Peaks & Ruins: Trekking Peru’s Wild Landscapes with Rick and Bethany

duration
7 days · 6 nights
travel date
Sep 13 - 19, 2025
activity level
Moderate/Strenuous
group size
14
transportation
Van, train
Your TourHero
tourhero
Rick and Bethany
bio

Hi! We’re Rick and Bethany—adventure travelers, content creators, and your hosts for this unforgettable trip to Peru! We believe the best way to experience the world is by getting outside, connecting with locals, and making memories with awesome people along the way. We’ve designed this trip to blend epic landscapes (hello Rainbow Mountain!) with meaningful cultural experiences—and we’d love for you to come along for the ride!

Peru > Peaks & Ruins: Trekking Peru’s Wild Landscapes with Rick and Bethany

This is Peru at its most raw and spectacular. Explore the ancient Sacred Valley, step into the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, and trek through the otherworldly landscapes of Ausangate, where rainbow-colored mountains and glacial lakes create a scene straight out of a dream. Ride the rails through the Andean highlands to Aguas Calientes, explore Pisac Market for cultural gems, and take in the magic of Lima's and Cusco’s historic streets. This is the kind of adventure that stays with you long after the last mountain pass. The altitude is high, but the reward is even higher. Join us on this cultural adventure through Peru.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · September 13, 2025 · Lima
Arrive at Jorge Chavez Airport
Group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check-in at Arawi Express Hotel Lima (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Day 2 · September 14, 2025 · Sacred Valley
Breakfast and check out of accommodation
Transfer to airport
Flight to Cusco
Transfer to Sacred Valley
Pisac market and fortress visit
Check-in at hotel in Sacred Valley (TBC)
Day 3 · September 15, 2025 · Machu Picchu & Cusco
Breakfast and check out of accommodation
Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Train to Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu guided tour
Huayna Picchu climb (subject to availability; not included in price)
Train to Ollantaytambo
Transfer to Cusco
Check-in at Hotel San Agustín El Dorado (or similar according to availability)
Day 4 · September 16, 2025 · Cusco - Upis
5:00 am: Depart for Tinki
~ 2 hrs van
Tinki stopover
Continue to Upis Pampa
~ 1 hr van
Breakfast at Upis Pampa
Trek to Upis Camp
~ 3 hrs walk
Lunch at Upis Camp
Upis Lake hike (2 hours; optional)
Hot springs visit (optional)
Dinner back at camp
Day 5 · September 17, 2025 · Upis - Ananta
5:00 am: Breakfast
Trek to Pucaqocha
Lunch at Pucaqocha
Continue to Ananta
Dinner
Day 6 · September 18, 2025 · Ananta - Cusco
3:45 am: Breakfast
Ascend Ananta Pass
Trek towards Rainbow Mountain
Descend to Red Valley
~ 30 mins walk
Private transfer to Ttio
Lunch at Ttio
4:00 pm: Return to Cusco
Dinner (not included in price)
Day 7 · September 19, 2025 · Departure
Breakfast
Checkout of accommodation
Transfer from accommodation to airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · September 13, 2025
Welcome to Lima

-Welcome to Lima, Peru’s vibrant coastal capital, known for its rich colonial history, bustling markets, and world-renowned gastronomy. We can't wait to get this adventure with you underway!

-A private transfer will take the group to the hotel in Lima, ensuring a smooth and comfortable arrival.

-Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, whether you choose to explore Lima’s historic streets, try ceviche at a local restaurant, or simply wander around soaking in the vibes of the city.

Day 2 · September 14, 2025
Into the Sacred Valley

-Let's get started! After breakfast, we'll head to the airport to catch a flight to Cusco, Peru's ancient capital.

-From Peru, we'll travel to the Sacred Valley, a lush Andean valley that was once a crucial agricultural hub for the Incas.

-We'll visit Pisac Market, a lively traditional market famous for its colorful textiles, handcrafted jewelry, and authentic Peruvian souvenirs. Then, we'll explore Pisac Fortress, an impressive Inca archaeological site perched on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the valley below.

Day 3 · September 15, 2025
Uncover the secrets of the Lost City

-The Lost City of the Incas awaits. Begin the day with breakfast before leaving for one of the most anticipated experiences of the trip.

-Travel to the charming town of Ollantaytambo, the only Inca settlement still inhabited today. From there, we'll travel through the stunning Andean landscape to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

-Machu Picchu will take your breath away. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through its fascinating history, pointing out key structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the agricultural terraces.

-After the visit, board the train back to Ollantaytambo before a transfer takes us back to Cusco, concluding our Machu Picchu experience.

Day 4 · September 16, 2025
Enter the shadow of Ausangate

-With anticipation and excitement, we'll set off for our Ausangate trekking adventure, the highest sacred mountain in Southern Peru (6,384 meters). This mountain is revered by the Andean people as a powerful spiritual force.

-An early departure to Tinki makes the beginning of our journey through the majestic Peruvian landscape.

-After a two-hour drive, we'll take a short break in the town of Tinki before continuing the journey.

-Drive further into the mountains, reaching the starting point of the trek at Upis Pampa. Fuel up with breakfast before taking our first steps of the trek.

-Trek to Upis Camp, located at the base of Ausangate. Along the way, interact with locals who live in harmony with the nature around them.

-After three hours, arrive at Upis Camp and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.

-For those with energy to spare, take a two-hour hike to the stunning Upis Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Alternatively, you can relax in the natural hot springs near the camp, a perfect way to unwind.

-End the day with a hearty meal before resting for the night.

Day 5 · September 17, 2025
Journey through the Andean landscape

-As day breaks, we'll continue our trek through the Andes, starting with an early breakfast before setting off.

