Wonders of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Your dream trip to Peru has come! We know you want to get to your hotel to rest after a long flight and enjoy your dreams. Well, Machu Travel Peru makes it simple for you! Once you arrive at the International Lima airport, your host will wait for you at the international arrival zone with a sign indicating your name. He'll welcome you and transfer you to the Lima hotel of your preference in the beautiful Peruvian capital. Of course, he'll also give recommendations of the best restaurants close to your hotel to enjoy the best Peruvian cuisine on your own.

Your local guide will pick you up from your hotel at a specific time to start your unforgettable city tour of Lima's colonial and modern zones.

Your tour will begin by visiting a fascinating boulevard called Jiron de la Unión that leads to Plaza de Armas, the main square of French influence. Afterward, your guide will lead you through beautiful San Martin Square, where you can appreciate enchanting buildings of French styles surrounding the square. Following this, we will visit the Monastery of San Francisco, where you can see beautiful religious painting collections, sculptures, and the enigmatic catacombs, a World Heritage-listed site! This monastery is renowned for its Spanish baroque architecture. The first cemetery of Lima, the catacombs, is hidden underneath this monastery’s floors.

At the end of the day, we’ll drop you off at your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

In the evening, we recommend you enjoy a delicious dinner by yourself at one of the world-renowned restaurants in Lima, also known as “The Capital of the Peruvian Gastronomy,” like Astrid & Gaston, Central, Maido, or La Mar. The decision is always yours!

Tomorrow will be a big day!

Today, your adventure in the Andean highlands is about to begin! After enjoying a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, your host will accompany you to the Lima airport, where you’ll take a comfortable flight to Cusco, the ancient Imperial Inca City.

You can watch the Pacific Ocean merge with the blue skies through your plane window, giving way to vast dunes that, in turn, rise and then collapse against the slopes of the towering Andes mountains once conquered many centuries ago by the impressive Inca civilization.

On your arrival in Cusco, your local host will be waiting for you in the national arrivals area of Cusco Airport, holding a sign with your name. “It’s not altitude sickness… it’s the feeling of being close to heaven,” is a phrase he’ll often say about the altitude. To help you avoid altitude sickness, we’ll head directly from Cusco Airport to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, located 600 meters below Cusco. But please don’t worry you’ll get to enjoy all the wonderful sights of Cusco at the end of your journey, once your body is perfectly acclimatized to the altitude.

On the way to the Sacred Valley of the Incas we will visit an exceptional Textile House Museum, where you can see the four types of South American camelids raised in captivity: llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. You can feed them and learn how to tell them apart. Local artisans will show you how they use the ancient techniques of their Inca ancestors to transform the delicate fibers of these animals, especially alpacas and vicuñas, into beautiful and colorful garments. You can also see the creation of multicolored belts, finely woven blankets, and exquisitely embroidered textiles. To complete the experience, a guided tour of the museum will immerse you in the fascinating history of pre-Inca cultures and their textile legacy.

Then, we’ll continue descending through the valley slope until we reach a spectacular Inca archaeological site over a hill called Pisac, with magnificent terraced fields on its hill slopes, among Inca enclosures, squares, temples, and even an Inca cemetery! Your first contact with a rich Andean past! Descending into the modern town, we will lose ourselves among the colored stands of the famous Pisac traditional market, where we will be fascinated by its beautiful handicrafts made by local people, like fabric crafts, sculptures, jewelry, and paintings with Andean thematic.

Next, we will visit a charming restaurant nestled in the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley to enjoy a delicious lunch made from local ingredients, all included in your program. You can choose the restaurant in advance, with the advice of your travel consultants.

Finally, we’ll go to your hotel in the middle of the spectacular scenery of the Sacred Valley, and you can enjoy a delicious dinner here, on your own. A well-deserved sleep is guaranteed tonight!

The Sacred Valley still has treasures to discover, and you will not miss a thing! This day assures an unforgettable trip in a perfect climate. The Sacred Valley is known for its charming climate 365 days a year. First, you'll enjoy a delicious breakfast at your luxury hotel. Then, with your guide, you will begin your adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Discover Ollantaytambo, a fortress that was the last Inca refuge in Andean lands during the Spanish invasion. Wander among its narrow alleys, temples, enclosures, and squares of well-carved, perfectly fitted, stone architecture. This incredible experience will be accompanied by stories and myths that your guide will tell you about the place. One notable mention, the fantastic ancient love story legend about an Inca military General and a beautiful Princess, the daughter of the Inca emperor Pachacutec.

Next, you will go to a charming restaurant in the middle of the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley, to enjoy a delicious and exclusive lunch made from local ingredients. As if this were not enough, the variety of flavors and colors in its menu, dishes, and drinks will surprise you.

