Hike in the footsteps of the Incas

Immerse yourself in the legends, myths, and history of Peru on this classic Inca Trail journey. You'll hike in the footsteps of the Incas, traverse mountain passes with awe-inspiring views of snowy Andean peaks, and explore ancient ceremonial centers including, of course, Machu Picchu, that echo the spirit of those long-ago times. 

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Activities

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

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Hiking the Inca Trail, following in the footsteps of the Incas
  
• Explore the enigmatic stone ruins of Machu Picchu, South America's most awesome archaeological site, and spend two nights at the footsteps of the famous citadel
  
• Visit the major Inca monuments near Cusco, a charming, colonial city and 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

  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

  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.

• Juan de Dios Castillo

  Juan de Dios was born in the northern Andes and raised in Cusco. For the last 16 years he has worked as a guide in the Andes, including Bolivia, Ecuador, and the Galápagos. Juan is comfortable guiding any active trip, be it cultural, trekking, or river rafting. His knowledge of the local Quechua language and his extensive studies in Inca culture provide him with a unique understanding of the Andean people. His love of Peru and easygoing manner make him a great traveling companion.

• 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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