10 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Discover the vibrant history and culture of Peru’s capital on an exciting Lima city tour. Start your journey in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will admire colonial-era architecture and visit iconic landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the majestic Lima Cathedral. Wander through the charming streets to discover the Monastery of San Francisco, famous for its beautiful cloisters and intriguing catacombs.

Continue to the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, where you’ll experience the contemporary side of Lima. Visit Parque Kennedy, stroll along the scenic Malecón overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. As you explore these neighborhoods, you’ll witness the vibrant atmosphere that makes Lima unique, from bustling markets to tranquil parks.

Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about Lima’s rich heritage, blending ancient traditions with modern influences. Experience the city’s culinary wonders by stopping at a local café or market to sample traditional Peruvian delicacies. Whether it’s the exquisite ceviche or freshly made picarones, your taste buds are in for a treat!

This tour provides the perfect introduction to Lima, showcasing the diverse beauty, history, and culture of the “City of Kings.”

Your flight to Cusco will arrive at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) early in the morning. To help your body acclimate to the altitude, taking it easy on your first day is advisable. Be sure to drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals, and rest as needed to ensure a comfortable adjustment to the high altitude.

The city tour will provide a glimpse of the rich history and culture of the former Inca capital. Highlights include the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), where Inca stonework meets colonial architecture, and the magnificent Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, showcasing colonial art and history. You’ll also explore the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its massive stone walls and panoramic views, as well as the ceremonial sites of Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, each steeped in Inca tradition and ingenuity. This tour is perfect for those eager to uncover the essence of Cusco’s heritage in a short yet enriching experience.

We begin the Classic Inca Trail early in the morning. Our guides and driver will pick you up from your hotel and head to the train station in Ollantaytambo, an hour and a half away. We’ll take a break to get necessary last-minute gear and personal items. The group will then head to Piskacucho (Km 82) to start our hike. After about 3 hours, the Inca Trail group will arrive at the first Inca site, Patallaqta. Then we will walk for about 30 minutes until our lunch spot, “Tarayoc.” After a deserved break, we ascend for about 2 hours toward our first campsite, Huayllabamba village.

TRAIN STATION – PISKACUCHO : 3 hours approx.
DISTANCE PISKACUCHO – WAYLLABAMBA : 11 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 6 hours
PISKACUCHO : 2600 m.a.s.l.
PATALLAQTA : 2750 m.a.s.l.
HUAYLLABAMBA : 3000 m.a.s.l. / 9842 feet

We start day 2 of the classic Inca Trail with a healthy and hearty breakfast. Your Inca Trail leaders will also provide snacks to carry during the early part of the hike. Next, we’ll begin the ascend for about 5 hours to the highest point of the Inca Trail, Warmihuañusca Pass (4215 m.a.s.l.). The group will take a short break to take photographs of the landscapes. Then we descend about 1 ½ hours until Paqaymayu campsite, where we have a dinner and a much deserved rest after a full day of hiking.

DISTANCE HUAYLLABAMBA – WARMIHUAÑUSCA : 9 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 7 hours WARMIHUAÑUSCA: 215 m.a.s.l. / 13828 feet
PAQAYMAYU : 3600 m.a.s.l. / 11811 feet

After a delicious breakfast, we walk about 1 hour until Runkuraqay archaeological site and then 1 hour more until Runruraqay Pass. Afterward, we descend for about 1 hour to visit Sayaqmarka archaeological site, and after 30 minutes, we arrive at Chaquiqocha campsite, where we have lunch. After that, we walk for about 1 ½ hours until the Phuyupatamarka Inka site, which is at the same time as the next Pass. Finally, we descend 3 hours to the Wiñaywayna Inka site, where we spend our last night on the Trail.

DISTANCE PAQAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA : 16 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 7 hours
RUNRURAQAY: 3760 m.a.s.l. / 12336 feet
SAYAQMARKA : 3620 m.a.s.l. / 11876 feet
CHAQUICOCHA : 3500 m.a.s.l. / 11482 feet
PHUYUPATAMARKA : 3650 m.a.s.l. / 11975 feet
WIÑAYWAYNA : 2650 m.a.s.l. / 8694 feet

The group will get up early and enjoy breakfast before starting the trek’s final leg. After hiking for 2 hours, we’ll reach the famous Inca Sun Gate called “Inti Punku,” where we have the first view of Machu Picchu. After a short hike down the entrance to the Inca citadel, we register and then enjoy a 2 ½ guided tour of the sanctuary. After the guided experience, travelers will have free time to explore independently. By noon, we take the shuttle down to Aguas Calientes town, from where we take the train to return to Cusco.

DISTANCE PAQAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA : 6 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 2 1/2 hours
AGUAS CALIENTES : 2040 m.a.s.l.
MACHUPICCHU : 2400 m.a.s.l.
HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN : 2700 m.a.s.l. (2 hours round trip)
MACHUPICCHU MOUNTAIN : 3150 m.a.s.l. (3 hours round trip)

Visiting the Maras Salt Ponds, also known as Salineras de Maras, offers a unique glimpse into traditional salt extraction methods amidst the stunning backdrop of the Sacred Valley in Peru.

Morning:

• 7:00 AM—Departure from Cusco: Begin your journey with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. The drive to Maras takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers scenic views of the Andean landscape.​
• 8:30 AM – Arrival in Maras: Arrive at the quaint town of Maras. Here, you can briefly walk around the town square, observing colonial-era architecture and local life.​
• 9:00 AM – Visit Moray Archaeological Site: A short drive from Maras brings you to Moray, an archaeological site featuring impressive circular terraces believed to have been an agricultural laboratory for the Incas. Spend about an hour exploring and learning about its historical significance.​
• 10:30 AM – Explore Maras Salt Ponds: Proceed to the Maras Salt Ponds, where you’ll witness over 3,000 salt pools cascading down the hillside. These pools have been used since pre-Incan times and are still harvested by local families. Walk along designated paths, observe the salt extraction process, and capture photographs of the mesmerizing landscape.​

Afternoon:

• Noon – Return to Cusco: Depart from the salt ponds and begin your journey back to Cusco.
• 1:30 PM – Arrival in Cusco: Return to Cusco, concluding your half-day tour.

As your journey comes to an end, please pack your bags, enjoy breakfast, and prepare for your transfer to the airport for your return home. Alternatively, you may extend your adventure with one of our captivating Cusco tours or Sacred Valley excursions. We also invite you to explore our full range of fully customizable Peru tours, offering opportunities to further enrich your Latin American experience.