Uyuni Salt Flats & Machu Picchu
Imagine standing in the world’s largest mirror as the sun sets over the Uyuni Salt Flats, and the sky bleeds into an endless reflection. Or following the footsteps of the Inca, ascending ancient stone steps to emerge at the Sun Gate for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. This trek is an adventure that weaves together the Andes’ most spectacular landscapes and powerful cultural experiences.
Over 14 unforgettable days, you’ll journey from the otherworldly expanses of Bolivia’s salt flats to the mist-shrouded peaks of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Sail across Lake Titicaca, where indigenous communities maintain traditions passed down through generations on floating reed islands. Trek through rainbow-painted mountains, explore colonial cities, and finally stand among the precise stonework of Machu Picchu as the morning sun illuminates its secrets.
This adventure balances challenging hikes and cultural discoveries with comfortable accommodations and expert guides. You’ll push your boundaries during day treks, then relax in hand-picked hotels each evening.
Whether you watch the stars sparkle over your salt hotel in Uyuni, observe traditional weaving techniques in the Sacred Valley, or climb Peru’s Rainbow Mountain, each day brings fresh wonders to ancient lands.
Day 1: Welcome to La Paz – The City in the Sky
Touch down in La Paz, where your Andean adventure begins at 11,975 feet above sea level. Your guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in the vibrant city center.
Take time to acclimate to the altitude while watching the rhythm of life unfold in South America’s highest capital. If you’re feeling energetic, explore the charming neighborhood around your hotel, where cafes sit alongside traditional markets and colonial architecture.
Note: You will need a visa to enter Bolivia. You will also need to pass through customs. You can get your visa in advance or on arrival, but you need a valid passport with at least six months before it expires, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination, a round-trip ticket, and proof of lodging. See the FAQs below for more detailed information.
- Meals: None
- Accommodations: Hotel in La Paz
- Maximum altitude: 4,150 m /13,620 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3.650 m /11.975 ft
Day 2: Discovering La Paz – From Historic Streets to Moon Valley
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide for a private tour of Bolivia’s capital. Wind through the city’s historic neighborhoods, where colonial churches and mansions create a backdrop for La Paz’s fascinating blend of Spanish and indigenous cultures.
Next, venture to the otherworldly Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), where erosion has sculpted striking formations in the clay mountains. Spires and canyons create an almost lunar landscape. Cap off your adventure with a ride on La Paz’s ultramodern téléferico (cable car system), gliding high above the city streets.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in La Paz
- La Paz Altitude: 3,650 m /11.975 ft
- Approximate tour time: 5-7 hours
Day 3: Journey to the Infinite White – La Paz to Uyuni Salt Flats
Your morning begins with a quick flight from La Paz to Uyuni, the gateway to the world’s largest salt flat. Your adventure starts with an exploration of Pulacayo, a silver mining ghost town that has earned UNESCO World Industrial Heritage status.
Then, venture into the vast white expanse of the legendary Salar de Uyuni to visit Isla del Pescado (Fish Island), a surreal outcrop rising from the salt plain. Here, giant cacti stretch toward the sky, some reaching heights of over 30 feet.
As the day winds down, witness one of nature’s most spectacular shows, sunset over the salt flats, when the fading light transforms the white salt into a canvas of brilliant colors.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- Accommodations: Hotel in Uyuni (Palacio de Sal hotel or similar)
- Maximum altitude: 4,150 m /13,620 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,660 m/12,00 ft
- Fly time from La Paz to Uyuni: 1 hour
- Approximate tour time: 9-10 hours
Day 4: Private Uyuni Salt Flats Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, venture deeper into the otherworldly landscape of Uyuni. Your guide will lead you to the tiny community of Coquesa, nestled at the base of the Tunupa volcano. Step back in time as you trek to ancient caves holding centuries-old Aymara mummies preserved by the desert air.
Take a break for a gourmet lunch amid the salt flats’ vast white expanse, where sky and earth seem to merge at the horizon. Finally, return to your salt hotel for another spectacular Uyuni sunset.
Note: Bring your camera – the salt flats offer incredible photo opportunities!
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel in Uyuni (Palacio de Sal hotel or similar)
- Maximum altitude: 3,660 m/12,00 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,660 m/12,00 ft
- Approximate tour time: 8-10 hours
Day 5: From Salt Flats to Sacred Waters – Journey to Isla del Sol
Begin your day with a morning flight from Uyuni back to La Paz. A scenic drive brings you to the charming lakeside town of Copacabana, where you’ll pause for lunch along the shores of South America’s largest lake.
