Rainbow Mountain Lodge-to-Lodge & Mallkini Alpaca Farm
Highlights
- Enjoy some of the most magical panoramic views of Lake Huampococha and the Nevado del Inca peak with your stay at the Huampococha Lodge
- Reach the top of 'Rainbow Mountain' before the visitors leaving from Cusco even arrive at the site
- Gain the experience of a lifetime as you spend the night at Mallkini Alpaca farm in the Peruvian Altiplano, a treat for the true nature lover
This afternoon you walk through the major sites of interest in Cusco. You visit the famous cathedral with its magnificently carved woodwork, ornate altar and many hundreds of canvases from the 17th-century Cusco Painting School. You continue exploring the cultural wealth of Cusco at the Temple of the Sun where we witness the incredible masonry of the Incas, an engineering feat that remains an enigma. Afterwards you walk along Hatunrumiyoc Street named after the 12-angled stone clearly visible in the remaining walls of what used to be Inca Roca’s Palace. You make a last stop in San Blas artisan quarter. Its steeped cobblestone alleys not only offer spectacular views of the city but are lined with workshops and galleries, a great way to soak in Cusco's artistic atmosphere.
Upon arrival a small coach takes you up the steep roads to the entrance of the citadel. For centuries Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the Spaniards and has only been found in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. During a guided tour you will experience the uniqueness of the location and the genius that went into its construction, making this Inca site one of the seven new wonders of the world.
In the afternoon, return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to Cusco.
Tonight, you receive a briefing for your upcoming trek tomorrow.
IMPORTANT
Min. altitude: 3,384 m (11,102 ft.)
Max. altitude: 4,900 m (16,076 ft.)
Distance (hike): 6.5 km (4 miles)
Duration (hike): 4 hours
Difficulty: Medium to demanding
IMPORTANT
Min. altitude: 3,384 m (11,102 ft.)
Max. altitude: 5,100 m (16,732 ft.)
Distance (hike): 16 km (9.9 miles)
Duration (hike): 5 hours
Difficulty: Medium to demanding
Due to the physical requirements and overall challenge you must be in good physical condition. This trek requires you to acclimatize in Cusco before starting off (as you will be hiking up to mountain passes at altitudes of about 5,000 meters/16,404 ft). It is also is important to drink plenty of water and/or coca leaf tea. Temperatures can drop to below freezing at night. We strongly recommend bringing thermal underwear.
Drive from Japura (close to the community of Pitumarca) to Sicuani to spend the night (approx. 1-hour drive)
Spend the next 2 days at the Mallkini Alpaca Farm and get an insight into alpaca breeding, rural life and the pristine landscapes of the Peruvian Highlands. With its over 4000 alpacas and 3,000 hectares, Mallkini is the largest privately funded alpaca-breeding ranch in Peru. The ranch started out as a genetic center founded by the Michell Group with the aim of improving the quality of the fibers it produced, and today features a welcoming lodge for nature lovers, complete with six rustic guestrooms with a homelike contemporary comfort. Within the secluded grounds, you find marshlands, springs and hillside habitats filled with native flora and fauna.
Upon your arrival, you will be treated to a delicious three-course meal before you begin your afternoon visit to 3 of the 8 ‘puntas’ where the alpacas are gathered. This will shortly be followed by a hike through a quenoal forest to a lookout point which overlooks the lush valley (approx. 3-4 hrs). Alternatively, you may visit the Mirasol School (only during weekdays), an initiative of a Norwegian couple, clients of the Michell Group. After a well-deserved three-course dinner you will be set to enjoy a well-deserved night's rest.
IMPORTANT
Altitude at Mallkini varies between 4,000 and 4,500m (13,120 and 14,700ft)
Complimentary use of oxygen tanks at the lodge.
Llama trekking can be arranged at an additional cost (4-5 hours)
From October through December you can participate in alpaca shearing activities (at additional cost, 2-3 hours)
After 4 hours on the water, you will make your way back to Luquina where a hearty lunch, complete with local delights and superfoods such as quinoa, awaits your return. Once you have refueled, climb on a mountain bike and cycle through the rural surroundings of Luquina, observing the local communities as they go about their daily lives, working their fields and shepherding their livestock.
From here, you will have the choice to either continue biking along a 30km paved road back to Puno and intimately experience this unique environment further or opt to be driven back to your hotel by van.
