This extended Inca Trail experience offers a rich blend of cultural immersion, historical discovery, and gradual acclimatization before beginning the legendary trek to Machu Picchu. The journey starts in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, where guided walks help you adjust to the altitude while introducing you to the region’s architectural wonders and vibrant atmosphere. We then do short hikes to Maras and Moray which provide early encounters with ancient inca ruins and traditional salt pools with views of white peaked mountains.
Once fully prepared, you embark on the Inca Trail itself, supported by an experienced team that ensures comfort and safety throughout the trek. The route winds through dramatic valleys, cloud forests, and high mountain passes, revealing archaeological gems and breathtaking scenery at every turn. The extra time built into this itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace, giving you the chance to fully appreciate the history and natural beauty surrounding the ancient stone pathways. Challenging climbs, including the ascent to dead woman’s pass, bring you unforgettable panoramic views.
The journey culminates with an awe-inspiring arrival at the Sun Gate, where Machu Picchu comes into view a powerful reward for days spent trekking in the Andes. You then head down to Mahcu Picchu Town for a good nights sleep and showers. the following day you return to the citadel for a guided exploration of its temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces before heading back to Cusco. The trip concludes with some free time to enjoy Cusco city’s culture and cuisine, offering the perfect moment to reflect on the adventure.
*Inca Trail Permits often sell out three months in advance so enquire early to avoid disappointment
Did you know: We plant two trees per person, per day that you travel with us- making us the sustainable choice.
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and escorted to your hotel. After some time to check in we introduce you to our city. A short walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and also helps you get used to the altitude. The beautiful historic centre was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 with Inca and colonial architecture evident all around.
This evening your guide will give you a full briefing for the adventure ahead.
Today you stretch your legs with a delightful hike in the hills above Cusco. First stop is the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman. Huge stone ramparts surround a beautiful grass amphitheatre. Once the scene of fierce battles it now hosts the recreation of traditional Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi and Warachikuy.
Next is the Inca water temple of Tambo Machay lying at 3700m (12,000 feet) followed by a special picnic lunch. From here it is all downhill to Cusco, stopping at the Temple of the Moon and other historical sites along the way.
Leaving Cusco behind you start your journey to Machu Picchu. The hike starts at the fascinating circular ruins of Moray. While some think it was a landing pad for alien spaceships, more likely is that the Incas built this as an experimental agricultural centre. Concentric circular terraces allowed them to simulate different facing slopes and different growing temperatures to see what crops would grow where.
With another homemade picnic along the way you hike on down, past the spectacular salt pans of Maras to end in the Sacred Valley for the night.
Your five day Inca Trail is carefully tailored to avoid the crowds. By leaving later than everyone else, and allowing an extra day, you spend the whole trail out of sync with other tourists. Thus you will literally have the trail to yourselves.
This morning you visit the old Inca town of Ollantaytambo. After a look around and some lunch you drive twenty minutes to the trailhead at Piscacucho (km 82). Here you meet the porters and cooks that will support your journey to Machu Picchu.
With the crowds now long gone, you hike an undulating trail above the Urubamba River to camp beside the spectacular ruins of Llactapata (2,788m/9,146ft). Your luggage is carried by the porters, your tents are put up for you and your food is prepared for you. All you have to do is shoulder your daypack and enjoy the walking.
After a hearty breakfast you climb gently up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huayllabamba. This is the last inhabited place on the trail. A little steeper now, you head up the beautiful Inca path, past hummingbirds and stunted cloud forest to your camp at Llulluchapampa (3,680m/12,073ft). This beautiful grassy area has outstanding views and you may even see the Andean deer that come to feed here.
Today is the most challenging day but also the most exhilarating. You climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,212m/13,819ft) the high point of the trail before dropping into the Pacasmayo valley. Climbing once more you pass the Inca control post of Runkuracay to the second pass of the day (3,998m/13,117ft). On a clear day there are spectacular views towards Pumahuanca Mountain in the Vilcabamba range.
You continue on well preserved Inca trail to Sayacmarca. Located at the junction of two old Inca roads, historians still argue over its exact purpose. A few more gentle ups and downs and you arrive to your stunning campsite for the night, Phuyupatamarca, or ‘the place above the clouds’ (3,650m/11,975ft).
This is the day you finally reach Machu Picchu.
As you step out of your tent the views are stunning. Perhaps you will see the sun rising over the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay (6,200m/20,341ft) and Veronica (5,800m/19,029ft). Or perhaps you will have an inversion, with clouds filling the valleys beneath you.
After saying a fond farewell to your porters it is time to put on your boots and head to Machu Picchu.
You descend beautiful Inca stairway through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, a vast set of Inca terraces full of swallows and orchids. A final contouring walk and you arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun. As you step through the old stone gate-way, Machu Picchu appears, laid out before your eyes.
Stop here and enjoy the view before heading to take the twenty minute bus ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.
Relaxed after a comfortable night, you head back up to Machu Picchu for your full guided tour before the crowds arrive. There is time afterwards to hike to the Inca Bridge, Watchman’s hut or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the atmosphere.
In the afternoon you descend to the waiting train to enjoy one of the great train journeys of the world back towards Cusco.
Back once more in the old Inca capital you have time to enjoy all that this city has to offer. Museums, chocolate making classes, souvenir hunting or even just sitting in one of the many cafes and watching the world go by. The new late flights out of Cusco allow you to really maximise your time and get the most out of this holiday of a lifetime.
For those with more time we can offer you extensions to the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon and Arequipa or even to the little visited northern Peru.
Trekking Kitlist
Trekking Kitlist
