ZEALOUS PERU
AUSANGATE TREK + MACHU PICCHU
OVERVIEW
Step off the beaten path in Peru for a unique experience in the rugged Andes Mountains. Start your adventure in Cusco, the perfect place for high-altitude acclimation. Climb along a via ferrata in the Sacred Valley, kayak down a glacier-fed river, and explore Machu Picchu, the iconic 15th century Inca Citadel. Venture through the Cordillera Vilcanota on the Ausangate Trek. The mountains are calling.
EXPLORE MACCHU PICCHU
Discover the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide.
SACRED VALLEY VIA FERRATA
Experience the epic views of the Sacred Valley from high-above.
TREK TO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Get there early to soak in the unique colors before the crowds arrive.
TRIP DETAILS
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1
Meet at the Cusco airport, a vibrant and historically rich city nestled high in the Andes Mountains. Your 10-day adventure starts with a city walking tour, some free time to explore (or nap) before a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. And might we recommend a Pisco Sour?
Arrive in Cusco (CUZ)
City walking tour & welcome dinner
Accommodation: Locally-owned hotel in Cusco
DAY 2
After breakfast, head to the Sacred Valley for an adrenaline-filled experience. After a safety briefing, you’ll climb 400m of via ferrata and descend 6 ziplines with unmatched views. Head back to Cusco for an early dinner before tomorrow’s early start.
Via ferrata & zipline adventure
Early dinner at a traditional Peruvian restaurant
Accommodation: Locally-owned hotel in Cusco
DAY 3
Breathtaking — that’s the theme of today’s adventure! Start super early with private transport to the village of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll take the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. There, you’ll take a quick bus ride to Machu Picchu for an experience of a lifetime.
Full day of scenic & historical landscapes
English-speaking, local, certified guides.
Accommodation: Locally-owned hotel in Cusco
DAY 4
One more day to acclimate to high elevation before starting the Ausangate Trek tomorrow. After a nice leisurely breakfast, there’s a bit of free time to explore Cusco. After a pre-trek info session with our guides, you’ll learn about local Peruvian cuisine & cocktails at a fun & friendly cooking class hosted by a local chef.
Rest day to acclimate to elevation
Cooking class with local chef
Accommodation: Locally-owned hotel in Cusco
DAY 5
Today is the day! Private transport takes you to Tinqui to peruse a local market before arriving to Upis Pampa for breakfast. Starting the trek from Quinsapucyu, you’ll soon have sensational views of Mt. Ausangate. After lunch, you’ll can hike to Upis Lake for amazing alpine lake views.
Start the Ausangate Trek
Easier day of trekking
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 mi
Accommodation: Cabins
DAY 6
Start with hand-delivered coca tea as you pack up before breakfast. You’ll hike up to nearly 5000m at Arapa Pass, and there will be hundreds of adorable alpacas along the way. The campsite is near Lake Pucacocha. The rewarding views of the hanging glaciers is next to none.
Lunch at Lake Pucacocha
Hike to nearly ~5000m
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
Accommodation: Tent huts
DAY 7
After plenty of rest, you’ll embark on the toughest day of the trek. Hike to Puca Cocha Pass at 5051m and then another pass at 4500m after lunch. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Mt. Ausangate, and if the weather is good, you’ll go to Rainbow Mountain for sunset.
Reach Puca Cocha Pass at 5051m
Potential sunset hike
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
Accommodation: Tent huts
DAY 8
Wake up, wake up. Get up, get up. It’ll be a super early start after breakfast. Hike to Rainbow Mountain from our exclusive campsite before the day hikers arrive. Then explore the Red Valley on the way to the finish line. Celebrate the accomplishment over dinner & drinks!
Super early start to beat the crowds
Trek to Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
Distance: 3 km / 1.8 mi
Accommodation: Locally-owned hotel in Cusco
DAY 9
Rest your legs because it’s “arms day” — kayak down the Pinipampa section of the Urubamba River. Paddle through gentle class I-II rapids on a duckie, whch is essentially an extremely stable inflatable kayak. There will be free time to explore Cusco before our final dinner together!
Kayak down the Urubamba River
Farewell dinner in Cusco
Accommodation: Locally-owned hotel in Cusco
DAY 10
Pack your bags, it’s time to return to the real world. After breakfast, we take private transport back to the airport in Cusco, where you’ll catch your flight back to Lima and then home. Don’t forget to exchange contact info with your new adventure best friends to stay in touch, share pics, and plan next year’s Zealous trip 2.0.
Transportation
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION:
✦ All private group transports
Food
INCLUDED MEALS:
➜ Included: (1) one alcoholic drink
We're happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
Please inform us at the time of booking.
