Plan exploreInca Trail to Machu Picchu
Discover the llama pack project!
discover the llama pack project!Are you looking for a unique and meaningful travel experience? One that immerses you in the stunning landscapes of Peru, connects you with local culture, and helps promote sustainable tourism? Look no further than Llama Pack Project, a transformative initiative in the heart of the Peruvian Andes that invites you to discover the region in a way few tourists ever do—by hiking with llamas!
WHAT IS THE LLAMA PACK PROJECT?
The Llama Pack Project is more than just a tourism venture—it's a community-powered initiative supporting Quechua-speaking highland communities in Peru's Sacred Valley of the Incas. Since its start in 2010, this project has been dedicated to restoring llamas’ cultural and ecological role as pack animals, a tradition that has thrived in the Andes for centuries.
In this video, the founders share their inspiring journey, including their motivations, challenges, and their exciting vision for the future:
By joining a llama hike, you’ll directly support these local communities. Your participation helps reintroduce llamas into the local economy, providing a sustainable alternative to other pack animals that can damage the environment. More than that, you’ll help preserve the Andean people's rich culture and traditional livelihoods.
WHY HIKE WITH LLAMAS?
Llamas, native to the Andes, have been essential companions for local communities for generations, transporting goods across rugged mountain trails. Unlike other pack animals, llamas are gentle on the environment—their soft, padded feet cause minimal damage to paths. Their calm, friendly nature also makes them ideal trekking partners!
When you choose a llama-supported hike, you’re embracing sustainable, ethical travel while exploring the awe-inspiring beauty of the Andean landscape. It’s a win-win for adventurers and nature lovers alike!
A SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
The Llama Pack Project offers more than just a hike—it’s a unique, responsible way to experience the highlands of Peru. Along your journey, you’ll have the chance to:
- Support Local Communities: Your adventure with the Llama Pack Project directly contributes to the livelihoods of local herders and artisans, helping sustain their traditions and communities.
- Discover Andean Culture: Hiking with llamas gives you a personal connection to the Sacred Valley’s indigenous culture. You’ll learn firsthand about local customs, languages, and llamas' critical role in everyday life.
- Explore Stunning Nature: Trek through breathtaking, off-the-beaten-path routes in the Andes. Enjoy snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant wildlife without the usual tourist crowds. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget!
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious traveler looking for a meaningful experience, the Llama Pack Project offers a range of hikes—from half-day to full-day options—suitable for most fitness levels.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE?
So, why wait? Plan your unforgettable hike with the Llama Pack Project today! Support the preservation of Andean traditions while experiencing one of the world's most stunning and unique adventures.
Plan exploreDestino Cusco
this season featured experiences
HIKING & TREKKING
inca trail to machu picchuThis 5-day journey begins at Km 82, the marker that signifies the start of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Our highly trained guides, who are deeply familiar with these ancient Inca footpaths, will expertly lead us through the magnificent Andean terrain. Along the way, we’ll traverse breathtaking high alpine passes, lush valleys, dense cloud forests, and rushing rivers. We’ll pass through ancient Inca remains of Andean settlements, ultimately arriving at Machu Picchu via Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Each night, our team of porters and skilled cooks will have a delicious hot meal and a comfortable camp already set up for your convenience. Since we highly value sustainable tourism, we’ll have very little impact on the land, communities, and environment we encounter along the trail, and we will also take steps to enjoy a tranquil hike, avoiding crowds of fellow trekkers. On the final day, a guided tour of the citadel will bring Machu Picchu to life, as we explore and immerse ourselves in the magic and beauty of this ancient, mystical site. Our version of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu trek is truly an unforgettable experience you’ll reminisce about for years to come.
March - December
5 days / 4 nights
From
$ 1290
/ Per PersonHIKING & TREKKING
huayhuash trekThe Huayhuash Trek is an amazing journey to the very heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash, the second highest tropical mountain range in the world. A trekker's paradise, this terrain is remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful. The film Touching the Void, the tale of climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, was made about their harrowing experience as the first mountaineers to scale Siula Grande, which is part of this mountain range. This version of the Huayhuash trek crosses six high passes over 4500 m (14,763 ft) and two that are higher than 5000 m (16,404 ft)! Throughout the 12 days of the trek, we camp next to stunningly beautiful alpine lakes and in broad, grassy valleys replete with wildflowers and rushing alpine creeks, while basking in the imposing presence of the White Mountains looming over us, with peaks at elevations above 5000 m (16,404 ft) and 6000 m (19,685 ft). At least three days of acclimatization hikes in the area are strongly recommended to be able to enjoy the trek.
April - October
12 days / 11 nights
From
$ 1750
/ Per PersonHIKING & TREKKING
the hidden valleys of salkantayStarting from a little-known valley near Limatambo, we ascend gradually over two days past ancient forests and varied Andean landscapes toward the Cruzjasa Pass at 4,550 meters / 14,927 feet above sea level. Here we will experience the best views of the south and east faces Mount Salkantay, away from the crowds. We descend along a gradual decline toward Mirador Pampaccahuana, accompanied by views of Mount Salkantay and its moraine until we reach Cusichaca Valley, which marks the eastern boundary of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. As we approach the Sacred Valley, we will begin to see trekkers embarking on the first stretch of famous Inca Trail as we continue our hike downhill toward our private campsite at Chamana. Before finally reaching the Valley floor, we will take a detour to explore Wayna Q’ente and Machu Q’ente, two majestic Inca sites recently restored by the Ministry of Culture which showcase some of the finest Inca terracing and landscaping in the region. Our hike ends at the valley floor where we will be picked up and transported to Ollantaytambo in time to catch the afternoon train to Machu Picchu.
April - December
5 days / 4 nights
From
$ 1290
/ Per PersonHIKING & TREKKING
llama trekking on the north great inca trail
Embark on a journey through time as you explore one of the best-preserved portions of the Great Inca trail that connected Cusco, the ancient ceremonial capital of the Inca Empire, with Tomebamba, her northern sister city that is modern-day Cuenca, Ecuador. Explore over 70 km. of the main artery of the greatest road network in Pre-Columbian Latin America, speckled with archaeological sites in the remote landscapes of Northern Peru’s Central Andes. We’ll begin with a visit to Chavín de Huantar, a mysterious temple where ancient religious ceremonies took place over 3,000 years ago. We will immerse in diverse natural landscapes, crossing the Continental Divide and trek across two departments: Ancash and Huánuco, experiencing amazing vistas along the journey. On our last day we’ll arrive at Huánuco Pampa, the largest Inca administrative center outside the department of Cusco where we’ll marvel at feats of engineering achieved by a civilization whose abilities with stonecutting and placement remain unmatched to this day. This amazing trek will challenge, delight, and inspire you.
April - October
6 days / 5 nights
From
$ 1700
/ Per Person