CUSCO HUARAZ 10D/9N
CUSCO HUARAZ 10D/9N
Overview
The Cusco – Huaraz 10 days / 9 nights tour combines the magic of the Inca civilization with the natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes. You will explore the historic city of Cusco and its archaeological sites: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, the Temple of Tambomachay, and the fascinating Machu Picchu. You will discover the Sacred Valley with Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines, before spending a night in Aguas Calientes. Then, in Huaraz, the “Peruvian Switzerland,” you will enjoy its stunning natural landscapes, such as Laguna Parón, Laguna 69, and Nevado Mateo. A perfect combination of culture, adventure, and nature in Peru.
Itinerary
Day 1: Reception, transfer to the hotel, and guided tour of the city.
A representative from our company will be waiting for you with the transportation upon your arrival in the city of Cusco. We will board the vehicle and head to the selected hotel, where you will receive an informative briefing about the activities we have prepared for the coming days.
At 12:50 p.m., our transfer will pick you up from your hotel. At 1:00 p.m., we will begin our city tour. We will start by visiting the impressive Temple of Qoricancha, a remarkable site that showcases the fusion between Inca and colonial architecture. Then, we will head by vehicle to the nearby archaeological sites.
Our first stop will be Sacsayhuamán, known for its enormous polished stones and its strategic location offering spectacular panoramic views of Cusco. We will continue to Qenqo, an ancient Inca temple where religious ceremonies were performed. Afterwards, we will explore Puka Pukara, an Inca military and control center. Finally, we will visit the enigmatic Temple of Tambomachay, famous for its beautiful water fountains.
Finally, we will return to the city of Cusco around 18:30.
Day 2: Sacred Valley
Recommendation: bring a small backpack with your personal belongings and a change of clothes, since we will not return to Cusco.
Our transportation will pick you up from your hotel at 6:30 a.m., and we will head to our first destination: Chinchero. There, we will visit its traditional market and the archaeological site, where we can observe the impressive Inca architecture and the farming areas. We will admire the incredible agricultural terraces and spend about one hour exploring this Inca citadel.
Next, we will visit the archaeological site of Moray, also known as the “Greenhouses of the Incas.” This site consists of a system of stepped terraces built in a large basin excavated by the Incas for agricultural purposes. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on the depth of the basin, which is believed to have been used by the Incas to identify the ideal growing conditions for their different crops. We will also visit the salt mines, known as Maras Salt Mines. This place was of great importance during the pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial periods, and it continues to be relevant today, as the locals benefit from the salt extracted from these mines.
We will continue our journey toward the town of Urubamba, where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Finally, we will arrive in Ollantaytambo, where we will have time to explore the ancient and bustling Inca town, along with the massive Inca constructions, guided by the information provided by our guide. Then, we will board the train that will take us on a 1 hour and 50-minute journey to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes), where we will spend the night.
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, our staff will be waiting to take you to the selected hotel and provide an informative briefing about the area and the activities for the following day, when we will visit the wonder of Machu Picchu.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
We will begin the day with breakfast at the hotel. One hour before our entrance to Machu Picchu, we will head to the bus station, where we will board a short 25-minute ride that will take us to the impressive Inca Citadel. There, our guide will be waiting to begin the visit. Once inside, we will enjoy a complete two-hour guided tour, exploring the most remarkable and intriguing areas of Machu Picchu. We will uncover the mystery behind its abandonment for centuries and marvel at the numerous agricultural terraces and irrigation channels that surround the city, allowing harvests throughout the year.
Machu Picchu has more than 200 structures, including houses, plazas, granaries, temples, and observatories. Among the most notable monuments are the Temple of the Sun, the Main Square, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Temple of the Condor. Other points of interest include the Funerary Rock, the Main Gate, the Acllahuasi, the Royal Mausoleum, and the Princess’s House, among other wonders.
At the end of our visit, we will take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch on your own. At the scheduled time, we will head to the train station to board the return trip to Ollantaytambo, from where we will continue by vehicle back to the city of Cusco.
Day 4: Mountain of colors
The tour begins early in the morning. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. to travel by bus for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes southward until we reach the district of Cusipata (3310 m a.s.l.), where we will enjoy a semi-buffet breakfast. We will continue traveling for another 2 hours along a dirt road until we arrive at the control point and begin the hike in Kayrahuiry. The hike will last approximately 50 minutes, during which we will observe the typical Andean flora and fauna, highlighting the presence of llamas and alpacas. We will pass through beautiful ravines and see snow-capped peaks.
