Plan Your Trip

Everything You Need to Prepare Your Trek, Climb, or Tour in Huaraz & Cusco

Planning an adventure in the Peruvian Andes can feel overwhelming — altitude, acclimatization, weather, logistics, hotels, and selecting the right trek or tour.
As a Peruvian tour operator with more than 12 years of experience, Inkaland Treks makes the entire process simple, safe, and smooth.

We operate trekking expeditions, climbing programs, day tours in Huaraz, and premium travel experiences in Cusco, serving independent travelers and international travel agencies that rely on our professionalism.

This guide will help you prepare your trip with clarity and confidence.

Huayhuash Trek InkalandTreks

1. Choose Your Adventure With a Trusted Local Operator

Inkaland Treks operates its own expeditions and tours in the Andes. You can choose from:

A) Multi-Day Treks — Operated 100% by Inkaland Treks (Huaraz)

  • Huayhuash Circuit (8D / 10D / 12D)
  • Santa Cruz Trek (4 days)
  • Cedros–Alpamayo (10–11 days)
  • Quilcayhuanca–Cojup (3 days)
  • Santa Cruz + Laguna 69 (5 days)

Each expedition includes certified guides, premium 4-season tents, trained mountain chefs, muleteers, and full logistics.

C) Day Tours & Acclimatization Hikes – Operated Daily in Huaraz

  • Laguna 69
  • Laguna Parón
  • Laguna Churup
  • Llaca Valley
  • Pastoruri Glacier
  • Chavín de Huántar
  • Wilcacocha
  • Rocotuyoc
  • Laguna 513

We offer two service levels:

  • Premium Private Service (English guide + lunch)
  • Classic Shared Tour (Spanish guide, group schedule)

B) Climbing Expeditions — Cordillera Blanca

  • Nevado Mateo (1 day)
  • Nevado Pisco (2–3 days)
  • Vallunaraju (2 days)
  • Ishinca / Urus / Tocllaraju climbs
  • Combined climbing itineraries

All climbing operations follow international safety standards.

D) Cusco Tours & Extensions

Inkaland Treks also organizes premium tours in Cusco:

  • City Tour + Nearby Ruins
  • Sacred Valley Tour
  • Rainbow Mountain
  • Humantay Lake
  • Moray + Maras Salt Mines
  • Machu Picchu (full-day and 2-day programs)
  • Custom itineraries combining Huaraz + Cusco

One operator, full Peru experience.

macchu picchu cusco tours inkaland treks

2. How Many Days Should You Stay? - Huaraz & Cusco

🏔️ Huaraz - Cordillera Blanca & Huayhuash

We recommend 2–3 days of acclimatization before starting any multi-day trek or climb.

Suggested hikes:

  • Laguna Llaca or Rocotuyoc
  • Churup
  • Laguna 69

Inkaland Treks designs acclimatization plans for every expedition. Since easy mediun to challagin grade.

EXPLORE MORE

Cusco — Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Minimum 3 days is ideal for:

  • Sacred Valley
  • City Tour
  • Machu Picchu
  • Rainbow Mountain (after acclimatizing)

We coordinate your full itinerary based on altitude progression.

3. Best Time to Travel — Huaraz & Cusco

🏔️ Huaraz - Cordillera Blanca & Cordillera Huayhuash

The ideal time for trekking, hiking, climbing, and adventure tourism is the Andean summer, which runs from:

Mid-April to Late September — High Season (Best Conditions)

  • Clear skies
  • Stable weather
  • Dry trails
  • Best visibility of peaks
  • Ideal for trekking & climbing

This is the peak season — early bookings are recommended.

October — Start of the Rainy Transition

  • Clouds begin to increase
  • Possible afternoon showers
  • Mornings often remain clear
  • Treks and climbs still operate with proper planning
  • Fewer crowds

Cusco — Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

The best season is also:

April to October — Dry Season

  • Perfect conditions for Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley
  • Great for Rainbow Mountain & Humantay Lake
  • Stable weather for cultural and trekking activities

4. What to pack for the Andes

Works for both Huaraz & Cusco:

Clothing

  • Thermal layers
  • Waterproof jacket & pants
  • Fleece or down jacket
  • Trekking boots

Accessories

  • Sun hat & sunglasses
  • SPF 50
  • Headlamp
  • Reusable bottle
  • Backpack 40 -50 liters

For Treks

  • Sleeping bag –10°C to –18°C (rental available)
  • Trekking poles
  • Power bank
  • Gloves & beanie
huayhuash-trekking-peru-inkalandtreks

5. Where to Stay

Choosing the right hotel is an important part of a smooth and comfortable trip.
We recommend the following accommodations based on excellent feedback from our previous clients, consistent quality of service, friendly staff, and convenient locations for exploring Huaraz and Cusco.

