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Best travel season:
May - October
Trip duration:
21 days
From/To :
Cusco/La Paz
Trek duration:
8 days
Accommodation:
Hotel / Tent / Guesthouse
Difficulty:
Moderate - Demanding
Difficulty
Moderate - Demanding
See our detailed Travel Notes (PDF Download)
Group size:
8 to 12 travellers
Tour leader:
Local, English-speaking mountain guides (UIAGM)
Tour leader
Local, English-speaking mountain guides (UIAGM)
Assistant guides depending on group size.
Private, local, English speaking tourist guide in Cusco and Machu Picchu (days 2 - 4).
Price:
€ 1.480,-
Trekking in the Andes - Highlights
Go on a city tour of Cusco and visit Machu Picchu before the trekking - a great way to get acclimatised!
Climb Machu Picchu Montaña - the most beautiful viewpoint over the world famous ruins.
Trek around the mighty and colourful Ausangate Massif in Peru.
Have your breath taken away on a sidetrip into the famous "Rainbow Mountains" and the "Red Valley".
Travel on to Bolivia and Lake Titicaca, staying on the "Isla del Sol", the cradle of Inca culture.
Continue with a three-day trek in the Cordillera Real, part of the mighty Condoriri Massif, ascending the 5350 m high Pico Austria.
Enjoy unique views of the Huayna Potosí, the Altiplano and Lake Titicaca.
Go on a trip to the salt flats of Uyuni, climb the nearby volcano Tunupa and visit Avaroa National Park in southwestern Bolivia.
Stay overnight in a salt hotel.
Detailed itinerary
DAY
1
Individual arrival in Cusco
Early in the morning individual arrival in Lima, the capital of Peru. After passport control and entry into Peru, you‘ll take a one-hour domestic flight to Cusco, the capital of the former Inca empire. Reaching your comfortable hotel in the historic old town of Cusco in the late morning, it’s time to rest and relax after the long trip.
In the afternoon, you can go on a short city stroll around Cusco to get your feet on the ground. Over dinner in the evening, the details of the next few exciting days will be discussed.
In the afternoon, you can go on a short city stroll around Cusco to get your feet on the ground. Over dinner in the evening, the details of the next few exciting days will be discussed.
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Cusco (3600 m) |
| Meals: | D |
DAY
2
Drive through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Today is the second day for acclimatising to the altitude. We’ll drive from Cusco north to the Sacred Valley, taking you to a lower altitude, which will help your body to acclimatise further. In the Sacred Valley, you’ll get immersed in the fascinating history and culture of the Incas and visit the impressive ruins of Chincheros and Maras as well as the antique but still working salt mines of Moray.
In the late afternoon, you’ll leave Ollantaytambo and go on a 1 1/2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, located in the valley of the Urubamba at the foot of Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is located at an altitude of about 2100 meters above sea level. The oxygen-rich air as well as the comparatively subtropical, sultry climate are a welcome change after the cold, dry air in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
In the late afternoon, you’ll leave Ollantaytambo and go on a 1 1/2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, located in the valley of the Urubamba at the foot of Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is located at an altitude of about 2100 meters above sea level. The oxygen-rich air as well as the comparatively subtropical, sultry climate are a welcome change after the cold, dry air in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
| Drive: | approx. 1,5 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Aguas Calientes |
| Meals: | B L |
DAY
3
The Inca citadel Machu Picchu
Today, you’ll experience your first cultural highlight of the trip, the visit to the mythical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Early at dawn, we‘ll take one of the first buses to the im- pressive ruins where a local guide will be waiting for us. The early morning start will give you enough time to experience and enjoy this unique wonder of the world while avoiding the big tourist rush.
Especially the moments just before and after sunrise and the first rays of sunshine on the impressive Inca citadel are spectacular. After an extensive sightseeing tour of the ruins, you get a chance to climb the 3060 m high Montan?a Machu Picchu – the peak that towers above the citadel. You’ll reach the summit after about one hour and can enjoy a veritable bird‘s eye view of Machu Picchu from its top. The Urubamba River cuts through the deep, canyon-like gorge almost 1000 m below.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco. In the evening, you’ll arrive back in Cusco, the old Inca capital – tired but very happy after a definitely unforgettable day!
