Welcome to Peru! Let the adventure begin.

Your international flights will arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, Peru. We recommend booking flights so you get to Peru on Day 1 of your itinerary.

This means you will need to depart your home country the day before your itinerary begins to allow time for travel and any connections. Getting a flight that arrives in the morning or early afternoon local time gives you time to settle into your hotel in Cusco, explore the city or rest before the Inca Trail trek begins.

One of our team members will be waiting to whisk you away from Cusco Airport straight to your hotel, where you'll meet the rest of your trekking group throughout the day. They'll be just as excited as you are to start this incredible journey!

Keep in mind that Cusco sits at high altitude, so it’s normal to start feeling the effects as you settle in. Take it easy, drink plenty of water, and give your body time to adjust.

If time allows, you might want to explore a bit of the city. Head to the vibrant San Pedro Market for a taste of local culture or take a stroll to San Blas, the city’s historic and artistic neighbourhood. There's plenty to discover.

Don’t worry if your flight arrives later, tomorrow includes a guided city tour to make sure you see the best of Cusco!

In the evening, you'll meet your guide for a full trek briefing, followed by a welcome dinner with your group.

Time to discover the magic of Cusco.

Today you’ll dive into the rich history of this enchanting city, shaped by both Incan roots and colonial influence. We’ll take you on a half-day tour, exploring Cusco’s main square and impressive Cathedral (which houses one of the most important collections of colonial-era gold and silver artwork), and Koricancha, once the most revered temple in the Inca Empire. As you stroll through the historic streets it truly feels like stepping back in time. It’s the perfect introduction to Cusco’s fascinating blend of cultures and stories

After soaking up the energy of Cusco, it’s time to explore the incredible Incan ruins just beyond the city. You’ll visit the mighty Sacsayhuaman Fortress, famous for its colossal stone walls. These “Living Stones” were crafted so precisely, without any mortar, that not even a sheet of paper can slide between them. It’s one of the great mysteries of the Incan world.

You will also explore the reddish ruins of Puca Pucara, the ceremonial site of Qenko, and Tambomachay, also known as the Inca baths.

This is your chance to dive deeper into the rich culture and history of the Incas while exploring the true heart of Cusco. Trust us, you’ll be buzzing with stories by the end of the day, and you’ll need to tear yourself away from chatting just to make it to bed!

Today is all about acclimatising as we kick off our first trek in the Andes.

We’ll set off to explore the hidden gem of Huchuy Qosqo, meaning “Little Cusco” in the Quechua language.

We'll trek from 3,750m up to 4,400m, before heading back down to Cusco in the evening. This route follows the trusted “hike high, sleep low” acclimatisation strategy we use at EverTrek. It’s a game-changer for helping your body adjust to altitude.

This breathtaking trek is only accessible on foot and takes you through a remote corner of the Sacred Valley, surrounded by jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped Cordillera Urubamba mountains. You’ll hike for 6–7 hours, crossing mountain passes, shimmering lakes, quiet local villages, and open plains. All far off the beaten path.

Once we reach the highest point at 4,400m, the descent is absolutely epic. You’ll follow a restored section of ancient Inca trail through a dramatic canyon, crossing streams via rustic bridges before arriving at a rarely visited Incan site tucked into the hillside.

We’ll take a breather under the shade of Queñua trees (Andean oak), grab some lunch, then continue down a zigzagging path for about 2 more hours to Lamay (2,900m), where our ride back to Cusco awaits.

All in all this is an unforgettable day in the Andes and the perfect way to acclimatise for the journey ahead!

Welcome to the legendary Inca Trail!

We’ll rise early and set off with breakfast on the move, heading on a breathtaking drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As we cross the bridge and step onto the trail, the real journey begins. We’re officially on our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike.

Today’s trek follows the winding path along the Urubamba River, passing ancient Incan terraces carved into the landscape, with dramatic mountain peaks towering above. The pace is steady as we ascend, eventually reaching our first highlight: the stunning archaeological site of Llaqtapata.

We'll pause here to take in the views and delve into the fascinating history of this ancient settlement, once a key stop for Inca travellers.

