10 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Get ready to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! We’ll be waiting for you as soon as you arrive in Lima.
Just head for arrivals and look for a smiling PAD representative, who will be holding a sign with your name.
We’ll take you to your hotel and help you with anything you may need to get settled.

Depending on your arrival time, we will spend the night in Lima before continuing our journey.
Then we’ll leave you to enjoy a good night’s sleep – the perfect remedy for a long flight.
Meals Not Included.

Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel before catching your morning flight to Cusco.
The journey is short—less than an hour and a half—but offers breathtaking views.
Watch as the arid coastline gives way to the towering peaks of the Andes, a spectacular preview of the adventure ahead.

Upon arrival in Cusco, our team will be waiting to welcome you and take you on a private journey through the Sacred Valley.
Leaving the city behind, we ascend to the Chinchero Plateau, home to one of the most historically significant towns of the Inca Empire.
The highlight is the imposing stone wall in the main plaza, featuring ten perfectly carved trapezoidal niches.
From here, enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, framed by the majestic Cordillera Urubamba and the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain on the western horizon.
Chinchero is also believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow, adding a mystical touch to this remarkable site.

Next, we visit the salt mines of Maras, an ancient salt-extraction site dating back to pre-Inca times.
Over 3,000 salt pools cascade down the mountainside, creating a surreal landscape still in use today.
Then, we continue to Moray, where mysterious circular terraces form what some scholars believe was an advanced agricultural laboratory for the Incas.

After an enriching day of exploration, we will enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the hotel,
where you can unwind and take in the serene beauty of the Sacred Valley.

Meals: B, L.

Today, you’ll experience the fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern life that makes Peru so captivating as you explore the enchanting Sacred Valley.

We begin in Pisac, a charming valley town famous for its vibrant artisan market. This bustling hub attracts locals and travelers alike, offering an explosion of colors, textures, and aromas. Browse through handwoven textiles, beautifully crafted ceramics, and an array of fresh, regional produce. After soaking in the lively atmosphere, we ascend to Pisac’s stunning Inca ruins, perched on the mountainside. Marvel at the impeccable stonework and take in breathtaking views of the sweeping agricultural terraces that contour the slopes.

Next, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo, a living testament to Inca ingenuity. The ancient town layout, intricate street canals, and solid stone doorways remain just as they were centuries ago. These trapezoidal doors, a hallmark of Inca architecture, symbolized importance and were built to withstand earthquakes.

After the tour, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in the Sacred Valley at a local restaurant, where you can savor regional flavors and relax. Following lunch, we’ll return to our hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you’ll have time to unwind and prepare for the exciting Inca Trail adventure that begins tomorrow.

Meals: B, L.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is consistently ranked among the best treks in the world, and you’ll soon understand why. This incredible hiking route takes you through several distinct ecological zones, from the high desert to lush tropical rainforests, offering stunning natural beauty at every turn. Along the way, you’ll also explore mysterious archaeological sites, often hidden under a blanket of jungle overgrowth, making it feel as though you’re discovering them for the first time. But of course, the greatest reward comes at the end—the magnificent Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas.

With PAD, you can be assured that your experience on the Inca Trail will be both safe and enjoyable. You’ll be accompanied by expert guides and supported by a dedicated team of staff members who will ensure your comfort.

Native Quechua porters will help carry your luggage, and you’ll be treated to delicious, hearty meals to keep your energy levels high throughout the trek. For added comfort, we also provide portable hot showers and massage services—perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking. Be sure to ask for these services if you’d like a little extra pampering!

One of the highlights of today’s journey is the outdoor lunch and dinner. Dining al fresco in the middle of the beautiful Andean landscape is an experience you truly won’t want to miss. Enjoy a flavorful, freshly prepared meal while surrounded by the majestic mountains and breathtaking scenery.

From the hotel, we’ll transfer you to the start of the trek at Km 82, where you’ll meet your porters and receive all the necessary equipment for the journey. The first section of the trail takes you through semi-arid terrain along the Urubamba River, offering magnificent views of the towering snow-capped mountains. We will then leave the valley behind and follow the Kusichaca River toward our first campsite at Huayllabamba, situated at 9,842 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level.

Meals: B, L, D.

Start your day by fortifying yourself with a hearty breakfast, preparing for the challenging ascent up the Warmihuañusca Pass, which sits at an impressive 4,224 meters (13,860 feet) above sea level. The climb is steep but the reward is worth it. From the top of the pass, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the trail that stretches across the valley and leads to the small Inca complex known as the Runkurakay ruins.

As you descend the other side of the pass, the scenery changes dramatically. The descent will take you through a beautiful gorge, and once we reach the end of this stunning route, we’ll stop to settle into our second campsite, Pacaymayo, located at an altitude of 3,405 meters (11,181 feet).

By now, after two full days of trekking, your muscles might start to feel the strain. This is the perfect time to enjoy the luxury of a hot shower and indulge in a massage to soothe those tired muscles and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Meals: B, L, D.

Your private tour of the Inca Trail continues today as we depart from Pacaymayo. We begin with a short but steep climb up a zigzagging path that leads to the Runkurakay circular ruins, which you may have glimpsed earlier in your journey. With no signs of modern life—only the ancient forests and towering hills standing watch—it’s a place where you’ll feel especially connected to nature. After a brief rest, we’ll continue our trek, heading towards the most well-preserved section of the Inca Trail.

