Heart of the Jungle to Ausangate: 16-Day Luxury Expedition

This 16-day expedition is a journey into Peru's most powerful destinations. Designed for intrepid adventurers. It’s a sublime expedition with impressive contrasts, uniting the infinite exuberance of the Amazon basin with the stark, multicolored beauty of the Cordillera Vilcanota. The adventure begins with five days of jungle immersion on board the exclusive Zafiro cruise. Then, the tour ascends to the Andean heavens to beat the legendary Ausangate circuit. A challenging luxury camping trek that surrounds one of the most sacred mountains in the Andes and culminates at the iconic Rainbow Mountain. With a perfect guidance of our specialist naturalist guides in the Amazon and an elite mountain team in the Andes. This journey involves a deep connection between two of the world's most impressive ecosystems.

16 Day Peru Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Lima, the Journey's Start

Your grand Peruvian adventure begins with your arrival in the capital, Lima. Upon arrival, a team representative will welcome you and arrange your private transfer to a luxury hotel, where you can rest and recover from your journey.

Day 2: Flight to Iquitos & Start of the Amazon Journey

After breakfast, a guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. A private transfer will take you on a scenic drive to the port of Nauta, where you will board the Zafiro luxury cruise. You will be greeted by the crew and meet your specialist naturalist guide, who will provide you with all the information that you need for the next few days in the amazon.

Day 3: Exploring the Pacaya Samiria Reserve

The day offers a cultural immersion. You will visit an authentic riverbank community, where your guide will facilitate a genuine interaction. Later, you will witness the union of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, the exact spot where the stunning Amazon River is born.

Day 4: Riverbank Culture & the Birth of the Amazon

Day 5: Secrets of the Forest Canopy

Your guide will lead you on a walk across an impressive canopy bridge system, which offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy. Here you will comprehend the complex ecosystem that thrives in the treetops, an ecology lesson taught by a professional guide.

Day 6: Disembarkation & Flight to Cusco, Capital of the Incas

After the final breakfast at the Zafiro Cruise, you will disembark to visit the Amazon Rescue Center. Our guides will escort you to the Iquitos airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in the capital of the Inca Empire, you will be greeted and transferred to your luxury hotel. Neccesary to begin the crucial process of acclimatization.

Day 7: Acclimatization and Light Exploration in Cusco

This day is vital for adapting to Cusco's 3,400 m (11,152 ft) altitude. Enjoy a relaxed day. In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a walking tour to the historic center, where you’ll be visiting the Plaza de Armas and the bohemian San Blas neighborhood, explaining the city's history without excessive physical exertion.

Day 8: Preparation & Journey to Ausangate's Start

In the morning, you will have a detailed briefing with your certified mountain guide, who will verify the trekking gear and itinerary. After lunch, a private vehicle will take you south from Cusco, gradually ascending through a charming valley to the community of Chillca. Here, your first luxury campsite awaits, ready to offer a comfortable night before the trek.

Day 9: Trek Start - To Pucacocha Camp

The trekking adventure begins. After a nutritious breakfast, your hiking journey will start. Ascending gently through alpine valleys inhabited by herds of alpacas and llamas. The specialist mountain guide will set a steady pace, allowing you to enjoy the landscape dominated by the imposing snowy face of the "Apu" Ausangate. You will arrive at the campsite on the shores of the red-colored Pucacocha lagoon, where you will spend the night.

Day 10: Crossing Apacheta Pass & Ausangate Base Camp

Today you will face the first major challenge: the ascent to the Apacheta pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). The effort is considerable, but your expert guide will manage the pace to ensure your success. The reward is spectacular panoramic views. After the descent, you will arrive at Ausangate base camp, a place of awe-inspiring beauty, where you can relax and recover surrounded by glaciers.

Day 11: The Palomani Pass & Jampa Valley

This is the most demanding and spectacular day of the expedition. You will face the ascent of the highest pass of the route, the Palomani pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft). The extreme altitude demands great strength, but under the close supervision and leadership of your certified mountain guide, you will reach the summit for a 360-degree view that will leave you breathless. The descent will take you through a valley of incredible beauty to the campsite at Jampa.

Day 12: Towards the Rainbow Mountain

Today's hike leads you towards one of Peru's most famous natural phenomena. After crossing the final pass, Jampa, the trail descends towards the ravine that shelters the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). You will have time to explore and photograph this geological wonder before heading to your final campsite, strategically located to enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Day 13: End of Trek & Return to Cusco

Enjoy your last breakfast in the Andes. A short final walk will take you to the point where your private vehicle awaits. You will bid farewell to your team of muleteers and begin the journey back to Cusco. You will arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, with time for a well-deserved hot shower and a celebratory dinner to commemorate your incredible achievement.

Day 14: Recovery Day in Cusco

After the intensity of the trek, this day is entirely dedicated to rest and recovery. You can opt for a therapeutic massage, explore the shops and galleries of Cusco at a comfortable pace, or simply relax in the ease of your luxury hotel.

Day 15: Flight to Lima & International Connection

Enjoy your final morning in the imperial capital. At the appropriate time, a guide will escort you to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima, where you will connect with your flight back home.

Day 16: Arrive Home

Arrive in your home city.

16 Day Peru Itinerary Highlights

Floating Amazon Sanctuary: Experience 5 days of total nature immersion aboard the Zafiro luxury cruise, on expeditions led by a specialist naturalist guide where you'll explore marvelous places such as Yanayacu de Pucate River with an active search for pink river dolphins, monkeys and sloths.

Conquer the Punta Union Pass: Summit the 4,750m (15,583 ft) Punta Union pass on the Santa Cruz trek, a feat accomplished under the direction and safety of your certified mountain guide.

Luxury Trekking Service: Undertake one of the world's most beautiful hikes with the full support of a first-class team and the leadership of a personal and highly qualified mountain guide.

Travel Tips

Physical training: It is highly recommended to do some physical training to have a better experience on the Santa Cruz trek.
Pack smart: This trip offers two of Peru's most iconic landscapes, so it's better to pack a bag for the cruise/city and an expedition bag for the mountains.
Trust your guide: Your journey will be led by certified mountain guides. Their expertise in altitude, pacing, and safety will be crucial to enjoy this expedition.

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