This afternoon you walk through the major sites of interest in Cusco. You visit the famous cathedral with its magnificently carved woodwork, ornate altar and many hundreds of canvases from the 17th-century Cusco Painting School. You continue exploring the cultural wealth of Cusco at the Temple of the Sun where we witness the incredible masonry of the Incas, an engineering feat that remains an enigma. Afterwards you walk along Hatunrumiyoc Street named after the 12-angled stone clearly visible in the remaining walls of what used to be Inca Roca’s Palace. You make a last stop in San Blas artisan quarter. Its steeped cobblestone alleys not only offer spectacular views of the city but are lined with workshops and galleries, a great way to soak in Cusco's artistic atmosphere.
Upon arrival a small coach takes you up the steep roads to the entrance of the citadel. For centuries Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the Spaniards and has only been found in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. During a guided tour you will experience the uniqueness of the location and the genius that went into its construction, making this Inca site one of the seven new wonders of the world.
In the afternoon, return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to Cusco.
Tonight, you receive a briefing for your upcoming trek tomorrow.
IMPORTANT
Min. altitude: 3,384 m (11,102 ft.)
Max. altitude: 4,900 m (16,076 ft.)
Distance (hike): 6.5 km (4 miles)
Duration (hike): 4 hours
Difficulty: Medium to demanding
IMPORTANT
Min. altitude: 3,384 m (11,102 ft.)
Max. altitude: 5,100 m (16,732 ft.)
Distance (hike): 16 km (9.9 miles)
Duration (hike): 5 hours
Difficulty: Medium to demanding
Due to the physical requirements and overall challenge you must be in good physical condition. This trek requires you to acclimatize in Cusco before starting off (as you will be hiking up to mountain passes at altitudes of about 5,000 meters/16,404 ft). It is also is important to drink plenty of water and/or coca leaf tea. Temperatures can drop to below freezing at night. We strongly recommend bringing thermal underwear.
Drive from Japura (close to the community of Pitumarca) to Sicuani to spend the night (approx. 1-hour drive)
Spend the next 2 days at the Mallkini Alpaca Farm and get an insight into alpaca breeding, rural life and the pristine landscapes of the Peruvian Highlands. With its over 4000 alpacas and 3,000 hectares, Mallkini is the largest privately funded alpaca-breeding ranch in Peru. The ranch started out as a genetic center founded by the Michell Group with the aim of improving the quality of the fibers it produced, and today features a welcoming lodge for nature lovers, complete with six rustic guestrooms with a homelike contemporary comfort. Within the secluded grounds, you find marshlands, springs and hillside habitats filled with native flora and fauna.
Upon your arrival, you will be treated to a delicious three-course meal before you begin your afternoon visit to 3 of the 8 ‘puntas’ where the alpacas are gathered. This will shortly be followed by a hike through a quenoal forest to a lookout point which overlooks the lush valley (approx. 3-4 hrs). Alternatively, you may visit the Mirasol School (only during weekdays), an initiative of a Norwegian couple, clients of the Michell Group. After a well-deserved three-course dinner you will be set to enjoy a well-deserved night's rest.
IMPORTANT
Altitude at Mallkini varies between 4,000 and 4,500m (13,120 and 14,700ft)
Complimentary use of oxygen tanks at the lodge.
Llama trekking can be arranged at an additional cost (4-5 hours)
From October through December you can participate in alpaca shearing activities (at additional cost, 2-3 hours)
After 4 hours on the water, you will make your way back to Luquina where a hearty lunch, complete with local delights and superfoods such as quinoa, awaits your return. Once you have refueled, climb on a mountain bike and cycle through the rural surroundings of Luquina, observing the local communities as they go about their daily lives, working their fields and shepherding their livestock.
From here, you will have the choice to either continue biking along a 30km paved road back to Puno and intimately experience this unique environment further or opt to be driven back to your hotel by van.
Based on two people sharing TWIN or double room (excluding international & domestic flights)
USD 4,511 per person
Arawi Miraflores Prime, Antigua Casona San Blas, Huampococha Lodge, Wilkamayu, Mallkini Farm, Casa Andina Premium – Puno
- Transfers from/to the airport, bus or train station
- Accommodation based on the selected hotel category
- Train ticket Ollanta – Machu Picchu – Ollanta in Vistadome Class (Superior Class).
- Private services with local English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals as noted (B: breakfast, L: lunch, BoxedL: boxed lunch, D: dinner)
- Permanent assistance by our Guest Experience Department