Ultimate Andean Quest

Embark on an exhilarating journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley and the legendary Inca Trail, where adventure meets cultural discovery. This multi-sport expedition seamlessly blends hiking, ziplining, biking, and horseback riding, leading you through breathtaking Andean landscapes and ancient Incan ruins. Along the way, engage with local artisans, savour Peruvian culinary delights, and experience the awe of Machu Picchu. With a perfect balance of thrill-seeking exploration and elevated comfort, this adventure is designed for travellers seeking both excitement and connection to the rich heritage of the Andes.

Is this trip for me?

Duration: 10 days | 9 nights

Tour Starts & Ends: Cusco, Peru

Accommodation Style: Handpicked upscale boutique hotels and mountain lodges. Single rooms available for a supplement

Activity Level: Moderate – Ideal for most travellers with a moderate fitness level who love adventure with a high level of comfort. Elevation challenges add an additional level of difficulty to this trip. Most experiences are optional and alternative transportation exists for those needing a break

Availability: Limited departures available year round.

Trip Type: Small Group (max 16 travellers)

Highlights

Zipline over the Sacred Valley – Soar across dramatic landscapes for a thrilling aerial perspective.

Immerse in Peruvian cuisine – Take a hands-on cooking class and learn to prepare traditional dishes.

Trek through remote Andean villages – Hike ancient trails and meet local weavers preserving centuries-old traditions.

Mountain bike through breathtaking landscapes – Ride past Incan terraces, lush valleys, and picturesque farmlands.

Saddle up for a horseback adventure – Ride across golden plains, surrounded by towering Andean peaks.

Experience a traditional Pachamanca feast – Enjoy an Andean earth-cooked meal, a celebration of culture and flavour.

Step back in time at Machu Picchu – See the Lost City of the Incas emerge from the morning mist in an unforgettable moment.

Book your adventure today! Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill of the Andes and the magic of Machu Picchu with this unforgettable journey.

Details

Included:

  Premium Accommodation: Twin Share in handpicked 3-4 star hotels and lodges. Single rooms available for a supplement.
  Local, Authentic Meals: Daily breakfast, some lunches, and some dinners. Included meals are as specified in the itinerary, though at times your guide may swap meals around if needed.
  Adventure Activities: Explore countless historical sites, soar through the sky on a zipline, hike through remnants of ancient civilizations, bike along scenic trails, kayak on peaceful lakes, and so much more!
  Private Transportation: Comfortable transportation based on group size.
  Local Legend: Your guide knows this region like no others and they are excited to share their stories with you.
  Small Group Experience: Tours will have a maximum group size of 16 passengers or less!


Not Included:

✕  International Flights: Your international airfare to and from Peru.
✕  Airport Transfers: Available to book through Radventures at additional cost.
✕  Beverages: Drinks (both soft and alcoholic) are at your own expense.
✕  Gratuity: Tips, especially for your guide are not required but encouraged for great service.
✕  Single Room: Limited single rooms are available for a supplement.
✕  Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended and available for purchase

Itinerary

Welcome to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, where colonial charm meets centuries-old traditions. Wander through cobblestone streets, explore bustling markets, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Marvel at the fusion of Incan and Spanish architecture in the historic centre. The day is ours to unwind and adjust to the altitude—perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the village or simply relax and embrace the serenity of the mountains.

Meals: Dinner

Overnight: Cusco

Sample Hotel: Andenes Hotel or similar

We begin the day by diving into Cusco’s rich history on a guided city tour, exploring its blend of Incan and colonial architecture. Walk through the Plaza de Armas, admire the intricate stonework of Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and step inside the imposing Cusco Cathedral, home to centuries-old religious artifacts. Wander through the bohemian district of San Blas, where artisans craft intricate silver jewelry and vibrant textiles.

Later, we roll up our sleeves for a hands-on cooking class, where we learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes using iconic ingredients like red quinoa and yellow aji pepper. Under expert guidance, we craft two dishes and mix our own pisco sour cocktail, taking home not only recipes but also the skills to recreate the magic of Peruvian cuisine back home.

Meals: Breakfast, Cooking Class Dinner

Overnight: Andenes

Sample Hotel: Andenes Hotel or similar

We kick off our adventure with a hike through Cusco’s hillside ruins, where Sacsayhuamán’s massive stone walls tell stories of an ancient civilization. From this panoramic viewpoint, take in sweeping views of the red-roofed city below. Then, we journey to Lake Piuray, a tranquil high-altitude lake embraced by rolling hills. Grab a kayak or paddleboard and glide across its mirror-like waters, with the snow-capped peaks of the Andes reflecting on the surface. As the sun dips behind the mountains, we come together for a farm-to-table dinner under a sky glittering with stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Cusco

Sample Hotel: Andenes Hotel or similar

Today, we take adventure to new heights with a ziplining experience over the Sacred Valley, soaring between mountain cliffs with breathtaking views of ancient terraced fields. After the rush of adrenaline, we descend to the charming town of Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Incan settlements still inhabited today. Walk its stone alleyways and explore the imposing fortress, a site of legendary battles between the Incas and Spanish conquistadors. Later, we journey deeper into the mountains to Huacahuasi Lodge, a remote retreat where we unwind in the crisp Andean air.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Huacahuasi

Hotel: Huacahuasi Lodge

Today, we step into a world untouched by time as we hike from Choquecancha to Jaukani, following trails through remote mountain villages where the rhythm of life has remained unchanged for centuries. Along the way, we meet local weavers, whose intricate textiles are woven with techniques passed down through generations. Hear their stories and admire their vibrant creations, each pattern holding symbolic meaning. A picnic lunch in the heart of the Andes fuels our journey back to Huacahuasi, where we relax with a warm drink, taking in the serene mountain vistas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Huacahuasi