Please note: The entrance tickets for the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu as well as for the ascent of Montan?a Machu Picchu are subject to strict regulations and a non-negotiable quota. Therefore, ascent of Montan?a Machu Picchu, especially, cannot be guaranteed. In case of late/short term bookings, there might be a shortage of tickets for the Montan?a Machu Picchu - in this case you may not be able to climb the mountain, but you can still visit the citadel.
Especially the moments just before and after sunrise and the first rays of sunshine on the impressive Inca citadel are spectacular. After an extensive sightseeing tour of the ruins, you get a chance to climb the 3060 m high Montan?a Machu Picchu – the peak that towers above the citadel. You’ll reach the summit after about one hour and can enjoy a veritable bird‘s eye view of Machu Picchu from its top. The Urubamba River cuts through the deep, canyon-like gorge almost 1000 m below.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco. In the evening, you’ll arrive back in Cusco, the old Inca capital – tired but very happy after a definitely unforgettable day!
Please note: The entrance tickets for the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu as well as for the ascent of Montan?a Machu Picchu are subject to strict regulations and a non-negotiable quota. Therefore, ascent of Montan?a Machu Picchu, especially, cannot be guaranteed. In case of late/short term bookings, there might be a shortage of tickets for the Montan?a Machu Picchu - in this case you may not be able to climb the mountain, but you can still visit the citadel.
| Ascent: | 750 m |
| Descent: | 750 m |
| Walking Time: | 4 - 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Cusco (3600 m) |
| Meals: | B |
DAY
4
Sightseeing in Cusco
Today there will be time to visit Cusco and its surrounding sights, including the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman. A lot of sights can also be found in the old town, both Inca times and the time of the Spanish conquest.
After four days full of fresh impressions, we are now acclimatised to the altitude and the climate. This is the time to start the next part of our trip, the 6-day trekking in the rarely visited, unique mountain region of the Ausangate.
After four days full of fresh impressions, we are now acclimatised to the altitude and the climate. This is the time to start the next part of our trip, the 6-day trekking in the rarely visited, unique mountain region of the Ausangate.
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Cusco (3600 m) |
| Meals: | B |
DAY
5
Start of the trekking tour in the Cordillera Vilcanota
After an early morning drive to Tinki (3900 m, about 3 hours), we’ll meet our staff. The luggage will be packed on mules and we’ll start the trekking tour together.
Today’s stage will take us through stunning mountain scenery, passing innumerable alpaca pastures until we’ll reach our beautiful camp site near Upis (approx. 4350 m), across from the impressive, glaciated north side of the Ausangate massif. There are small thermal springs quite close to our camp and you can take a bath to relax from the first trekking day in the Ausangate.
Today’s stage will take us through stunning mountain scenery, passing innumerable alpaca pastures until we’ll reach our beautiful camp site near Upis (approx. 4350 m), across from the impressive, glaciated north side of the Ausangate massif. There are small thermal springs quite close to our camp and you can take a bath to relax from the first trekking day in the Ausangate.
| Drive: | 3 - 4 h |
| Ascent: | 350 m |
| Walking Time: | 3 - 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Upis (4350 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
6
The west side of the Ausangate
During a long day of walking, we’ll trek around most of the glaciated Ausangate today. The 6384 m high mountain is the fourth highest in Peru and is referred to as "apu", meaning "holy mountain". In June, on the Christian Corpus Christi festival, the mountain becomes the scene of an annual pilgrimage, during which it is still venerated as a deity. Our route takes us up to the 4770 m high Arapa Pass. From the pass, we’ll descend towards the lagoons of Pucacocha – the perfect place for our lunch break. The views of the glaciated flanks of the Ausangate and the steel blue water of the lagoons are truly unique - this landscape is second to none!
In the afternoon, we‘ll climb a steep trail to the approx. 5000 m high Apacheta Pass. From there, you’ll get your first views of the colourful mountain ranges of the Rainbow Mountains and the Red Valley.