-Today, we'll head up towards Pucaqocha. As we journey through the landscape, keep your eyes out for local flora and fauna like condors, chinchillas, and vicunas. We'll also pass colorful lagoons and cross two mountain passes.

-Enjoy a well-deserved lunch with views of stunning high-altitude lagoons at an exclusive lunch spot at Pucaqocha.

-The trek continues towards Ananta, with more breathtaking scenery along the way.

-Arrive at the campsite and enjoy a warm meal before resting.

Day 6 · September 18, 2025
Be rewarded with views of Rainbow Mountain, then head back to Cusco

-Today, we'll touch the colors of the rainbow by trekking to see the Rainbow Mountain. Known as Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain is one of Peru’s most visually striking landscapes, famous for its vibrant mineral-colored slopes.

-First, we'll ascend Ananta Pass. At the top, look into the distance, and you'll be able to see the Rainbow Mountain.

-Descend from the pass and trek towards the Rainbow Mountain.

-Snap photos and soak in the awe-inspiring landscape before you.

-After admiring the Rainbow Mountain, continue to the striking landscapes of Red Valley, named for its deep red earth and dramatic scenery.

-Our Ausangate adventure concludes after arrival at the pickup point, from which we'll transfer to Ttio.

-After a celebratory lunch, we'll return to Cusco for our final evening in Peru.

Day 7 · September 19, 2025
A priceless experience

-From the magic of Machu Picchu to the majestic Ausangate, it's been a monumental trip through the landscapes of Peru. Reminisce the trip's highlights over one final breakfast together.

-A group transfer will take us to the airport to catch our flights home.

-Thank you for joining us on this adventure. Take care, and have a safe trip home!

Tour Price
USD 1,720
per person
Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Nature, adventure, culture, hiking
Your local guide
With a passion for creating unique and customizable itineraries that highlight authentic experiences in Peru, the team at Peru InsideOut ensures that no two trips with them are ever the same. Their pioneering spirit takes visitors to dynamic and unforgettable places, offering insights into city life, history, wildlife and nature. With years of experience, local knowledge and training, every trip is a varied delight from start to finish. Let the knowledgeable guides from Peru InsideOut do all the hard work for you, so you can simply concentrate on the adventure of a lifetime.
The best tour company I've used!! I will start by saying that Roberto made this trip a dream come true, and I've never experienced a more organised tour. From the moment I first emailed him to inquire about the tour, to the last taxi journey to the airport for our flight home, my friend and I felt safe and well looked after the whole trip! We travelled to Chile, Bolivia and Peru and every aspect of the trip ran smoothly and if there were any questions, Roberto was only a whatsapp message away! From all the tours I looked at, Peru Inside Out was the most flexible and best value, and I would recommend their tours to anyone without a doubt!
An Tran
Excellent service – We used Peru InsideOut for a 13 day trip to Peru. Roberto was very professional and helpful from the initial quote request to the last day of the tour. He arranged all the hotels and guided tours very well. No issues at all with airport pickups and drop offs. The guided tours were very good. We met both Roberto and Karla in Arequipa- both are very friendly and nice people to interact with. Someone from his team was in touch with us daily in Peru to make sure things were going well. We had a very enjoyable Peru trip thanks to Peru InsideOut. Roberto is highly recommended!
Neeraja A
GREAT SERVICE AND VALUE – We were referred to Peru InsideOut by a friend who had traveled with them. We gave them a list of what we wanted to do (Inca Trail, Cusco, Jungle, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Lima, Sacred Valley, La Paz) and they sent us a few proposed itineraries. They were patient as we had many questions and made a few changes. We ended up booking a 16 day trip. Most of the trip was Private - just the 6 people in our family and a local guide and driver. The local guides were great - especially Huber on the Inca Trail. They gave us a choice of either Basic or Comfort Accommodation - we looked at the accommodation on line and chose the Basic - it was all pretty good. A few of the day tours were group. They were also able to accommodate one person bypassing the Inca Trail - they provided a separate itinerary for those days. We were always able to contact their office as they provided a cell phone and were accessible on whatsapp. We also booked some shore excursions through them as we ended up taking a cruise to get to South America. The shore excursions worked out well. All of the travel with this company was good value and exceeded our expectations.
Mike M
Accommodation
Arawi Express Hotel Lima (or similar according to availability)

Situated right in the heart of Lima, all the city’s main attractions are within a few miles — including the beach! The property boasts an on-site restaurant, as well as air-conditioning, satellite TV, and private bathrooms in every room. Offering American-style breakfasts, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the building, and a convenient and accessible location, Arawi offers a real taste of streamlined luxury and a peaceful space to rest your head in the bustling capital city of Peru. Room type: Double occupancy.

Hotel in Sacred Valley with mountain view (TBC)

To be confirmed. Room type: Double occupancy.

Hotel San Agustín El Dorado (or similar according to availability)

Located in the heart of Cusco's historical center, Hotel San Agustín El Dorado is a stunning blend of Andean stone architecture and modern design. This elegant hotel offers 72 versatile and elegantly appointed rooms, equipped for the utmost comfort of its guests. The property also features complimentary Wi-Fi, a contemporary restaurant, and the Campanario bar. Each morning, guests can indulge in a complimentary breakfast before setting out to explore the enchanting city. Room type: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 1 night in Arawi Miraflores Prime (or similar)

  • 1 night in Sacred Valley hotel (to be confirmed)

  • 2 nights in Hotel San Agustín El Dorado (or similar)

  • 2 nights at campsites along Ausangate trek

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on day 4, 5, 6

  • Dinner on day 4, 5

  • Machu Picchu guided tour (private service)

  • Ausangate trek (group service)

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • Sightseeing transportation during excursions

Not included
  • International flights

  • Domestic flights

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Jun 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Jun 11, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -5) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.