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Machu Picchu at sunrise

Classic Inca Trail

Example 10 Day Tour
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Walk in the footsteps of the Inca on one of the world's oldest pilgrimages on our classic Inca Trail tour. This 10-day trip which spends 4 days hiking the 26 mile long Inca Trail trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You'll hike up to 13,800 feet in altitude passing Inca ruins and spectacular Andean vistas along the way. To acclimatize for the trek, we will spend a few days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley exploring Inca ruins and bargaining at bustling traditional Andean markets. Combine this tour with an extension to the Amazon rainforest to create the perfect two week Peru adventure trip.
We couldn't get enough of the rainbow!Beautiful Campsite 3rd nightHave you hugged an alpaca today?Off balanceInca TrailOur guide as the sun breaks through the cloudsInca Trail hikeDescending along the Inca TrailOur guide, Vidal, explaining about the ruins found along the Inca TrailTrekking Dead Womans Pass on the Inca TrailLocal kids in the Pisac Market.Inca Trail group of hikersHuayna Picchu rises high behind the Machu Picchu ruins during your Peru tourMaureen Hiking the Inca TrailPisac marketMachu PicchuMachu Picchu seen from the WaynapicchuMarket stalls at La Raya PassDead Woman's PassWalking with our porterDay 4 trek: Breakfast al fresco above the cloudsEnjoying a meal on the trailTravelers spell out P-E-R-UMachu Picchu at sunrise
Highlights
  • Explore Cusco's markets, colonial churches, & textile organizations
  • Trek the Inca Trail, passing through the Sun Gate as you enter Machu Picchu
  • Visit several ruins such as Sacsayhuamán & Pisac
  • Wake early and enjoy watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Challenging
Requires high-intensity physical efforts that push the limits of one's fitness. May include tours with multiple days in a row of strenuous physical activity or single requiring more than 7 hours of activity. Recommended for travelers maintaining a demanding fitness level.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Lima

Arrive to Lima on the flight of your choice today. After picking up your luggage and clearing customs, walk across the street to the comfortable and conveniently located Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel. Settle into your room and rest up for your Peru tour ahead. Your exciting trip is filled with ancient ruins, local markets and hiking through the beautiful Andes Mountains!

Day 2: Fly to Cusco

Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos (Peru's rural farmers) in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. In the afternoon, you'll explore Cusco's largest open market and the adjacent witches' market. After tasting a few unique local foods, visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions (if visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form.

Day 3: Explore Cusco

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. You can visit the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of pickup trucks). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife where live folk music and excellent food abound!

Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas

This morning, journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. The Sacred Valley often becomes one of the highlights of your Peru trip and you will soon see why! You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may also hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today. Visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo where you relax for the night.

Day 5-7: Pilgrimage on the Inca Trail

Walk in the footsteps of the great Inca civilization as you journey along their ancient trail to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Andean history comes to life along this special route as each day you pass ever larger ruins. Notice how the scenery changes from snowcapped mountains to lush green cloudforest. The Inca trail trek is made with pilgrims from all over the world, and your friendly crew of guides and porters will take great care of you along the way.

Trek Details

(Click here for more information)
Day 5 - Kilometer 82 to Huayllabamba
Trek length: 7.8 miles (5-7 hrs) Camp elevation: 9,691 ft
Day 6 - Hiking Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo
Trek length: 5.1 miles (5-7 hrs) Camp elevation: 11,833 ft
Trek high point: Dead Woman's Pass (13,776 ft)
Day 7 - Hiking Pacaymayo to Phuyupatamarca
Trek length: 4.5 miles (4-6 hrs); Camp elevation: 12,067 ft
Day 8 - Hiking Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu
Trek length: 6.9 miles (5-7 hrs); Machu Picchu elevation: 7,875 ft

Some itineraries will hike farther on day seven and camp at a closer location to Machu Picchu, making the hike on day eight shorter. This will be up to the discretion of your Tour Leader and the Peruvian National Park Service. Your Tour Leader will notify you locally of your camping itinerary.

Day 8: Machu Picchu

The group descends 3,000 feet from their campsite at Phuyupatamarca to reach spectacular Machu Picchu in the afternoon. Tour the ruins and continue to the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes) below the ruins. Enjoy one of many excellent local restaurants or end your day soaking in the hot springs after exploring one of the most magical archaeological sites in the world.

Day 9: Free Day at Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco

Today you can return to the ruins at Machu Picchu for further exploration. Depending on your preference in permits, return early with the hope of catching the sun coming up over the mountains at Machu Picchu or arrive in time to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu for incredible views of the entire area. Other options within the citadel include the ability to walk the relatively easy routes to the Sun Gate or the Temple of the Moon.  Alternatively, just walk among the vast expanse of ruins and listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants.   (This basic re-entry permit is included in the cost of this tour.  Further permits may require additional costs.)

Return by train to Cusco with your guide.

Day 10: Fly to Lima and Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Or with more time, extend your trip with a visit to the Amazon or to Lake Titicaca. Click here to see our Peru extensions!

Accommodations

Inca Trail - Campsites

Camping above the clouds = pure bliss

Inca Trail Day 3: Phuyupatamarca

Campsite for Day 3 on Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. Camp elevation: 12,067 ft (3678 m) Hike distance: 4.5 miles (7.3 km) Highest hiking altitude: 13035 ft (3973 m) Two gentle passes today.

