Walk Peru's Inca Trail and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Discover the diversity of Peru on this fascinating active journey through the country's highlights. Explore the floating reeds of Lake Titicaca, travel through the Andes Mountains to Cusco and head into the Sacred Valley to trek the spectacular Inca Trail. Lake Titicaca - Explore the floating islands of the magnificent lake and spend the night in a local h...
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$3,500
From$3,450
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme

Highlights

    • Discover Lake Titicaca and the classic Inca Trail on this 2-week hiking adventure
    • Hike on the famous Rainbow Mountain in the Sacred Valley
    • Take a boat trip on the serene Lake Titicaca and meet the indigenous people who call it home

What's this trip about?

    Discover the diversity of Peru on this fascinating active journey through the country's highlights. Explore the floating reeds of Lake Titicaca, travel through the Andes Mountains to Cusco and head into the Sacred Valley to trek the spectacular Inca Trail. Lake Titicaca - Explore the floating islands of the magnificent lake and spend the night in a local homestay. The Inca Trail - Follow in the footsteps of the Incas to Machu Picchu on this bucket list-worthy trek. Alternative Rainbow Mountain - Take the spectacular Palccoyo trek through a landscape of multi-coloured mountains. Quarry Trail - When Inca permits have sold out, we offer the Quarry Trek, a quieter route with fewer crowds and spectacular views, joining the final day of the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityLima
End CityCusco

Travel Themes

  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

Attractions

  • Aguas Calientes
  • Cusco
  • Inca Trail
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Puno
  • Sacred Valley
  • Urubamba

Activities

  • Trekking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Lima

Our trip starts today in Lima, Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. Located on ...

Day 2 Fly to Juliaca; drive to Puno

This morning, we'll take a short tour of the city, passing through the colonial squares and by the convent of San Francisco. In the afternoon, we'll fly up to Juliaca on the high Altiplano. On arrival, we'll take a short drive to our hotel in Puno on the shores of ...

Day 3 Visit Sillustani pre-Inca burial ground. Explore Lake Titicaca

This morning, we'll drive to the 'chullpas' (funeral towers) of Sillustani, which date from around the 14th century. They are positioned on a peninsula overlooking a lagoon amongst stunning highland scenery. There's also the opportunity to visit a local farmer's house...

Day 4 Visit to Uros and Taquile Islands

Today we'll take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to explore the floating reed islands, home to the Uros people who live on the lake itself. Their islands are made from totora, a reedlike papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in most aspects of their life, includ...

Day 5 Travel through the Andes to Cusco

Today we'll follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler, Manco Capac, on his way to find Cusco, passing through a landscape that is both desolate and magnificent, where flocks of llamas and alpacas graze amongst the windswept meadows. Rising early, we'll ...

Day 6 Walking tour of Cusco. Visit to Sacsayhuaman

This morning, we'll take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress that's still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail,...

Day 7 Palccoyo trek (alternative Rainbow Mountain)

We'll be picked up from the hotel in Cusco early this morning, around 6am, and drive south for three-and-a-half hours to the village of Palccoyo (4,200 metres/13,780 feet). The Palccoyo trek is a quieter alternative to the famous Rainbow Mountain trek - while travelli...

Day 8 Drive to Ollanta in the Sacred Valley; Picnic by Piuray Lake

This morning, we'll leave the city of Cusco behind and drive to Ollantaytambo, an original Inca town. We'll stop at Piuray Lake in the mountains near Chinchero for a Peruvian picnic prepared with ingredients from local farmers. After lunch, you could take a walk ar...

Day 9 Commence Inca Trail walking to Llaqtapata ruins or walking to the site of Q'orimarca on the Quarry Trail

Once the Inca Trail permits sell out, we organise our hikes to Machu Picchu along the Quarry Trail, with a fully licenced and experienced trekking guide and the usual crew of porters. We'll let you know prior to booking which permits are available, and the itinerary f...

Day 10 Follow the river to Llulluchapampa on the Inca Trail or cross Kuychicasa pass (4,450m) and visit Intipunku site on the Quarry Trail

Inca Trail After a hearty breakfast, we'll cross the river to visit the Llaqtapata Inca ruins before continuing with the trek. Today, we'll follow the course of the Kusichaca River past small communities, crossing it to reach Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca or...

Day 11 Cross 'Dead Woman's Pass' (4,200m), hike through cloud forest to Phuyupatamarca on the Inca Trail or descend to Ollantaytambo on the Quarry Trail

Inca Trail Today we'll have an earlier start as we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's) Pass to 4,200 metres/13,780 feet. The two-hour ascent is one of the more challenging sections of the trek, we'll take it slow and steady with many stops to admire the view ...

Day 12 Arrive to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate

Inca Trail Today is our final day walking along the Inca Trail. We'll say thanks and goodbye to our porters and begin our trek into Machu Picchu. We'll pass the Phuyupatamarca ruins and spend the majority of the morning going down following stone paths and stairway...

Day 13 Guided tour of Machu Picchu. Return to Ollantaytambo by train. Continue by bus to Cusco

Our final morning in the mountains is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the buil...

Day 14 Trip ends in Cusco

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cusco. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Cusco at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airpor...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,450
Price per day$246
Last Updated: 3/14/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
04 May 2025
17 May 2025
$3,850
$460
15 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$3,850
$460
17 Aug 2025
30 Aug 2025
$3,450
$450
07 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$3,850
$460
21 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$3,650
$460
05 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$3,450
$450
19 Oct 2025
01 Nov 2025
$3,450
$450
29 Mar 2026
11 Apr 2026
$7,750
$460
12 Apr 2026
25 Apr 2026
$3,600
$460
03 May 2026
16 May 2026
$3,600
$460

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
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N

Nicole

Nov 2024

Written on

Walk Peru's Inca Trail and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

Trip was very good. Our guide Julio was excellent and contributed to ...

L

Lorinda

Nov 2024

Written on

Walk Peru's Inca Trail and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

What a great trip, with the highlights being Rainbow mountain, Lake Titicaca and the best of all, hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. I feel I have really been a...

C

Chris

Oct 2024

Written on

Walk Peru's Inca Trail and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

This was a wonderful trip. Lake Titicaca was stunning. Palccoyo Mountain was beautiful & a great introduction to high altitude walking. But the highlight was wal...

J

Jacqueline

Oct 2024

Written on

Walk Peru's Inca Trail and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

Excellent holiday. Well planned and organised. Trek amazing and just a wonderful intro to Peru. Guide, Ernesto, was brilliant - good fun and very knowledgable. Hope ...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Flight, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Flight, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Cook, Local Guide(s), Porter(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Peru: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 13
  • Dinner : 3
  • Lunch : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-PM

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