• Peru tour package to Cusco, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
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This Peru tour package shows you the best of Cusco and the Sacred Valley before taking you on the journey of a lifetime along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You’ll trek the ancient Inca Trail through rolling Andean peaks, explore Inca ruins, and learn about traditional culture along the way.

You will start your adventure in Cusco, where you will adjust to the altitude among a fascinating mix of colonial and ancient architecture. Here you’ll explore the city on an expert guided Cusco tour, and then visit the surrounding areas, including the Sacred Valley.

Then you’ll start your journey on the famous Inca Trail. This is more than a hike; it is a journey to the past, during which you will learn about Inca civilization, culture, and society. Your final destination – the impressively beautiful ruins of Machu Picchu – is just as breathtaking as the journey there.  You are sure to leave this tour with a sense of accomplishment and an improved understanding of how the Incas lived and thrived. This Peru vacation is the perfect mix of culture, history, and adventure for the eager traveler.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested in booking the Inca Trail. Only 500 people per day are allowed to enter the Inca Trail and permits are regulated by local authorities. During the high season (June/July/August), it is best to secure your Inca Trail permit at least 5 months in advance. During the rest of the year, it is best to secure your Inca Trail permit at least 3 months in advance. 

Day 1 : Arrival to Cusco & Cusco Tour
Day 2 : Sacred Valley Tour
Day 3 : Begin the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
Day 4 : Inca Trail Trek
Day 5 : Inca Trail Trek
Day 6 : Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco
Day 7 : Departure from Cusco

Day 1 : Arrival to Cusco & Cusco Tour

• You will be greeted at the airport in Cusco by one of our representatives. During the drive from the airport to your Cusco hotel, you will pass many examples of Spanish colonial architecture built upon the remains of ancient Inca palaces and temples. After arriving at your hotel, we advise you to rest for a while to help yourself acclimatize to the altitude.
• Your exploration of this remarkable city starts in the early afternoon with an expert-guided Cusco tour. You will visit many of the amazing archeological sites and wonders in and around the city, including the Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
• You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon to enjoy a relaxing evening. 

Day 2 : Sacred Valley Tour

• Explore the beautiful Peruvian countryside with a full-day tour of the magical Sacred Valley. First you will visit the town of Pisac, famous for its bustling market. Here you will have the opportunity to browse the beautiful handicrafts and Andean garments displayed for sale.
• Next, you will visit the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo. These magnificent ancient ruins serve as great vantage points to look out over the valley. Originally the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti during the Inca Empire, this site later served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui in the Inca´s final rebellion against the Spanish.
• On the way back to Cusco, you will stop in the town of Chinchero. In Inca times, Chinchero was the royal estate of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, the Spanish later built a church here, and today the town is recognized for its Sunday market as well as the production of fine textiles.
• In the late afternoon, return to your hotel to enjoy a relaxing evening. Spend the evening at your leisure enjoying the local cuisine and the hospitality of the Cusco locals. Check out our Cusco Travel Guide for suggestions of great Cusco restaurants. 

Day 3 : Begin the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

• You will be picked up from your hotel and taken on a scenic 2-hour drive through the charming Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where you can enjoy an optional breakfast. In town, you will pick up your trekking equipment and food as well as meet the rest of your trek team. You will then continue by bus to Piscacucho (km 82), where the trail starts.
• Once you cross the Piscacucho Bridge over the Urubamba River, you will start the trek. You will walk on flat terrain along the shore of the river until you reach the small community of Miskay, where you will be able to rest. Continuing on a steeper path toward a high plateau, your efforts will be rewarded by a spectacular view of the Inca ruins of Patallacta.
• Patallacta, "Village in the Heights," is an archeological complex situated at the foot of a mountain on the left bank of the river Cusicancha, a tributary of the river Urubamba. There are many terraced fields here that probably served to feed other settlements and tambos (travelers’ rest stations) along the Inca Trail. The urban sector has more than a hundred structures, as well as an Inca altar called the Pulpituyoc.
• After lunch, you will continue the trek for another two hours until you reach the first campsite of Wayllabamba. This is the highlight of the day as it includes the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota ridge on the other side of the Urumbamba River and the snow-covered Mount Veronica.
• Read our Peru blog post Inca Trail Trek: Sites You’ll See Along the Way to learn more about some of the Inca ruins you may see during your Inca Trail journey.

