Inca Trail Experience Tour

7 days
$1990
Challenge
Mo, We, Sa
Our shortest Inca Trail hiking itinerary, the Inca Trail Experience adventure will deliver in just seven days a focused Andes hiking experience and guided exploration of Machu Picchu. If time is limited and you can acclimate to the altitude, this itinerary will work well for you and your travel companions.

adventure overview

Day 1Welcome to Lima
Day 2Fly to Cusco and explore the Inca city
Day 3Inca Trail hike to Wayllabamba
Day 4Inca Trail hike to Pacaymayu
Day 5Inca Trail hike to Wanaywayna
Day 6Arrival to Machu Picchu
Day 7Morning free before flight to Lima

adventure overview

Day 1Welcome to Lima
Day 2Fly to Cusco and explore the Inca city
Day 3Inca Trail hike to Wayllabamba
Day 4Inca Trail hike to Pacaymayu
Day 5Inca Trail hike to Wanaywayna
Day 6Arrival to Machu Picchu
Day 7Morning free before flight to Lima

itinerary
Inca Trail Experience

Day 1 – Lima

   Lima Arrival after 3pm

Welcome to Lima! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in the beautiful area of Miraflores. If time permits, venture out and begin to explore Peru’s amazing culture and cuisine.

   Casa Andina Miraflores or similar

Day 2 – Lima / Cusco

   Lima to Cusco – Fly before 9am

Early flight to Cusco (11,152 ft). Welcome upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. During the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Cusco with its ancient cathedrals and amazingly crafted Inca walls. You will also visit the ruins at Kenko, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and Saqsaywaman.

   Casa Andina Plaza or similar

    Breakfast

Day 3 – Cusco / Inca Trail (Hike 1)

   7.5 miles (5-6 hrs) Elev. Gain: +1,970 ft

Depart early in the morning from the hotel to rendezvous with our quechua porters. From Km. 82 (9,072 ft.), hike along the bank of the Vilcanota River and enjoy views of the magnificent peaks of the Nevado Veronica (19,000 ft.). The overnight camp is on a terrace at Wayllabamba (9,679 ft.). This is a 7.5-mile hike (4-6 hours). Note: All camp gear is carried by porters. You only have to carry a light backpack with personal essentials.

   Campsite

   Breakfast  |  Lunch  |  Dinner

Day 4 – Inca Trail (Hike 2)

   10 miles (7-8 hrs) Elev. Gain: +3,950 ft

Climb through the magical Polylepis forest to high camp at Pacaymayu (9,843 ft.). Today is one of the most demanding days of the trip as you climb to higher altitudes. With an elevation of 13,795 ft., Warmiwanusca or “Dead Women’s Pass,” offers views east to the Huayanay peaks and west into the rugged Vilcabamba range. Camp at Pacaymayu after a 10-mile hike (7-8 hours).

   Campsite

   Breakfast  |  Lunch  |  Dinner

Day 5 – Inca Trail (Hike 3)

   10 miles (8-10 hrs) Elev. Gain: +3,260 ft

Cross the second pass, Runcuracay (13,100 ft.), and follow an Inca highway to the restored townsite of Sayaqmarka. The Inca Trail in this section is made up of white granite, crossing through a thick mountainside forest. You will visit the ruins of Phuyupatamarka (12,460 ft.), then descend to Winayhuayna (8,695 ft.) where the campsite is located. Today’s hike is 10 miles (8-10 hours).

   Campsite

   Breakfast  |  Lunch  |  Dinner

Day 6 – Inca Trail (Hike 4)

   3.7 miles (3-4 hrs) Mostly downhill

Early in the morning, descend from the mountain forests into the high jungle. Orchids and hummingbirds are common along this spectacular section of the trail, seated high above the river. Arrive at the Gate of the Sun for stunning views of Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.) and a guided tour of the sanctuary. In the mid-afternoon, descend to the town of Aguas Calientes and board the train to Cusco.

   Casa Andina Plaza or similar

    Breakfast

Day 7 – Cusco / Lima

   Cusco to Lima – Fly anytime

Enjoy an early morning walk in Cusco before your departure to Lima or continue on one of our extensions.

    Breakfast


Important Notice: Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedule changes, or other unforeseen events.

Train to or from Machu Picchu: May to December: trains between Cusco and Machu Picchu depart from Poroy station (about 20 minutes from downtown Cusco). Between January and April, trains depart from Pachar station, about 1.5 hours from Cusco. Transfers are included for both options and total travel time is about the same.

pricing details
Pricing Details
  • Price:  $1990 per person
  • Based on double occupancy
  • Single supplement applies
  • Add 3% if paying via credit card (Amex: 3.5%)
  • Flights are NOT included
  • what is included
  • Hotels
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals as indicated
  • Excursions as part of a group
  • Bilingual guides
  • Gratuities except to guides
  • Train to and from Machu Picchu
  • Machu Picchu entrance permit