Board a boat to Isla del Sol, the sacred birthplace of Inca civilization. According to legend, it was here that Manco Kápac and Mama Ocllo, the first Inca rulers, emerged from Lake Titicaca to establish their empire. Follow in their footsteps as you ascend the ancient Escalinatas de Yumani, a traditional Inca stairway that winds up the island’s terraced slopes.
Along your climb, stop to taste the waters of a mountain spring known as the Fountain of Eternal Youth. Your effort is rewarded at the summit with panoramic views that include Lake Titicaca and the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real.
Note: Accommodation on Isla del Sol is in simple, locally-run hostels. While basic, they offer an authentic island experience as luxury hotels are not available on the island.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel in Isla del Sol
- Maximum altitude: 3,812 m/12,507 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,660 m/12,00 ft
Day 6: Island Sunrise to Peruvian Shores – Isla del Sol to Puno
Rise early to witness a spectacular sunrise over Lake Titicaca. After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the ancient trails of Isla del Sol.
Return by boat to Copacabana, where you’ll have time to visit the brilliant white Moorish-style Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, home to the revered “Dark Virgin,” Bolivia’s patron saint. Take in the local culture at Copacabana’s vibrant market, where artisans display colorful textiles and traditional crafts.
Then, begin your journey into Peru, traveling along the shores of Lake Titicaca to Puno. This three-hour drive includes a stop at the Bolivia-Peru border. In the evening, arrive at your comfortable Puno hotel, ready to begin the Peruvian chapter of your adventure.
Note: Border crossing procedures between Bolivia and Peru are straightforward but can take some time. Have your passport ready.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel in Puno (Tierra Viva hotel or similar)
- Maximum altitude: 3,830 m/12,560 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,812 m/12,507 ft
Day 7: Life on the Lake – Uros and Taquile Island Adventure
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast as today’s lake adventure will span 9 hours exploring two of Lake Titicaca’s most fascinating islands. Your first stop is the floating Uros Islands, an archipelago of 32 islands ingeniously constructed from layers of totora reeds. Here, you’ll learn about local customs and explore the remarkable reed homes. For an additional 20 soles, you can glide across the lake in a traditional reed boat.
Next, voyage about 30 miles across Lake Titicaca to reach Taquile Island. As you cruise across waters situated at 12,500 feet elevation, soak in magnificent views of the lake and surrounding peninsulas. On Taquile, climb the ancient stone steps to reach the island’s heart. Your effort is rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy a local lunch before beginning your return journey.
Arrive back in Puno around 3:30 PM, with time to relax at your hotel for the evening.
Note: Visiting Taquile requires climbing 500 steps to reach the main part of the island. With elevations ranging from 12,000 ft at the lakeshore to over 13,000 ft at the highest point, please pace yourself and be mindful of the altitude.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel in Puno (Tierra Viva hotel or similar)
- Maximum altitude: 3,950 m/12,959 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,830 m/12,560 ft
- Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 8: Route of the Sun – Journey from Puno to Cusco
Journey along the Route of the Sun, following ancient pathways from the Altiplano to the heart of the Inca Empire. Departing Puno at 7:00 AM, bid farewell to Lake Titicaca’s shimmering waters as you begin your scenic 10-hour journey to Cusco.
Your first stop comes after two hours in the historic town of Pucara, the birthplace of the famous ceramic bulls that crown Andean rooftops. These colorful guardians hold deep significance in local culture.
Continue through the dramatic highlands to La Raya, the natural border between the Puno and Cusco regions. Here, you’ll pause for photos of the breathtaking mountain panorama before enjoying a buffet lunch.
In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Temple of Viracocha at Raqchi, the largest temple built by the Inca Empire. Your final stop before Cusco is the stunning colonial church of Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” You can explore intricate murals and priceless colonial artworks that blend European and Andean artistic traditions.
Arrive in Cusco around 5:00 PM, where our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the ancient Inca capital.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
- Accommodations: Hotel in Cusco (Tierra Viva hotel or similar)
- Maximum altitude: 3,830 m/12,560 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,399 m/11,152 ft
- Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 9: Cusco City Tour
Morning unfolds at your own pace in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Take time to wander through the cobblestone streets to the San Pedro Market, where locals trade everything from fresh produce to traditional textiles, or climb the picturesque streets of San Blas, where artisans work in studios tucked within colonial buildings.
