The ancient Inca Empire is known throughout the world for their power and incredible cities. Take the road less traveled on a camping trek along the Inca Trail to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu and walk the path of this majestic civilization. The trip includes all trekking gear with porters, chefs, assistants, and guides to support you along the way, so you can take in this surreal experience. You’ll stop at multiple archeological sites on the trail and have free time in Cusco before and after the trek to get acclimated to the high altitude and explore the city that was once the capital of the empire. If you love to hike and can hack the strenuous terrain, come with us on the trip of a lifetime and discover the beauty of Peru on foot. When you book your trip, you’re also giving back to the local community through Peruvian Soul’s Traveling with a Purpose program. Each traveler’s booking funds the planting and growth of 15 native trees in the Andes and provides students with disabilities a day’s worth of therapy treatment at the Paqari School in Urubamba.
Day 1 · Cusco
Arrive in Cusco
Transfer from airport to accommodation
Check-in at Terra Andina Colonial Mansion (or similar according to availability)
Welcome briefing
Dinner (not included in price)
Day 2 · Cusco
Breakfast
Free day to explore Cusco
Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
Day 3 · Inca Trail
Breakfast and check out of accommodation
Transfer from accommodation to train
Train to Inca Trail starting point
Hike from Piscacucho to Huayllabamba (lunch included)
Dinner
Day 4 · Inca Trail
Breakfast
Hike from Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo (lunch included)
Dinner
Day 5 · Inca Trail
Breakfast
Hike from Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna (lunch included)
Dinner
Day 6 · Machu Picchu & Cusco
Breakfast
Hike to Machu Picchu and guided tour (lunch included)
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Transfer from Ollantaytambo to accommodation
Check-in at Terra Andina Colonial Mansion (or similar according to availability)
Dinner (not included in price)
Day 7 · Departure
Breakfast and check out of accommodation
Free time in Cusco
Transfer from accommodation to airport
Journey ends
Day 1
Welcome to Cusco, Peru – the gateway to your ancient trek along the Inca Trail!
Welcome to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and a bustling city that has a wealth of culture and history. Upon arrival, you’ll take your private transfer to the hotel for a quick briefing, then you’re free to explore the area and get acclimated to the 11,000 ft elevation. Take it slow and enjoy the city, as our luxe hotel is located right in the middle of the historic district in downtown. Grab an authentic Peruvian dinner and let this trip commence!
Day 2
Free day to explore Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Good morning, travelers! Wake up slowly and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before exploring the area. You have the entire day to yourselves, so live it up! If you want to hit the iconic spots of Cusco, head to the Main Square, the San Francisco Church, the Qorikancha Temple, and the San Pedro Market, all of which make this UNESCO World Heritage Site so impressive. You can always book a guided city tour or head to one of the many local museums to learn about Cusco’s history. Don’t be afraid to eat your way through the town, as there are myriad options for Peruvian fare – traditional and modern. You can also take a trip to Cuesta San Blas which features arts and crafts from local makers. Grab a few things for your loved ones back home and enjoy this day to relax and explore!
Day 3
Embark on our Inca Trail journey – Piscacucho to Huayllabamba
Rise and shine, adventure seekers! Today, we’ll check out of the hotel and hit the trail, making our way from Piscacucho to Huayllabamba. After meeting our porters and registering at the trail’s checkpoint, we’ll hike seven and a half miles to the community of Huayllabamba located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First, we’ll cross the Urubamba River and climb the trail until we reach the Llactapata archeological site where we’ll stop for lunch and exploration. Next, we’ll leave the Urubamba Valley and trek uphill towards the Kusichaca River. When dusk hits, we’ll stop, set up camp in Huayllabamba and toast to the end of day one on the trail. Get a good night’s sleep tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll reach the highest elevation on the trek!
Day 4
Trek from Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo
We hope you got a good night’s sleep because today is a big one! After breakfast, we’ll continue on our journey, hiking almost seven miles to our next campsite. The first hour will be the hardest part of the trek, as we make our way to Ayapata and climb over 13,000 ft! We’ll follow the trail to the Llullucha river and reach a rest area where we can buy snacks and use the restroom before heading back into the wilderness. Next, we’ll make our way to Warmiwanusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass), which is the highest point on the trail reaching 13,776 ft! It may be a difficult trek but the views of the mountain range and lush foliage will keep us going. We’ll take some time here to catch our breath and snap some pictures to mark the occasion. Lastly, we’ll make our way down to the Pacaymayo campsite and enjoy a much-deserved meal after a long day on the trail.
Day 5
Journey from Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna and explore multiple Inca sites along the way
Yesterday may have felt daunting, but today is full of idyllic vistas and ancient ruins. After breakfast, we’ll start our 10-mile trek by heading to Runkuraqay, an ancient site with a picturesque backdrop featuring Pumasillo Peak and the snow-capped Veronica Mountain. From here, we’ll start our descent to the archeological site of Sayacmarka with time to explore this impressive place. Next, we’ll pass through an ancient stairway and an Inca tunnel carved from rock that will lead us to Puyupata Pass. Here, we'll take in the sights and enjoy lunch. Once we refuel, we’ll make our way to Phuyupatamarca through the cloud forest where we’ll find some of the most beautiful backdrops this trek has to offer. By dusk, we’ll reach Wiñaywayna, a sister site to Machu Picchu where archeologists believe the ancient Incas rested on their way to the iconic citadel. We will do the same and rest up for our last day of adventure on the trail!
Day 6
Explore Machu Picchu and head back to Cusco
Today is the day we’ve been waiting for! After breakfast, we’ll hike about three miles to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), which rests at the top of the citadel. From here, we’ll catch our first views of Machu Picchu and make our way down into the site. Our guide will take us through the ruins and tell us all about its incredible history, pointing out famous landmarks, such as the Principal Temple, the Royal Tomb, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of Three Windows. After time for exploration, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, the town at the bottom of this incredible place. We’ll board our train and travel to Ollantaytambo, the only remaining inhabited Inca city. From here, we’ll take our private transport back to Cusco and check into the hotel. After a long day, you’re free to enjoy a meal of your choosing and get the best sleep of your life!
Day 7
Head home after an incredible trek
Who can believe our seven days in Peru have already come and gone, but we have so many memories to bring home with us! After breakfast, enjoy free time in Cusco to pick up a few more souvenirs then take your transfer to the airport and start your journey home. We hope you had an incredible time and will come back for more fun. Until then, safe travels!
