• We will start our adventure in Cusco, a city in the Peruvian Andes. It was once the capital of the Inca Empire. It’s known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture.

• We will spend half of the day walking around the historic city center + half day exploring the 4 Incan ruins that surround the city (Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo, & Puka Pukara) (breakfast and lunch included).

• We will hike to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru, Humantay Lake (breakfast and lunch included).

• Return to Cusco in the early evening.

• We will spend the day in Sacred Valley visiting Maras Salt Mines, Moray Inca site, and lunch in the local weaving community (Breakfast and lunch included)

• Return to Cusco for dinner on your own and to spend the night.

• Today is the start of the most exciting part of this journey, “Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu”. We will spend 4 days hiking on the ancient path of the Inca while contemplating numerous ruins, sleeping in tents, and getting a taste of life in the Andes. This is a difficult trek that will require a reasonable level of fitness and some training beforehand to make your time on the mountain more enjoyable.

• After breakfast, we’ll set off for the official starting point of the Inca Trail at Kilometer 82. Once we pass the first checkpoint (remember to have your passport ready!), we’ll cross the Urubamba River and begin our unforgettable journey along one of the world’s most iconic trekking routes.

  The trail starts with a gradual climb through the Andean foothills, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, we’ll stop at a few lesser-known Inca archaeological sites, giving you a glimpse into the ancient civilization that once thrived here.

  After about four hours of hiking, we’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before continuing for another 2½ hours to our first campsite at Ayapata. This final stretch passes through two small Andean villages, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase snacks, drinks, or supplies and interact with friendly locals.

  Upon arrival at camp, your trekking team will have dinner ready, and you can relax beneath the stars surrounded by the tranquility of the mountains.

  • Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles (approx. 9 hours)

  • Elevation: 2,750 m (9,022 ft) → 3,330 m (10,925 ft)

  • Difficulty: Challenging (steady uphill with high altitude)

  • Weather: Mild to warm during the day, cold at night
    

After breakfast, we’ll begin a steady 4-hour climb to the trek’s highest point: Dead Woman’s Pass. Once at the summit, we’ll take a well-deserved break to take in the breathtaking mountain views before descending for about an hour and a half into the Pacaymayu Valley, where lunch will be served.

Following lunch, we’ll start another ascent lasting approximately 1.5 hours to reach the second pass. From there, it’s a gradual 1.5-hour descent to the impressive Inca site of Sayacmarca. We’ll take some time to explore the ruins and admire the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before continuing a short 25-minute descent to our campsite for dinner.

• Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles (approx. 9 hours)

• Elevation: 3330m / 10,925ft → 4215m / 13,829ft → 3600m / 11,811ft

• Difficulty: Challenging to Difficult (due to altitude and terrain)

• Weather: Cold mornings, warm during the day, and cold nights—with the possibility of rain.

This is often considered the most stunning and memorable day on the Inca Trail. We’ll start early, around 6:30 a.m., with breakfast and a warm cup of coca tea before setting off on a two-hour trek along what we fondly call the “Indiana Jones Path,” as the trail begins to wind into lush jungle terrain.

By the end of this section, we’ll make our way up to the final mountain pass at Phuyupatamarka, known as the “Town in the Clouds,” offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Urubamba River. From this viewpoint, we’ll also catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain—though the ancient citadel itself remains hidden for now.

From Phuyupatamarka, the trail continues through the Inca site of Intipata, or “Terraces of the Sun,” as we descend for about three hours down a series of well-preserved Inca stairs to our final campsite near Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”). We’ll have lunch at camp and, around 4:30 p.m., visit the beautiful archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna with our guide for an insightful one-and-a-half-hour tour.

In the evening, we’ll share a final meal with our team in celebration of the journey. It’s best to get to bed early tonight to be ready for the sunrise experience over Machu Picchu the next morning.

• Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (approx. 6 hours)

• Elevation: 3600m / 11,811ft → 2600m / 8,530ft

• Difficulty: Moderate (mostly downhill with many stairs)

• Weather: Cold morning; mild to warm during the hike; comfortably warm in the evening.

This is the most anticipated day of the entire trek — the day you finally reach Machu Picchu. We’ll wake up before dawn, around 3:30 a.m., and head to the checkpoint that grants entry to the ancient site. From there, it’s about a one-hour hike to the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu as the morning light spreads across the mountains.

After soaking in the view, we’ll continue down to the citadel itself for a guided two-hour tour, exploring the temples, terraces, and hidden corners of this awe-inspiring Inca masterpiece.

Once the tour concludes, you’ll have some free time to explore more of Machu Picchu on your own, or—if you’ve pre-booked a ticket—to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for a spectacular panoramic perspective.

Later, you’ll take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll reunite with your guide for the train journey back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transfer will bring you safely back to your hotel in Cusco.

Walking Distance: Varies depending on how much you explore Machu Picchu
Elevation: 2400m / 7,847ft
Difficulty: Moderate (lots of steps within the site)
Weather: Warm and humid, with a possibility of rain.

• This is your day to relax and wander around Cusco on your own or with the group.

• Afternoon/Evening cooking class for dinner (breakfast and dinner included).

• Today we will take a day trip to visit Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. It’s one of the most visited spots in Peru and rightfully so. You have the option to trek or take mules to help you make your way up this steep mountain (mule rentals not included).

• (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).

• We will say “Hasta Luego” on our last day in Cusco.

• Transfers to the airport will be provided.