After a gentle descent, we‘ll reach our camp site, located next to the small lagoon Ananta (approx. 4700 m) and set up camp there.
In the afternoon, we‘ll climb a steep trail to the approx. 5000 m high Apacheta Pass. From there, you’ll get your first views of the colourful mountain ranges of the Rainbow Mountains and the Red Valley.
After a gentle descent, we‘ll reach our camp site, located next to the small lagoon Ananta (approx. 4700 m) and set up camp there.
| Ascent: | 925 m |
| Descent: | 600 m |
| Walking Time: | 8 - 9 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Laguna Ananta |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
7
The Rainbow Mountains
We’ll start out very early today in order to have a chance to enjoy the beautiful early morning light displays on the unique "Rainbow Mountains", hopefully in a relatively quiet atmosphere. Many tourist groups go on day trips to these outstanding mountains and - despite their lacking altitude acclimatisation and the resulting health problems - ascend the colourful mountains as far up as they can. We‘ll try to be at the most advantageous viewpoint, Vinicunca, before the majority of the tourist groups arrive and then dive even further into this unique, indescribably multicoloured landscape. The landscapes and earth tones in the Ausangate have already been impressive, but the Rainbow Mountains seem to have been painted by an artist.
After enjoying the spectacular view to the full, we’ll hike north to Ananta. The way back takes us past small lagoons and over a smaller ridge (approx. 4900 m) – a great viewpoint looking back and enjoying once again the impressive, multicoloured rainbow mountains but also the wonderful and mighty glaciated massif of the Ausangate to the north. We’ll walk past our camp site in Ananta and descend down the valley for another 2 hours to our next camp site at the beautiful lagoon of Ausangatecocha (approx. 4600 m).
After enjoying the spectacular view to the full, we’ll hike north to Ananta. The way back takes us past small lagoons and over a smaller ridge (approx. 4900 m) – a great viewpoint looking back and enjoying once again the impressive, multicoloured rainbow mountains but also the wonderful and mighty glaciated massif of the Ausangate to the north. We’ll walk past our camp site in Ananta and descend down the valley for another 2 hours to our next camp site at the beautiful lagoon of Ausangatecocha (approx. 4600 m).
| Ascent: | 950 m |
| Descent: | 1050 m |
| Walking Time: | 9 - 10 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (4600 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
8
Over the Palomani Pass
A scenically very varied stage takes us up to the 5140 m high Palomani Pass today. After about 2 1/2 hours, you’ll reach the pass and once again, there will be no end to your amazement: The surrounding bare mountain landscape glows in all kinds of mineral colours you can imagine: from red, brown and yellow to green and bluish tones. Additionally, you can take in the glaciated flanks of the Ausangate. The isolated lagoons, of course, make additional spots of colour in this outstanding canvass of beauty. After a long rest, we’ll descend to meet our staff again and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, a short stage to our next camp site on the south side of the Ausangate massif awaits us.
| Ascent: | 600 m |
| Descent: | 600 m |
| Walking Time: | 7 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Ausangate |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
9
The hot springs of Pachanta and end of trekking tour
A short ascent takes us up over Hampa Pass (5080 m) and back to the north side of the massif. You‘ll pass the snowfields of Callangate and Pucapunta and ascend Hampa Pass. Here, surrounded by steep icefields, you are in the heart of the massif.
From the pass, we’ll descend to a beautiful place at the foot of Hampa (approx. 4800 m), where our team will be waiting for us with a fortifying lunch.
In the afternoon, we‘ll descend to the small village of Pachanta (approx. 4400 m). Here, again you’ll find wonderful thermal springs for a great rest after a long day. In the evening, our staff will serve us a traditionally prepared Pachamanca: alpaca meat cooked in an earth oven. With this meal and sacrifice, we also thank Apu, the mountain god, for the successful trekking.
From the pass, we’ll descend to a beautiful place at the foot of Hampa (approx. 4800 m), where our team will be waiting for us with a fortifying lunch.
In the afternoon, we‘ll descend to the small village of Pachanta (approx. 4400 m). Here, again you’ll find wonderful thermal springs for a great rest after a long day. In the evening, our staff will serve us a traditionally prepared Pachamanca: alpaca meat cooked in an earth oven. With this meal and sacrifice, we also thank Apu, the mountain god, for the successful trekking.
| Ascent: | 450 m |
| Descent: | 650 m |
| Walking Time: | 7 - 8 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Pachanta |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
10
Drive to Puno at Lake Titicaca
A newly built gravel road now connects the small village of Pachanta with Tinki, so we can finish our circumnavigation of the Ausangate massif in Pachanta. After breakfast, we‘ll say goodbye to our local team and we’ll start a long, but scenically very interesting and varied drive across the Altiplano to the village of Puno, located on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. We’ll make several stops during the drive, e.g. for a visit of the ruins of Rakchi, the so-called Sistine Chapel of the Andes, or for enjoying the views at the pass La Raya – they are definitely worth a stop.
In the evening, we’ll reach Puno at Lake Titicaca, the largest mountain lake in the world. We’ll check into a hotel for the night.
In the evening, we’ll reach Puno at Lake Titicaca, the largest mountain lake in the world. We’ll check into a hotel for the night.
| Drive: | 350 km / approx. 7 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Puno |
| Meals: | B L |
DAY
11
The sun island in Bolivia
After a quick breakfast, we’ll drive the last 2 hours to the Bolivian border. After completing the formalities, we’ll continue to the village of Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. A boat will take us to the sun island "Isla del Sol".
An about 45-minute walk over the Inca stairs and past the fountain of eternal youth brings us to our beautiful lodging. We’ll spend a relaxed evening with a wonderful view of the Cordillera Real.
An about 45-minute walk over the Inca stairs and past the fountain of eternal youth brings us to our beautiful lodging. We’ll spend a relaxed evening with a wonderful view of the Cordillera Real.
| Drive: | 2 - 3 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Isla des Sol |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
12
Day hike on Isla del Sol
During a beautiful day hike, we’ll explore the about 14 km2 large Isla del sol. In about 3 hours, we’ll reach the ruins of a small settlement at the western end of the island, situated on the crest of the island. Isla del Sol plays an important role in Inca mythology, because the sun god Inti is said to have left his children, the first Incas, here.
After lunch, we’ll take a boat back to Copacabana on the mainland and check into a nice hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your own disposal.
After lunch, we’ll take a boat back to Copacabana on the mainland and check into a nice hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your own disposal.
| Ascent: | 250 m |
| Desent: | 300 m |
| Walking time: | 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Copacabana |
| Meals: | B L |
DAY
13
The Cordillera Real
After a comfortable breakfast, we’ll leave Copacabana and drive to the Cordillera Real. After 3 to 4 hours of driving, we’ll reach our destination, the beautiful lagoon Khotia-Aywani and set up our camp at about 4600 m.
We‘ll meet our Bolivian muleteers and their animals here, the animals will be packed and in no time, we’ll start our next trekking tour. You‘ll trek through largely untouched mountain landscapes today, heading south-east towards the Condoriri area. We‘ll cross a 4850 m high, nameless pass – with great views of the 6088 m high Huayna Potosi in the distance. After about 4 hours of walking, we‘ll reach the beautiful Laguna Juri Khota where we‘ll set up our camp.
We‘ll meet our Bolivian muleteers and their animals here, the animals will be packed and in no time, we’ll start our next trekking tour. You‘ll trek through largely untouched mountain landscapes today, heading south-east towards the Condoriri area. We‘ll cross a 4850 m high, nameless pass – with great views of the 6088 m high Huayna Potosi in the distance. After about 4 hours of walking, we‘ll reach the beautiful Laguna Juri Khota where we‘ll set up our camp.
| Drive: | 3 - 4 h |
| Descent: | 800 m |
| Walking Time: | 7 - 8 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Juri Khota |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
14
Via Pico Austria to Condoriri base camp
Starting from our camp site, we’ll climb past several small lakes to the pass of Pico Austria (approx. 5150 m). Another hour of walking takes us up to the summit of the "Austrian Mountain" (5321 m).