Hike distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Minimum altitude: 8,860 feet (2,700 meters)
Maximum altitude: 9,840 feet (3,000 meters)
Approximate time: 5 to 6 hours
Gradient: Moderate 

Day 4 : Inca Trail Trek

• The second day is the most rigorous and highest elevation part of the Inca Trail, so you are encouraged to take your time. The walk is arduous, with a long steep climb to the high Abra de Warmiwañusca known as the “Dead Woman's Pass” at 16,000 feet (4,200 meters).
• When starting the hike, you can see the trail ahead of you zigzagging up the mountain. On the trail you will be able to appreciate the change in the surroundings as you pass from the moderate temperatures of the valleys into the arid and cold high plains. Right before the pass in a small plain is a campsite called Llulluchapampa, bordered by two streams of crystal clear water. There is a public bathroom here, and this is also a great resting place before the last stretch over the pass at Warmiwañusca. Beyond it, we descend a winding path of steps that crosses a natural valley to our next campsite.
• Keep your eyes open for wildlife, in addition to the many avian species that live here, you may spot the Andean bear. Also called the spectacled bear for the golden circular area of fur around its eyes, this solitary creature calls the Andean cloud forest home. You will end your hike at the Pacaymayo Valley campsite. Here you will have dinner and take a well-deserved rest after a strenuous day on the trail.

Hike distance: 5.6 miles (9 km)
Minimum altitude: 9,840 feet (3,000 meters)
Maximum altitude: 13,780 feet (4,200 meters)
Approximate time: 6 to 7 hours
Gradient: Challenging 

Day 5 : Inca Trail Trek

• After breakfast, you will start a hike along an impressive and archeologically-rich path. A steep hike will lead you to the Runkurakay Pass. Halfway along the trail, you will encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, an Inca tambo, or lodge, of semi-circular design with a view of the valley of Pacaymayo, “Hidden River,” below. Another steep climb up Incan steps leads to the next pass, which offers spectacular views of the mountain ranges of Vilcabamba and Pumasillo.
• You will continue on to the lakes of Yanacocha and Sayacmarca. Aptly dubbed the "Inaccessible Town," Sayacmarca is an interesting set of ruins located on a cliff with a panoramic view of the Aobamba valley and the snow-covered peak of Pumasillo. This construction comprises a labyrinth of very narrow corridors, some with exits and others without. The only access to the ruins is by a steep, but solid, stone staircase carved into the side of the mountain.
• Continuing on, you will pass Conchamarca, a small, flat archeological complex. Then the trail ascends again and you come to a 65-foot (20 meter) long tunnel with steps carved out of the rock. Continuing the ascent, you will reach the third and final mountain pass of the trek at Abra de Phuyupatamarca. The trail then continues downhill leading to the archeological site of Phuyupatamarca, "The Town in the Clouds." This is undoubtedly one of the most unique towns on the Inca Trail. It is almost always covered in the mist rising from the cloud forest and is located on the side of a ravine looking down into the Urubamba Valley. The site is surrounded by terraced fields and offers beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley as well as the adjacent snowy peaks.
• As the day ends, you will head toward the ruins of Wiñay Wayna or "Forever Young," where you will camp for your final night. The ruins consist of Incan agricultural terraces and are believed to have been a religious center where water was worshipped. Flower enthusiasts will be pleased to see the area’s fabulous pink orchids.
• The campsite on the final night has a simple restaurant and hot showers. Cold beers and a party in the evening are the norm, allowing you to say goodbye to your cook and porters who will leave early the next morning on the train to Cusco. Make sure you get some rest as you will need to wake early the next morning to get to Machu Picchu in time for the spectacular sunrise.
• Remember, it is customary to make a tip pool, which will then be distributed to the team (guide, cook, and porters). A good tip amount ranges $10-$40 USD per hiker. Remember that these tips are voluntary, so feel free to tip according to the service you received.

