountains are largely formed of colorful sediments, built up over centuries, which give the site a unique and surreal look. The mountain itself can only be accessed by foot or horse, adding further to the remote and undisturbed nature of the location.
From the trailhead we make a steep 1 ½ hour climb to reach the viewing platforms for the mountain. Although shorter than many of the trail sections we completed on the Inca Trail, the hike is still challenging but the views as always are more than rewarding!
Returning to Cusipata we will have a delicious lunch in a local house before returning to Cusco at around 4pm.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva Cusco Hotel (or similar)
- Maximum altitude: 5,020 m/16,469 ft
- Minimum altitude: 3,399 m/11,150 ft
- Approximate walking time: 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 9: Depart Cusco
Sadly, our Active Peru Adventure ends today. We will collect you at any time from your Cusco hotel to transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.
We hope that your time with us will have made a lifetime of unforgettable memories!
- Meals: Breakfast
Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. At Action Treks Peru we will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.
INCLUDED:
- Professional English speaking guide. Additional guide for groups over 8 people
- Pre-trek briefing before the Inca Trail trek
- Transport to/from airport to Lima hotel on day 1 and day 2.
- Transport from airport to your Cusco hotel on day 2
- Transport to the airport or bus station at the end of the trip
- 3 nights accommodation in a nice and comfortable hotel in Cusco city (double occupancy)
- 1-night accommodation in a nice and comfortable hotel in Ollantaytambo (double occupancy)
- 1-night accommodation in a nice and comfortable hotel in Lima (double occupancy)
- Admission fees to all the archeological sites in the Cusco City tour and the Sacred Valley tour.
- Transportation from your Ollantaytambo hotel to KM 82 (start point of the Inca Trail)
- Personal porter to carry 6 kg of personal gear for each hiker
- Your sleeping bag and mattress will count towards this weight limit. Approximate weight of the average sleeping bag and sleeping mattress is 3 kg.
- Porters to carry all group gear
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 7
- Return Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to either Poroy or to Ollantaytambo.
- Transport by private transportation from Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station to your Cusco hotel
- Admission ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological site
- Admission ticket to the Inca Trail
- 4 lunches, 3 dinners and 8 breakfasts
- Four-person tent for every 2 people along the Inca Trail trek
- Thermarest Mattress for the Inca Trail trek
- Pillow for the Inca Trail trek
- Kitchen tent for the Inca Trail trek
- Dining tent with tables and chairs on the Inca Trail trek
- Eco-friendly portable toilet and toilet tent along the Inca Trail trek
- Professional chef and an assistant cheffor the Inca Trail trek
- Daily boiled and cold water to fill water bottles
- Water for washing
- Duffle bag for your personal gear to be used along the Inca Trail trek
- Private guided walking tour of Machu Picchu
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank for all tours
NOT included:
- Flights
- Airport taxes
- Huayna Picchu (this ticket can be purchased for an extra USD $75 per person)
- Hiking poles (can be rented from us)
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Meals (unless they are specified in the tour itinerary)
- Tip for your staff
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
What to bring:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking you MUST bring both)
- Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, tops, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, thermal underwear, light long pants, gloves, poncho, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sun block (factor 35+ recommended)
- Head lamp + batteries*
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Camera + batteries*
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us) MUST have rubber tips
- Insect repellent – 15% DEET
- Snacks (while your crew will prepare the most amazing meals, everyone’s energy needs are different, particularly at altitude, and so you should pack some suitable snacks to make sure you are always fully energized)
PRICES & ADD-ONS
Group: USD $1550 Private: USD $1650
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Eco Andes Trekking is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts
- Under 18 years discount: USD $20
- Under 7 years discount: USD $35
Rentals
- Hiking poles – USD $20 (pair)
- Sleeping bag – USD $25 per person
Upgrades
- Train Upgrades
- Return Vistadome Train-USD $60 for trip from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or to Poroy
- Return Hiram Bingham Train-USD $400 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy
- Buffet lunch at the Tinkuy Restaurant in the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu on day 7 – USD $45 per person.
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:
Group: $1550
Private: $1650
DURATION:
9 Days / 8 Night
AVAILABLE ADD-ONS
- Hiking poles – USD $25 (pair)
- Sleeping bag – USD $30 per person
- Huayna Picchu Permit – USD $75 per person
- Train Upgrades
- Return Vistadome Train-USD $60 for trip from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or to Poroy
- Return Hiram Bingham Train-USD $420 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy
- Buffet lunch at the Tinkuy Restaurant in the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu on day 7 – USD $50 per person.
OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Lima
- Day 2: Lima to Cusco
- Day 3: Moray, Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo
- Day 4: Our adventure on the Inca Trail begins
- Day 5: A challenging day on the Inca Trail
- Day 6: Another perfect day on the Inca Trail
- Day 7: Machu Picchu!!!
- Day 8: The Rainbow Mountain of Peru
- Day 9: Depart Cusco
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT
Your Full Satisfaction or Your Money Back
We understand planning a big trip like ours at EAT takes a lot of trust, and we’re here to make sure that trust pays off from the moment you book to the day your adventure wraps up. We’re fully committed to making your experience unforgettable. If something doesn’t go as planned—whether it’s an issue with the service or something unexpected along the way—we’ll step in to fix it.
That even includes offering a refund if needed so you can book with total peace of mind.
Your Peruvian adventure means the world to us, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure it not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With our satisfaction guarantee, you can relax and focus on taking in all the incredible beauty and culture Peru has to offer.
We Help You Experience Peru Through The Eyes of a Local
We’re 100% locally owned and operated, with guides, porters, and chefs who grew up in the Cusco region. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua, our team brings unmatched cultural and historical knowledge to share with you. Traveling with us means gaining insight into Peru’s traditions, landscapes, and stories from those who know them best.
We Work With Professional Guides Who Provide Exceptional Service
Our guides are the best of the best. Truly skilled experts with at least 5 years of experience, every guide we employ is ready to share their expertise on Peru’s trails, culture, and history. Our porters are no exception. They work hard to make your journey one for the books, while our chefs will prepare you delicious meals along the way. With a 99% recommendation rate, we’re dedicated to making every detail of your trip unforgettable.
We’re Committed to Our Team
Our porters and horsemen are easily the backbone of every trek. That’s why we are fully committed to prioritizing their well-being. We ensure they’re paid above-average wages—higher than those offered by most tour companies—recognizing their hard work and dedication to the team. Beyond fair pay, we truly care for their well-being, providing proper gear, meals, and working conditions so they’re not just safe but comfortable, too.
We Look Out for Our Community
A portion of every trek we sell supports local projects, like helping fund a much-needed school roof in Sacsayhuaman, where many of our team live. For years, children in the area had no nearby school and faced grueling four-hour walks in harsh conditions to get an education. Today, thanks to these contributions, they have a local school, and we continue to donate to its upkeep—because making an impact goes beyond the trek.
We Customize Our Adventures to Suit Your Travel Style
We want every trip to feel like it was made just for you. Whether you’re keen on hiking the famous Inca Trail, exploring lesser-known spots in the Sacred Valley, or tackling our one-of-a-kind Ancashcocha + Inca Trail trek, we’ll plan your adventure to fit your travel style. To keep things personal, we keep group sizes small—and if your group is larger than eight, we’ll bring in an extra guide so no one misses out on the experience.
We Travel with Purpose – Serving the Women, Children, & Men of Peru
Every journey with us has a ripple effect. Your adventure supports ethical tourism, fair wages for porters, and opportunities for female trekkers–many of whom are breaking barriers on the Inca Trail–and children. We’re passionate about creating opportunities for local children to grow up healthy and learn about everything their heart desires. Through initiatives like repairing schools, donating educational materials, and funding projects, we make it a mission to build a brighter future for kids in the Cusco region. Every trek you take with us contributes to this mission. When you book with us, you’re not just exploring Peru; you’re investing in it and setting a standard for all other tourism companies and tourists.
Our Reputation is Built on Trust
Year after year, Eco Andes Trekking has earned top ratings on TripAdvisor and the prestigious Certificate of Excellence. We’ve worked hard for these awards and are proud to see our hard work recognized. Even prouder to know our travelers leave with unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing.
We Travel Sustainably & Responsibly
Peru’s landscapes are magnificent. That’s why we work so hard to protect them. We prioritize sustainable traveling by working with our local communities and employing indigenous guides––thus promoting economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage. Along the journey, we’ll always encourage travelers to embrace responsible practices as advocates for the environment.
