Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 8 Days

Arrival – Cusco Airport (3,400 m / 11,150 ft)

Your Peruvian adventure begins as you land at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Our professional driver greets you at arrivals with a scenic transfer past the magnificent Plaza de Armas.

Afternoon – Rest and Acclimatization

Check into your comfortable hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing as your body adjusts to the high altitude. Proper acclimatization is crucial for the upcoming trek.

• Avoid strenuous activity: Take it easy today
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water (3-4 liters)
• Coca tea: Traditional remedy for altitude symptoms
• Gentle stroll: Explore cobblestone streets, artisan markets

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (3,400 m)

Morning – Pisac Archaeological Complex

After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided excursion through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Climb through snow-capped mountain passes before descending into the fertile Urubamba Valley.

First stop is the hilltop complex of Pisac, where massive agricultural terraces cascade down the mountainside. Explore the ancient citadel, then browse the famous artisan market for textiles and silver jewelry.

Midday – Urubamba Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch buffet in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Afternoon – Ollantaytambo Fortress

• Temple of the Sun: Massive rose-colored granite blocks from across the valley
• Living Inca town: Original water channels still flowing after 500 years
• Lower elevation (2,792 m): Excellent acclimatization for tomorrow’s trek

Overnight: Hotel in Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley (2,792 m) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

8:00-8:30 AM – Transfer to Km 82

Today marks the beginning of the legendary Classic Inca Trail. After an early breakfast, our guide collects you for the scenic drive to Piscacucho (Km 82, 2,720 m), the official starting point.

Checkpoint – Permit Verification

Present your passport for permit verification. Meet your complete trekking team: expert guide, camp cook, and porters who will carry all camping equipment.

Begin the Trek

Cross the suspension bridge over the rushing Urubamba River. Trek through eucalyptus groves and past small Quechua farms using ancient terracing techniques.

Midday – Llactapata Archaeological Site

After 3 hours of gradual ascent, enjoy lunch at these impressive ruins. Your guide provides a fascinating introduction to Inca architecture.

Afternoon – Arrive at Wayllabamba

Continue climbing as vegetation transitions to subtropical cloud forest. Your crew has already pitched tents and prepared hot tea. Three-course dinner under the stars.

Overnight: Camping at Wayllabamba (3,000 m) | Trek: 12 km, 5-6 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Early Start – The Most Challenging Day

Hearty breakfast to fuel the steep climb ahead. Today you ascend toward Warmiwanusca, known as Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet).

The Ascent – Through Changing Ecosystems

• Cloud forest: Lush vegetation gives way to humid grasslands
• Puna grassland: Open high-altitude terrain
• Alpine tundra: Only hardy grasses and mosses survive

Take your time, use trekking poles, and follow your guide’s steady pace with frequent rest stops.

Summit – Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft)

The final push rewards you with tremendous achievement and 360-degree panoramic views of snow-capped Andean peaks. Celebrate with group photos at the top!

Afternoon – Descent to Pacaymayo

Steep 600-meter descent into the Pacaymayo Valley. Excellent opportunities to spot exotic birds and orchids.

Overnight: Camping at Pacaymayo (3,600 m) | Trek: 11 km, 6-7 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Morning – Longest and Most Beautiful Day

Cross two more mountain passes and visit spectacular Inca sites that grow more impressive as you approach Machu Picchu.

Runkurakay – Ancient Way Station

Short climb to these circular ruins where Inca messengers (chasquis) once rested. Continue to second pass at 3,970 m.

Sayacmarca – “Inaccessible Town”

Dramatically perched on a narrow ridge, accessible only by stone stairs. Descend past a serene mountain lake.

Afternoon – Original Inca Road

• Engineering masterpiece: Carved into near-vertical cliff faces
• Cloud forest flora: Orchids, bromeliads, hanging moss (250+ orchid species)
• Wildlife: Hummingbirds, exotic birds, possible spectacled bear tracks

Phuyupatamarka – “Cloud-Level Town” (3,680 m)

Five ceremonial water fountains fed by natural springs. Stunning sunset views over the Urubamba canyon.

Evening – Winay Wayna – “Forever Young”

Dramatic 1,000-meter descent on original Inca stone staircases (the “Gringo Killer”) to this breathtaking terraced complex. Your final magical night on the trail.

Overnight: Camping at Winay Wayna (2,650 m) | Trek: 16 km, 7-8 hours | Meals: B, L, D

3:30 AM – The Final Magical Push

Wake for the moment you’ve trekked 43 kilometers to reach. Quick breakfast, then line up at the checkpoint that opens at 5:00 AM.

Dawn – Trek to Intipunku (Sun Gate)

Trek through dense cloud forest as dawn illuminates the mountain peaks. As you round the final corner, the entire Lost City of the Incas spreads before you in golden early morning light.

This first view from the Sun Gate, with far fewer crowds than later, represents one of the most magical moments in world travel.

2-Hour Guided Tour – Machu Picchu Citadel

• Temple of the Sun: Precisely fitted astronomical windows
• Intihuatana: Sundial carved from a single granite piece
• Room of Three Windows: Overlooking the central plaza
• Agricultural terraces: Fed the city’s inhabitants

Afternoon – Aguas Calientes

Bus descent to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Optional visit to natural hot springs to soak tired muscles.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m) | Trek: 4 km, 1.5 hours | Meals: Breakfast

Morning – Second Machu Picchu Visit

Return to Machu Picchu with included re-entry ticket and bus transfer. Many trekkers wake early for sunrise photos from different vantage points.

Optional Activities

• Huayna Picchu climb: 45-minute ascent for aerial citadel views (extra permit, book in advance)
• Sun Gate hike: Walk the Inca Trail entrance for photos without crowds
• Inca Bridge: Visit the ancient pathway carved into cliff face

Afternoon – Return Journey

Board the scenic train through the dramatic Urubamba canyon. Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco downtown.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (3,400 m) | Meals: Breakfast

Morning – Final Breakfast and Transfer

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Cusco hotel before our driver collects you for transfer to the airport.

Onward Journey

Connect with your flight to Lima and international departure.

Optional Extensions

• Amazon rainforest: Manu or Puerto Maldonado
• Lake Titicaca: Floating Uros Islands
• Arequipa: Colca Canyon and condor watching
• Cusco extension: Explore the city’s culinary scene

Services conclude at airport. ¡Buen viaje! | Meals: Breakfast