Accommodations
INCLUDED ACCOMMODATIONS ➜ BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY:
✦ 6 nights in Cusco in locally-owned hotel
✦ 3 nights in huts / tents during trek
❖ Shelter
❖ Sleeping bag + liner
❖ Sleeping pad
Potential limited availability for single occupancy for hotel nights for an additional fee
Activities
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES:
✦ Via ferrata & zipline activity in the Sacred Valley
✦ Machu Picchu day trip
✦ Cooking class
✦ Kayaking on the Urubamba River
✦ Awesome English-speaking certified guides
✦ Fun, friendly, logistical-jedi trip leaders
And you'll meet other fun travelers like yourself 😎
Not Included
NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE:
✘ Flights
✘ Mandatory trip insurance
✘ Some meals as outlined above
✘ Personal and/or incidental expenses
✘ 20-30L backpack
GETTING TO THE AREA
This is the simplified version:
➤ International flight ➜ Lima (LIM).
Flight must arrive by TBD.
➤ Lima (LIM) ⇄ Cusco (CUS).
Must book certain domestic flights. Your epic adventure starts here!
➤ Lima (LIM) ➜ International flight.
Flight must depart Lima after TBD.
Travelers will receive detailed flight requirements after booking.
SAMPLE PACKING LIST
REQUIRED
Backpack ➜ 20-30L
Hiking footwear
Hiking socks
Hiking pants or leggings
Long-sleeve hiking shirts
Baselayers for sleeping
Rain pants
Rain jacket / shell
Packable midlayer
Beanie
Lightweight gloves
Water bottle / hydration
Headlamp
Microfiber towel
RECOMMENDED
Crocs or light camp sandals
Neck buff
Headband
Windbreaker
Sunglasses
Portable charger
Type-C plug adaptor
Earplugs
Sunscreen & lip balm
Camp pillow
Liner socks
Body wipes
2-3 ziplock baggies
PROVIDED
Sleeping bag
- mailed to youBag liner
Sleeping pad
Trekking poles
Travelers will receive a more detailed item-by-item gear list after booking, in addition to personalized pre-departure guidance from our trip specialists. We are happy to help you find the right gear for your safety and comfort on the trail. Because blisters suck.
Alpacas are part of the camel family. Over 70% of the world’s alpaca population is in Peru. Alpaca wool comes in 22 natural colors and is the main source of income for around 150,000 families in Peru.
The Amazon River (Rio Amazonas) is the largest river in the world. It is larger in discharge volume than the next 7 largest rivers combined! The Amazon River also starts in Peru, from 3 primary headwaters.
Peru is the birthplace of the potato. Yes, the humble potato was first discovered by the Incas on the shores of Lake Titicaca nearly 10,000 years ago. There are over 4,000 varieties found in Peru!
Peru is also home to the Nazca Lines, a group of geoplyphs made in the soil of the Nazca Desert. The lines are 10-15 cm deep & often depict plants & animals. Combined, they’re over 1,300 km in length.
NOT-QUITE FINE PRINT
✦ Outdoor adventure travel can be unpredictable. The Andes Mountains can be unpredictable. Our top priority is to provide a rewarding yet safe experience. We'll do our best to adhere to the intended itinerary. Certain circumstances (i.e. unsafe weather conditions) may result in slight changes to the itinerary, but we believe spontaneity is often a good thing.
✦ Travelers must have a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after your return flight.
✦ Travelers are required to have trip insurance. Proof of coverage must be received no later than 30 days prior to trip departure. We suggest purchasing trip insurance as soon as you book your Zealous trip. Our top recommendation is the Tin Leg Adventure plan through Squaremouth.
✦ Packing light is cool. Along with your hiking pack, we recommend a medium-sized bag for non-trekking items, ideally a carry-on sized duffel or roller bag. During the trek, this bag may be stored at our in-town accommodation. One bag per person is included.
✦ IMPORTANT: Please do not book flights until receiving the green light email from a trip specialist to ensure the minimum number of participants are confirmed. We are happy to provide flight recommendations.
PAYMENT POLICY
- ❖ At time of booking ➜ risk-free deposit!
- ✓ Transferable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% refundable for any reason within 7 days.
- ❖ If not paying in full, a payment plan will be created after booking.
- ✓ Payments will be split into 3-4 payments based on booking date.
- ❖ Final payment will be due at ~30 days from trip start date.
CANCELATION POLICY
- ❖ 120 day or more before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% refundable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% refundable.
- ❖ 90 to 119 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% refundable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ❖ 60 to 89 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ❖ 0 to 59 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are not refundable or transferable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to future trip.
Travelers will receive additional details after booking.
$2,700
$400 refundable deposit