The Olympic Route

A breathtaking 4×4 route across the Andes, from Caral to Machu Picchu through glacial tunnels, sacred valleys, and living history.

what will you experience on this journey?

Cross the Peruvian Andes from coast to highlands in an epic 4×4 expedition. Travel from Lima to Machu Picchu through ancient cities, glacial tunnels, and archaeological wonders. Experience Caral, Chavín, Punta Olímpica, and the Sacred Valley in one unforgettable overland journey.

Duration
16 days / 15 nights

Best for
Off-road explorers, adventure travelers, and culture lovers

Destinations
Lima – Caral – Huaraz – La Unión – Huánuco – Huancayo – Ayacucho – Abancay – Cusco – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Lima

Activity Level
Moderate to Challenging

Itinerary

Day 01 / … / Lima

¡Welcome to Peru!
Upon arrival at the International Airport of Lima (Jorge Chávez), a representative of Peru 4×4 Adventures / Quality Travel International will be waiting for you. Transfer to the hotel. Arrival and check-in (15:00 hrs). Short briefing about the expedition and use of the 4×4 units, as well as safety regulations.
Overnight. (–)

Day 02 / Lima – Caral (192 km)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure by 4×4 from Lima very early in the morning taking the Panamericana Norte highway to visit the Sacred City of Caral, the oldest city in the Americas. Continue to Caral. Arrival and check-in to the hotel.
Overnight. (B)

Day 03 / Caral – Huaraz (216 km)

Breakfast at the hotel.
En route to Huaraz, stop at the Paramonga Fortress, an archaeological site belonging to the Chimú culture. From the highest part of this fortress, you can see the whole valley. Continue to Huaraz.
Overnight. (B)

Day 04 / Huaraz – Huari

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart north to Carhuaz (2,638 masl), entering Huascarán National Park. Ascend through zigzag roads until reaching the Punta Olímpica tunnel (4,736 masl) — the highest trans-Andean tunnel in the world (1,384 m long). Stop for photos and visit the Cancaraca and Yanaraju lagoons. Continue to Chacas to visit the Church of the Virgin of Asunción and Don Bosco’s artisan workshops. End the day in Huari.
Overnight. (B)

Day 05 / Huari – La Unión

Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to the Archaeological City of Chavín de Huántar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stone carvings, nailed heads, and the Lanzón Monolith (4.53 m). Visit the local museum and continue to La Unión.
Overnight. (B)

Day 06 / La Unión – Huánuco

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart by 4×4 to visit the Archaeological Zone of Huánuco Pampa (796 acres) — one of the best-preserved Inca sites. Before reaching Huánuco, stop at the Monumental Archaeological Zone of Kotosh, home to the ancient “Temple of the Crossed Hands.”
Overnight. (B)

Day 07 / Huánuco – Huancayo

Breakfast at the hotel.
Travel south through the central highlands, passing Pillco Marca, Tomayquichua, Ambo, and Cerro de Pasco (4,380 masl), Peru’s mining capital. Continue to Lake Junín, the country’s second-largest lake, home to diverse Andean fauna. Arrival in Huancayo.
Overnight. (B)

Day 08 / Huancayo – Ayacucho

Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive through vast wheat fields and the Mantaro River valley, visiting Izcuchaca and its colonial bridge. Stop at the Tablachaca dam and admire the Mantaro River’s impressive curves forming the Tayacaja Peninsula. Continue via Huanta to Ayacucho.
Overnight. (B)

Day 09 / Ayacucho – Andahuaylas

Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning walking tour of Ayacucho’s main square and colonial churches. Continue by road through the Andean towns of Ocros, Chumbes, Santa María de Chicmo, and Talavera. Arrival in Andahuaylas.
Overnight. (B)
*We recommend bringing a box lunch (not included).

Day 10 / Andahuaylas – Abancay

Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Lake Pacucha and the archaeological site of Sondor (3,500 masl), former Chanka stronghold later conquered by the Incas. Continue through San Gerónimo and Quishara to reach Abancay.
Overnight. (B)
*We recommend bringing a box lunch (not included).

Day 11 / Abancay – Sacred Valley (191 km)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Saywite carved stone (2.5 m), featuring representations of flora, fauna, and topography of the Inca Empire. Continue to the Sacred Valley.
Overnight in Urubamba. (B)
*We recommend bringing a box lunch (not included).

Day 12 / Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley visiting Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Return to Urubamba.
Overnight. (B)
*We recommend bringing a box lunch (not included).

Day 13 / Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel.
Early departure from Ollanta station to Aguas Calientes, then ascend by bus to Machu Picchu. Guided tour (~2 hrs). Afternoon return to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Overnight. (B)

Day 14 / Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Qenqo and Sacsayhuamán, followed by the Cathedral, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the Plaza de Armas.
Overnight. (B)