Hey there! Come join me on this adventure along the Inca trail in Peru.
Peru is calling with its wild mountains, ancient ruins, and some of the most breathtaking hikes on the planet. We’ll kick things off in Cusco, exploring the city’s vibrant plazas and historic streets on a guided walk, then head out to the Sacred Valley for a scenic hike from Chinchero, passing through Inca terraces and stopping at a hidden waterfall for a chill box lunch. The real adventure starts at KM 82 where the legendary Inca Trail begins.Four days of trekking takes us past archaeological sites like Llactapata, climbing up to the iconic Dead Woman’s Pass, and camping in the Andes under a sky full of stars. Sunrise at Machu Picchu is the ultimate reward, with a guided tour through its mysterious temples and terraces. As if that’s not enough, we’ll tackle the colorful slopes of Rainbow Mountain for a final adrenaline rush before wrapping up in Cusco. If you’re craving nature, culture, and a serious dose of adventure, you don't wanna miss this.
Altitude awakenings – welcome to Cusco!
Touchdown in the legendary city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the gateway to our epic adventure! After settling into our accommodation, we’ll hit the cobblestone streets for a city walk tour, soaking up the vibrant energy, colonial architecture, and centuries-old plazas that pulse with history. Cusco sits at over 3,300 meters, so take it easy and let the Andean altitude set the tone. As the sun dips, we’ll gather for a pre-trek briefing at the hotel.
Sacred Valley descent – Chincheros to Ollantaytambo
Rise and shine for breakfast and checkout as we leave Cusco behind and transfer to Chinchero, a highland village famed for its colorful markets and Inca terraces. From here, we’ll hike down into the heart of the Sacred Valley, tracing ancient footpaths through dramatic landscapes and lush valleys. Along the way, we’ll pause at a hidden waterfall for a scenic box lunch, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Our journey continues with a transfer to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town with stone streets and towering ruins.
Trailblazers’ start – the Inca Trail begins
After breakfast and checkout, we head to KM 82, the official starting point of the iconic Inca Trail. Spirits high, we’ll trek alongside the Urubamba River, passing through picturesque landscapes until we reach the archaeological site of Llactapata, where ancient terraces and ruins whisper stories of the past. The adventure continues as we hike onward to Wayllabamba, our first campsite, nestled in a lush valley beneath towering Andean peaks. Tonight, we sleep under a blanket of stars, surrounded by the magic of the Andes.
Summit the skies – Dead Woman’s Pass
Fuel up with breakfast, because today’s challenge is legendary: the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,215 meters! The climb is tough but the views are absolutely worth it, with panoramic vistas stretching across the mountains. After celebrating at the summit, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley and settle into our campsite, where the air is crisp and the sense of accomplishment is real.
Ancient wonders – Runkurakay to Winay Wayna
After a hearty breakfast, we set off to explore a string of remarkable Inca sites. First up is Runkurakay, a mysterious circular ruin perched on a mountain pass, followed by the fortress-like Sayacmarka and the cloud-shrouded terraces of Phuyupatamarca. The trail winds through lush cloud forests and past cascading streams, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of Inca engineering. We end the day camping at Winay Wayna, a breathtaking site whose name means 'Forever Young'.
Sunrise at Machu Picchu – the lost city revealed
An early start propels us to the Sun Gate, where the first rays of dawn illuminate the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. The view is unforgettable, I guarantee! We descend for a guided tour of this world wonder, unraveling the mysteries of its temples, terraces, and hidden corners. After soaking in the awe, we board the train back to Cusco, check in to our accommodation, and enjoy some well-earned free time to explore or just chill out in this vibrant city.
Rainbow Mountain quest – colors of the Andes
After breakfast, we embark on an excursion to Rainbow Mountain, famed for its surreal stripes of red, gold, and turquoise; a natural masterpiece sculpted by minerals and time. The hike is challenging but the reward is a 360-degree panorama of one of Peru’s most photogenic landscapes. We return to Cusco in the afternoon, with free time to shop, relax, or savor the city’s lively atmosphere as our adventure winds down.
Farewell, Peru – until the next adventure
One last breakfast together before checking out of our accommodation. We transfer to the Lima airport, hearts and cameras full of memories. The journey ends, but the friendships and stories we’ve collected on this adventure will last forever. Safe travels, and see you on the next epic trip!