No More Gatekeeping: Machu Picchu and Ausangate Revealed with Marcela

duration
7 days · 6 nights
travel date
Aug 18 – 24, 2026
activity level
Moderate/Strenuous
group size
10
transportation
Van, plane, train
Your TourHero
tourhero
Marcela Briere
bio

My name is Marcela Briere, and I am an adventure photographer with a deep passion for mountaineering and exploration. For the past seven years, I’ve been traveling full-time, capturing the beauty of nature and the diversity of cultures I’ve encountered. I also lead global photography workshops designed to inspire and support photographers at all levels. My work has been featured in exhibitions and editorial publications worldwide.
For me, photography is more than capturing moments—it’s about telling stories that create connection and spark reflection. Through my workshops, I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned and helping others grow their skills and their perspective.

Peru > No More Gatekeeping: Machu Picchu and Ausangate Revealed with Marcela

Experience the ultimate adventure in Peru, where breathtaking landscapes, ancient wonders, and rich culture collide. Wander through the vibrant streets of Lima before journeying to the Sacred Valley to explore the Pisac ruins and its bustling artisan market. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, tracing the footsteps of the Incas, and consider taking on the exhilarating climb up Huayna Picchu for a bird’s-eye view of the Lost City. Set off on a multi-day trek through the Andes, where turquoise glacial lakes, towering peaks, and remote highland villages await. Relax in soothing hot springs, conquer the stunning Ananta Pass, and witness the surreal beauty of Rainbow Mountain and the striking red landscapes of Red Valley. Every step on this journey will bring a picture-perfect moment. There's much to explore in Peru! Will you join me?

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · August 18, 2026 · Lima
Arrive at Jorge Chavez Airport
Group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check-in at Arawi Miraflores Prime (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Dinner (not included in price)
Day 2 · August 19, 2026 · Sacred Valley
Breakfast and check out of accommodation
Transfer to airport
Flight to Cusco (not included in price)
Depart for Sacred Valley
Pisac market and fortress visit
Lunch (not included in price)
Check-in at Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba Hotel (or similar according to availability)
Dinner (not included in price)
Day 3 · August 20, 2026 · 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, see add-ons)
Lunch (not included in price)
Train to Ollantaytambo
Return to Cusco
Check-in at Hotel San Agustín El Dorado (or similar according to availability)
Dinner (not included in price
Day 4 · August 21, 2026 · Cusco - Upis
5:00 am: Depart for Tinki
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 · August 22, 2026 · Upis - Ananta
5:00 am: Breakfast
Trek to Pucaqocha
Lunch at Pucaqocha
Continue to Ananta
Dinner
Day 6 · August 23, 2026 · 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 · August 24, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast
Check out of accommodation
Transfer from accommodation to airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · August 18, 2026
Welcome to the City of Kings

-Welcome to Peru! Our adventure begins in Lima, a vibrant coastal city blending colonial charm with modern energy.

-Settle in and take in your first glimpses of Peru’s capital.

-Enjoy free time to rest and explore Lima after checking in. Get ready for the adventure to come!

Day 2 · August 19, 2026
Into the Sacred Valley

-Today, we're heading into the Andes! A short but scenic flight takes us to the heart of the Inca empire in Cusco. From there, we'll descend into the Sacred Valley.

-We'll pause at Pisac market and fortress for a quick visit. Wander through a colorful Andean market, then hike to the ancient ruins for breathtaking valley views. A dream for photographers!

-Our final stop for today is in Urubamba. Check in to your peaceful retreat and enjoy a restful night under the stars.

Day 3 · August 20, 2026
Exploring Machu Picchu

-It's a big day ahead as we head up to the Lost City of the Incas—Machu Picchu.

-Enjoy epic views of the cloud forest as you journey towards Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to the mountain-top wonder.

-Along with our guide, we'll step into history as you explore the world-famous Inca citadel.

-We'll return to Cusco in the late afternoon on a panoramic train ride.

Day 4 · August 21, 2026
Day one of our hike to see Ausangate

-Start early today as we set off for our Ausangate trek. Our first stop is in Tinki, where we will take a break to stretch our legs, mingle with the locals, and visit the local market if it's open.

-Continue on dirt road to Upis Pampa, where we will enjoy breakfast before starting our trek into the Andes.