Hotel: Huacahuasi Lodge

We lace up our boots for a hike from Ancasmarca to Totora, an ancient Incan trail once used by chasquis—messengers who ran across the empire carrying important news. With every step, we pass through breathtaking Andean landscapes, from rolling grasslands to craggy peaks. After a mountain picnic, we swap boots for wheels, hopping on mountain bikes for an exhilarating ride through lush valleys, alongside flowing rivers, and past traditional villages where farmers tend to their fields. Our ride ends at Lamay Lodge, an inviting retreat where we rest up for tomorrow’s adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Lamay

Hotel: Lamay Lodge

This morning, we saddle up for a horseback ride through the Sacred Valley, riding across golden plains surrounded by snow-dusted peaks. Our Andean horses, bred for endurance in high-altitude terrain, carry us through this striking landscape. By midday, we experience a Pachamanca, a centuries-old Andean earth-cooked feast, where meats, potatoes, and corn are slow-roasted beneath hot stones. This ceremonial meal is a time-honoured tradition, bringing people together in celebration of the land’s bounty.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Lamay

Hotel: Lamay Lodge

We board a scenic train to the gateway to the Inca Trail. We then set off on a hike following ancient stone pathways through lush cloud forests, passing the cascading terraces of Wiñay Wayna, a stunning Incan site that clings to the mountainside like a staircase to the heavens. As the afternoon sun glows golden, we reach the Sun Gate, where we catch our first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu, its ruins nestled among emerald peaks. Taking in this view, we pause to reflect on the incredible journey before descending into Aguas Calientes for a well-earned rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aguas Calientes

Sample Hotel: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or similar

We rise early to witness Machu Picchu’s wonders, as the morning mist lifts to reveal the Lost City of the Incas in all its glory. Walking through its ancient pathways, we explore the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the agricultural terraces, each structure revealing insights into Incan ingenuity. Our guide brings the citadel to life with stories of its past, and then we have time to explore at our own pace, soaking in the magic of this sacred place. In the afternoon, we board the train back to Cusco, in time for a farewell dinner with new friends.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Cusco

Sample Hotel: Andenes Hotel or similar

Today our journey ends and we depart Cusco carrying memories of an adventure we’ll never forget. If you feel like you have not yet seen enough of what Peru has to offer, consider a trip extension to the Amazon rainforest at an eco-lodge with exciting wildlife and adventure activities. 

Meals: Breakfast

Welcome to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, where colonial charm meets centuries-old traditions. Wander through cobblestone streets, explore bustling markets, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Marvel at the fusion of Incan and Spanish architecture in the historic centre. The day is ours to unwind and adjust to the altitude—perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the village or simply relax and embrace the serenity of the mountains.

Meals: Dinner

Overnight: Cusco

Sample Hotel: Andenes Hotel or similar

Journey Map

Reviews


FAQs

Your deposit is refundable for 24 hours after booking. After that, there is a $100 per person transfer fee that applies to changes you want to make to your tour (ie. to change the tour date or to choose a different tour). Transfers are possible until the final payment deadline, unless otherwise specified. Of course, if Radventures cannot confirm your tour by the final payment deadline, your deposit can be refunded or transferred to another tour free of charge.

Of course! There is a $100 per person transfer fee that applies. Transfers are possible until the final payment deadline, unless otherwise specified.

Radventures lives for those who want to escape the ordinary. Those who want to steer clear of the tourist traps and queues of cashed up pensioners. Those who are nomadic by nature and desire deep, authentic and local connections to make their trip as much about the journey as the destination. If that sounds like you, then you’re just like us, and between our relentless efforts to blow your expectations out of the water and our super knowledgable team, we’re your travel experts!

Different tours/trips have varying physical demands, but our most adventurous are designed to be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. When selecting your tour please make sure you have read through the itinerary and itinerary carefully to assess your ability and to cope with our style of travel. Some trips visit remote areas with limited or non-existent medical facilities so you must be in good health. Factors such as altitude, cold temperatures, delays, unfamiliar food and different customs and cultures can also add to the physical toll. Keep in mind you will sometimes need to carry your own bags. Please note that if, in an extremely unlikely case, in the opinion of our guide, any guest is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Radventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

Yes! We would definitely recommend an “All Inclusive” policy that covers you for both medical expenses as well as any trip cancellation or interruptions. You can purchase this from our booking platform, “WeTravel”, or contact us for more information.

At Radventures we pride ourselves on our flexibility. If you wan’t to enjoy more of this beautiful country before and after your time with us, we’d be more than happy to make any arrangements for you. As for being partly involved in a tour, whilst we can’t make any guarantees about whats possible or not, it’s best that you get in touch with us when you’re considering booking a tour or trip with us and let us know how you want things to work so we can see if we can make it work.

This is a tricky one. We don’t know when other people will book, so it’s hard to know if and when the tour will fill up. Our advice is to book as soon as you’ve made the decision to travel, that way you won’t be disappointed. Most of our service providers have a cutoff date of 2-3 months before departure that we need to advise them to release any excess space, and while we may be able to get these services back after the cutoff date it’s definitely safer to book early while we can still guarantee enough space for you.

You’re in great company! We have two options for solo travellers on our tours – you can join our share program to be matched with another rad solo traveller (of the same sex), or you can purchase the single supplement to have your own private room.

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