A short climb up a flight of steps brings us to the impressive Sayacmarca ruins, situated at an altitude of 3,640 meters (11,946 feet). This remarkable site seems to defy the imagination, as it’s hard to fathom how the Incas could have constructed such a complex in such a remote and stunningly scenic location. From here, we’ll follow the ancient stone road, descending into the jungle and trekking through a canopied ‘tunnel’ that leads us to our next stop: the Phuyupatamarca campsite.

Having completed much of this challenging trail, it’s time for a well-deserved reward. Celebrate the success of your adventure with a toast before dinner, and then kick back to relax. Tomorrow, we’ll tackle the final leg of this epic journey!

Meals: B, L, D.

Today marks the final leg of your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu journey. The day begins with a descent past the often cloud-covered Phuyupatamarca ruins, located at an elevation of 3,670 meters (12,045 feet). After about three more hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna, a name that means “forever young” in Quechua. This is the penultimate Inca site along the trail, and it’s famous for its stunning terraces that cascade down the mountainside like a giant staircase.

We’ll spend some time exploring Wiñay Wayna before continuing on toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu.

As you arrive at Machu Picchu, you’ll be elated to have reached this cherished site! The views are breathtaking, with the ever-changing clouds and lighting giving the citadel an almost otherworldly appearance. After a delicious meal, you’ll enter the site with your private guide for an afternoon of exploration.

After a day of discovery, you’ll be glad to know you won’t have far to go to rest. Enjoy a luxurious stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located next to the Machu Picchu site, offering exclusive access to this New World Wonder.

Meals: B, L, D.

Lace up your hiking boots once more, as today we revisit Machu Picchu to explore any areas you may not have covered the previous day. Your guided tour will last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving you deeper insight into the rich history and remarkable architecture of this New World Wonder.

For the adventurous, we have secured exclusive hiking permits for Huayna Picchu, the towering 2,720-meter (8,923-foot) peak that forms the iconic backdrop of Machu Picchu’s classic postcard image. This exhilarating hike takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to ascend, rewarding you with 40 minutes at the summit to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views. The descent takes about 1 hour, requiring careful footing along steep and narrow trails—an unforgettable experience that offers a unique perspective of the ancient citadel.

After completing your hike, we’ll descend to Aguas Calientes via Consettur’s official buses, where we’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch. Later, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to Cusco, where you can unwind and enjoy a peaceful evening at your hotel.

Important Note: Due to high demand, permits for Huayna Picchu must be reserved well in advance. Availability is limited, and early booking is essential to secure your spot for this exclusive hike.

Meals: B, L.

Today, you’ll dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of Cuzco, a city that seamlessly blends the past with the present. Walking through its historic streets, you’ll notice ancient Inca stonework, grand colonial architecture, and bustling modern life coexisting in a fascinating mix. With your private guide, you’ll uncover the layers of history that have shaped this remarkable city.

Your walking tour begins with a visit to the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cuzco. Here, you’ll admire the imposing Cusco Cathedral, built atop the foundations of an Inca palace. Continuing through the city, we’ll explore Hatun Rumiyoc Street, where you’ll stop at the famous 12-Angled Stone, a testament to the Incas’ incredible masonry skills.

Then, we’ll make our way to the charming San Blas neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, artisan workshops, and bohemian atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll pass by Plazoleta Nazarenas, home to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Andean artifacts.

Once your guided tour concludes, you’ll have the afternoon free to continue exploring on your own or relax at your hotel. If you’d like to extend your tour, we recommend visiting the San Pedro Market, where you can immerse yourself in the colors, aromas, and flavors of Cuzco’s traditional cuisine.

Optional Extension: You can enhance your private tour by visiting the four nearby Inca ruins:

• Sacsayhuamán – A massive fortress with colossal stone walls that offers panoramic views of Cuzco.
• Q’enqo – A mysterious ceremonial site featuring intricate carvings and underground altars.
• Puca Pucara – A red-hued military outpost with impressive stone terraces.
• Tambomachay – A fascinating water temple believed to have been used for Inca rituals.
• Ask your PAD Travel Designer to include this extension in your personalized itinerary.

Meals: B.

In the morning, we will take our return flight to Lima. Upon arrival, and depending on the schedule of your international flight, we will begin a half-day city tour, exploring the contrasts between historic and modern Lima.

Our tour starts in the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will walk through the Main Square, surrounded by impressive colonial buildings such as the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Cathedral of Lima. Next, we will visit the San Francisco Convent, famous for its stunning Baroque architecture and its mysterious catacombs, which served as an old cemetery during colonial times.

Continuing our tour, we will head to the modern and cosmopolitan district of Miraflores, where we will enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from the iconic Park of Love and the Miraflores boardwalk. We will also explore the elegant district of San Isidro, home to the historic Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca ceremonial center that stands out in the middle of the city.

During the tour, our guide will provide recommendations for lunch and dinner based on your preferences.

At the end of the tour, we will transfer you to your hotel so you can rest before your international flight, which departs at night.

Thank you for trusting us to discover the magic of Peru. It has been an honor to accompany you on this incredible journey, filled with history, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments. We hope to see you again to explore more wonders of our beautiful country together. Have a great trip and see you soon!

Meals: B.