After a total of 3 to 4 hours of walking, you’ll reach the summit. Overwhelming views reward you for a long day of hiking: You can take in the glaciers of the "Condor Head" (Cabeza del Condor, also called Condoriri) as well as the other peaks of the Cordillera Real, Lake Titicaca and the endless plain of the Altiplano.
The descent from the summit to camp takes about two hours. It is situated at the beautiful Laguna Chiarkhota (about 4600 m).
After a total of 3 to 4 hours of walking, you’ll reach the summit. Overwhelming views reward you for a long day of hiking: You can take in the glaciers of the "Condor Head" (Cabeza del Condor, also called Condoriri) as well as the other peaks of the Cordillera Real, Lake Titicaca and the endless plain of the Altiplano.
The descent from the summit to camp takes about two hours. It is situated at the beautiful Laguna Chiarkhota (about 4600 m).
| Ascent: | 800 m |
| Descent: | 800 m |
| Walking: | 7 - 8 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Chiarkhota |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
15
Via Laguna Esperanza to Laguna Tuni and transfer to La Paz
Today’s leg of our trek takes us further towards Huayna Potosi?. Along the way, we’ll cross a pass about 5000 m high and will soon reach the Jisthana plateau. We’ll have lunch thre. The snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Real as well as the typical landscapes of the Altiplano will be our steady companions as we continue in the direction of Huayna Potosi base camp in the afternoon. We’ll walk past several lagoons, among others the idyllically situated Laguna Esperanza.
After another hour or a little more, we‘ll reach the alpine pasture Maria Lloco at the foot of the impressive, steep and ice-covered western face of Huyana Potosí. After a long day‘s walk, we’ll end our tour in the Cordillera Real here, our minibus already waiting and taking us to lively La Paz. After a 2-hour drive, we’ll check in at a comfortable hotel.
After another hour or a little more, we‘ll reach the alpine pasture Maria Lloco at the foot of the impressive, steep and ice-covered western face of Huyana Potosí. After a long day‘s walk, we’ll end our tour in the Cordillera Real here, our minibus already waiting and taking us to lively La Paz. After a 2-hour drive, we’ll check in at a comfortable hotel.
| Drive: | approx. 2 h |
| Ascent: | 600 m |
| Descent: | 600 m |
| Walking Time: | 6 - 7 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, La Paz |
| Meals: | B L |
DAY
16
Drive to the salt flats of Uyuni
Early in the morning, we‘ll go on a jeep drive over the barren Altiplano to the south, all the way to the big Salar de Uyuni, the biggest salt lake of Bolivia. We’ll drive through many small villages and towns, have time for breaks and there will also be time to get to know the friendly locals a little bit. In the afternoon, we’ll reach the north shore of the big salt lake of Uyuni. We’ll check into a simple but comfortable salt hotel in the small village of Jirira. Salt hotels are lodgings that are almost completely built out of salt - there is hardly any heating, so make sure to bring warm clothing for the night. The village is located at the foot of Tunupa volcano. The volcano’s cone rises almost 2000 m above the flat salt plain!
| Drive: | 515 km / approx. 8 h |
| Accommodation: | Salt hotel, Jirira |
| Meals: | B L |
DAY
17
Ascent of Tunupa and salt desert
Again, we’ll have an early start and take an adventurous gravel road to Tunupa volcano. Soon, our off-road vehicles cannot drive any further on the track and we’ll start walking. Above 5000 m even walking comes to an end: The summit area of the volcano is too fragile and therefore too dangerous for foot travel. The view over the salt flats of Uyuni, more than 1000 m below our feet, is breathtaking and you’ll enjoy an absolutely unique panorama. After descending and an unhurried lunch, we’ll drive through the huge salt desert, heading south once more. Our next destination is the large national reserve Eduardo Avaroa at the border to Chile and Argentina. We’ll stay in simple lodgings in the small village San Juan.
| Ascent: | 1200 m |
| Descent: | 1200 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Guesthouse, San Juan |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
18
In the Avaroa National Park
We’ll spend the whole day in the Avaroa National Reserve, a unique landscape of volcanoes, differently coloured lagoons and wide plains, staying overnight in simple lodgings near Laguna Colorada. The lagoon is red in colour due to the mineral-rich soil, and hundreds of pink flamingos roam its shores...An impressive natural spectacle!
| Drive: | 220 km / approx. 5 h |
| Accommodation: | Guesthouse, Laguna Colorada |
| Meals: | B L |
DAY
19
Avaroa National Park and return to La Paz
Another day dedicated to the Avaroa Reserve and its bizarre landscapes. Among many other things, we’ll discover Laguna Verde, situated at the foot of the volcano Licancabur directly on
the border to Chile, as well as the Dali Desert. The Dali Desert is named after the Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali because of its surreal landscape formations.
In the afternoon, we’ll start our rather long return trip to Uyuni, arriving in the evening. From there, the comfortable night bus (sleeper seats) will take us back to La Paz, where we’ll arrive in the early morning.
the border to Chile, as well as the Dali Desert. The Dali Desert is named after the Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali because of its surreal landscape formations.
In the afternoon, we’ll start our rather long return trip to Uyuni, arriving in the evening. From there, the comfortable night bus (sleeper seats) will take us back to La Paz, where we’ll arrive in the early morning.
| Drive: | 515 km / 9 h |
| Accommodation: | Night bus, sleeper seats |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
20
Free time in La Paz
This day is at your disposal in order to explore the big city of La Paz on our own. It is worthwhile to visit the colourful markets where you can also find souvenirs. In the evening, we’ll get together again and celebrate the great trip we’ve head during our last dinner together
| Accommodation: | Hotel, La Paz |
| Meals: | B D |
DAY
22
Flight home or onward journey
Transfer to the airport of La Paz depending on your flight and return home or onward journey.
| Meals: | B |
Difficulty rating - altitude acclimatisation - preparation
Difficulty
Moderate to Demanding
Technical difficulty
Trekking: Moderate
No alpine difficulties, solid sure-footedness required. Most of our trek follows narrow but good hiking trails without technical difficulties. There will also be some easy backcountry terrain. Very few passages on steep trails need to be tackled, e.g. when hiking up to a pass. The mule caravan will take the same trails.
Summit ascent: Moderate
Climbing Pico Austria (5320 m) is not very challenging. A narrow trail, mostly clear of snow, leads to the summit. The outstanding view of the Condoriri Massif is what makes the ascent of the "Austrian mountain" worthwhile.
Fitness and stamina
Demanding
Daily ascents of up to approx. 1000 m in altitude difference. Daily descents of up to approx. 1200 m in altitude difference. Most stages will be less. You will be trekking in high altitudes of over 4500 m and this will be demanding on your fitness and stamina. Do not underestimate the walking distances, either – they can add up to almost 20 km on the longest days. Walking times can add up to a daily 10 hours. Most stages, however, are shorter. You do need a very good level of fitness - it’s truly a must.
Please note: In the course of the trip, you’ll probably feel the physical strain of consecutive days of trekking. To allow for some rest and regeneration, we planned some time at cozy hotels between the two trekking tours.
We attach great importance to an excellent and thorough acclimatisation to the high altitude. Therefore, the itinerary includes a number of important days (sightseeing days in Machu Picchu and Cusco) and stages (e.g. trekking around the Ausangate) for acclimatisation.
Only if you are acclimatised properly can you truly enjoy the entire trekking tour.
Please note: In the course of the trip, you’ll probably feel the physical strain of consecutive days of trekking. To allow for some rest and regeneration, we planned some time at cozy hotels between the two trekking tours.
We attach great importance to an excellent and thorough acclimatisation to the high altitude. Therefore, the itinerary includes a number of important days (sightseeing days in Machu Picchu and Cusco) and stages (e.g. trekking around the Ausangate) for acclimatisation.
Only if you are acclimatised properly can you truly enjoy the entire trekking tour.