Hike distance: 9.3 miles (15 km)
Minimum altitude: 8,860 feet (2,700 meters)
Maximum altitude: 1,2960 feet (3,950 meters)
Approximate time: 8 to 9 hours
Gradient: Moderate 

Day 6 : Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

• After an early start with breakfast at 4:30 a.m., you will be on the final leg of the trail by 5 a.m. in order to reach Inti Punko, the Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu for sunrise. The view is awe-inspiring and you can only imagine what the Incas must have felt after their grueling journey to this sprawling temple.
• From here you will descend to the citadel for a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. You will be able to appreciate the intricate stonework carved into the fantastic Andean scenery. The giant stones were hauled by hand to the top of the mountain centuries ago, and yet their foundations still remain. You will have the chance to explore the three zones of this centuries-old city: the urban, agricultural, and adjacent zones. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Principal Bath are only a few of the impressive sights that you will see.
• After your tour, you have the option to explore more of the site on your own and capture some final photos.
• In the afternoon, you will take a comfortable train back to Cusco. You also have the option to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
• Check out our Machu Picchu Travel Guide for more information on what to see and do, as well as Machu Picchu restaurants that we recommend for tasty dining.

Hike distance: 2 miles (3 km)
Minimum altitude: 7,875 feet (2,400 meters)
Maximum altitude: 8,860 feet (2,700 meters)
Approximate time: About one hour of hiking
Gradient: Moderate 

Day 7 : Departure from Cusco

• After breakfast at your hotel, meet your transfer to the airport for your journey home or on to your next destination.
• Alternatively, choose one of our additional exciting Cusco tours, or browse our full range of Peru travel destinations to add on to your Peru vacation plans.

Included

• 3 nights in Cusco in Peru Hotels based on US standards & 3 nights on the Inca Trail
• All tours stated in the itinerary with English-speaking guides
• All transfers and entrance fees
• All breakfasts

With the Inca Trail you will receive:

Transportation:

• Private transport from your Cusco hotel to the start of the trek
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Train Machu Picchu - Cusco (Vistadome Train for 5-star and 4-star packages / Expedition Train for 3-star packages)
• Transfer from Cusco train station back to your Cusco hotel

Camping equipment:

• We use four season Eureka tents with two entrances and capacity for four people (for comfort, only two people per tent)
• Foam mattresses, tables, and seat for each tent
• Food and drink utensils
• Dinner tent and kitchen tent
• First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle

Team:

• Professional, knowledgeable bilingual guide
• A cook to prepare your meals
• Porters to carry provided equipment and food (additional porters are available for rent to carry your personal belongings)

Food:

• High quality meals to provide the necessary energy for this challenging trek
• In addition to three meals daily, you will be given revitalizing snacks
• Hot drinks such as tea and coffee, as well as enough water for your canteens (taken from local streams and boiled while on the trek)

Packing List:

• A hat, sunglasses, and sun block to protect you from the strong sun
• Insect repellant
• Sleeping bag - can be rented in Cusco
• Hiking rucksack – can be rented in Cusco
• A canteen or similar for the trek, as disposable plastic water bottles are prohibited inside the park
• Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes (preferred)
• Enough clothes for 4 days (see our Inca Trail Trek FAQs for a breakdown)
• A small flashlight
• A camera

Optional extras you may want:

• Chocolates and candy. Sugar boosts are great for keeping you going
• You can buy coca leaves and tea for relieving altitude sickness
• Wooden walking sticks to help you climb the trail, trekking poles with metal tips are not permitted as they can ruin the trail.