Ultimate Andes 15 days: Machu Picchu, Titicaca, Ausangate and Chachani

Day 1 – Arrival in Lima

Arrival at Lima airport, reception, and transfer to the hotel. Free evening. Overnight in a hotel in Lima. Meals not included.

Included:

• English-speaking guide

• Private vehicle

• Hotel in Lima

 Day 2 – Lima – Cusco

Flight to Cusco (1 hr). Check-in at a comfortable hotel in the historic center. First visits and explorations of this UNESCO-listed city. Main sites visited include the beautiful Plaza de Armas (with the cathedral and the Church of the Compañía), streets with Inca stone foundations (Loreto, Hatum Rumiyoc), the San Blas district, as well as selected museums and colonial buildings. Free evening and overnight at the hotel.

Included:

• English-speaking guide

• Entrance fees as scheduled

• Breakfast

• Private vehicle

• Hotel in Cusco

 Day 3 – Cusco: Sacsayhuamán – Tambomachay – Pucapucara – Qenqo

Short transfer by bus to Tambomachay. Gentle downhill trekking back toward Cusco. Along the way, we visit the fountains of Tambomachay (a sacred site dedicated to water), Pucapucara (storehouses and military posts), Qenqo, and the colossal fortress of Sacsayhuamán, known for its seamlessly interlocking stone walls. Free evening and overnight at the hotel.

Included:

• English-speaking guide

• Entrance fees as scheduled

• Private vehicle

• Breakfast

• Hotel in Cusco

 Day 4 – Chinchero – Maras – Moray – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

You head toward the Sacred Valley, beginning with a visit to the archaeological complex of Pisac, featuring terraces, fountains, observatories, and a large necropolis (nearly 10,000 burials). This is where the Incas controlled the valley. On your way down, stop at the village’s traditional crafts market before continuing along the Urubamba River toward Ollantaytambo. After a walk through its remarkably preserved Inca-era streets, you take the train to Aguas Calientes. Arrival and hotel check-in. Free evening at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Note: Today you leave your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco and take only what is needed for the next two days.

Included:

• Local English-speaking guide

• Private vehicle

• Train to Aguas Calientes

• Entrance fees as scheduled

• Breakfast, lunch

• Hotel in Aguas Calientes

 Day 5 – Machu Picchu – Cusco

At dawn, to enjoy Machu Picchu before the crowds, you take the shuttle or bus to the entrance of the site for a complete guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas, including agricultural terraces, urban sectors, and astonishing structures built on steep mountain slopes.
In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes for your train to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to Cusco.

Optional activities (not included and must be booked in advance):

• Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability; these mountains have separate timed entries and take extra time to climb).

Included:

• Local English-speaking guide

• Private vehicle

• Train to Cusco

• Entrance fees as scheduled

• Breakfast, lunch

• Hotel in Cusco

 Day 6 – Cusco – Tinqui (3900 m) – Upis (4380 m)

Private bus to the southeast of Cusco. Stop in Urcos, capital of the Vilcanota province. The route climbs to the Pilluyo Pass, offering beautiful views of Apu Ausangate, protector of Cusco and surrounding villages. Continue to Ocongate and then to Tinqui (3900 m). Meet your muleteer team ("arrieros") and begin your adventure. Camp in Upis (4380 m), facing Ausangate (6378 m). Possibility of enjoying natural hot springs.

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• English-speaking guide

• 5 hours of trekking

• Camping

• Minibus (2.5 to 3 hrs)

 Day 7 – Upis – Pucacocha (4575 m)

We walk up the valley before climbing a rocky moraine ridge beside a glacier-fed lake. In these boulder fields, viscachas can often be seen basking in the sun. The ascent continues to a first pass (4730 m), whose wind-sculpted formations resemble sand dunes. Descend toward a series of lakes before reaching Pucacocha, where we camp.

