CUSCO AND INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 7D/6N

Description

The legendary Inca Trail and the most important city in South America.

Considered one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, the Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime journey through history, nature, and breathtaking Andean landscapes. Over the course of several days, this iconic trail winds through ancient Inca ruins, cloud forests, and mountain passes, culminating at the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu.

Itineario

Our team is going to pick you up at the Airport in Cusco and take to the hotel in the down town of the city.

In the afternoon, you going to begin your journey with a guided visit to Qoricancha or Sun Temple, the most important temple in the Inca Empire, renowned for its magnificent stonework and fascinating history blending Inca and colonial cultures, we going to board our bus and start with a guided visit to the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, known for its enormous cyclopean stone walls and its strategic location overlooking the city of Cusco, continue to Qenqo, a ceremonial site featuring carved stone altars and labyrinthine underground passages, believed to have been used for religious rituals. Conclude the tour at Tambomachay, also known as the “Bath of the Inca,” celebrated for its finely crafted aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls, symbolizing the importance of water in Inca culture.

Overnight in Cusco

Early morning pick-up from your hotel for a scenic drive towards the Sacred Valley, following the course of the Urubamba River and surrounded by majestic Andean landscapes. Begin your exploration at Pisac, visiting its impressive Inca archaeological site perched on a hillside, offering panoramic views of the valley. Afterwards, enjoy a brief visit to the colorful Pisac market, famous for its traditional crafts and local products.

Continue towards Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant, featuring a selection of Peruvian and international dishes.

After lunch, visit the remarkable fortress of Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca military, religious, and agricultural center, notable for its monumental terraces and well-preserved town layout.  Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley

Breakfast and lunch are included

Piskacucho Km 82 – Llactapata- Ayapata

We will pick you up from your hotel around 5:30 a.m., and then we will drive for about one hour to Kilometer 82, the starting point of our trek. After passing through the checkpoint, we will begin our hike. The first two and a half hours of walking are relatively easy, as we will move at a moderate pace until we reach the Inca site known as Patallacta. This ancient site once served as a control post for entry to the citadel of Machu Picchu.

From Patallacta, we will continue hiking for about two more hours until we reach the spot where we will stop for lunch.

After lunch, we will resume our hike for another two and a half hours until we reach Ayapata, located at approximately 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level. During this final stretch, we will pass through two small communities that are still inhabited by local families today.

We will arrive at our campsite around 5:00 p.m., where everything will be set up for you. You’ll have time to relax and rest before dinner, which will be served around 7:00 p.m.

The total distance covered on this day is approximately 8.7 miles (14 kilometers), taking between 6 and 7 hours.

The altitude of the campsite is 3,300 meters above sea level.

The hike is considered moderate in difficulty, with warm weather and occasional winds.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Warmiwañuska – Runccuracay – Chaquiccocha

At the break of dawn, our dedicated team of porters will greet you with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or traditional coca leaf infusion, providing the perfect start to an extraordinary day of exploration.

We will commence our journey with an invigorating four-hour ascent towards the renowned Warmi Wañusca Pass, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, situated at an impressive 4,215 meters (13,829 feet) above sea level. Upon reaching the summit, we will pause to admire the breathtaking panoramic views, capture unforgettable photographs, and enjoy a well-prepared lunch amidst the awe-inspiring Andean landscape.

Our adventure continues with a scenic trek of approximately two and a half hours toward the archaeological site of Runcu Raccay, offering commanding views of the surrounding valleys adorned with cascading waterfalls and ancient stairways.

After crossing the second high pass, we will descend for about one hour to reach the remarkable Inca settlement of Sayacmarca, meaning “Dominant Town.” Here, we will enjoy a brief but enriching guided tour of the site’s fascinating ruins, immersed in the history and spirit of the Inca civilization.

Resuming our journey, we will traverse the magnificent Vilcabamba mountain range, and after an additional 20 minutes of trekking, we will arrive at our carefully selected campsite, where comfort and tranquility await.