Inkaland Treks can assist with reservations upon request.

Huaraz – Recommended Hotels

1. San Sebastián Hotel Boutique
A modern and elegant hotel with spacious rooms, an excellent breakfast, and a quiet location ideal for relaxing after trekking.
🔗 https://www.sansebastianhuaraz.com/

2. Hotel Churup
A classic among travelers in Huaraz. Warm, mountain lodge-style atmosphere, friendly staff, and one of the most popular breakfasts among hikers.
🔗 https://www.hotelchurup.com/

3. Olaza’s Guest House
A family-run guesthouse that is clean, welcoming, and highly rated. Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful environment and personalized service.
🔗 https://www.olazas.com/

4. El Jacal Classic
A well-located, comfortable hotel with all the necessary amenities for a relaxing stay. Excellent value for money.

Cusco – Recommended Hotels

1. Tierra Viva Cusco
Comfortable, modern hotels with excellent customer service. Great location and perfect for those seeking total comfort.
🔗 https://tierravivahoteles.com/es/cusco

2. Ayni Hotel Boutique
A small boutique hotel with a modern style, personalized service, and a warm atmosphere that many travelers love.
🔗 https://aynihotel.com/

3. Maytaq Wasin Boutique Hotel
Located steps from the Plaza de Armas, it’s comfortable, clean, and offers an excellent atmosphere for relaxing between tours.
🔗 https://www.maytaqwasin.com/

4. Casa Andina Select Cusco
A nationally recognized hotel with comfortable rooms, full services, and a strategic location for exploring the city.
🔗 https://www.casa-andina.com/

6. How to Get to Huaraz & Cusco

Traveling through the Andes requires understanding the geography and altitude of each region.
Both Huaraz and Cusco are located in the Peruvian highlands, but each destination has its own access routes and elevation levels:

  • Huaraz sits at 3,050 m / 10,000 ft, in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca and base for Huayuash
  • Cusco stands at 3,400 m / 11,150 ft, and is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Here is how you can reach each destination safely and comfortably:

HUARAZ — Flights to Anta Airport

  • LATAM operates daily flights Lima → Anta (Huaraz), offering the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Cordillera Blanca.
    Private transfers from the airport to your hotel in Huaraz are available upon request.

HUARAZ — Overnight Bus

  • For travelers who prefer ground transport, Cruz del Sur and Movil Tours offer comfortable overnight buses:
    • Wide reclining seats
    • Heating system
    • Onboard service
    Buses depart from Lima in the evening and arrive in Huaraz early morning.

CUSCO — Direct Flights from Lima

  • Cusco is easily accessible with daily flights from Lima (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes).
    The city’s airport is very close to the historical center, and private transfers can be arranged upon request.
  • Cusco is the starting point for Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and many high-altitude tours.

7. Private vs Shared Services

Inkaland Treks offers two service styles so you can choose the experience that best fits your travel style.
These service types apply exclusively to our day hikes and acclimatization tours.

Premium Private Service (Exclusive to Inkaland Treks)

Designed for travelers who want a more personalized, flexible, and elevated day-hike experience.

✔ Early departures
✔ Certified English-speaking guide
✔ Gourmet lunch served on-site with beautiful mountain views
✔ Flexible and unhurried itinerary
✔ Small private groups
✔ Ideal for couples, families & photographers

👉 This premium experience is operated 100% by Inkaland Treks.

Classic Shared Service (Daily Group Departures)

A more economical option where travelers join daily group departures operated by trusted partner companies.

✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Fixed departure times
✔ Spanish-speaking guide
✔ Standard group itinerary
✔ Reliable and safe shared service

👉 Inkaland Treks helps coordinate these shared services with trusted local operators.

Important Note – Trekking & Climbing

Our multi-day trekking and climbing expeditions (Huayhuash, Santa Cruz, Pisco, Alpamayo, etc.) are not shared services and are never outsourced.

👉 All trekking and climbing programs are fully operated and guided exclusively by Inkaland Treks, ensuring:

  • Certified guides
  • High-quality logistics
  • Premium equipment
  • Safety and altitude management
  • A consistent Inkaland Treks standard of excellence

You always trek and climb with our team and our operation.

8. Why Travel With Inkaland Treks

  • Peruvian tour operator
  • Trusted by foreign travel agencies
  • 12+ years of experience
  • Certified guides (AGOCP, UIMLA, AGMP)
  • Premium expedition equipment
  • Daily operations in Huaraz & Cusco
  • Safety-first logistics
  • Excellent traveler satisfaction

9. Start Planning Your Trip

We’re here to design the perfect itinerary – Huaraz, Cusco, or a full Peru adventure.