Inca Trail Expedition: 9-Day Adventure to Machu Picchu
Journey Through History: Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Embark on the “Inca Trail Expedition,” a 9-day adventure that takes you through the heart of ancient Incan civilization. Start your journey in Lima, Peru’s bustling capital, rich in history and culture. Then travel to Cusco, the historic capital of the Incas, where you’ll witness a stunning fusion of colonial architecture and Incan archaeological sites. Prepare to trek the legendary Inca Trail, a path that winds through the Sacred Valley, past the majestic ruins of Ollantaytambo, and into the cloud-kissed Andes. This challenging trek culminates in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, a testament to Incan ingenuity and spirit. Along the way, experience the diverse flora and fauna of sub-tropical jungles and lush rainforests. This small-group tour emphasizes eco-friendly practices and cultural respect, ensuring a sustainable and authentic experience.
Highlights
- Lima’s Historical Richness: Begin your journey in Lima, exploring its vibrant blend of history, culture, and modernity, setting the stage for your Peruvian adventure.
- Cusco’s Incan Heritage: Immerse yourself in Cusco, a city where ancient Inca ruins and stunning colonial architecture coexist, offering a unique cultural experience.
- Sacred Valley Exploration: Trek through the Sacred Valley, encountering majestic ruins like Ollantaytambo and witnessing the living traditions of the Andean communities.
- Inca Trail Adventure: Embark on the iconic Inca Trail, a challenging and rewarding trek that takes you through diverse landscapes and to ancient Incan sites.
- Machu Picchu’s Splendor: Conclude your expedition with the breathtaking sight of Machu Picchu, the mysterious Incan citadel nestled high in the Andes, offering unparalleled views and history.
Brief itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Arrive at Lima’s international airport. Transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the vibrant capital city.
Day 2: Lima Colonial Walking Tour
Explore Lima’s rich colonial history with a guided walking tour through its historic center. Experience the city’s diverse culture, cuisine, and bustling life.
Day 3: Flight to Cusco
Take a flight from Lima to Cusco, the ancient heart of the Inca Empire. Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude and exploring the city at your leisure.
Day 4: Sacred Valley Tour
Visit the traditional markets of Pisac, the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo, and the charming village of Chinchero. Learn about the history and significance of these important Inca sites.
Day 5: Start of the Inca Trail – Hike to Huayllabamba
Begin the iconic Inca Trail trek after a transfer from Cusco. Trek to the campsite at Huayllabamba, enjoying the changing landscapes.
Day 6: Trek to Paqaymayu
Hike from Huayllabamba to Paqaymayu, crossing the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca (‘Dead Woman’s Pass’). Experience stunning panoramic views from the trail’s highest point.
Day 7: Descend into the Cloud Forest
Continue the trek from Paqaymayu to Wiñayhuayna, descending into the lush cloud forest and passing several Inca ruins. Observe the diverse flora and fauna of the cloud forest.
Day 8: Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Complete the final stretch of the trail to arrive at the Sun Gate for a first glimpse of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Explore the ancient Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu with a guided tour. Travel back to Cusco in the evening.
Day 9: Departure from Cusco
Enjoy some free time in Cusco before your departure. Transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward journey.
Prices for this trip
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Budget | US$ 1626 | US$ 180 |
Tourist | US$ 1716 | US$ 203 |
Superior Tourist | US$ 1836 | US$ 271 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Small group min 2, max 12 — group tour; join other travelers at each destination (If you want a private tour just for you, ask your travel agent).
Includes and excludes
Included
- Accommodation: 5 nights in Lima and Cusco Hotel with breakfast and three nights camping
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu).
- English-speaking local guides lead the tours.
- All transfers: airport, train station, bus station transfers, Hotel pickup, and drop-offs.
- Train ticket: Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition Class).
- Meals: According to the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available).
- All ground transportation.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Entrance fee to the Aguas Calientes thermal springs.
- Sleeping bag.
Trip code: AIT9D01-SIC
Day 1 – International Arrival in Lima
- Lima Airport Transfer: Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will be waiting at Lima airport with a customized sign with the client’s name.
- Upon arrival in Lima, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- No scheduled activities exist, so check into lodging and restore the energy.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: None.
Day 2 – Lima Colonial Walking Tour
- Hotel breakfast; enjoy a free morning to explore the city alone.
- At 14:00, pick up and transfer to Lima historical center. We will take a fascinating walking tour. We will show our clients the palaces, castles, magnificent Saint Francisco Monastery, and spectacular subterranean Catacombs throughout our city.
- We visit the main square, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, the train station Palace, the unique old-fashioned “Cordano Bar” colorful mansion palaces, the Jiron del Union Pathway, the Post Office Palace, the Dominicans Tower, and the Historical Rimac Bridge, as well as the lovely surrounded wooden Balconies.
