Authentic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Experience – 10 Days

Upon your international arrival at Lima International Airport, you will receive assistance and transfer to your hotel. Here, you’ll get a detailed briefing about your tour, including vouchers for all services and additional information for your journey through Peru.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by a free morning to relax and prepare for your adventure. In the afternoon, at 1:30 PM, we’ll pick you up for a guided sightseeing tour of Lima, the ‘City of Kings’. This excursion showcases the best of Lima’s attractions across its three historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary. Learn about the ancient pre-Columbian cultures that thrived here and how Lima became part of the Inca Empire before being founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535.

After breakfast, transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be met, assisted, and transferred to the hotel, enjoying a free morning to acclimate to the altitude. At 1:30 PM, we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco, including the magnificent Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most vital shrine during Inca times. Visit the impressive Cathedral in the main square. The tour continues to Sacsayhuaman, a colossal megalithic fortress overlooking the city, showcasing extraordinary Inca engineering. Next, explore Qenqo, a unique limestone outcrop used for religious ceremonies, and conclude with visits to Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is the village of Qorao, offering picturesque landscape views. We then visit Pisaq, exploring its significant archaeological site and vibrant Indian market. Enjoy lunch in the Sacred Valley before heading to the impressive Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo. Built to guard the valley’s entrance, this fortress features terraced stone structures and long staircases. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before an early 6:00 AM pickup for the drive to Km 82, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We begin our hike by crossing a bridge over the Urubamba River, walking along its left bank. The trail leads us through flat terrain to Miskay (2800m/9184ft), followed by an ascent that offers an impressive view of the Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft) from an overlook. We continue trekking along the valley formed by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where our first camp is set.

After an early breakfast, we begin the most challenging section of the trek: a steep 9 km ascent to the first mountain pass, Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – 4200m/13776ft). Along the way, you might spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ‘ichu’ grass, one of the few plants thriving at high altitudes. We also traverse a cloud forest, home to various birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear. We recommend keeping your daypack well-stocked with candies, chocolates, and coca leaves to maintain sugar levels and help with altitude sickness. After conquering the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayu Valley (3600m/11808ft), where we will set up camp.

Following breakfast, we ascend past the small Inca site of Runkuracay (3970m/13022ft). As we reach the second pass, the landscape dramatically opens up to spectacular views of the snow-capped Pumasillo mountain range. We then descend towards Yanacocha and enter the enchanting cloud forest, finally arriving at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This beautiful complex features a semicircular construction, multi-level enclosures, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios, and irrigation canals. Continuing an easy climb to the third pass, Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft), we pass through an Inca tunnel before reaching the pass and descending to the complex of the same name. Our trek continues down long stone steps leading to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex with extensive agricultural terraces, a religious sector, and an urban area, near which our final camp is located.

We wake up very early, around 4:00 AM, to begin our climb to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). From this magnificent vantage point, we hope to witness the unforgettable sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,872 ft). Approximately 40 minutes later, we descend into Machu Picchu, entering the citadel from its highest point through the ‘House of the Guardians’. After registering at the control point and leaving our backpacks, we immediately begin a comprehensive two-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own, or opt to climb Wayna Picchu Mountain for spectacular panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys and mountains.

After your captivating visit to Machu Picchu, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. From there, you’ll board a scenic train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where a private transfer will be waiting to take you directly to your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy the evening reflecting on your incredible adventure.

After breakfast at your hotel, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Cusco airport for your onward journey or international departure. This concludes your unforgettable Authentic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Experience.