Upon reaching the viewpoint of Vinikunka or Rainbow Mountain (5080 m a.s.l.), our guide will provide an explanation about the orography, the ecosystem, and the colors of the mountain. We will also take the opportunity to observe the Vinikunka mountain range (5020 m a.s.l.), take photos, and admire the beautiful landscape.
We will return along the same path to the starting point of the hike in Kayrahuiry, where our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a semi-buffet lunch. After lunch, we will begin the return trip to the city of Cusco, arriving between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Day 5: Flight to Huaraz with connection
After several days of activity in Cusco, we will say goodbye to this magical city. At the scheduled time, the transportation will pick you up from your hotel for the transfer to the airport to begin your trip to Huaraz, with a connection in Lima.
Reception and transfer to the selected hotel in Huaraz
This first day will be for acclimatization. You may explore on your own the city known as the “Peruvian Switzerland,” Huaraz, located in the department of Ancash.
During the remaining days of our program, we will visit natural attractions such as lagoons, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers.
Day 6: Paron Lagoon
Huaraz – Callejón de Huaylas – Carhuaz – Parón Lake
After picking you up from your hotel in Huaraz (6:00 to 6:30 a.m. approx.), we will head in our transportation toward the town of Carhuaz, a charming Andean village known for its colonial architecture and its Main Square. We will make a brief stop there, where you can visit the main plaza, take photos, and, if necessary, buy any food or drinks you may have forgotten in Huaraz.
We will continue the journey toward the town of Caraz, located 70 km north of Huaraz, where we will begin a gradual ascent along a gravel road, surrounded by picturesque villages, small rivers, and green valleys that reveal the natural richness of the Callejón de Huaylas. During the trip, our guide will share information about the flora, fauna, and the local history of the Cordillera Blanca.
Upon arriving at Parón Lake, the largest glacial lake in the Callejón de Huaylas, we will have time to walk around, admiring its turquoise waters, the Andean wild flora, and the impressive pyramidal mountains, such as Artesonraju, Pirámide Garcilazo, and Caraz, which reflect the majesty of the Cordillera Blanca. This is an ideal place for panoramic photos and to enjoy the tranquility of the natural environment.
We will take a 40-minute hike along a zigzagging trail, with some rocky sections, until we reach the viewpoint, from where you can appreciate the full width of the lake, the nearby glaciers, and the immensity of the snow-capped peaks. Our guide will also explain the formation of the lake and the importance of glacial water for the local communities, making this an educational and fascinating experience.
After spending some time and taking plenty of photographs, we will return along the same route to the town of Caraz and continue back to Huaraz. End of the tour around 18:00 approx.
Day 7: Lagoon 69
From 05:00 to 05:30, our transportation will pass by your hotel for pickup and to begin our activity.
We will head north of Huaraz, through the Callejón de Huaylas toward Yungay, entering the Huascarán National Park, declared a Natural World Heritage Site for its impressive biodiversity and majestic snow-capped mountains. During the journey, our guide will share information about the park’s geography, flora, fauna, and the history of the local communities.
We will have breakfast in the town of Umanchuco, at a Tourist Restaurant, enjoying local and energizing foods to prepare for the adventure.
1st Stop: Brief stop to observe Chinancocha Lake, one of the most scenic lakes in the area, ideal for panoramic photographs (approx. 10 minutes). We will then continue, enjoying views of Orconcocha Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and Andean meadows.
2nd Stop: Arrival at the Cebollapampa base camp, starting point of our hike of approximately 3 hours (7 km one way). Along the route, we will appreciate the typical Andean flora and fauna, including lichens, puyas, Andean birds, and with some luck, vizcachas. We will enjoy panoramic views of Consuelo Lake and the snow-capped peaks Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Yanapaccha, Pisco, and Chacraraju, while our guide explains the formation of these glaciers and their importance for local communities.
Upon reaching Laguna 69, considered one of the most photogenic destinations in the Cordillera Blanca, we will admire the majesty of Chacraraju Mountain (6108 m a.s.l.). We will have 40 minutes to rest, take photos, and enjoy the impressive scenery of mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes that characterize this area.
We will return by the same trail to Cebollapampa, where our bus will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz, once again passing through the spectacular Callejón de Huaylas, with panoramic views that offer unique photo opportunities of the valley.
19:00: End of the activity and arrival in Huaraz, where we can rest and share our experiences of the day.
Day 8: Roqotuyoc Lagoon and Frozen Lagoon.
08:30 to 09:00 a.m.: We will pick you up at your hotel to begin the journey toward the north of Huaraz, heading to Marcara. From there, we will turn east, passing through the community of Vicos, and enter the Huascarán National Park through the Paccharuri Gorge, one of the most spectacular access routes to the Cordillera Blanca.
