Inca Trail Package 9 Days / 8 Nights

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Welcome to Lima, international gateway to Peru. These next few days are packed with adventure, but tonight, we’ll meet you upon arrival at the Lima airport and take you to your hotel for a good night’s rest after your flight.

Day 2: Arrival in Cusco

Fly to Cusco this morning and settle in for an afternoon of rest and easy exploration as you begin to adjust to the altitude.

Situated at 3,400 m (11,150 ft), Cusco is a city of whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs, and soaring churches nestled in a fertile mountain basin.

Walk around the historic city center to see the colonial architecture and the remnants of Inca walls.

Day 3: Cusco City Tour

Your tour today will introduce you to the remarkable history that Cusco has to offer. Take in its monumental architecture, richly decorated churches, and present-day Andean cultural practices.

Begin in the UNESCO-recognized historic center. Visit the majestic Cusco Cathedral and the Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun. Then drive into the countryside to see the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Tambomachay, and Pukapukara.

Day 4: Sacred Valley Tour

The Sacred Valley was the spiritual center of the Inca Empire, where all-powerful emperors built private estates, temples, fortifications, and thousands of agricultural terraces.

Join your guide for a jaunt through the Sacred Valley’s remarkable places. Explore the Pisac ruins and shop at the famous artisan market in the village plaza. Scale the heights of Ollantaytambo fortress and be sure to explore the stone-lined streets of the village where water still flows through Inca-built channels.

Day 05: Inca Trail – Cusco to Wayllabamba

You will meet your transportation early this morning for the drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo you will meet your Inca Trail guides and team.

Continue by car to Piscacucho/KM 82 where the trail begins. The first part of the climb is a gentle uphill. Stop to catch your breath at the Llacatapata ruins and continue through a lush valley to your first campsite for the night in Wayllabamba.

Hike Distance: 10 mi (16 km) | Minimum Altitude: 9,840 ft (3,000 m) | Maximum Altitude: 13,830 ft (4,200 m) | Approximate Time: 6 to 8 hrs | Gradient: Challenging

Day 06: Inca Trail – Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo

Today you face the toughest day of the trek. First, you’ll tackle a steep zigzagging climb to Warmiwañusca, known as Dead Woman’s Pass, at 13,780 feet. Next, you’ll face an equally challenging descent into the Pacaymayo Valley. In exchange for your efforts, you’ll get views of majestic Vilcabamba mountains in the distance. Enjoy dinner at your campsite in Pacaymayo and tuck in for a well-earned rest.

Hike Distance: 10 mi (16 km) | Minimum Altitude: 8,700 ft (2,650 m) | Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,900 m) | Approximate Time: 8 to 10 hrs | Gradient: Moderate

Day 07: Inca Trail – Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna

Today the trail into the mountain cloud forest is bursting with archaeological sites, each more impressive than the last. You’ll see include the Inca lodge Runkurakay; Sayacmarca, perched on a cliff with views of the Aobamba Valley; and Phuyupatamarca, the “Town in the Clouds.” Settle down for the night at the final campsite Wiñaywayna and get ready for an early start on the last leg to Machu Picchu.

Hike Distance: 10 mi (16 km) | Minimum Altitude: 8,700 ft (2,650 m) | Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,900 m) | Approximate Time: 8 to 10 hrs | Gradient: Moderate

Note: If the Wiñaywayna campsite is full by the time you book your trek, Phuyupatamarca will be assigned as your campsite instead. Campsites are assigned as the treks are booked.

Day 08: Inca Trail – Machu Picchu Tour

Wake up before dawn and complete the hour walk to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where on you can get your first views of Machu Picchu. Join your guide and trekking group one last time for a tour through the citadel’s stone-lined pathways, along the edge of terraces, and to the foot and to the feet of structures such as the Temple of the Sun and the Room of Three Windows; all in which demonstrate the extraordinary skills of the Incan builders.

After snapping some final photos, board the shuttle bus back to town and transfer to the train station for your return to Cusco.

Hike Distance to Machu Picchu: 2 mi (3 km) | Approximate Time: About 1 hr | Gradient: Moderate

*Customize this package:

• Get a bird’s eye view of the ruins when you hike Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that forms the backdrop of many Machu Picchu photos. Permits are limited and must be booked in advance, so let us know asap if you’re up for the challenge.
• Add an extra day. Spend the night in Aguas Calientes and return to Machu Picchu the next day or explore the surrounding area

Day 09: Departure from Cusco

Today you will depart for the airport, for your flight to Lima and journey home.

Alternatively, you can customize this itinerary to extend your stay in Cusco or visit another exciting destination in Peru.