You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You will have the day free to get used to the altitude (3300 meters / 10,900 feet) and to wander through the narrow streets of the historic center of the city.

Overnight stay in Cusco

Today, we will visit the impressive Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park. This great complex was once the Inca “House of the Sun”, composed of temples, palaces, and astronomical observatories. Many of the stones which form the walls weigh up to 130 tons each and were positioned with incredible precision.

Overnight stay in Cusco

We will leave the city in the early morning and head by bus to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, we will visit a weaving center and museum, where local weavers will explain the textile making process from shearing, spinning and dyeing with plant extracts to the actual weaving of textiles. After this special experience, we will continue our tour by visiting the archaeological site at Pisaq. This charming colonial-era village with its lively local market is situated at the base of a mountain upon which the Incas built a fortified temple complex. We will have plenty of time to explore this beautiful place. After a picnic with fantastic views of the Sacred Valley far below, we will visit the colorful handicraft market in the village, and in the afternoon we will drive to the village of Ollantaytambo. Located at the narrow end of the Sacred Valley, this village is often described as a living museum, where the descendants of the Incas continue to live in houses built by their ancestors, below the ruins of an imposing Inca temple complex.

Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo

An early morning scenic bus ride will take us to the starting point of our hike at Km 82. From here we will follow an easy path along the Urubamba River towards the first archaeological site at Llaqtapata (2650 meters / 8,750 feet). After a short rest, we will continue to the Cusichaca valley, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we will follow the course of the Cusichaca creek on a gentle climb to our first camp at the village of Huayllabamba (3000 meters / 9,900 feet).

After an early breakfast, we will start the long and steep climb up to Warmiwañusca Pass (4200 meters / 13,900 feet), which is the highest point of the Inca Trail. The ascent takes us through different ecological zones and a variety of flora and fauna, including endemic bird species, can be observed. From the pass, there is a fine view of the second pass and the ruins of Runcuracay. We will reach our next camp in the valley in the afternoon, after a descent of approximately two hours. On a clear day, the camp offers fantastic views of the glaciers of Mount Veronica.

Today’s hike offers many fascinating attractions. In the early morning, we will start the day with a climb to the second pass at Runcuracay (3900 meters /12,900 feet). In good weather the views of the Vilcabamba range from the high pass are stunning. After a two-hour descent, we will arrive at the fascinating archaeological site of Sayacmarca. After exploring this beautiful Inca settlement, we will continue along stone Inca pathways, passing through the lush vegetation of high cloud forests, and glimpsing waterfalls, deep valleys, canyons and glacial peaks, including Mount Salkantay.  In the afternoon, we will arrive at the last high pass of our trip: Phuyupatamarca (3600 meters / 11,900 feet). From here we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. In clear weather, there are spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding snow peaks, and it is possible to see far down into the Urubamba Valley. The hike continues with a long and steep descent along an Inca stairway to the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, considered one of the most beautiful sets of ruins on the Inca Trail, due to its location and architecture.   

After breakfast, we will say goodbye to our Quechua porters and continue our hike through the high cloud forest with its diverse flora and fauna towards the famous Sun Gate, or Intipunku. From here, we will have a fine view of the Lost City of the Incas: legendary Machu Picchu (2400 meters / 8,000 feet). The early morning light here is a magical experience, with Machu Picchu in the foreground. Arriving at the ruins, we will explore the site in the company of our knowledgeable guide, before we descend to the small town of Aguas Calientes. Here you will have time to relax: the local natural hot springs are an excellent option, or you may simply opt to stroll around the town and enjoy watching life go on around you.

Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel

Today you will have a free day to relax or to do some hiking in the area before we take the train back to Cusco, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Transfer to Cusco airport for domestic and international flight connections

2024 cost per person in US dollars