Land cost per person:
$2,995 (11-16 participants)
$3,095 (9-10 participants)
$3,195 (7-8 participants)
$3,295 (5-6 participants)
$3,595 (4 participants)

Note: Single Supplement is not included (if needed)

10 Days (3 nights camping)

Depart on any date! Bring your family or group of friends, celebrate your honeymoon or any other occasion. Choose any dates that fit your group and we will arrange your trip.

Peru Flight Information

Interactive
Inca Trail
Map

Do not be misled! There is only ONE Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — there are no alternatives! Don't miss the original classic pilgrimage trail to Machu Picchu. Regulations limit the number of people on the Inca Trail. Inca Trail permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are non-transferable. To ensure your spot we recommend that you reserve by September 2021 at the latest!

 

Note: The trip begins in Cusco on Day 1. You will be greeted on your arrival to Lima and will be greeted on your arrival in Cusco and transferred to the hotel. We will make any additional reservations for you in Lima or Cusco. Detailed information will be included with the pre-departure information.

Day 1: Lima/Cusco

You will be met at the Lima airport by an Andes Adventures representative, who will assist you with connecting flights to Cusco. Depart on a one-hour flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Upon arrival in Cusco, we transfer to the hotel where a traditional welcome cup of coca leaf tea is served to help with the acclimatization to the 11,150 feet altitude. This afternoon we will have a guided sightseeing tour of the city, visiting the Cathedral, the Inca temple Qorikancha, and the Santo Domingo Monastery. You will receive a tourist ticket valid for the length of the trip enabling you to visit the many archaeological sites, temples and other places of interest. Welcome lunch and overnight in Cusco.

Overnight: Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco (Previously Picoaga Hotel).
Meals: L, D.
Today's hike: None scheduled.

Day 2: Cusco

Morning visit to the archaeological sites surrounding Cusco, beginning with the fortress and temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco at 12,136 feet. It is still a mystery how this fortress was constructed. Gigantic stones, some of them weighing 125 tons, were carved into huge trapezoidal blocks that fit together with extraordinary precision. The tour continues with visits to the semicircular shrine of Kenko, Puca Pucara and the Royal Baths of Tambomachay, a beautiful ceremonial bath, adorned with waterfalls, which continues to flow 500 years after being built. The rest of the day is for relaxing, shopping, and sightseeing in beautiful Cusco and its surroundings.

Overnight: Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco (Previously Picoaga Hotel).
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's hike: None scheduled.

Day 3: Chinchero/Yucay

Our tour takes us on a scenic drive to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We travel across a high plain with splendid views of the Cordillera Urubamba to the ancient Inca town of Chinchero at 12,350 feet. Chinchero is a picturesque community that combines both Inca and colonial architecture. It is market day and campesinos of the region still use the weekly market for trading food and other items, using the original method of exchange "trueque". We will observe a demonstration of the traditional weaving process and shop for local handicrafts. We visit the salt mines of Maras and continue with an acclimatization hike down a trail leading to the Urubamba River. We arrive in Yucay where we prepare for our Inca Trail adventure and spend the rest of the day relaxing in Yucay and its surroundings.

Overnight: Sonesta Posada del Inca Hotel in Yucay, Peru's Leading Boutique Hotel in 2011, 2012 and 2013 (World Travel Awards).
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's hike: 2.5 miles.

Day 4: Ollantaytambo/Llactapata

This morning we visit the village of Ollanta and Ollantaytambo, the best surviving example of an Inca town. Most of its buildings sit upon Inca walls and the street plan is still the original laid out by its Inca builders. Its stonework, narrow cobbled streets, family courtyards and water system are exactly as built in Inca times. You will be able to appreciate the Inca agricultural terraces that create small tiers of fertile land on very steep slopes.

After lunch we continue our drive to the trailhead at km 82 "Piscacucho," where we begin our trek. An easy hike along the Urubamba River brings us to our camp in the archaeological site of Llactapata "Town on Hillside" at 8,400 feet.

Upon arrival in camp we enjoy hot coca tea and a great view of the Urubamba mountain range.

Overnight: Camp at Llactapata.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's hike: 4 miles – 3.5 hours.

Day 5: Llulluchapampa

The trail continues along the Cusichaca River and follows it upstream on a gradual climb leaving behind the Urubamba valley and a magnificent view of snow-capped Mount Veronica (18,865'), the highest peak in the Cordillera Urubamba. We reach the Quechua village of Wayllabamba at 9,680 feet, the last inhabited village on the Inca trail.