From there, we continue onward to Wayllabamba, the final inhabited village along the trail and our first overnight campsite, a peaceful spot to rest up for the adventure ahead.

A bright and early start is in order as we tackle one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the Inca Trail: the climb to Warmiwañusca.

Known as ‘Dead Woman's Pass’, Warmiwañusca is the highest point on our Machu Picchu trek, sitting at 4,215m. The ascent takes us along a steep and open trail with dramatic mountain cliffs rising around us. The ancient Inca stone steps carved into the mountainside are both impressive and humbling.

Reaching the summit is a real achievement, and once you’re standing on the pass, you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic views across the snow-dusted peaks of the Huayanay Range. It’s a moment you won’t forget.

From here, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley, where our camp awaits. We plan to arrive by early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to relax, soak in the scenery, and recharge for another epic day on the Inca Trail tomorrow.

Inca ruins, cloud forest, and epic passes abound as we continue deeper into the Andes.

We’ll rise and shine early again as we climb a steep stone stairway toward our first stop: the Inca ruins of Runkuracay.

Soon after, we reach the Runkuracay Pass (3,954m), where sweeping views unfold over rugged mountains and deep valleys. This is a perfect spot to pause, breathe it all in, and snap a few unforgettable shots.

From here, the trail descends to the striking ruins of Sayacmarca or the "Inaccessible Town" (3,597 m), dramatically perched on a rocky promontory. With its maze-like layout of terraces, ceremonial plazas, and irrigation channels, it's a fascinating glimpse into Inca ingenuity.

As we continue, the path begins to feel even more magical. You'll follow ancient granite paving stones through lush forest and high-altitude ridgelines. The craftsmanship and setting of this stone highway are truly awe-inspiring.

Next, we reach our third and final pass of the day, Phuyupatamarca (3,656m), which translates to "Town in the Clouds". You’ll understand the name as mists curl over the ridges and the sky feels just an arm’s reach away.

From here, it’s a scenic descent down a final Inca staircase to our camp for the night: Wiñay Wayna (2,720 m), meaning “Forever Young”. This is one of the most beautiful and expansive sites along the trail, perfect for a peaceful wander before dinner and an early night.

Tomorrow, we reach Machu Picchu, so rest up!

Sunrise at the Sun Gate, and exploring Machu Picchu!

Today’s the big one and it starts early. We’ll be up by 3:30am, grabbing a quick bite before beginning our 2–3 hour trek to Intipunku, the iconic Sun Gate.

Reaching this spot at sunrise is a moment you'll never forget. This is the classic view you’ve seen in photos, Machu Picchu revealed in all its glory below, bathed in the golden morning light. It’s a truly awe-inspiring way to arrive.

After soaking in the views, we’ll descend into the citadel itself and spend a couple of hours wandering through its ancient walls, courtyards, and temples. Walking in the footsteps of the Inca, it’s hard not to wonder how such a magnificent city was built high in the mountains with no modern tools. It’s a surreal and unforgettable experience.

Following our guided tour, we’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes and then hop on a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo, where a comfortable hotel stay awaits.

This part of the Inca Trail trek takes us to the Sacred Valley.

After a hearty breakfast, our guide will meet us at the hotel in Ollantaytambo to begin the day’s adventure in the Sacred Valley.

We’ll explore the impressive Ollantaytambo Ruins, a fantastic place to hike and immerse yourself in Inca history while discovering unique souvenirs along the way.

Next up is the vibrant Pisac Andean market, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of local culture and traditions. Enjoy the colourful traditional clothing worn by villagers from the surrounding areas, making this market a lively and authentic experience that draws visitors from far and wide.

In the evening, we’ll return to Cusco for an overnight stay.

Our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek may be over, but the memories will last a lifetime.

On this final day of the adventure, we will transfer you back to Cusco airport for your homeward journey.

It doesn’t have to end there, though. Why not take a look at our Machu Picchu trek extensions and enjoy a visit to Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca, or the Amazon Jungle? Check out our trip extension options to make your Peruvian adventure even more memorable.