Classic Inca Trail & Cusco 7 Days Trek to Machu Picchu

Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you will be offered a cup of aromatic coca tea to help with the altitude. Afterward, enjoy a free morning to rest and acclimate. We recommend a light lunch at your hotel or nearby.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a City Tour, visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral, and the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun). Then, we’ll visit Sacsayhuamán Fortress, Q’enko, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, exploring the ancient Inca ruins surrounding the city. The tour will conclude around 6:30 pm at the Main Square, where you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at your hotel.

Embark on a captivating journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Your adventure begins with a visit to Pisaq, known for its impressive Inca ruins and vibrant traditional market. Here, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of the Incan civilization and the local people’s way of life. As you explore the ancient terraces and temple complexes, you’ll also have the opportunity to witness the traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations.

Next, we head to Ollantaytambo, a town and archaeological site famous for its well-preserved Inca ruins. The stunning fortress, with its massive terraces and ceremonial baths, offers an insight into Inca military strategies and agricultural advancements.

Continuing our journey, we’ll visit Chinchero, the last stop of the Sacred Valley tour. Known for its beautiful colonial church and Inca ruins, Chinchero is also famous for its traditional textile production. Here, you’ll have the chance to see the local artisans at work, creating intricate woven fabrics using ancient techniques.

Finally, after a full day of exploration, we’ll head back to Cusco, where your adventure in the Sacred Valley concludes.

We depart from Km 82 and cross the Urubamba River Bridge to begin our journey along the iconic Inca Trail. As we walk in the footsteps of the Incas, we follow the winding path that hugs the river, offering breathtaking views of the Vilcanota mountain range. Our route takes us through the narrow Cusichaca Valley, a beautiful and peaceful stretch of the trail. As we continue, we will reach the indigenous community of Huayllabamba, where we’ll experience the vibrant culture of the local people.

Throughout the hike, our dedicated local crew, including porters and guides, will ensure we’re well taken care of. The porters will carry most of the gear for the trek, leaving us with just a small daypack for our essentials. We’ll camp at Wayllabamba, our first campsite. After an active day of hiking, we’ll settle in for the night and enjoy the serenity of the Andean mountains.

Approximate walking time: 5 hours
CAMPING

On the second day of our trek, we begin with a challenging but rewarding climb up the steep path to Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass. Don’t let the name intimidate you – with the support and encouragement of your guide, you’ll reach the summit and be rewarded with a spectacular view! Standing at 4,215 meters (13,769 feet) above sea level, this is the highest point of the entire trek. From here, you’ll take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making the hard work of the ascent worth every step.

After descending from Warmiwañusca, we continue to the second pass of the trek, Runcuracay (3,998 meters / 13,113 feet). On clear days, we are treated to incredible views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba, a stunning range of mountains that forms the backdrop to the Inca Trail.

After a day of hard hiking and taking in the awe-inspiring scenery, we’ll make our way to Pacaymayo, where we’ll camp for the night. This tranquil campsite offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for resting and preparing for the next leg of our journey.

Approximate walking time: 7 hours
CAMPING

The trail takes us through the lush and enchanting cloud forest, with a steeper climb than Dead Woman’s Pass, though shorter in duration (around 1 ½ hours). As we trek, we’ll pass through a causeway and an Inca tunnel, both remarkable examples of original Inca construction. The highest point of this pass reaches 3,700 meters (12,136 feet). On clear days, the effort will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Urubamba Valley far below.

After the climb, we reach the serene and stunning ruins of Phuyupatamarca, known as the ‘Town above the Clouds’. Located at an altitude of about 3,650 meters (11,972 feet), this site offers incredible views and a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s advanced engineering and architectural skills. From here, it’s a short hike to our final campsite at Wiñay Wayna (meaning “Forever Young”), a magnificent terraced hillside site. With its panoramic views of the valley below, this grand Inca site offers the perfect setting to reflect on the journey so far.

Our campsite for the night is just a short distance from Wiñay Wayna, allowing us to rest before the final day’s adventure to Machu Picchu.

Approximate walking time: 8 – 9 hours
CAMPING

Today is the highlight of your journey as we visit the remarkable Machu Picchu. There are no words that can truly capture the feeling when you first see the ancient citadel appear from the mist as the sun rises over the mountains. Known as the Sun Gate (or Inti Punku), it’s an unforgettable moment, although given the cloud forest setting, sometimes “Cloud Gate” would be just as fitting! The early morning views are magical as the mist gradually lifts to reveal the awe-inspiring ruins.

We’ll spend the morning exploring Machu Picchu with our expert guide, who will provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and daily life of the Incas. As you wander through the terraces, temples, and plazas, you’ll be transported back in time to the heart of the Inca Empire. For those who want to take the experience even further, there is the option to climb the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu. From its summit, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the entire Machu Picchu site and the surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, we will take the train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco, where your unforgettable journey along the Inca Trail comes to a close.

Approximate walking time: 2 hours
HOTEL

Enhance your adventure in Peru by adding one of our exciting extension tours or treks. After your trek to Machu Picchu, you can explore the Titicaca Lake, the world’s highest navigable lake, visit the mysterious Nazca Lines, or immerse yourself in the vibrant Amazon Rainforest. For those looking for stunning landscapes, we offer trips to Colca Canyon, home to the majestic Andean condors. Whether you’re interested in culture, nature, or history, these extensions will allow you to experience even more of the wonders Peru has to offer. Let us know if you’d like to add any of these incredible destinations to your journey!