Inca Trail Discovery – 7 Days

Upon your arrival in Cusco, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, with the morning free to acclimatize to the altitude. At 1:30 PM, begin a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco, including the impressive Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most significant shrine during the Inca era. Visit the majestic Cathedral in the main square, followed by Sacsayhuaman, a megalithic Inca fortress overlooking the city. Continue to Qenqo, a unique limestone outcrop used for religious ceremonies, and conclude the tour with visits to Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Overnight at your Cusco hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a full-day tour of the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop is the village of Qorao, offering spectacular landscape views from a lookout point. Continue to Pisaq, where you’ll explore its archaeological site and vibrant Indian market. Enjoy lunch in the Sacred Valley before visiting the imposing Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the valley entrance. In the afternoon, return to Cusco for overnight.

Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be picked up at 6:00 AM for a drive to Km 82, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Begin your hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left bank. Arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), then ascend to an overlook for impressive views of the Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). Continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for approximately five hours until you reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where you’ll set up your first camp.

Rise early for the most challenging part of the trek: an abrupt and steep 9 km ascent. En route to the first mountain pass, Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), you may spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu grass. Traverse an area of cloud forest, habitat for hummingbirds, sparrows, and the Andean bear. After conquering the pass, descend into the Pacaymayu Valley (3600m/11808ft), where your camp will be set.

After breakfast, ascend past the small Inca site of Runkuracay (3970m/13022ft). Upon reaching the second pass, the landscape opens to spectacular views of the snow-capped Pumasillo mountain range. Descend towards Yanacocha and enter the cloud forest, eventually arriving at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft), a beautiful complex featuring semicircular constructions, enclosures, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios, and irrigation canals. Continue with an easy climb to the third pass, Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft), passing through an Inca tunnel. Descend to the complex of the same name and trek down a long series of stone steps that lead to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex with agricultural terraces, a religious sector, and an urban sector, near which your final camp is located.

Wake up very early at 4:00 AM to begin the climb to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). From this fabulous spot, witness the breathtaking sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400m / 7,872ft). Descend into Machu Picchu, entering from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians.” After registering and leaving your backpacks at the control point, embark on a comprehensive two-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel. You will then have free time to explore independently, climb Wayna Picchu Mountain (permits required), visit the Temple of the Moon, or marvel at the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, meet in the town of Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Poroy Train Station, followed by a transfer to your Cusco hotel. Overnight in Cusco.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the Cusco airport for your departure flight to Lima, concluding your Inca Trail Discovery journey.