-After trekking through some easy terrain, we'll arrive at Upis Camp. Catch glimpses of Nevado Ausangate peering through the clouds and meet local farmers tending their cattle.

-Enjoy lunch at the camp. Then, choose your own adventure.

-Enjoy a two-hour trek to Upis Lake, where you'll get better views of Ausangate.

-Alternatively, you can soak in a hot spring and recover from the day's physical exertion.

-Unwind under the stars over dinner, surrounded by the peaceful silence of the Andes.

Day 5 · August 22, 2026
Cross mountain passes and see beautiful lagoons to reach Ananta

-Begin the day with a warm cup of cocoa, tea, or coffee along with breakfast, served directly to your cabins.

-Set off for Pucaqocha, crossing two mountain passes today and passing by some vibrant-colored lagoons. Along the way, marvel at the grandiosity of Nevado Ausangate and keep your eyes peeled for local flora and fauna.

-At Pucaqocha, enjoy lunch at an exclusive dining spot, with majestic lagoons right before your eyes.

-Continue towards our second campsite of the trek, crossing rugged Andean landscapes and feeling the energy of this sacred land.

Day 6 · August 23, 2026
Touch the Rainbow Mountains, then head back to Cusco

-We'll start the day early today and ascend towards Ananta Pass. At the top, we'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Rainbow Mountain in the distance. Make sure you have your cameras ready!

-Trek towards the Rainbow Mountain to see them up close. Feel the magic of the natural wonder grow stronger as you approach.

-We'll descend towards the Red Valley, where amber-red sand produces a Martian-like landscape.

-Celebrate our successful trek back to Cusco. Share one final dinner on our last night in Peru.

Day 7 · August 24, 2026
Thanks for the memories

-Enjoy one last morning in the Andes before heading to the airport.

-While it's time to say goodbye to Peru, the memories made (and photos taken) will remind us of the beautiful world out there for a long time to come. Take care, and have a safe flight home!

Tour Price
USD 3,155
per person
Flexible payment plans available
12 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Hiking, nature, culture, outdoors, adventure
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 Miraflores Prime (or similar according to availability)

The Arawi Prime in is a luxurious and exclusive hotel located in the vibrant neighborhood of Miraflores. The property offers a sophisticated atmosphere with a strong focus on providing guests with exceptional comfort and personalized attention. The spacious rooms are elegantly designed, featuring a combination of neutral tones and vibrant violet accents in the details. The white beds are adorned with hand-woven footboards crafted by Cusco artisans, adding a touch of local craftsmanship to the décor. Guests can expect impeccable service and a range of luxury facilities to enhance their stay. Room type: Double occupancy.

Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba (or similar according to availability)

Nestled in the picturesque town of Yanahuara, Urubamba, the Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Peru's stunning Sacred Valley. Located just an hour and a half from Cusco and a mere 20-minute drive from the Ollantaytambo train station, this charming hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's rich cultural and natural treasures. With 36 spacious rooms, Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado provides comfort and convenience. The hotel boasts a range of amenities, including lush green spaces, the inviting SUNO Restaurant serving buffet breakfast, lunch, and a diverse à la carte dinner menu, a cozy lobby bar, and a Spa with jacuzzi, sauna, and massage area for relaxation. Guests can also look forward to a variety of activities and experiences during their stay. With Wi-Fi included, complimentary buffet breakfast, 24-hour hot drinks station, and additional services like airport pick-up and pet-friendly accommodations (for an extra fee), Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado promises a memorable and well-rounded stay for travelers seeking the ultimate Sacred Valley experience. Room type: Double occupancy.

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

Hotel San Agustín El Dorado is a refined hotel located in the heart of Cusco, Peru, blending contemporary elegance with touches of Andean culture. Just steps away from major landmarks like the Koricancha Temple and Plaza de Armas, it offers modern amenities, spacious rooms, and a welcoming ambiance, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's rich history. The on-site restaurant serves a fusion of local and international cuisine, adding to the convenience and comfort of your stay. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Double or twin beds.

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

  • 1 night in Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba (or similar)

  • 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 14, 2026 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 15, 2026 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.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Jun 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Single supplement room upgrade for the entire trip

Want a little more privacy during your trip? Select this single supplement add-on and have a room all to yourself.

USD 225
Sold out
Day 3 · August 20 · Machu Picchu & Cusco
Huayna Picchu
USD 84.25
Sold out