The afternoon tour leads you through Cusco’s fascinating history. Begin in the UNESCO-recognized historic center at the Cusco Cathedral. Continue to Qoricancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire.
The tour continues into the hills above Cusco to the Sacsayhuaman fortress, where ancient Inca masons created walls so precisely fitted that not even a knife blade could slip between them. If time allows, visitors can explore nearby sacred sites like Qenko, where ancient rituals once took place among carved stone channels and mysterious caves.
Return to your hotel as evening paints the city in golden light. The night is yours to sample Cusco’s culinary scene or stroll the illuminated Plaza de Armas.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Cusco (Tierra Viva hotel or similar)
- Maximum altitude: 3,700 m/12,139 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
- Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 10: Rainbow Mountain Hike
Get ready to explore one of Peru’s most spectacular natural wonders – Vinicunca, known as Rainbow Mountain. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take a scenic drive through the Vilcanota mountain range, watching the landscape transform from valley farmland to high alpine wilderness. Your trek begins at a breathtaking 4,800 meters (16,000 ft), where the thin air reminds you that you’re standing higher than most peaks in North America.
The challenging three-hour ascent takes you through a landscape that changes with every step. Finally, crest the summit to behold nature’s masterpiece: mountainsides striped with brilliant mineral colors, from deep rust reds to bright yellows and soft lavenders. On clear days, the mighty Ausangate glacier provides a snow-capped backdrop to this extraordinary scene.
You will want your camera handy for this hike to capture photos of the unique landscape. The descent offers new perspectives on the colorful mountains and surrounding valleys before returning to Cusco in the afternoon.
Note: This high-altitude trek requires good physical condition. The elevation makes this challenging even for experienced hikers. Move at your own pace and stay hydrated.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- Accommodations: Hotel in Cusco (Tierra Viva hotel or similar)
- Distance Covered: 10 km/6.2 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 5-7 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Maximum Altitude: 5,200m/17,060 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 4,300m/14,000ft
Day 11: Sacred Valley – Chinchero – Maras – Moray and Ollantaytambo
Leave the colonial cobblestones of Cusco behind to explore the Sacred Valley. Begin in Chinchero, a traditional village perched high in the valley. Here, master weavers work in the shadow of massive Inca walls. Then, explore the impressive archaeological site built under Tupac Inca Yupanqui, which has agricultural terraces and ceremonial platforms.
Journey onward to Moray, where concentric circular terraces descend into the earth like a giant’s amphitheater. These sophisticated agricultural laboratories may have allowed the Inca to simulate different growing conditions, a testament to their agricultural genius.
Next, witness the still-functioning salt pans of Maras, where crystalline pools cascade down the mountainside. These salt mines, fed by mineral-rich spring water through an ancient system of channels, have been harvested since pre-Inca times and continue to produce the region’s famous pink salt.
Conclude your journey at the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Ancient streets follow their original Inca layout, and water flows through centuries-old stone channels. Cap the excursion with lunch in Urubamba, featuring Peruvian and international flavors.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Ollantaytambo (Sol Ollantay hotel or similar)
- Minimum Altitude: 3,400 m/11,154 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 3,700 m/12,139 ft
- Approximate Tour Duration: 6-8 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
Day 12: Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Start your day with a 3-hour ascent along original Inca stone steps. This challenging but rewarding hike takes you through diverse landscapes with unique flora and fauna.
Around midday, you’ll reach the awe-inspiring ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), a well-preserved Inca site clinging to a steep hillside, and visit a nearby temple boasting seven rainbow-colored windows showcasing the Incas’ impressive engineering skills.
We’ll continue hiking toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Prepare to be awestruck by your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu!
Finally, we’ll descend to the Lost City and spend the night in vibrant Aguas Calientes, where you’ll celebrate your accomplishment and gear up for another day of exploration.
Begin your journey to Machu Picchu in true Inca style—on foot along their ancient royal highway. Starting on the original stone path, you will embark on a three-hour ascent through cloud forest and mountain terrain.
Your efforts will be rewarded by midday when you discover Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), one of the most beautiful Inca sites along the trail. Here, you can visit ancient stone buildings, agricultural terraces that cling dramatically to the mountainside, and a temple with seven rainbow-colored windows.
