Hike in the footsteps of the Incas to the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu

Our trek along the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s classic adventures, a four-day pilgrimage echoing the ceremonial journeys of the ancient Incas. History unfolds before us as we hike up and down steep stone staircases past long-abandoned villages and temples that can only be reached on foot, each ruin more impressive than the last, until we arrive at South America's most awe-inspiring archaeological site, the enigmatic stone citadel of Machu Picchu. Only a limited number of travelers are allowed to make this trek each year, and MTS knows how to do it right. We’ve been leading treks and tours in Peru since 1969, and our trip leaders—all natives of the region or long-standing residents—are the best in the business. Our Inca Trail experience is unlike any other, with two nights at Machu Picchu and ample time before the trek to acclimatize and explore the evocative Inca monuments and out-of-the-way villages near Cusco. This tour is one of our most popular trips (with good reason!), so be sure to book early.

Activities

4 days moderate to strenuous hiking at medium elevation (max. 13,776')

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• See the best of Peru with the Andean adventure experts since 1969!
  
• Make the classic 4-day hike on the famous Inca Trail, following in the footsteps of the Incas—one of the world’s great treks!
  
• Explore the enigmatic stone ruins of Machu Picchu, South America's most awe-inspiring archaeological site, and spend two nights at the footsteps of the famous citadel
  
• Visit the major Inca forts and monuments around Cusco, the charming, fascinating ancient capital of the Incas
  

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Lima End Location: Lima

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Cusco, via Lima

  Meet in Lima, Peru, and fly to Cuzco (11,200'). Afternoon tour of the city, a chance to acclimatize to the heady altitude. Overnight at Hotel Libertador.

• Day 2 : Inca ruins in the Cusco area

  Visit the nearby Inca ruins: the stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the zigzag channels of Kenko, and the water fountains of Tambo Machay.

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  Day 3 : Chinchero, Maras & Moray

  Visit the market town of Chinchero and the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray. Warm-up hike from Maras to the floor of the Urubamba Valley past the evaporative salt pans of Salinas.

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  Day 4 : Visit Ollantaytambo and begin trek

  After exploring the fortress-temple of Ollantaytambo, site of a spectacular Spanish defeat in 1537, we'll begin our Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. We'll arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon of the fourth trekking day, and overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

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  Day 5 : Cross the Warmiwanusqa Pass

  Continue trekking the Inca Trail over the Warmiwanusqa Pass (13,776'), then descending to Pacamayo (11,800').

• Day 6 : Phuyupatamarca

  Continue trek, crossing over Runkuraqay Pass (12,900') and then a third (and last!) pass to camp at Phuyupatamarca (11,906').

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  Day 7 : Arrive at mysterious Machu Picchu

  Trek from Phuyupatamarca to the centerpiece of our adventure: Machu Picchu!

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  Day 8 : Machu Picchu

  Early morning comprehensive tour of the ruins, followed by lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Hotel. Afternoon to explore on your own in Machu Picchu or enjoy the amenities of our hotel (including its wonderful spa!).

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  Day 9 : Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

  Free morning with possible local hikes. Afternoon return to Cuzco by train.

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  Day 10 : Fly home

  Fly to Lima, afternoon free. Depart from Lima.

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  Hotel Libertador Cusco

  Cusco

  Facing the Sun Temple "Koricancha," this romantic, personalized hotel is a traveler's favorite, reaching 11th place on Condé Nast Traveler's list of top South American hotels. Rooms furnished in a classic, traditional style ensure the hotel maintains its serene character despite its central location. 

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  Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

  A luxury boutique hotel just steps from the train, but a secluded natural paradise. Located in the small town of Aguas Calientes on the banks of the Urubamba River, the Pueblo Hotel was rated by Travel + Leisure readers  as a top 500 hotel of the world in 2006. Rustic elegance distinguishes the private bungalows, each with its own fireplace, and the lush gardens are home to orchids, exotic birds and other flora and fauna.

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  Casa Andina Private Collection—Miraflores

  The Casa Andina Private Collection—Miraflores hotel is the top of its class in every aspect. Once the Miraflores César's, Lima’s fondly remembered, original five-star hotel, this modern icon was dramatically transformed in 2008 into the capital’s newest luxury hotel. Its quintessential Limeño flavor reverberates in the exquisite art collection of contemporary local artists and prized colonial-era antiques, in both public spaces and accommodations.

  The 17-story hotel, with views over Miraflores and the Pacific coast, offers 148 sophisticated, contemporary luxury rooms and suites, with soundproofing and LCD flatscreen TVs in every room. First-class amenities include a heated, covered pool and breezy terrace, gymnasium with the latest exercise equipment, prestigious Joop salon & massage room, business center, and 5 multimedia-equipped corporate event & meeting rooms.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Manolo Lazo

  Manolo Lazo is one of Peru’s most experienced adventure travel guides, with more than 15 years of experience leading treks and whitewater rafting trips. A resident of Cusco, Manolo is well versed in the rich history of the Andes as well as the classic trekking routes that follow the ancient Inca trade paths. His knowledge of the country, its people, and traditions add immensely to your appreciation of the trip. Manolo is fluent in English as well as Spanish, and conversant in Quechua—the historic language of the Incas, and he has a gift for instilling confidence in every trekker.

• Manuel Luna

  Manuel started out as a field assistant with Mountain Travel Sobek more than 20 years ago, and is now considered one of the finest trek and tour leaders in Peru. Manuel graduated with a degree in agriculture and raises white corn on a farm in a valley near Cusco.

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