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Take the journey on one of the most famous treks on the planet as you trek the classic Inca Trail along 'The Way of the Incas' and reach the famous Incan ruins at Machu Picchu. The trek combines the acclimatisation day of another route we use as well as taking the lung-busting challenging route over Dead Womens Pass at almost 4200m. You'll pass through numerous Incan ruins, journey through ancient cloud forests and along numerous scenic mountain valleys before you finally reach the BIG ONE, the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. A huge tick off the bucket list along an absolute classic of a trekking trail.
Machu Picchu is one of the awesome treks in Latin America. As with all of our treks, acclimatisation is super important and we've included an acclimatisation day before we start the trek itself to get our bodies used to the high altitude. As we trek along the Inca Trail we'll be heading over Warmiwañusca (aka 'Dead Woman’s Pass'.) This is the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,198m (13,769 ft). The ultimate goal is the historic Inca settlement of Machu Picchu. We will spend time exploring this mystical place and soak up the atmosphere before we head down to Cusco and celebrate a successful trek.
Join us on the Machu Picchu Inca Trail
Welcome to Peru!
Today you will fly into the beautiful city of Lima.
Once you land, you can walk to the airport hotel, Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel which is in front of the airport, where you will spend the day and night (depending on your arrival time) before heading to Cusco the next morning, your launching point for the trek ahead.
If you arrive early, you’ll have free time to enjoy a meal with your group and explore!
Accommodation: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel
One of our team will transfer you to the Lima airport for your flight to Cusco, the former capital of the Incas. We'll then whisk you from Cusco airport to the hotel where you will meet up with the rest of your group who will be just as excited as you are to get trekking!
Today is arrival day which is another opportunity for you to explore your surroundings and the amazing city of Cusco. You can check out San Pedro where there will be a lot of local activities and always a great photo opportunity. You could even visit San Blas (the historic & artistic neighbourhood). It's the city's most picturesque district with its narrow and steep streets, and colonial houses built with walls of Incan stone. There you can find the 12 Angles Stone, Plaza la Armas and finally Qorikancha (Sun temple), the sacred centre of the Incan world.
There is heaps to see depending on what time your flight arrives. But don't fret if you're short on time because tomorrow you'll be taken on a guided tour to see the best of Cusco!
Later you'll be greeted in the evening for your trip briefing about the rest of the trip and meet up with your guide!
Night to relax and chill in and around Cusco.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco (Tikka Wasi or similar)
Time to explore magical Cusco! This beautiful city has an interesting history, both from Incan and colonial times. You start this half-day tour in Cusco’s main square, which was called Huacaypata (Warriors Square) by the Incas. While the guide tells you more about the history of this special place, you can admire the city’s cathedral that was built between 1560 and 1664 with the red granite stones from the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
The cathedral is, without doubt, one of the most impressive buildings in Cusco, and not only from the outside: the historical buildings hosts one of the most significant collections of gold and silver work of the colonial period. Next, you continue to Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo. The convent was built on top of the most important Inca temple dedicated to the worship of the sun, with walls covered with gold leaf. Wandering through the streets of what once was the capital of the Inca Empire, you feel like you are travelling through time.
After exploring Cusco, you will head to the nearby Incan ruins, such as the Sacsayhuaman Fortress with its immense temple walls made out of huge stones. The Living Stones of Sacsayhuamana which were built by the Incas have been placed without glue or mortar of any kind, and fit so exactly, like puzzle pieces, that you can't even fit a sheet of paper between them! It's a mystery how they built these HUGE vast structures so perfectly. You think Stone Henge is a mystery?! - The stones here make our henge look like pebbles thrown on the floor. You'll also check out the red fort Puca Pucara; the Qenko Amphitheater, and Tambomachay - the Inca baths.
Today is a real treat as we head out on our first trek of the trip to an area just outside of Cusco. We will trek from 3750m to 4400m before dropping back down to Cusco later that evening. This is part of our tried and tested ‘Hike high, sleep low’ strategy that’s enabled our EverTrekkers to get used to the altitude on all of our treks.
You'll be on the trails for around 8hours trekking through mountain passes, fields, lakes and small Peruvian settlements. Once reaching the high point at 4400m, we'll spend a bit of time here so your body can feel the altitude which will pay dividends over the next few days when you're trekking on the Inca Trail.
One heck of an acclimatisation day!