Altitude acclimatisation
The high altitude of the Andes makes acclimatisation one of the biggest challenges of this trip. It starts in Cusco at an altitude of approx. 3600 m. In the course of the trek, you will be spending some days above 4500 m. To minimise the risk of acute mountain sickness, a thorough and successful acclimatisation is of the utmost importance. Only if you are acclimatised properly can you reach the rewarding destinations of this trip and enjoy the entire tour.
Our itinerary includes important acclimatisation days (sightseeing in Machu Picchu and Cusco) and acclimatisation days (e.g. trekking around Ausangate). These are days for your body to adapt to the high altitude.
Arriving in Cusco can be quite difficult due to the altitude - expect mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite) in the first few days of the trip. The symptoms will wear off soon as your body adapts to the altitude - that’s why we start the trip with culture-filled acclimatisation days in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Our itinerary includes important acclimatisation days (sightseeing in Machu Picchu and Cusco) and acclimatisation days (e.g. trekking around Ausangate). These are days for your body to adapt to the high altitude.
Arriving in Cusco can be quite difficult due to the altitude - expect mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite) in the first few days of the trip. The symptoms will wear off soon as your body adapts to the altitude - that’s why we start the trip with culture-filled acclimatisation days in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Please make this process easy for your body by
• starting the journey in good health and well-rested,
• avoiding any unnecessary efforts during the first days of the trek,
• walking relatively slowly, especially when ascending,
• drinking lots of liquids (water),
• trusting and following the instructions and advice of your guide.
Requirements and preparation
This trip is ideal for experienced mountaineers with a good level of fitness, used to day hikes of up to 1200 m of ascent/descent in the Alps and who do not shy away from longer tours of 1500 m of ascent/descent either.
You follow a regular exercise regime of (endurance) sports and may already have trekking experience in altitudes around or above 5000 m. Endurance training is the best way to prepare yourself: Regular running (jogging), cycling and long mountain hikes carrying an average daypack (approx. 6 to 10 kg) are ideal preparation for this trip.
You follow a regular exercise regime of (endurance) sports and may already have trekking experience in altitudes around or above 5000 m. Endurance training is the best way to prepare yourself: Regular running (jogging), cycling and long mountain hikes carrying an average daypack (approx. 6 to 10 kg) are ideal preparation for this trip.
07.08. - 29.08.2021
Available
PLEASE NOTE: Prices quoted are land only and do not include international flights. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until the departure is showing 'Guaranteed' or 'Almost full'.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's included
- Local, English speaking mountain guides (UIAGM) - assistant guides depending on group size
- Private, local tourist guide in Cusco and Machu Picchu - days 2 to 4
- Local staff on the treks: cook, mules and their handlers - approx. 15 kg luggage allowance per traveller
- Selected good 3* and 4* hotels in the cities, towns and villages - twin-share rooms incl. breakfast
- Meals in the cities, towns and villages according to the itinerary - welcome dinner in Cusco and farewell dinner in La Paz included
- Simple, clean lodgings in Salar de Uyuni and in Avaroa National Park
- Camping in spacious TRAVEL TO MOUNTAINS tents - two travellers share a three-person tent
- Full board while trekking - provided by our experienced kitchen staff
- All other meals according to the detailed itinerary - mostly full board
- All sightseeing including entrance fees according to the itinerary - Sacred Valley, Macchu Picchu, Cusco, Isla del Sol
- All transports and transfers by private minibus - including airport transfers in Cusco and La Paz
- Return trip from Uyuni to La Paz in a comfortable overnight bus - sleeper seats
What's not included
- International flight to Peru and return from Bolivia
- Travel insurance - You can take out travel insurance and/or trip cancellation/interruption insurance through Travel to Mountains.
- Meals (lunch and dinner) in the cities/town/villages according to the itinerary
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Single room supplement: € 200,- - Solo travellers: If available, a room can be shared with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please request this at the time of booking.
- Surcharge for singel tent use: € 75,-
- All other costs not listed under "What's included"
- Costs incurred for itinerary changes due too clients actions/decision
