Complete Inca Trail

Hike 25 miles of the Inca Trail and explore one of the Incas' greatest legacies: the "Lost City" of Machu Picchu, nestled high in the mountains of the Andes.  This tour also includes visits to Cuzco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, tour of Sacred Valley's towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.  All tours depart weekly upon arrival in Lima on a Friday. 

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Friday) - Lima

Arrive in Lima where you will be transferred to your hotel.  If time permits, you might be able to arrange at the hotel for a quick visit on your own to some of Lima’s cultural sites. 

Day 2 (Saturday) - Sacred Valley; Pisac & Ollantaytambo

After breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Cuzco (11,152 ft.).  Upon arriving in Cuzco you will visit the Sacred Valley (9,350 ft.) and experience the rich colors of its traditional towns and ruins.  Through the scenic countryside we will make our way to the town of Pisac.  Our day will come to a close at the town of Ollantaytambo.  Here, you will visit the site of the beautiful rose-colored stone ruins where the Incans fought against the Spaniards. (B, L)

Day 3 (Sunday) - Ollantaytambo - Wayllabamba (9,679 ft.) - Hike #1

Depart early in the morning from the hotel to rendezvous with our quechua porters.  From Km. 82 (9,072 ft.), we hike along the bank of the Vilcanota River and views of the magnificent peaks of the Nevado Veronica (19,000 ft.).  The overnight camp is on a terrace at Wayllabamba (9679 ft.). This is a 9.9 mile hike (6 hours trek).  Note: All camp gear is carried by the porters.  You only have to carry a light backpack with personal essentials. (B, L, D)

Day 4 (Monday) - Wayllabamba - Pacaymayu (11,967 ft.) - Hike #2

We climb through the magical Polylepis forest to high camp at  Pacaymayu (11,967 ft.).  Today is one of the most demanding days of the trip as we climb to higher altitudes.  The first pass at 13,750 ft., Warmiwañusca, offers views east to the Huayanay peaks and west into rugged Vilcabamba range.  Camp at Pacaymayu after the 5.4 mile hike (6.5 hours). (B, L, D)

Day 5 (Tuesday) - Pacaymayu - Wiñayhuayna (8,695 ft.) - Hike #3

We cross the second pass at 13,100 ft., and follow a fine Inca highway to the restored town site of Sayaqmarka.  The Inca trail in this section is made up of white granite, crossing through a thick mountainside forest.  We will visit the ruins of Phuyupatamarka (12,460 ft.), then descend to Wiñayhuayna to our campsite.  Estimated time of 7 hours to cover 6.25 miles. (B, L, D)

Day 6 (Wednesday) - Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.) - Hike #4

Early in the morning, we will descend from mountain forests into the high jungle habitat.  Orchids and hummingbirds are common along this spectacular section of the trail high above the river.  We arrive at the Gate of the Sun for our first view of Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.).  Then, we stroll down the Royal Road and at last, enter the lost city of the Incas; Machu Picchu.  Overnight we will rest at a local hostel in Aguas Calientes or "Hot Springs" and enjoy the natural hot springs near the town. (B, L, D)

Day 7 (Thursday) - Machu Picchu - Cuzco - Hike #5

Return early to Machu Picchu for a morning guided exploration.  There will be time left for you to climb Wayna Picchu or revisit some of your favorite sites within the citadel of Machu Picchu..  During the afternoon we will take the train and bus back to your hotel in Cuzco. (B, L)

Day 8 (Friday) - Cuzco

Today you will explore Cuzco, called by some the “ Belly button of the World.” In the morning you will enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful city and nearby ruins.  You will have the afternoon free to shop and walk Cuzco's streets at your own pace. ( B)  

Day 9 (Saturday) - Cuzco - Lima

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Lima's international airport. (B)  

Please note: Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown, in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner