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Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking

Legendary Ancient Villages, the Inca Trail & Cusco

 

Discover the best of Peru, from the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu. Stroll through the ancient back streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cusco. Enjoy awe-inspiring hikes through fertile valleys and highland plateaus to Incan ruins and out-of-the-way villages. Take a picturesque train ride up the narrowing gorge of the Urubamba River. And spend a half day hiking up the classic Inca Trail to the legendary lost citadel of Machu Picchu. This inspiring eight-day trip is the ultimate Peru adventure and a journey you won't soon forget.

  • Enjoy scenic day hikes to ancient fortresses and out-of-the-way villages

  • Experience a half-day hike on the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu

  • Spend a full day exploring Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas"

Contact an Expert

Arrive:

Cusco, Peru

Depart:

Cusco, Peru

Price: from $3,995

Duration:

8 Days

Departures:

See Dates

Group Size:

4-16 Guests

Min Age:

16 yrs

Activity:

Level 3

Hiking 1-3 hours on most days and up to 6 hours on the optional hike to Machu Picchu. You\'ll be at altitudes of up to 11,200\' in Cusco, so you should be in good health and physical condition.
Learn more here.

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

  • Arrive in Cusco

    Day 1

    Arrive in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Meet your trip leader at the airport and transfer to your hotel on the city's main square. Take a walking tour that introduces you to the history of the Inca civilization and its former capital with its ornate cathedrals, adobe walls, carved balconies, hidden courtyards, and cobblestone streets. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at La Feria, a local restaurant located in the Cusco Main Square and offering a great view of the historical center.

    Accommodation: Palacio del Inka

    Housed in a 500-year old mansion, the exquisite Palacio del Inka is located in the historic center of Cusco, just a five-minute walk from the main square. The rooms are beautifully appointed, decorated with Peruvian art, handcrafted furnishings and modern conveniences and comforts, such as LED TV, high-speed Internet access, and comfortable beds.

    Meals: Dinner

  • Native Potatoes and Tuber Wines with Manuel Choque & Archeological Sites

    Day 2

    Start your day with the ultimate foodie experience! Located in Chinchero, half way between Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Agricultural Engineer Manuel Choqque, will welcome us to his home where we will taste traditional uchucuta sauce, made out of Peruvian hot peppers. Learn about Andean tuber wines (made out of ocas and mashwas) and native potato vodka. Lunch today is at Hacienda Huayoccari. This is a gorgeous gem hidden up in the valley, and a true gourmet experience. Afterwards, depart for the Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Learn how traditional Andean textiles are made, and explore the Pisac ruins to witness some of the finest Inca stonework in existence. Then, descend through a network of stairs, walkways, tunnels, and temples down to the town of Pisac and visit its colorful market.

    Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba-Sacred Valley, Peru

    This Inkaterra property is a modern, hacienda-style hotel set on 100 acres in the countryside between Cusco and Machu Picchu. With only 12 rooms and 24 casitas, guests can experience solitude, space, and serenity while taking in breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. The hotel's architecture and interiors reflect the region's cultural history, with colonial furniture, Inca masks, and handcrafted woodwork throughout.

    Activity: 4 hours touring 939' elevation gain & 1,510' elevation loss

    Transportation: 3-hour private bus transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Discover Maras, Moray and Pichingoto

    Day 3

    Embark on a full-day exploration of the Urubama Valley, beginning in Moray with its impressive circular terraces built into the top of a limestone hill. Continue on to colonial village of Maras, where one of the finest salts in the world is extracted. Stop for lunch at Iskay Maras Home. This place is surrounded by an impressive landscape of high mountains and green fields. Afterwards, hike down to the town of Pichingoto where you can learn about the way of living of the local families, before continuing to our hotel to rest.

    Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba-Sacred Valley, Peru

    This Inkaterra property is a modern, hacienda-style hotel set on 100 acres in the countryside between Cusco and Machu Picchu. With only 12 rooms and 24 casitas, guests can experience solitude, space, and serenity while taking in breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. The hotel's architecture and interiors reflect the region's cultural history, with colonial furniture, Inca masks, and handcrafted woodwork throughout.