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco (Tikka Wasi or similar)
The Journey Starts here - We'll get up early and have your breakfast on the go as we take the spectacular early morning drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once we cross the bridge and hit the trails, you'll step onto one of the most famous and historic treks on the planet. The Inca Trail!
Today's route will take us along the Urubamba river, passing Inca farming terraces with the towering peaks above providing company for the journey along the valley. It's slow and steady today but we'll climb the steep paths to the first awesome viewpoint and the archaeological site of the Inca ruins of Llaqtapata.
We'll spend some time here learning about the location and the history of the place before we continue the trek to the last inhabited village on the trail and the first camping site of Wayllabamba.
Ascent: 275 m / Highest altitude: 2931 m / Distance: 11 Km / Activity duration: 6 hrs
Accommodation: tent
We start early as we climb the steep section and path to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass.) This is the highest point of the Inca Trail trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). The trail traverses an open slope opposite mighty mountain crags as you climb up and up. The Inca steps seen here are something to behold and once on top of the high pass the views of the sweeping snow-capped peaks of the Huayanay massif are something special.
The plan for our EverTrekkers is to reach the camp at the bottom of Pacaymayo valley by early afternoon with heaps of time to sit back, rest and get ready for the next day's trekking.
Ascent: 1263 m / Descent: 607 m / Highest altitude: 4194 m / Distance: 10 Km / Activity duration: 7 hrs
Accommodation: tent
You'll start another early day as we ascend up a steep Inca stairway and pass our first Inca site of the day at Runkuracay. We'll then climb over another high pass named after this site, Runkuracay mountain pass (3,954 m). The views from this vantage point are superb with the mountains above and the valley below so get that camera out and start clicking away.
You'll descend to another Inca ruin called Sayacmarca or “Inaccessible Town” (3,597 m). This place is awesome with an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley below.
This is where you really start to appreciate the creation of this awesome stone trail with these huge granite paving stones guiding you through the forest and mountain valley. It's really something to behold and experience as you realise where you are!
As the day continues you'll climb your third mountain pass of Phuyupayamarca pass (3,656 m) where you'll enjoy the views from the Incan viewing platforms overlooking the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca or “Cloud-level Town”. You really are in the clouds as the mist comes off the mountainsides during the late morning.
The final Incan stairway of the day leads us to the campsite for the night at the ruins of Wiñay Wayna or “Forever Young” (2,720 m) which is one of the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites. Enjoy some time exploring before settling down for the big and early day tomorrow
Ascent to Runkuracay pass: 367 m / Descent to Sayacmarca: 357 m / Ascent to Phuyupayamarca: 59 m / Descent to Wiñay Wayna: 975 m / Highest altitude: 3,954 m / Distance: 11,1 Km / Activity duration: 8 hrs
Accommodation: tent
It's a super early start as we aim to reach the awesome Intipunku 'Sun Gate' before sunrise so we'll get up at 3:30am, grab a bite to eat then trek between 2-3 hours to one of the best views of Machu Picchu. If you've ever seen any images of Machu Picchu(Unless you've been hiding under a rock for 100 years) you will know the 'Classic Signature' shot from above. This is where you'll come out and enjoy the awesome views of the famous citadel below.
Once we are here we'll have a couple of hours to explore the ruins themselves. It's surreal being in the place walking amongst the old houses and courtyards and wondering how the heck did they build all of this with the technology they had at the time. It really is something to behold.
Once we have the tour of Machu Picchu, we'll get the bus down to Aguas Calientes and take the cool train ride to the cute village of Ollantaytambo where we will stay for the night in a hotel.
What a day! A HUGE tick off the bucket list and I guarantee you'll be digging your way through Wikipedia to learn about the Incans and Machu Picchu. The place certainly leaves it's mark on you and memories that will last a lifetime.
Ascent: 29 m / Descent: 290 m / Highest altitude: 2710 m / Distance: 5 Km / Activity duration: 3 h
Train Ride - 1 1/2 Hours Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
After a wholesome breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Ollantaytambo and you will head to the famous Ollantaytambo Ruins in the Sacred Valley. This is an awesome place to hike around for the day and pick up some cool souvenirs!
You'll visit Hanan Huacaypata, one of the best-preserved parts of this Inca territory as well as the colourful Pisac Andean market which offers you deeper insights into the local culture, while enjoying the traditional clothing of the people of this region which attracts thousands of visitors from remote villagers in the area.