We will make a brief stop in Anta for optional lunch reservations, where you can enjoy local products before continuing with our adventure.
1st Stop: Paccharuri Waterfall
We will visit the impressive Paccharuri Waterfall, a drop of more than 30 meters, surrounded by rocks and Andean vegetation—ideal for panoramic photographs and admiring the power of nature in this protected environment.
2nd Stop: Rocotuyoc Lake
We will continue to Rocotuyoc Lake, located at 4500 masl, surrounded by abundant Andean flora and fauna. The lake welcomes us with its characteristic emerald-blue color and the imposing view of the Paccharaju, Bayonaraju, and Copa snow-capped peaks. From this point, we will begin a 50-minute hike, which will lead us to the foothills of Nevado Paccharaju, enjoying spectacular views of the glacial landscape and snowy peaks.
3rd Stop: Frozen Lake
We will arrive at the Frozen Lake, located at the foot of Nevado Paccharaju, where we can approach the glacier and enjoy 30 minutes to admire the landscape, take photos, and marvel at the grandeur of the Cordillera Blanca.
Afterward, we will return along the same path to our vehicle to begin the trip back to the city of Huaraz, once again enjoying the Callejón de Huaylas with its valleys, rivers, and snowy peaks.
Day 9: Ascent to Nevado Mateo
03:00 to 03:30 a.m.: We will pick you up at your hotel and begin our journey.
We will head northeast of Huaraz, entering through Carhuaz until reaching Punta Olímpica, located in the Ulta Gorge, the starting point of our mountain activity.
06:00 a.m.: We will begin the ascent along the moraine, carrying our backpack with the necessary mountain equipment. After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, we will reach the base of the glacier, where we will take a short break to prepare for the next stage.
08:00 a.m.: Beginning of the snow section, at which time we will equip ourselves with crampons and ice axes. Our guide will give safety recommendations, inspect the essential equipment for the ascent, and rope us together to continue the climb of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
09:30 a.m.: Arrival at the long-awaited summit of Nevado Mateo, from where we will enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the most iconic mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, including Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Ulta, Contrahierbas, and Chacraraju. We will stay at the summit for 40 minutes to rest, hydrate, and take panoramic photos of this spectacular landscape.
Finally, we will descend along the same route to our vehicle, which will take us back to Huaraz, concluding this high-mountain adventure with unforgettable memories of the Cordillera Blanca.
Day 10: Transfer to the airport. End of our services
At the indicated time, the transportation will arrive at your hotel for the transfer to the airport, thus concluding our services.
After several days of intense activity, you will return to Lima, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your trip through Peru.
Included:
- Accommodation in selected hotels for 9 nights.
- Transfers Airport – Hotel – Airport in Cusco and Huaraz.
- Tourist transport throughout the itinerary.
- Train ticket round trip to Machu Picchu (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes).
- Professional guides in Spanish and English on all excursions.
- City tour in Cusco and visit to archaeological sites: Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
- Tour to the Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Moray, Salineras de Maras, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
- Complete excursion to Machu Picchu with entrance and specialized guide.
- Tour to the mountain of colors (Vinicunca).
- Tours in Huaraz: Laguna Parón, Laguna 69, Laguna Rocotuyoc, Laguna Frozada and Ascent to the Nevado Mateo.
- Daily breakfasts in hotels.
- Lunches during tours according to itinerary (includes buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley).
- Tickets to all the tourist sites and parks mentioned.
- Official permits for walks and activities in the Huascarán National Park.
- Emergency insurance for mountain activities in Huaraz.
- Permanent assistance throughout the tour.
- Informative talk at the start of the program.
Not included:
- Domestic and international flights.
- Food not specified in the program (dinners and some lunches).
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Optional and additional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Personal travel insurance
Recommendations
- Bring a passport or original identity document.
- Wear comfortable and warm clothes, ideal for changes in weather (waterproof, thermal and light clothing).
- Wear shoes suitable for hiking and trekking (preferably with good traction).
- Carry small backpack for daily excursions with essential personal items.
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, hat or cap and sunglasses.
- Bring insect repellent, especially for Machu Picchu and natural areas.
- Stay hydrated; Bring reusable bottle with water.
- Adapt to Height: Avoid heavy meals for the first few days and rest well.
- Carry personal medications, including for altitude sickness (consult with your doctor).
- Have cash (soles) for small purchases, tips or emergencies.
- Always follow the instructions of the guide during the excursions.
- Respect the environment and do not leave waste in the places visited.
