Hiking Through History: A 7-Day Quest to Machu Picchu with Darcie

-Welcome to Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire, sitting at a breathtaking 11,152 feet above sea level. After meeting up with your group, you'll head to your hotel to settle in.

-Take this free time to explore Cusco’s charming cobblestone streets, browse colorful markets, or just chill and acclimate with a coca tea in hand.

-Tonight, we kick things off with a welcome dinner at Roots Cuisine, a spot known for putting a fresh spin on traditional Peruvian flavors. Get ready to toast to the start of an epic adventure in the Andes!

-Fuel up with breakfast at the hotel before diving into the Sacred Valley’s rich history and vibrant culture.

-First stop: Pisac, an ancient Incan fortress perched high on the mountainside. This site isn’t just about jaw-dropping views – it’s also home to some of the finest stonework outside of Machu Picchu. Wander through the agricultural terraces and temple ruins before heading down to the famous Pisac Market, where artisans sell everything from handwoven alpaca textiles to intricate silver jewelry.

-After a local lunch, the adventure continues in Ollantaytambo, a living Incan town with massive stone terraces that once served as a strategic military stronghold. Climb the steps of the fortress, hear the stories of Incan resistance against the Spanish, and soak in the energy of one of Peru’s most historically significant sites.

-By evening, we’ll check in at our next hotel, a peaceful oasis surrounded by the towering Andes. This is the perfect spot to recharge before the next leg of the journey.

-Today, the real adventure kicks off! After an early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take a scenic drive to Km 82, the official starting point of the legendary Inca Trail. Here, we lace up our hiking boots, grab our trekking poles, and step into history – following the same path the Incas once used to reach Machu Picchu.

-The first stretch of the trail winds through rolling terrain, crossing the Urubamba River before leading us to our first major archaeological site: Llactapata.

-After a well-earned lunch on the trail, we push forward through stunning Andean landscapes, passing small villages and lush valleys as we make our way to Wayllabamba, our first campsite. Nestled beneath towering peaks, this peaceful spot is where we’ll set up camp, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest up because tomorrow, the challenge really begins.

-Rise and shine! Today is the toughest, but also the most rewarding, day on the Inca Trail. After breakfast at camp, we’ll pack up and hit the trail, beginning our steep ascent toward the legendary Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. At 13,828 feet (4,215 meters), this is the highest and most challenging point of the trek. The climb is no joke, but every step is worth it for the incredible panoramic views from the top.

-After celebrating our victory (and catching our breath), we’ll begin the steep descent into the Pacaymayo Valley, where we’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch surrounded by rugged peaks and misty clouds.

-By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our campsite in Pacaymayo, a scenic resting spot tucked into the mountains.

-Another sunrise, another epic day on the Inca Trail. After breakfast at camp, we continue our journey through some of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Andes.

-First up: Runkurakay, a mysterious circular ruin believed to have been a resting place for Incan messengers.

-Next, we arrive at Sayacmarca, a stunning fortress perched on a cliffside with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.

-By midday, we reach Phuyupatamarca (Town in the Clouds) for a scenic lunch break before making our way to one of the most spectacular ruins on the trek – Wiñay Wayna. Often called Machu Picchu’s “little sister,” this terraced site is an explorer’s dream, with cascading agricultural steps and ancient water fountains tucked into the mountainside.

-As the sun sets, we check in at our campsite near Wiñay Wayna, our final stop before reaching Machu Picchu.

-Tonight, we celebrate our last night on the trail with dinner and a small party – a chance to reflect, share laughs, and soak in the magic of the Andes before the grand finale tomorrow.

-This is it – the moment we’ve been trekking toward. We’ll wake up before dawn for an early breakfast at camp, then set off on the final stretch of the Inca Trail, making our way to Inti Punku (The Sun Gate) just in time for sunrise. As the first light spills over the mountains, Machu Picchu appears in the distance.

-Stepping through the Sun Gate, we descend into the Lost City of the Incas for a guided tour of its legendary temples, terraces, and hidden corners.

-After soaking in the magic, we take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, then board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private transfer awaits to take us back to Cusco.

-After checking back into our Cusco hotel, we’ll gather one last time for a farewell dinner at Nuna Raymi, a beloved local spot known for its farm-to-table Peruvian dishes. It’s the perfect way to celebrate an epic journey, filled with unforgettable landscapes, history, and adventure.

-After one last breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to the Andes.

-With hearts full of memories and legs that have conquered the Inca Trail, we’ll take a group transfer to the airport, marking the end of this incredible journey. Hasta luego, Peru!