As evening falls, guests will have time to unwind, reflect on the day’s achievements, and savor a nourishing and delicious dinner prepared by our expert culinary team — the perfect close to an unforgettable day on the trail.

Over the course of the day, we will cover a distance of approximately 9.94 miles (16 kilometers), with a total walking time estimated between 7 and 8 hours. This section of the trail is considered moderately challenging, with variable weather conditions ranging from cold to rainy, typical of the high Andean environment.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Chaquiccocha – Wiñaywayna

This is one of the most breathtaking sections of the Inca Trail, as the path leads us through the lush and mysterious Cloud Forest. We begin the day crossing the final high pass—Puyupatamarca, located at 3,600 meters (11,811 feet)—a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the winding Urubamba River far below.

From here, the trail descends gradually toward Wiñay Wayna, a remarkable archaeological site and our final campsite. Along the way, the landscape transforms into dense, green forest alive with orchids, birds, and the sounds of nature.

After lunch at the campsite, we’ll explore the terraces and structures of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive and less-visited Inca sites. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the scenery, and reflect on the journey so far. Dinner will be served at camp, as we prepare for an early departure the next morning—toward the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

We’ll start very early, at 3:30 a.m., with breakfast and a heartfelt farewell to our amazing team of porters and cooks. The final checkpoint opens at 5:30 a.m., and our goal is to be among the first to enter. From there, we’ll hike for about an hour until we reach the Sun Gate, also known as Intipunku. This is one of the most anticipated moments of the journey: from this strategic viewpoint, we’ll have a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, as well as the Inca Citadel itself. We expect to arrive at the Sun Gate around 7:00 a.m.From Intipunku, we’ll begin a 40-minute descent to the Lost City of the Incas — the magnificent wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. Once we pass through the citadel, we’ll briefly exit to use the restrooms and store our backpacks.

Next, we’ll begin our guided tour of Machu Picchu, which will last approximately two hours. During this time, we’ll explore the most important areas of this incredible archaeological site.

After the tour, we’ll take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. There you’ll have free time to explore, visit local shops, or simply relax.

We’ll regroup with our guide around 1:00 p.m. for a well-deserved lunch, which is included. After lunch, we’ll head to the train station to board our return train to Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco

Breakfast is included

Our staff is going to take to Cusco Airport

WHAT´S INCLUDED?

  • Private guide services.
  • Private vehicle for all tours.
  • All airport transfers assisted by our staff.
  • Accommodations as described in the full itinerary.
  • Tours as described in the full itinerary.
  • Train tickets according to services described in the full itinerary.
  • Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights
  • All camping equipment and meals during the Inca Trail
  • Additional entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
  • Roundtrip bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance tickets to all visited sites, unless explicitly indicated.
  • Meals as noted in the full itinerary.
  • 24 hrs. support.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDE?

  • International flights. (Ask for rates at info@pathtravelperu.com)
  • Domestic flights. (Ask for rates at info@pathtravelperu.com)
  • Travel insurance.
  • Meals not indicated in the described full itinerary.
  • Tips.

FAQS

The hike is considered moderate to challenging, with steep ascents and high altitudes. Good physical condition is recommended.

The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañuska) at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet) above sea level.

Altitude sickness can occur. We recommend acclimating in Cusco before the trek, staying hydrated, and informing guides if you feel unwell.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided daily on the Inca Trail. Meals include a variety of local and international dishes.

Comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, rain gear, sun protection, insect repellent, water bottle, personal medications, and a small daypack.

We provide purified drinking water at campsites, but it is advisable to bring a refillable bottle and purification tablets.

Yes, a dedicated team of porters and cooks will support you throughout the trek.

Charging facilities are limited; it is recommended to bring a portable power bank.

Alternative transportation options are available in case of emergencies. Please inform your guide immediately.

REQUEST A QOTE

JOURNEY PRICING

The price is fully customizable and can be tailored and flexible to your personal preferences and style, the price is basically based on final accommodation, travel dates, and other custom preferences during the tour.

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