- The historical center is considered a World Heritage protected by UNESCO.
- The tour will end around 18:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 3 – Flight to Cusco
- Hotel breakfast; at 07:30, picked up from the hotel and escorted to the airport for the trip to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital.
- Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- The rest of the day is free for relaxation to minimize the adverse effects of the high altitude and explore this wonderful city.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.
Day 4 – Tour to the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero)
- Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 07:30. We embark on a journey back in time to the Inca’s Sacred Valley, beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The old Incan archaeological site is on the summit of a mountain.
- Afterward, go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market, where it can buy intricate, beautifully hand-crafted products.
- Afterward, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- We next go to Ollantaytambo, an Inca military, religious, and agricultural hub perched on a mountain. Unlike other little villages, this one has retained its original Incan architecture, with magnificent stone structures and winding alleyways.
- Finally, we will visit Chinchero, a village renowned for preserving ancient Andean spinning and weaving traditions. For this reason, they set up a market in the town square.
- The tour ends around 18:30.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 5 – Transfer to Km 82, Hike to Huayllabamba
- Hotel breakfast, pick up from the hotel at 06:00, and transfer to the head of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, Km 82 (2,850m/9,350ft), where we meet the porters. Three hours drive to Piscacucho, and our car typically stops for an hour at Ollantaytambo for breakfast.
- We begin our trip on the Inca Trail by crossing the Urubamba River on a bridge. Then we trek down the Urubamba River’s left bank towards the Sacred Valley. We follow a level path to Miskay. Enjoy an airborne panoramic picture of the fantastic Inca City of Llactapata as we continue on our way.
- Continue our hike through the Kusichaca Valley for about five hours until we reach Huayllabamba town (3,000m/9,840ft) and camp for the night. Throughout the drive, we marvel at the magnificent Vilcanota ridge on the other side of the Urubamba River. The Veronica peak towers above us at 5,832m (19,134ft).
- The first day of the Inca Trail is easy and prepares for the days ahead.
- Distance estimate: 12 km (7,47 miles) – Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 6 – From Huayllabamba to Paqaymayu (Crossing the highest point)
- This day is the most challenging and high-altitude day on the Inca Trail, with an 11 km steep rise. Pack the day bag with lots of chocolates or candy to maintain blood sugar levels and prevent altitude sickness.
- After breakfast, we begin our demanding day with a sharp climb to the Warmi wañusca Pass, the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m/13,776ft). Along this path, the surroundings transform into a mountainous terrain where we may see local alpacas and llamas grazing on the Ichu grass.
- We walk downwards on a meandering trail that skirts around the valley next to our next campground. Additionally, we pass through a region known as the cloud forest, home to various species, including sparrows, hummingbirds, and the Andean bear, the spectacled bear.
- After 6 hours of trekking, we descend into the valley of Paqaymayu (3,500m/11,480ft), where we find our campsite. Enjoy a wonderful meal and rest after an exhausting day.
- Distance estimate: 11 km (6,84 miles) – Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 7 – Paqaymayu to Wiñayhuayna (Descending into the Cloud Forest)
- Following breakfast, we continue down the Inca Trail’s longest and most spectacular route. Numerous ancient monuments, lush cloud forests, and thriving wildlife and flora of the Andes. We go from Paqaymayu to Abra Runkurakay (3,955m/12,975ft), the second pass.
- About halfway up the Inca route, we will come across the ruins of Runkurakay, a semi-circular Inca dwelling with a view of the Paqaymayu valley. After a brief stay, we continue into the Cloud Forest to the Sayacmarca Archaeological Site.
- Continuing the walk, we reach Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft) and descend to Phuyupatamarca, commonly known as “the town in the clouds,” where we may explore this incredible Inca remnant.
- We descend a long stone stairway to Wiñayhuayna (2,700m/8,858ft), an impressive Inca town with a vibrant agricultural complex, urban sector, and religious center near our camp.
- It is the final official camp before Machu Picchu. Get enough sleep to see the magnificent sunrise at Machu Picchu.
- Distance estimate: 16 km (9,94 miles) – Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 8 – Hike Sun Gate, Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- At around 04:00, we have breakfast and continue on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the last part of the journey, so we arrive at the Sun Gate by 06:00 am.
- After 40 minutes of walking, we arrive at Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft) via the “House of the Guardians.” Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft) was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
- Around 08:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Board the train to return to Cusco later in the day. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Distance estimate: 4 km (2,49 miles) – Estimated walking time: 2 hours
- Train Schedule; Aguas Calientes (15:20) – Cusco (19:05)
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 9 – Departure from Cusco
- Hotel breakfast; Our representative will meet in the hotel lobby at the specified hour and help with the departure—airport transfer.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.