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• English-speaking guide

• 7 hours of trekking

• Camping

• Elevation gain: +580 m / loss: –430 m

 Day 8 – Pucacocha – Vinicunca Camp (4555 m)

We leave camp and climb gradually toward a pass at 4940 m, offering a superb view of Ausangate behind us. Descend into the valley for lunch, then climb a second pass at 4980 m. The Vinicunca valley opens ahead, displaying spectacular red and ochre slopes due to high iron oxide content. Continue descending to the camp. The most motivated hikers may walk to the Vinicunca Pass for sunset photos.

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• English-speaking guide

• 8 hours of trekking

• Camping

• Elevation gain: +840 m / loss: –850 m

 Day 9 – Vinicunca Camp – Rainbow Mountain (4965 m) – Punku Wiri (4655 m)

Morning ascent to the Vinicunca Pass. Here, the layers of clay create a surreal rainbow-colored mountain crest, blending hues from off-white to deep purple. Crossing to the opposite side, we follow a ridge overlooking vast multicolored valleys where we may spot herds of wild vicuñas. Lunch near the Anta Grande area. Continue several more kilometers to reach the Punku Wiri campsite.

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• English-speaking guide

• 8 hours of trekking

• Camping

• Elevation gain: +685 m / loss: –585 m

 Day 10 – Punku Wiri (3660 m) – Puno

After a short ascent, we spend the day descending the wide mineral valley of Punku Wiri, where our vehicle awaits to drive us to Puno. Farewell to the muleteers, load the vehicle, and head toward Lake Titicaca. The route crosses green valleys dotted with villages, climbs to La Raya Pass (4321 m), then descends toward the marshlands near the lake. Continue to the Capachica Peninsula and the village of Llachón. First discovery of the village and lakeshore. Overnight with a local family.

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• English-speaking guide

• 5 hours of trekking

• Elevation gain: +180 m / loss: –1180 m

• Homestay

 Day 11 – Lake Titicaca – Puno

Boat excursion on Lake Titicaca; visit the floating Uros Islands (now inhabited by Aymara fishing families). We may witness the construction of traditional totora-reed boats. Continue to either Taquile or Amantani Island. Walk around the island—there are no roads or vehicles. Magnificent views and friendly local communities. Return to Puno. Overnight at the hotel.

Included:

• Local English-speaking guide

• Entrance fees as scheduled

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Boat excursion on Lake Titicaca

• Hotel in Puno

 Day 12 – Puno – Chachani Base Camp (4850 m)

Private bus across vast high-plateau landscapes to the western volcanic range, home to several major peaks over 6000 m (Coropuna 6305 m, Ampato 6288 m, Chachani 6057 m). One volcano in the range was active in the 1990s. Switch to 4x4 vehicles to reach Chachani Base Camp. Set up camp. Optional short hike, but rest is recommended ahead of tomorrow’s long ascent.

Included:

• English-speaking guide

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Private vehicle

• Camping

 Day 13 – Ascent of Chachani (6057 m)

Long climb on steep volcanic terrain. Depending on conditions, snow may require crampons and the presence of penitentes may complicate progress. From the summit, the view stretches across volcanoes, the altiplano, deserts, and the city of Arequipa below. Descend to base camp and continue by vehicle to Arequipa. Overnight at a hotel.

Included:

• English-speaking guide

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Private vehicle

• Elevation gain: +1200 m / loss: –1200 m

• Hotel in Arequipa

 Day 14 – Arequipa, the White City

Walking tour of the historic center and its many colonial baroque buildings made of white volcanic stone. Visit the immense Santa Catalina Convent, an extraordinary Andalusian-style complex—truly a city within a city. Free evening and overnight at the hotel.

Included:

• English-speaking guide

• Entrance fees as scheduled

• Breakfast, dinner

• Hotel in Arequipa

 Day 15 – Arequipa – Lima – International Flight

Flight to Lima, then connection with your international flight.