Resume your climb toward Inti Punku, the legendary Sun Gate. Here, catch your breath with Machu Picchu visible in the distance. Finally, descend to Aguas Calientes, the lively town at the foot of Machu Picchu, where a comfortable hotel and well-earned rest await.
- Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Hatun Inti Classic hotel or similar)
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
- Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6-8 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Day 13: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco
Your 25-minute bus ride winds up the switchback road to Machu Picchu, arriving early. This timing offers moments of tranquility before the daily crowds arrive at one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites.
Your guide will take you on a two-hour journey through Machu Picchu’s most significant areas. You will learn how the Inca created this architectural masterpiece, hear tales of daily life in the royal city, and discover the fascinating astronomical alignments built into its design.
The remainder of the morning is yours to experience Machu Picchu as you wish. Those who got a permit in advance can challenge themselves to climb Huayna Picchu for a condor’s-eye view of the ruins. Others prefer to find a quiet spot to sketch or soak in this sacred place.
Descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding your train back toward Cusco. Whether you depart from Ollantaytambo or Poroy station, private transport will complete your journey back to your Cusco hotel, where you can reflect on an unforgettable day.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Cusco (Tierra Viva hotel or similar)
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 2,430 m/7,972 ft
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
Day 14: Farewell to the Andes
Today, your journey through Bolivia and Peru draws to a close. After a final breakfast at your Cusco hotel, your guide will escort you to the airport.
As your plane lifts off from Cusco’s mountain-ringed valley, gaze down at the landscape that has shared its secrets with you over the past two weeks. From the otherworldly expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats to the mist-shrouded terraces of Machu Picchu, you’ve experienced some of South America’s most extraordinary places and connected with the living cultures that call these ancient lands home.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Meals: Breakfast
INCLUDED:
- Your own personal trekking superhero – a professional, licensed guide who’s fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua. For larger groups, we’ll even hook you up with an assistant guide.
- Access to incredible Inca sites! Your ticket unlocks Cusco’s wonders, the mysteries of the Sacred Valley, and the legendary Machu Picchu.
- A pre-trek briefing 1-2 days before we hit the trails to get you fully prepared.
- From the moment you land in Peru to your final journey back to the airport, we’ve got your rides covered. Airport pickups, scenic train rides, private shuttles – the lot!
- Six delicious breakfasts, two lunches, and one dinner provided by our talented team.
- Four night’s stay in a comfortable, quality hotel in Cusco with double
- Four night’s stay in a comfortable, quality hotel in Aguas Calientes with double occupancy rooms.
- One night’s stay in a comfortable, quality hotel in Ollantaytambo and in Aguas Calientes with double occupancy rooms.
- Emergency supplies: first aid kit, oxygen, emergency radios – we’ve got your back!
NOT Included:
- Flights
- Airport taxes
- Huayna Picchu Mountain permit (this ticket can be purchased for an extra USD $75 per person)
- Hiking poles for the Short Inca Trail
- Meals (unless they are specified in the tour itinerary)
- Tip for your guide
- Travel Insurance
What to bring:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sunscreen SPF 35+ recommended
- Head lamp
- Sunglasses
- Camera with spare batteries (batteries run down faster at high altitudes)
- Binoculars
- Book to read (you will have some spare time at every camp to read your favorite book)
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
- Insect repellent
PRICES & ADD-ONS
Group: USD $3200 per person
Private: USD $3600 per person
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.
Rentals
- Hiking poles for the Short Inca Trail – USD $10 (for a pair)
Hotel Upgrades for Machu Picchu
- Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $255 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Inkaterra El Pueblo Machu Picchu hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $250 per person per night (double occupancy)
- El Mapi hotel by Inkaterra (4-star hotel) – USD $115 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $50 per person per night (double occupancy)
Train Upgrades
- Return Vistadome train -USD $60 for trip from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or to Poroy
- Return Hiram Bingham train -USD $500 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy
- Private lodging or Private hotel room in Aguas Calientes – USD $45 per person (this cost applies to our standard hotel included)
- Buffet lunch at the Tinkuy restaurant in the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu on day 2 – USD $50 per person
Frequently Asked Questions – Peru & Bolivia Adventure
Do I need a visa to enter Bolivia?
Yes, you need a visa to enter Bolivia. A Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 US and can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival. It is valid for 30 days per trip, up to a maximum of 90 days per year.
