THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A 19-day overland loop from Lima to Cusco that pairs coastal wildlife and desert flights with high‑altitude trekking, Inca archaeology and an Amazon extension. Expect long travel days, altitude challenges and unforgettable viewpoints of Machu Picchu.
A 19-day overland loop from Lima to Cusco that pairs coastal wildlife and desert flights with high‑altitude trekking, Inca archaeology and an Amazon extension. Expect long travel days, altitude challenges and unforgettable viewpoints of Machu Picchu.
You step off the plane into Lima’s humid morning and, within days, exchange ocean wind for thin, razor-clear air above the Andes. This 19-day loop threads coastal desert, pre-Inca lines, colonial cities, highland passes and cloud-forest trails that reveal Machu Picchu from different angles—the busier citadel and the quieter approaches of Salkantay and Llactapata.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Conde Travel · Cusco, Cusco
You step off the plane into Lima’s humid morning and, within days, exchange ocean wind for thin, razor-clear air above the Andes. This 19-day loop threads coastal desert, pre-Inca lines, colonial cities, highland passes and cloud-forest trails that reveal Machu Picchu from different angles—the busier citadel and the quieter approaches of Salkantay and Llactapata.
History here is layered: Spanish baroque churches in Lima and Arequipa sit atop seismic volcanic soils; the Nazca Lines cut across Pleistocene plains; in Cusco the Inca plaza still orders the city. Geology shapes the itinerary—glaciated peaks like Salkantay (6,271 m) shed runoff into the jungle, while Lake Titicaca sits at 3,812 m, the world’s highest navigable lake. Cultural threads are constant: textiles in Chinchero, salt terraces at Maras, and Totora reed boats on Uros, all living traditions.
Expect long travel days balanced with active sections: a 3–7 hour high‑altitude trek to Humantay and Salkantay camps, a day hike to Rainbow Mountain, boat crossings on Titicaca and river transfers into Tambopata for rainforest walks. Guides handle logistics and many meals; permits and some trains are included, but Huayna Picchu requires separate advance booking.
Practical edge: acclimatize with two easy days in Cusco, carry a layered system for 0–20°C swings, and use trekking poles for steep descents. Hydrate, pace uphill sections, and pack rain protection for afternoon showers in the cloud forest. This is a demanding, diverse itinerary that rewards curiosity and preparation.
challenging.
19 days.
Good aerobic fitness and prior multi‑day hiking experience recommended; expect sustained days at 3,800–4,600 m and one 4,600 m pass.
Yes—this itinerary includes entry to Machu Picchu; optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climbs require separate advance booking.
The Salkantay route includes sustained ascents to roughly 4,600 m and long days (up to 7 hrs); it’s physically demanding and high‑altitude acclimatization is essential.
Most breakfasts, many lunches and several dinners are included—consult the itinerary for specifics; some remote extras (hot springs, optional meals) may be at your expense.
Yes—expect seabirds at Ballestas, condors over Colca Canyon, and extensive Amazon species near Tambopata, though sightings depend on season and luck.
The route stitches pre‑Inca agriculture and Inca engineering with Spanish colonial urbanism—sites like Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuamán show stonework spanning centuries.
Highland and Amazon zones are fragile; stick to marked trails, avoid single‑use plastics, and respect local reserve rules to limit erosion and wildlife disturbance.
Conde Travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the plane into Lima’s humid morning and, within days, exchange ocean wind for thin, razor-clear air above the Andes. This 19-day loop threads coastal desert, pre-Inca lines, colonial cities, highland passes and cloud-forest trails that reveal Machu Picchu from different angles—the busier citadel and the quieter approaches of Salkantay and Llactapata.
You step off the plane into Lima’s humid morning and, within days, exchange ocean wind for thin, razor-clear air above the Andes. This 19-day loop threads coastal desert, pre-Inca lines, colonial cities, highland passes and cloud-forest trails that reveal Machu Picchu from different angles—the busier citadel and the quieter approaches of Salkantay and Llactapata.
History here is layered: Spanish baroque churches in Lima and Arequipa sit atop seismic volcanic soils; the Nazca Lines cut across Pleistocene plains; in Cusco the Inca plaza still orders the city. Geology shapes the itinerary—glaciated peaks like Salkantay (6,271 m) shed runoff into the jungle, while Lake Titicaca sits at 3,812 m, the world’s highest navigable lake. Cultural threads are constant: textiles in Chinchero, salt terraces at Maras, and Totora reed boats on Uros, all living traditions.
Expect long travel days balanced with active sections: a 3–7 hour high‑altitude trek to Humantay and Salkantay camps, a day hike to Rainbow Mountain, boat crossings on Titicaca and river transfers into Tambopata for rainforest walks. Guides handle logistics and many meals; permits and some trains are included, but Huayna Picchu requires separate advance booking.
Practical edge: acclimatize with two easy days in Cusco, carry a layered system for 0–20°C swings, and use trekking poles for steep descents. Hydrate, pace uphill sections, and pack rain protection for afternoon showers in the cloud forest. This is a demanding, diverse itinerary that rewards curiosity and preparation.