    Activity: 3-4 hours / 7 miles hiking 1,685' elevation gain & loss

    Transportation: 3-hour private bus transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike Narrow Trails from Pumamarca to Ollantaytambo

    Day 4

    Follow a dirt road high into the Andes, where you'll observe the native Quechua way of life in local villages. Hike an Incan path from a small archeological complex to the Choquicancha agricultural terraces, and enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley below.

    Next, explore the incredibly well-preserved ruins at Ollantaytambo, one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the Inca Empire, and explore the town, which has been inhabited since the 13th century. On the way home, stop to see an artist use ancient techniques to make pottery.

    Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba-Sacred Valley, Peru

    This Inkaterra property is a modern, hacienda-style hotel set on 100 acres in the countryside between Cusco and Machu Picchu. With only 12 rooms and 24 casitas, guests can experience solitude, space, and serenity while taking in breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. The hotel's architecture and interiors reflect the region's cultural history, with colonial furniture, Inca masks, and handcrafted woodwork throughout.

    Activity: 5 hours/6.3 miles hiking with 2,680' elevation gain/loss

    Transportation: 3-hour private bus transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Experience the Legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

    Day 5

    Ride a classic Vistadome train up the narrowing gorge of the Urubamba River. Then, begin your half-day hike along the Inca Trail to the lost citadel of Machu Picchu. After about 2 hours, the valley turns into a cloud-forest canyon. Continue uphill to Intipunku, the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Pause to absorb the awesome view, then follow the trail down into Aguas Calientes and relax at the hotel for the rest of your day. (Optionally, skip the hike, continue by train, and explore the Machu Picchu on your own in the afternoon.)

    Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel-Aguas Calientes

    A village in its own right, Inkaterra Machu Picchu comprises 83 whitewashed casitas set among 12 acres of cloud forest complete with terraced hills, waterfalls, and lush gardens. The individual casitas feature inviting beds and rustically elegant decor. Diners in the first-class restaurant can indulge in Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist, while admiring views over the Vilcanota River.

    Activity: 6 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,640' elevation gain

    Transportation: 1.5-hour train ride

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore Magical Machu Picchu

    Day 6

    Enter the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu by morning light. Take a highly informative tour of the site's main structures and learn about their importance in the lives of the Incas. Take a challenging climb up Machu Picchu's Old Mountain (optional) and be rewarded by breathtaking views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy lunch, then return to the hotel to relax, join an excursion, or stroll the lush gardens, including the world's largest native orchid collection with 372 species.

    Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel-Aguas Calientes

    A village in its own right, Inkaterra Machu Picchu comprises 83 whitewashed casitas set among 12 acres of cloud forest complete with terraced hills, waterfalls, and lush gardens. The individual casitas feature inviting beds and rustically elegant decor. Diners in the first-class restaurant can indulge in Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist, while admiring views over the Vilcanota River.

    Activity: 4 hours/2 miles hiking (optional)

    Transportation: 30-minute public bus

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Take a Scenic Train Ride to Cusco

    Day 7

    Enjoy the morning at your leisure, either taking short local hikes or relaxing at the hotel. Midday, catch the Vistadome train back down to Ollantaytambo. Enjoy a Pachamanca lunch, which is a traditional Peruvian dish based of poultry, potatoes, and vegetables cooked with hot stones and earth, a technique that has lived on since Inca Empire. You are in for a unique experience! After lunch, continue on to Cusco and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, explore Cusco before a festive farewell dinner at a restaurant in Cusco.

    Accommodation: Palacio del Inka

    Housed in a 500-year old mansion, the exquisite Palacio del Inka is located in the historic center of Cusco, just a five-minute walk from the main square. The rooms are beautifully appointed, decorated with Peruvian art, handcrafted furnishings and modern conveniences and comforts, such as LED TV, high-speed Internet access, and comfortable beds.