Check with your embassy in advance for specific requirements. Travelers from 26 countries, including the US, can choose to get a tourist visa in advance at the Bolivian embassy or on arrival. However, make sure you have all of the required documentation.
Required documentation for your Bolivian visa:
- Valid passport with at least six months validity remaining.
- International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
- A Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 US and can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival.
- Visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia.
- Visitors must provide proof of lodging in Bolivia, including the address of where you’ll be staying.
- If you purchase a visa at the airport, you must provide a photocopy of your passport biographic page.
- Make sure you get entry and exit stamps from the Bolivian authorities every time you enter or leave Bolivia.
- If you got the Bolivian visa at a land border or entry port and you lose your passport, you’ll need to get a new visa.
What do I need to declare at customs when I arrive in Bolivia?
You will need to pass through customs on arrival in Bolivia. You’ll need a valid passport and must declare cash over $10,000.
- You can’t bring any items that damage the environment, human health, or animal or plant life.
- You need a sanitary or phytosanitary certificate to import meat and plant products.
- Bolivia has tariff rates for imports ranging from 0–20%.
What do I need for the border crossing between Peru & Bolivia
Crossing between Peru and Bolivia is straightforward but requires some patience. You’ll need a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining, and your guide will help with the immigration cards at the border.
The process typically takes 1-2 hours. You’ll exit Bolivia first, cross the border, then enter Peru. While customs and luggage checks are possible, they’re usually brief.
How do I plan for the altitude?
Altitude is a consideration throughout your journey. You’ll be traveling at significant elevations, from La Paz at 11,942 feet to Rainbow Mountain at a breathtaking 17,060 feet. Give your body time to adjust by taking it easy for the first 2-3 days, staying hydrated, and eating light meals. Many travelers find coca tea helpful, and it’s widely available. Consider discussing altitude medication with your doctor before departure, especially if you’re concerned.
Can I use US dollars on my trip?
While US dollars are welcomed at hotels, you’ll want local currency for daily expenses. You’ll use Bolivianos in Bolivia and Soles in Peru.
ATMs are readily available in major cities like La Paz, Cusco, and Puno but can be scarce in smaller towns.
What about medication?
Bring any prescription medications you need, plus basic pain relievers and stomach medication.
Is water provided on the trek?
Your guide will ensure you have access to safe drinking water throughout the journey. During treks, stick to bottled water or water provided by your guide.
How do I get a Huayna Picchu permit?
We can help you obtain your Huayna Picchu permit as an optional extra when you book your trek. The iconic peak in classic Machu Picchu photos allows only 400 visitors per day.
We recommend deciding about this additional hike when booking your tour. Huayna Picchu is steeper and more challenging, with some sections requiring both hands and feet.
Can I charge my phone? Is there internet access?
Electricity varies between 220V and 110V throughout Peru and Bolivia. Most hotels provide adapters, but it’s wise to bring your own. Internet access is reliable in major cities but spotty in remote areas like Isla del Sol or along trekking routes.
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:
Group: $3200
Private: $3600
DURATION:
14 Days / 13 Night
AVAILABLE ADD-ONS
- Return Vistadome Train per person – USD: $60 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham train per person – USD: $520 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (5-star hotel) – USD: $255 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu El Pueblo hotel (5-star hotel) – USD: $250 per person per night (double occupancy)
- El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra (4 star hotel) – USD: $115 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD: $50 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Huayna Picchu Permit – USD: $75 per person
- Single Hotel Room – USD $45 per person
OVERVIEW
- Duration: 14 Days, 13 Nights
- Day 1: Welcome to La Paz – The city in the Sky
- Day 2: Discovering La Paz – From Historic Streets to Moon Valley
- Day 3: Journey to the Infinitive White – La Paz to Uyuni Salt Flats
- Day 4: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour
- Day 5: From Sal Flats to Sacred Waters – Journey to Isla del Sol
- Day 6: Island Sunrise to Peruvian Shores – Isla del Sol to Puno
- Day 7: Life on the Lake – Uros and Taquile Island Adventure
- Day 8: Route of the Sun – Journey from Puno to Cusco
- Day 9: Cusco City Tour
- Day 10: Rainbow Mountain Hike
- Day 11: Sacred Valley and Overnight in Ollantaytambo
- Day 12: Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Day 13: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Day 14: Farewell to the Andes
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 4,150 m /13,620 ft
- Overall Trek Difficulty: Average to Moderate
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.