Inca Trail Day 1: Huayllabamba

Camp elevation: 9,691 ft (2953m) Day 1 hiking distance: 7.8 miles (12.5 km)
Campsite- Night 2

Inca Trail Day 2: Pacaymayo

Campsite for Day 2 of the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Camp elevation: 11,833 ft. (3606m) Hiking distance: 5.1 miles (8.3 km) Highest altitude: 13,776 ft (4200m), Deadwoman's Pass (hardest day)

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) - Hotels

Hotel Ferre, Aguas Calientes

Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu

Ferre Machu Picchu is strategically located in Machu Picchu town Aguas Calientes, place surrounded by beautiful mountains with amazing flora and the closest access point to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
El MaPi Inn

El MaPi Inn

Situated in the heart of stunning Machu Picchu town, only 3 hours by train from Cusco. The stylish El MaPi offers organic gastronomy and contemporary rooms. Enjoy the unique charm of the hotel while you discover an archaeological wonder.
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Machu Piccu Sanctuary Lodge

Sanctuary Lodge

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is one of the world's most important heritage sites; the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a magical place of unforgettable sunrises and shimmering, moonlit nights. Set in its own gardens and the only hotel in such close proximity to the magical ruins, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge offers twenty-nine well-appointed rooms and two suites.

More Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) Hotels

At the foot of the mighty mountain that hosts the renowned Machu Picchu ruins is a small town called Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as "Aguas Calientes").

Lima - Hotels

Costa del Sol, Lima Airport

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport

This hotel has recently opened outside the international arrivals area at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport, making it a convenient option if you have a late arrival to Lima or an early departure the next day.
Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro Lobby

Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro

The hotel is situated just one block from Kennedy Park, right in the heart of Miraflores. Guests can easily walk to the Indian market, restaurants, bars, corporate buildings, and banks from this location.
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Libertador Lima

Libertador

Located in the exclusive district of San Isidro, Hotel Libertador is nestled in financial heart of the capital. With a fine selection of rooms and suites, always under the fine supervision of our experienced staff, available 24/7, guests are ensured a wonderful stay at Hotel Libertador.
Lima's San Martin square lit up in the evening

More Lima Hotels

Learn all about traveling to Lima Peru, a seaside colonial city rich in history and the center of Peruvian culture. Lima is worth experiencing for a day or two at the beginning and/or end of your trip to Peru, and most travelers must spend a night here on route to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Cusco - Hotels

Novotel Cusco

Novotel Cusco

Novotel Cusco offers a good setting near Tambomachay and features dry cleaning, housekeeping and room services. The building of this property has a colonial style.
Hotel Ruinas

Hotel Ruinas

Hotel Ruinas is a small charming hotel, located just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, in the center of Cusco - the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the Archaeological Capital of America. This historical city and its monumental landmarks beckon visitors from all over the world.
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Hotel Monasterio

Hotel Monasterio

At the heart of Cuzco is the 16th-century Hotel Monasterio, originally built as a monastery in 1592. Hotel Monasterio is the ideal base from which to discover Cuzco and the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu, which can be reached via a spectacular three-hour train journey.
Visit the Plaza de Armas in Cusco on your Peru tour

More Cusco Hotels

Cusco was, and still is, the epicenter of the Inca Empire. It's streets lined with monolithic Inca stone walls and colonial churches that used those same stones to build their cathedrals. Cusco is the ideal place to spend a few extra days exploring ruins, museums, and churches.

Sacred Valley - Hotels

El Sauce

El Sauce

This unique hotel features the magic and charm of the only Inca village still inhabited, its extraordinary landscapes and ancestral routes. With just six guest rooms, each room is complete with a private bath and 24 hour hot water. Enjoy views of the ruins over the locally sourced breakfast buffet.
La Casona De Yucay Hotel

La Casona De Yucay Hotel

La Casona De Yucay is a venue providing a tranquil accommodation with the 24-hour front desk, dry cleaning and housekeeping. La Casona De Yucay was opened in 1997. Plaza de Armas is around 26 km from the hotel. The property is 4 km away from the city center.
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Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas - Sacred Valley is strategically located in a 3 hectare-land in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, just 10 kilometers from Ollantaytambo train station.
Ollantaytambo Ruins in Sacred Valley

More Sacred Valley Hotels

Explore the Sacred Valley of the Inca's, a fertile valley with terraces and fortresses carved out of the slopes of the massive Andes. This is the gateway to Machu Picchu and worth a stay.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Save 5% 22745
Book our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and get 5% off. This discount is applicable for permit dates of August 21, 2024 only.

Applies to the 5D/4N Inca Trail portion of the itinerary.
Applies to Aug 21, 2024 departure
Save 10% 24674
Book our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and get 10% off. This discount is applicable for permit dates of October 2, 2024 and October 9, 2024 only.

Applies to the 5D/4N Inca Trail portion of the itinerary.
Click for departure dates
Save 10% this 2024 24683
Book by December 1, 2024 and get 10% off when you book a Classic Inca Trail and Peru Manco Multisport trip. Explore history and nature on Inca's iconic trail or join an exhilarating mix of activities in Peru. Valid for new bookings and 2024 travel dates. Not available on blackout dates. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details. 
Valid for 2024 travel dates.
Per person starting at
$3,009 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
June 15 & 21 departures include an extra day for the Inti Raymi Festival.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners, 1 Box Lunch
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • 8 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Entries to Machu Picchu - 2 Daily Entrance Fees
  • Gear Rental: All Camping Gear
  • 3 nights of camping at standard campsite locations are included on this trekking itinerary.
  • Oxygen balloon, First aid kit andf Sleeping bag
  • 1 porter to carry personal belongings up to 5 Kg
  • Maras Entrance Fee
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flights: Lima - Cusco - Lima
  • Optional Excursions - $20 for hiking passes at Machu Picchu on second day

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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We book a tour to Peru with them in May. Viewing from their website we didn’t realize that they are private tour company but after quoting the price, it seems reasonable for a private tour, let’s see how’s their service after our tour. The process of booking went smoothly except the payment part which need a bit of work. Need to improve better payment method and options.
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