    Transportation: 3.5-hour train ride

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Bid Farewell to Cusco & Fly Home

    Day 8

    After breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning, depart on homeward-bound flights.

    Meals: Breakfast

show more

Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

What to Expect

 

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

Drawing on over 40 years of experience in the region, MT Sobek can be relied on for expert leadership.

Reason #02

This itinerary truly immerses you in the native culture and provides the most complete introduction to Inca history.

Reason #03

We've put together a trip that includes excellent regional food and the finest accommodations.

Meet your guides

Manuel Luna

Manuel Luna

Manuel started out as a field assistant with MT Sobek more than 20 years ago, and is now considered one of the best trek and tour leaders in Peru. He graduated with a degree in agriculture and when not guiding trips, he raises white corn on a farm in a valley near Cusco. Manuel's knowledge of the local Quechua language combined with his extensive studies in Inca culture, provide a unique understanding of the Andean people. His love of Peru and easygoing manner make him the ideal traveling companion.

Activities

Exploring remote mountain villages on foot, a spectacular train ride, hiking the Inca trail, and discovering the splendor of Machu Picchu.

Lodging

A highlight of the trip, accommodations include a 16th-century convent, whitewashed casitas, and a hacienda-style hotel.

Climate

Mild during the dry season, although it often cools down at night. Temperatures from 55°F-75°F. Jackets are necessary at night any time of the year.

FAQ

Who will meet me on arrival?

You will be met by a MT Sobek representative upon arrival at the airport in Cusco and transferred to your hotel.

Is it safe to drink the water?

We will provide purified water during the trip. We recommend that you bring a water bottle to replenish your supply of purified water along the way.

Do I need to bring walking poles?

They are recommended to give you support and balance.

Do I have to bring hiking boots?

The terrain can be rocky and uneven - hiking boots will help protect your feet.

Are hairdryers available at all hotels?

Yes - all hotels on this program offer hair dryers.

Are there many mosquitoes in Cusco and Machu Picchu?

Some travelers have been bothered by mosquitoes at Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. We recommend that you bring mosquito repellent, and lightweight layers to cover arms and legs.

quechua kid - Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking
group at moray earth works - Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking
morning sun from machu picchu - Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking
ollantaytambo ruins - Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking
llama on terrace - Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking
misty machu picchu - Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking
boots at machu picchu - Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking

Reviews from Trustpilot


This was a "bucket list" trip, and more than lived up to our expectations. We are old-ish, but in good shape, and our guide, Manuel (subtly) made sure we were fit enough for the hike from the last train stop before Macchu Picchu to the Heaven Gate, looking down at an amazing panorama of an amazing place. More than that, he was an extremely knowledgable guide, about everything from the history of the Incas and…

Judith Adler
MT Sobek Guest


The hike was exhilarating! A lot more difficult than we anticipated but certainly worth the trip.

Coleen Matsuno
MT Sobek Guest

Trustpilot

2022

Scheduled Dates

  • May 07 - 14, 2022
    $3,995 price per person dbl occ
    +$1,050 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date
  • Jul 09 - 16, 2022
    $3,995 price per person dbl occ
    +$1,050 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date
  • Sep 02 - 09, 2022
    $3,995 price per person dbl occ
    +$1,050 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date
  • Oct 08 - 15, 2022
    $3,995 price per person dbl occ
    +$1,050 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Go Private

Go Private

Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private Trip.

Choose from the selection of dates below for your group or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.

Call or email us to get the ball rolling.

Private Trip Pricing:

2021 Pricing

4 to 5 guests from $5,495 per person double occupancy

6 to 7 guests from $5,195 per person double occupancy

8 to 16 guests from $4,895 per person double occupancy

2022 Pricing

5 to 7 guests from $4,195 per person double occupancy

	





	

		

			
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Price Includes

		
  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage
	

	

		
Price Does Not Include

		
  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses
	

	

		

			

				
Contact An Expert

				
800-974-0300
			

		

		
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

		

	
	
	



	



				

			

		
				

			

				
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Create Your Very Own Adventure

						
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

					

					

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