Elevation: Ollantaytambo (2792 m) - Cusco (3400 m)
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco (Tikka Wasi or similar)
You've had an incredible journey, you've probably made some awesome new friends and you've got a bucket load of stories to tell the folks at home about your adventures!
The adventure is over but the memories will last a lifetime. On this day, we will transfer you back to Cusco airport for your departure back to Lima and your homeward journey.
Included meals: Breakfast
Rainbow mountain is a stunning natural wonder at an altitude of 5200 meters so if you are like us Yetis, it offers the perfect blend of altitude, scenery and adventure!
The views in the entire area are something special. Not just Rainbow Mountain but the entire surroundings are fantastic with views of the Andes as well as some of the glaciers falling down the huge mountainous valleys. You'll also get to see some of the classic Peruvian wildlife including llamas and alpacas along the trail all looking for that tongues-out selfie.
It is hard to believe that you can experience all this in a single day and be back at the hotel with a cold beverage under the stars back in Cusco.
A cracker of an extension to your Peruvian adventure!
Want to read more about this incredible extension? View the full itinerary here!
Embark on an unforgettable journey and delve deeper into the mesmerizing beauty of Peru by extending your adventure to the serene and awe-inspiring Lake Titicaca. As the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca sits at an altitude of 3,812m and offers an experience like no other. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters and immerse yourself in the captivating cultural heritage of the Uros people, who reside on the famous floating islands made entirely from reeds harvested from the lake.
This incredible add-on is the perfect way to unwind and relax after your Machu Picchu trek. Discover a different side of the Andes as you journey to Lake Titicaca, where you'll witness stunning landscapes and enjoy a more leisurely pace of travel. Explore the fascinating Uros floating islands and interact with the welcoming locals, gaining insight into their unique way of life.
So why not enhance your Peruvian adventure and embark on this enriching extension to Lake Titicaca? You'll come away with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty and cultural richness of this incredible country.
Want to read more about this incredible extension? View the full itinerary here!
Want to know everything you need to know about this incredible adventure? Read our beginners guide here.
Despite its reputation as a challenging trek, the Machu Picchu hike is accessible to hikers of all levels, including beginners. With the right preparation and mindset, anyone can conquer these legendary trails and experience the awe-inspiring wonders of the Inca civilization.
While the Machu Picchu hike is accessible to beginners, it's essential to be in good physical condition before embarking on the trek. Our best advice is to put a weighted bag on your back when training, about five kg (weights or water) in your backpack (or 10 kgs if you are feeling extra adventurous), and just go for it and do some miles. If you've just bought some flashy new hiking boots, wear them in as much as you can! You don’t want to be uncomfortable when you are on your adventure. The physical challenge is part of what makes this experience so special.
Want to know more about fitness? Head to our article here to read all you need to know about this epic trek!
Make sure you're up to date with your vaccinations before heading off on the Machu Picchu trek. These include familiar jabs like typhoid, tetanus, and diphtheria, which are recommended every 10 years. Additionally, consider optional vaccinations such as hep B and rabies, especially if you travel regularly to regions where these diseases are present.
Remember, if you book with us then you benefit from discounted vaccinations with Nomad - find more info here.
The best time to hike the Inca trail and the Tomacaya route is between May and October when the weather is dry and the trail is less crowded. Permits for the Inca Trail are slightly less hard to obtain by us at this time due to lower numbers. Permits for the Tomacaya are easier overall to acquire due to its lesser known nature.
The Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi) typically occurs towards the end of June, drawing in crowds to Cusco as people make their way to Machu Picchu. Another peak period for hikers is Peru's national holiday at the end of July, with many choosing to tackle the Inca Trail or visit Machu Picchu via train. If going during this month, choose the Tomacaya over the Inca Trail to avoid crowds on the trail, but it could be busy once you arrive at the highlight of the trip! The dry weather remains decent for tourists throughout August and carries on into September, making it a popular time to visit.
As November arrives, the rainy season kicks off, although trekking conditions can still be ok and the crowds are a little less compared to the summer months.
December brings wet weather and an influx of tourists due to the holiday time, resulting in busy accommodation and flight costs despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions. But January sees a decrease in crowds, although it remains wet, making it a quieter period to visit without the holiday rush.
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