Included:

• Airport assistance

• Private transport

• Breakfast

 END OF OUR SERVICES

Airport and Ground Services

• Personalized airport assistance upon arrival and departure

• All private ground transportation throughout the itinerary

• Private transfers between airports, hotels, and activity locations

• 4x4 transportation to high-altitude base camps when required

• Tourist train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (round trip)

• Boat excursions on Lake Titicaca, including visits to traditional islands

Professional Guides and Expedition Staff

• Professional English-speaking local guides throughout the program

• Specialized high-mountain guide support for trekking and summit days

• Experienced muleteer team (“arrieros”) for pack animals and expedition logistics

• Full logistical coordination and on-site operational support

Accommodation

• Carefully selected hotel accommodations in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Puno, and Arequipa

• Mountain camping accommodations during trekking and climbing expeditions

• Homestay accommodation with local families on the Capachica Peninsula

• All overnight stays as specified in the itinerary

Domestic Transportation and Flights

• Domestic flights within Peru (when included in your confirmed program)

• Train transportation to and from Machu Picchu

• Private vehicle support for trekking access and remote mountain regions

Entrance Fees and Excursions

• All entrance fees to archaeological sites, cultural attractions, and protected natural areas mentioned in the itinerary

• Guided visit to Machu Picchu

• Guided visits to archaeological sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley

• Boat excursion and cultural visits on Lake Titicaca

• Visit to the historic center of Arequipa

Meals

• All breakfasts at hotels, camps, or homestays

• Lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary

• Full board during trekking and mountaineering days

• Meals prepared by expedition staff during camping days

Trekking and Mountaineering Logistics

• Pack animals (mules, horses, or llamas) for transportation of expedition equipment

• Camping equipment (tents, kitchen equipment, and logistical gear)

• Expedition coordination and safety support

• Access and climbing logistics for Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

• Access and summit logistics for Chachani

International Travel and Insurance

• International flights to and from Peru

• Travel insurance (mandatory and strongly recommended)

• Trip cancellation, interruption, and emergency evacuation insurance

Personal Equipment and Optional Services

• Personal mountaineering equipment (crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, etc.)

• Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear (available for rent upon request)

• Optional ascents of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain at Machu Picchu

• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Meals and Beverages Not Specified

• Meals not explicitly listed in the itinerary

• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and bottled water

• Snacks and personal food items

Personal Expenses

• Tips for guides, drivers, muleteers, and support staff (optional but customary)

• Laundry services, souvenirs, phone calls, and personal purchases

• Additional hotel nights due to early arrival or delayed departure

Unforeseen Expenses

• Additional costs due to flight delays, weather conditions, strikes, or natural events

• Emergency evacuation costs not covered by insurance

• Any service not explicitly mentioned as included

Physical Fitness and Preparation

This is a physically demanding expedition involving trekking and high-altitude mountaineering up to 19,872 ft (6,057 m), including the ascent of Chachani.

You should:

• Be in excellent physical condition

• Have prior trekking experience at altitude

• Engage in cardiovascular training before the trip

• Be mentally prepared for multi-day trekking and camping

Altitude and Health Considerations

This tour takes place at elevations ranging from sea level in Lima to over 19,800 ft (6,000 m).

You should:

• Allow time for acclimatization, especially in Cusco

• Stay well hydrated at all times

• Avoid alcohol during the first days at altitude

• Eat light meals during acclimatization

• Consult your physician before traveling

Symptoms of altitude sickness may include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.

Essential Equipment Checklist

You should bring:

• Waterproof hiking boots (well broken in)

• Warm layers (thermal base layers, fleece, insulated jacket)

• Waterproof and windproof outer shell

• Gloves, hat, and thermal socks

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm

• Daypack (25–40 liters)

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Reusable water bottles or hydration system

• Power bank or spare batteries

• Personal medications and first aid supplies

Mountaineering equipment may be required for the ascent of Chachani depending on conditions.

Weather and Climate

Weather conditions in the Andes can change rapidly.

Expect:

• Warm and sunny days

• Very cold nights at altitude (below freezing)

• Strong winds in exposed areas

• Possible snow or rain at higher elevations

Layered clothing is essential.

Cultural and Local Community Etiquette

This journey includes visits and overnight stays in traditional Andean communities near Lake Titicaca.

Please:

• Respect local customs and traditions

• Ask permission before photographing people

• Be respectful and open-minded

• Support local communities responsibly

Travel Documents

You must carry:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity

• Travel insurance covering trekking and mountaineering

• Copies of important documents