9 Days Classic Inca Trail & Inti Raymi Festival

Upon arrival in Lima, you’ll be transferred to your hotel based on your arrival time. If you arrive during the day, your accommodation will be in the vibrant Miraflores neighborhood, known for its upscale shopping areas, trendy restaurants, and beautiful parks overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After settling in, you’ll enjoy a guided city tour in the afternoon, exploring the highlights of Lima, including its colonial architecture and lively cultural scene.

If you happen to arrive late at night, your hotel will be conveniently located close to Lima’s airport, allowing you to get some rest before your next day’s flight. Either way, this start to your adventure will set the stage for the exciting experiences ahead in Peru.

Upon arrival to Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel where you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height, will have the free morning to rest and also we suggest you have a light lunch in either your hotel or in one of the surrounded; in the afternoon we will depart on a City tour (entrance to the archaeological centers and museums including) we will visit the Main square, Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple of the sun) and in addition we will make a route bordering archaeological centers like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q’enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at the main square in order you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the area, then overnight. (No meals included)

Breakfast. You will be picked up at 8:15 am. Full day excursion to the Urubamba Valley visiting: the colorful Indian market in Pisac where a mixture of color and tradition will be able appreciated besides will have a good opportunity to try our bargain skills on the free time to interact with the local craftsmen to purchase their hand-made souvenirs. The Valley has a distance of 31 km (19 miles) of Cusco, and an altitude of 2,970 ms (9,700 p), Pisac is located to the entrance of the Sacred Valley and followed by Ollantaytambo, the older town continuously occupied of the American continent. The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their channels that have not varied from the time Inca, evoke their ancestral inheritance, lunch in a typical restaurant  and after we explore Ollantaytambo and after we will go to explore Chincheros Incan site then back to Cusco

We begin the trek from Km 82, crossing the iconic Urubamba River Bridge that marks the start of our journey. As we walk along the winding path, we follow in the footsteps of the Incas, with the impressive Vilcanota mountain range providing a stunning backdrop. The trail skirts the river, offering breathtaking views of the lush landscape and surrounding peaks.

Our route continues through the narrow Cusichaca Valley, where we begin to experience the diverse scenery of the region. After some time, we reach the indigenous community of Huayllabamba, a small and welcoming village that gives us a glimpse into the lives of the people who still maintain traditional Andean customs. Along the way, our local crew of porters and guides take excellent care of us, ensuring we are comfortable and well-fed throughout the journey. The porters carry most of the camping and hiking equipment, so you only need to carry a light daypack with your essentials. As the day winds down, we set up camp at Wayllabamba, where we rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure. The total walking time for the day is approximately 5 hours, providing a great introduction to the Inca Trail experience. Camping under the stars adds to the magical atmosphere of the trek.

On the second day of the trek, we begin the challenging ascent to Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass. Despite the intimidating name, the path is manageable with the guidance and encouragement of your expert guide. The climb takes you to a staggering 4215 meters (13769 feet) above sea level, making it the highest point of the entire Inca Trail. The reward is a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, offering a sense of accomplishment.

After enjoying the views, we continue to the second pass, Runcuracay, located at 3998 meters (13113 feet). On clear days, you’ll be treated to magnificent vistas of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. As the day winds down, we arrive at Pacaymayo where we set up camp for the night. The total walking time for the day is approximately 7 hours, giving you ample time to take in the beauty of the rugged landscape. Camping under the stars will offer a truly immersive experience in the Andean wilderness.

Today the trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on a climb which is steeper than Dead Woman’s Pass but shorter (1 ½ hours), you will walk through a causeway and a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 3700m (12136 ft). On clear days you are rewarded for all this work with beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley below. Soon you reach the serene ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the ‘Town above the Clouds’, at about 3650 m (11972 ft) above sea level. We camp for the final night close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) ruins, a grandiose terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from Machu Picchu. Approx. walking time 8 – 9 hours.(CAMPING)

Today, we visit the remarkable Machu Picchu, where you’ll experience the awe-inspiring sight of the ancient ruins as the morning mist clears. While it’s often called the Sun Gate, the misty clouds surrounding the site often make it feel like a “Cloud Gate.”

Your guide will take you through the extraordinary terraces, temples, and plazas of Machu Picchu, sharing insights into Inca life. For the more adventurous, there’s the option to hike Huayna Picchu for stunning views. In the afternoon, we take the train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco, with approximately 2 hours of walking. You’ll return to your hotel to unwind after a day full of history and beauty.

On this day, as you visit the great Incan architectural achievements, it becomes evident that the Sun was the main deity worshiped in Inca culture. The Inti Raymi Festival today re-enacts all the significant rituals of the ancient Sun Festival, including the symbolic llama sacrifices (don’t worry, these are simulated!). The day also includes the New Fire Celebration, a fascinating tradition where no fires were allowed in the city until a fire was created using a hollow mirror. The mirror concentrated sunlight onto animal fur and kindling, igniting the first fire. Once the sacred fire was lit, all other fires throughout the city were started from this source.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, transportation will be arranged to take you to the airport according to your flight schedule, marking the end of your 9-day Inca Trail & Inti Raymi Festival Tour. We hope you’ve created unforgettable memories while exploring Peru’s ancient wonders, vibrant festivals, and stunning landscapes.

If you’re not quite ready to leave, we offer the opportunity to extend your adventure with additional tours or treks. Discover the Nazca Lines, explore the lush Amazon Rainforest, or trek through the breathtaking Colca Canyon. We also offer other treks like the Salkantay and Lares Treks, each providing its own unique experience. Let us know if you’d like to extend your journey and we’ll be happy to arrange the perfect add-on for your travel desires.