Then, our next stop will be the white slopes of Maras. There, you will enjoy the brightness of 2,000 small Inca salt wells that are still used by local people today to provide themselves with salt. By the way, the Maras salt is recognized worldwide as being perfect for grills and barbecues.

Moving on, your guide will transfer up to Moray, where you'll be fascinated by a series of circular terraces, in the form of rings, that go into the earth's deeps. These circular terraces were used as an Incan laboratory to acclimatize crops. They sowed a specific type of seed in each circular terrace, from the smallest and deepest ring to the largest, to see the quality of the harvest they obtained.

Finally, we’ll return to the hotel for a deserved rest, you can take a relaxing shower or, maybe, enjoy a fantastic dinner on your own.

Walking the same route that the Incas once used to reach Machu Picchu is priceless, and today, you will experience it for yourself! Very early in the morning, you will begin the mighty Inca Trail. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your Sacred Valley hotel, your tour guide will pick you up and take you to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll head to the town’s train station. There, you’ll board the train and continue to the KM 82 trailhead, known as Piscacucho.

Upon arrival, you will meet your expert chef and support team, who will accompany you throughout the entire Inca Trail trek. In other words, you will always have full assistance from your dedicated staff.

From here, your adventure begins with a gentle 4 hours through a lightly paced climb between shrubs and small trees of the Andean Forest, under a relaxed and pleasant climate, until you reach Tarayoc (8,777 feet). Here, your chef and porters will have a delicious lunch ready for you.

After lunch, you will continue with about 2 hours (depending on your pace) of steady uphill climbing. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of the first archaeological site on the Inca Trail: Llactapata, a remarkable ruin primarily used for agricultural production. This will be an excellent opportunity to pause, take photographs, and learn about the history of the area.

At the end of the day, you will arrive at the village of Wayllabamba, where you will set up camp. A hot shower will be waiting for you, followed by a delicious dinner specially prepared by your chef. Finally, you will have time to relax and wait until night falls.

• Maximum Altitude: Wayllabamba ~3,000 m / ~9,842 ft.
• Distance Travelled: ~11 km (6.8 miles) approx.
• Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Continuing your Inca adventure today, you will wake up very early in the morning to the songs of local birds echoing through the mountains, and enjoy a tasty breakfast served at the dining camp. After your meal, prepare yourself for what is considered the most challenging day of the Inca Trail.

You will begin the day with a 1.5-hour hike, passing beautiful hills covered in Andean vegetation until you reach the Ayapata ravine (10,919 feet), where you will enjoy impressive views. You will then continue along a gently ascending path for another 3 hours, taking occasional breaks, until arriving at the Llulluchapampa zone (12,336 feet). Here, your exclusive chef will prepare a comforting lunch for you.

Reenergized, you will continue climbing for more than two and a half hours along a steep trail, walking between lush Andean hills and cliffs until you reach the famous “Dead Woman’s Pass,” or Warmiwañusca in the Quechua language, located at 13,800 feet. This is the highest point of the entire Inca Trail and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Andean Mountains.

After completing the most demanding stretch of the trek, you will descend gentle hills for about two hours before arriving at the Pacaymayo ravine (11,483 feet), where your second camp will be set up.

You will have some time to relax at the campsite after your arrival. Later, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our chef. Afterward, you’ll be able to unwind and rest for a peaceful night’s sleep.

• Maximum Altitude: Warmiwañusca ~4,215 m / ~13,829 ft.
• Distance Travelled: ~10 - 11 km (6.2 –8 miles) approx.
• Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 hours.
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.

This third day prepares you for the goal that awaits you tomorrow: the fantastic Machu Picchu. You will start the morning with a delicious breakfast prepared by our exclusive chef before continuing your journey along the Inca Trail.
You will begin the adventure by ascending beautiful Inca stairs toward the Runkuracay Pass (3,900 m / 12,800 ft). Here, you’ll have the chance to explore a circular, walled ruin that offers stunning views of the Vilcanota Valley and the snow-capped Salkantay and Veronica peaks. This site served as a resting point for the Chasquis, the swift Inca messengers who carried spoken messages across vast distances.

After reaching this pass, the rest of the day is mostly a downhill hike along the fantastic and original Inca path. As you descend, you’ll walk through beautiful subtropical forests, rolling hills, and several impressive Inca tunnels. Eventually, you will arrive at Sayaqmarca (3,600 m / 11,812 ft), a once-inaccessible Inca settlement perched dramatically on a steep cliff.

