Lima to Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tour: 11 Days Through Peru’s Highlights

You will be met at the airport upon arrival and transferred to your hotel, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Miraflores. Once settled, you can relax at the hotel or explore the area at your leisure. Miraflores is known for its beautiful parks, trendy galleries, shops, and excellent restaurants.

Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima is the oldest capital city in South America, with a stunning mix of Spanish Colonial and 19th-century European architecture. If you have some free time, we recommend visiting the Museo de La Nación or the Larco Herrera Museum, where you can delve into Peru’s rich history and pre-Columbian art.

Take this day to rest and acclimate to the time zone before embarking on your exciting adventure through Peru.

Meals: N/A.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred from the airport to our hotel, located in the historic center. After check-in, you’ll have a short initial briefing followed by a few hours of rest, which is essential for successful acclimatization before your hike along the Inca Trail.

In the evening, you’ll have a more detailed briefing to discuss the aspects of the itinerary, with particular focus on the trek ahead. This is an important session to ensure you’re well-prepared for the adventure.

Meals: B.

Today, we will explore the fascinating city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Walking through its historic streets, we will discover impressive Inca walls, colonial churches, and grand palaces, such as the magnificent Cusco Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), which was once the most important religious site of the Incas.

After exploring the city center, we will take a short drive to visit the four most important archaeological sites around Cusco:

• Sacsayhuaman: A massive Inca fortress with breathtaking views of Cusco.
• Q’enqo: A mysterious site with carved stone altars and tunnels.
• Puca Pucara: An ancient military outpost with spectacular landscapes.
• Tambomachay: A sacred site known for its intricate water fountains.

After a full day of cultural immersion, we will return to our hotel in Cusco to rest and prepare for the next adventure.

Meals: B.

Leaving Cusco behind, we will journey to the Chinchero Plateau, an important town during Inca times. In its main plaza, we will admire a massive Inca stone wall featuring ten impressive trapezoidal niches. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Urubamba mountain range and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the horizon. Chinchero is also believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow.

Next, we visit Maras, a fascinating pre-Inca salt-producing center. Over 3,000 salt pools are carved into the mountainside, creating a surreal and picturesque landscape. Then, we continue to Moray, where we’ll discover the enigmatic circular terraces. Some scholars believe these terraces functioned as an ancient agricultural laboratory for the Incas.

After a morning filled with history and spectacular scenery, we will enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Finally, we will head to our hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you can relax and soak in the beauty of this special region.

Meals: B, L, D.

Today, we continue discovering the beauty and history of the Sacred Valley, which follows the course of the famous Urubamba River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon. Throughout our journey, we will visit some of the most captivating citadels, fortresses, and temples scattered along the valley.

One of the highlights of the day is Ollantaytambo, an impressive archaeological site known for its massive terraces and strategic military, religious, and agricultural significance. The village itself is a fascinating blend of Inca and Colonial architecture, with its original street grid still intact.

If time and weather permit, we will enjoy some short walks in the valley, an excellent way to prepare for the upcoming Inca Trail. In the evening, we will return to our hotel to finalize preparations for our trekking adventure.

Meals: B, L, D.

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in the Sacred Valley for the drive to Chilca or Piscacucho (Km 82), the starting point of the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail. Here, we will meet our trekking team, including our guide, cooks, porters, and camp staff, before setting off on this ancient route, known as the Royal Highway of the Incas, built more than 500 years ago.

The first day of trekking consists of approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking. We follow the course of the Urubamba River, making our way to the archaeological site of Patallacta (2,750m / 9,020ft), an ancient Inca city built on a series of terraces below the trail. From here, we continue along the narrow valley of the Cusichaca River before reaching our campsite near the village of Huayllabamba. By staying at this campsite, we avoid the crowded sites within the village, ensuring a more peaceful night.

Important: Due to new regulations set by the Peruvian authorities, the actual trek itinerary and campsites may be subject to changes.

Meals: B, L, D.

In the morning, we continue our trek up the narrow valley, following the left bank of the river, which originates from the majestic Salkantay Glacier. As we ascend, the landscape begins to change, revealing stunning Andean scenery.

We then start a challenging ascent towards the highest point of the trek: Warmihuañusca Pass (4,200m / 13,700ft), also known as “Dead Woman’s Pass.” After taking a well-deserved rest and admiring the breathtaking panoramic views, we begin a steep descent into the Pacamayo Valley, where we will set up camp for our second night on the Inca Trail.

Meals: B, L, D.

Today marks the longest day of our trek. After an early breakfast at our Pacamayo Valley campsite, we begin our ascent toward the fascinating Runkuraqay ruins and continue up to Cochapata, just below the second pass at 3,900m (12,800ft).

From here, we cross the pass and descend past a small, mysterious green lake before reaching the impressive Sayacmarca ruins. Our journey continues to the third pass at 3,800m (12,450ft), which offers spectacular views of the deep Urubamba River gorge, more than 1,700 meters below.

Shortly after, we reach the Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,700m / 12,140ft), meaning “City in the Clouds.” We then descend along one of the best-preserved sections of the Inca Trail, with its grand granite walls and staircases, leading us into the lush high jungle.

Our final campsite is at Wiñay Wayna (2,679m / 8,790ft), a beautiful archaeological site and our last stop before reaching Machu Picchu.

Meals: B, L, D.

After an early breakfast, we embark on the final stretch of the Inca Trail, leading us to the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate). This awe-inspiring viewpoint stands majestically above the legendary Machu Picchu (2,400m / 7,900ft). The first sight of this ancient citadel is truly breathtaking!

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its remarkable temples, terraces, and hidden corners. After the tour, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace, with your guide available to provide further insight.

Following our visit, we will have a delicious lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, located near the entrance of Machu Picchu. We then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we will check into our hotel and enjoy a well-earned evening of relaxation.

Important: Due to conservation efforts and new regulations implemented by Peruvian authorities (since July 1, 2017), visitors must follow designated routes and are required to be accompanied by a guide at all times. Entry to Machu Picchu is limited to specific time slots and a maximum stay of four hours.

Meals: B, L, D.

Today, we take the early morning bus back to Machu Picchu for a second visit to this extraordinary wonder. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—an opportunity to further explore the secrets of this sacred Incan citadel with your private guide.

During this visit, you will explore important sectors of the ruins, marveling at the precision of Incan stonework and learning more about the history and mysteries surrounding this site. You’ll also have free time to wander on your own or simply sit back and absorb the breathtaking surroundings.

Optional: Huayna Picchu Hike

If you are up for an additional challenge, you can embark on a hike up Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that overlooks Machu Picchu. This steep trail takes approximately 1.5 hours to ascend, offering a stunning panoramic view of the citadel and the lush valley below. Please note that only 400 hikers are allowed per day, and permits must be secured in advance along with your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.

After an unforgettable day, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, you will be met by our staff and transferred back to your hotel in Cuzco, where you can relax after this incredible journey.

Meals: B, L.

After an incredible journey through the heart of the Incan Empire, it is time to say goodbye. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport in Cuzco to catch your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will have enough time to catch your international connecting flight home or to your next destination.

We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of Peru’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient history.

Meals: B.