Entering spectacular Llulluchayoc gorge, the trail becomes steeper. We continue our uphill climb through a thick, mossy forest, before emerging into a large meadow - Llulluchapampa high above the tree line. We camp for the night at about 12,450 feet.

Overnight: Camp at Llulluchapampa.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's hike: 6.5 miles 0r 7 hours

Day 6: Phuyupatamarca

Today is our most challenging day as we reach Warmiwañusq'a pass "Pass of the Dead Woman" at 13,779 feet, the highest pass on the Inca Trail. If the weather is clear you will be delighted with the views of the Cusichaca Valley and the Pacaymayo "Sunrise" gorge ahead of us. A descent into the valley brings us to the Pacaymayo River at 11,880 feet.

We begin the climb toward the second pass, on the way we encounter the Runkurakay watchtower ruins at 12,464 feet and pass by a couple of small lakes, before reaching the Runkurakay pass at 13,000 feet.

From here you will have excellent views of the glaciated peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Most of the climb is behind us; the trail descends rocky slopes and reaches the strategic fortress of Sayacmarca "Dominant Town" at 11,880 feet.

The trail enters dense groves and you will find impressive evidence of Inca road construction, with its six feet wide and carefully constructed stone-paved trails. An amazing engineering accomplishment! We will negotiate a 20 meter Inca tunnel with carved steps and soon the trail becomes a magnificent stone staircase leading to Phuyupatamarca "Town in the Clouds" at 12,000 feet. We summit the third pass and have our first look into the deep gorge of the Urubamba River. Just below, we find our camp in Phuyupatamarca.

Overnight: Camp at Phuyupatamarca.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's hike: 7.5 miles or 8-9 hours.

Day 7: Machu Picchu

The trail follows down a series of hundreds of steps, passing by ceremonial Inca baths where mountain water still flows through carved stone channels. As we descend into the cloud forest, we will be surrounded by an abundance of exotic varieties of plants, orchids and flowers until reaching the ruins of Wiñay Wayna "Forever Young." We hike down a dirt trail about three and a half miles to Intipunku, "Gateway of the Sun" at 8,860 feet. Suddenly, the full grandeur of the world's greatest ruins are revealed, the domed peak of Huayna Picchu and the lost City of the Incas, MACHU PICCHU at 7,900 feet. Our evening includes Machu Picchu Pueblo (previously known as Aguas Calientes).

Overnight: El Mapi Hotel Machu Picchu.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's hike: 5.5 miles or 5 hours.

Day 8: Machu Picchu

We spend the early part of the morning with our expert guide, for a tour of the mysterious city, its magnificent temples, terraced hillsides, archaeological curiosities, irrigation channels, fountains, elaborate stone work and chambers of unknown purpose. As we listen to the theories about the mysteries of Machu Picchu, we wonder how and why this city was built in such a remote place and what its purpose might have been. Fortunately this outstanding citadel was never discovered by the Spaniards and was spared from destruction.

Continue exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu, or relax in Aguas Calientes. You may also choose from several additional (unguided) activities such as a moderate hike to the Inca Bridge; or an optional climb to the airy summit of Huayna Picchu at 9,000 feet (the optional climb has to be arranged in advance).

Overnight: El Mapi Hotel Machu Picchu.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's hike: Optional distances.

Day 9: Cusco

This morning we board the train to Urubamba and continue by bus to visit the Andean village of Pisac. Our guide takes us through the village to visit its colorful market where extensive selections of colorful weavings, ceramics, sweaters and other handicrafts are sold at bargain prices.

The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping and enjoying Cusco. In the evening, we will have our farewell dinner in one of Cusco’s finest restaurants. Overnight in Cusco.

Overnight: Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco (Previously Picoaga Hotel).
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's hike: None scheduled.

Day 10: Cusco/Lima/Flight Home

After breakfast, transfer to the Cusco airport for the flight to Lima. Upon arrival we are met at the airport and we continue on a sightseeing guided city tour of colonial and modern Lima. Highlights include Lima's Cathedral, government palace in Plaza Mayor, San Francisco monastery, San Isidro, Miraflores and a scenic view of the coastline. We end the tour at the restaurant for lunch and from there we go to check-in at the hotel in Miraflores, where a day-room is available. Those departing tonight have a day-room and a transfer to the airport in the evening and depart on homeward-bound flights.

Day Room: Hotel San Agustín Exclusive in Miraflores.
Meals: B.
Today's hike: None scheduled.

(Or continue on Extension).

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