After exploring Sayaqmarca, you’ll descend for a few more minutes until reaching Chaquicocha (3,525 m / 11,565 ft), where a hearty lunch will be waiting for you in our exclusive dining tent.

Later, you will continue with a gentle 2.5-hour ascent to the stunning archaeological site of Phuyupatamarka (3,640 m / 11,943 ft), believed to have been an important ceremonial center featuring sacred baths. Here, surrounded by beauty and tranquility, you will set up camp for the night.

To celebrate your final night on the Inca Trail, you will take part in a special Andean event. Afterwards, you will enjoy a memorable farewell dinner prepared by our chef, before settling in for a well-deserved and peaceful night’s rest.

• Maximum Altitude: Runkuracay ~3,900 m / ~12,976 ft.
• Distance Travelled: ~9 Km (5.6 miles) approx.
• Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 hours.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Today is the day, you will finally conquer Machu Picchu. After enjoying a well-deserved breakfast, you will begin a 1.5-hour downhill walk along a zigzagging stone staircase, passing through lush vegetation until you reach the impressive Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,695 ft).

From there, you will continue toward the famous Sun Gate, or Intipunku (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu. Before arriving, take a moment to celebrate your remarkable four-day journey. Congratulations, you will have officially completed the Inca Trail and be rewarded with an unforgettable first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.

You will then follow a gentle downhill trail to the main entrance of the citadel, where your approximately two- to three-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu begins. As you explore its temples, plazas, ceremonial enclosures, terraces, and residential sectors, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about this extraordinary archaeological masterpiece. You will also admire its ancient aqueducts and learn about the sophisticated agricultural engineering behind the sacred Inca terraces.

If you still have energy, you may choose to hike one of the surrounding peaks: Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain. Please note that special entrance tickets for these mountain hikes are required, and they often sell out up to four months in advance. Machu Travel Peru can arrange these tickets for you with prior notice.

Following this magnificent experience, you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Once you finish your meal, you will head to the train station in Aguas Calientes to board the tourist train bound for either Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Upon arrival, a member of our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, where you will have free time to dine and relax after this extraordinary adventure.

• Maximum Altitude: Intipunku (Sun Gate) ~2,700 m / ~8,858 ft.
• Distance Covered: ~8 km (4.97 miles) approx. plus exploration of Machu Picchu.
• Approximate Walking Time: 6 - 7 hours.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

OPTIONAL: If you wish to continue enjoying Machu Picchu, you may fully customize this itinerary by adding an extra night in Aguas Calientes. This will allow you to revisit the citadel the following day or hike one of its iconic surrounding mountains, such as Huayna Picchu, for breathtaking panoramic views. Simply share your preferences with us, and we will take care of all the arrangements.

Are you ready to discover the enchanting capital of the Inca Empire? Welcome to Cusco, a city where history, culture, and ancient mysteries blend seamlessly with everyday life. After enjoying a comforting and delicious breakfast at your hotel, your guide will be ready to transport you back in time.

First, you’ll explore the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, with its giant rocks perfectly fitted into its structure. The tour will continue by visiting the Qenqo Inca ceremonial center with its ancient sacrifice vestiges. Then, the Inca military barrack, Puca Pucara, will fascinate you with its beautiful views of Cusco. Following, your guide will show you the retreat place of the Inca sovereign called Tambomachay, with its beautiful water fonts, where the sovereign spent long periods resting and hunting.

Then, we will return to the Cusco Center to lose ourselves in its charming stone alleys by appreciating the Renaissance architecture of the Cathedral of Cusco and its famous painting collection of a unique art style called "Escuela Cusqueña".

Later, your guide will lead you to the Qoricancha temple, located a short distance from the Cathedral, where you will be fascinated by the mix of Inca and Spanish architectural styles, besides some original remains of the Inca temples inside it.

Finally, your tour will end in the main square. You might enjoy a nice lunch or dinner on your own in one of the nearby restaurants, or we can arrange transport to drop you off at your hotel. Whatever your decision, tell your guide what you would like to do!

Saying goodbye to a beautiful place doesn't have to be sad. That is why, at Machu Travel Peru, we want to save you the penalty. You will only have to enjoy a comforting breakfast fully included in your hotel.

Then, we will accompany you to the Cusco airport to assist you with the boarding process and dispatch you on your flight heading to Lima.

Like the sound of our "Wonders of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu" tour? Do you have extra requests or questions? Please don’t hesitate to write to us. We will always be attentive to personalize your dreams in Peru, at your request!

NOTE: This program will allow you to visit Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Pisac, Moray, Salt Mine of Maras, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Additionally, you can add more exciting day tours in Cusco or another destination in Peru. Please take a look at our package list for more options.