A nine-day trip to Machu Picchu, leaving from Lima and hiking the Inca Trail

Today, our Machu Picchut representative will pick you up from your hotel in Miraflores and transfer you to Lima International Airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, our Cusco representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, conveniently located near Cusco’s main square.

After check-in, you will receive a brief orientation with recommendations on what to do in Cusco and important information about the upcoming tour. You will also meet your Inca Trail guide, who will provide a detailed briefing and deliver your duffel bag so you can organize your clothing and personal items for the Inca Trail trek.

Important: Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,450 meters (11,320 feet) above sea level. For proper acclimatization, we recommend resting at your hotel for at least two hours upon arrival and drinking coca tea, which is commonly offered in hotels and helps with altitude adjustment.

Cusco is known as the historic capital of the Inca Empire and the heart of the ancient Tawantinsuyo. Over centuries, the city grew as the political, cultural, and religious center of the Incas. Today, Cusco is a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture, with massive stone walls forming the foundations of many buildings. You do not need to travel far to see Inca sites—almost every street reveals original Inca construction alongside Spanish colonial structures.

During the reign of the ninth Inca ruler, Pachacutec, Cusco was transformed and greatly expanded. He rebuilt the city, constructed the main square, the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), and many other important Inca sites around Cusco. Nearby archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara can be explored independently or as part of a guided tour.

If you prefer a relaxed walk, visit Cusco’s main square, home to the Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, or explore the vibrant San Pedro Market. If you wish to add an extra day tour in Cusco, please contact our sales department, and we will be happy to arrange it for you.

Today, our Sacred Valley tour begins in the morning. Before departure, you will enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, our guide will pick you up and drive to Pisac, where you will have a guided tour of this important archaeological site, exploring its impressive Inca ruins.

Afterward, we descend by van to the Pisac Market, where you can admire the vibrant colors of traditional clothing, ponchos, and handicrafts created by local artisans. After some free time to walk around the market, we continue our journey to Urubamba. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking landscapes of mountains and fertile fields growing corn and potatoes, showcasing the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley.

Upon arrival in Urubamba, a small town known as the heart of the Sacred Valley, you will enjoy a buffet lunch and take a short break.

After lunch, we drive to Ollantaytambo. During the trip, appreciate the course of the Urubamba River as it winds through the valley. Upon arrival, you will observe the impressive Inca construction blended with colonial architecture. Our guide will lead you through the remarkable Ollantaytambo archaeological site, which in Inca times was considered both a fortress and a religious center. Enjoy a guided tour of its most important attractions before transferring to your hotel.

Spend the night in this beautiful Inca citadel. You may explore the original Inca streets on your own and capture memorable photographs.

Ollantaytambo is the starting point of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, so we recommend going to bed early to be well prepared for the next day.

Today begins our hike to Machu Picchu. Some days are challenging and others are moderate, but the Inca Trail experience is truly rewarding—an incredible adventure filled with unforgettable moments and breathtaking landscapes.

The Inca Trail starts at Kilometer 82. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the trailhead. Upon arrival, you will check in at the control point and begin your trek to Machu Picchu. During this journey, you will hike approximately 44 km (27 miles) over four days and spend three nights in comfortable campsites.

Our professional team—guide, trekking cook, and porters—will provide all camping equipment at each campsite, making your trek as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Along the route, you will cross high mountain passes, including the highest point at 4,215 m (13,829 ft), known as Warmi Wañusca or Dead Woman’s Pass, followed by other impressive passes such as Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca at around 3,500 m (11,483 ft).

Throughout the trek, you will discover remarkable Inca archaeological sites, including Llactapata, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarka, and Wiñay Wayna.

The weather on the Inca Trail varies due to its unique microclimates. During the dry season, mornings can be warm while nights are cold. In the rainy season, showers are common during the day, though some sections can still feel warm. Weather conditions may change frequently throughout the hike.

On the final day, you will arrive at Machu Picchu and enter the Inca citadel through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Enjoy a guided tour of this iconic archaeological site.

Our guide, trekking cook, and porters will support you throughout the entire journey to help you successfully complete this unforgettable challenge. The porters carry all camping equipment during the four days of the trek. On the last day, they will wake up early, say goodbye, and return home by train, while you continue hiking to Machu Picchu.

After visiting Machu Picchu, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town and then board the train for your return to Cusco.

The Inca Trail is the most popular hike in Peru and is highly sought after by adventure travelers for its spectacular landscapes and extraordinary Inca sites discovered along the way.

Please note:

The Inca Trail is closed every February for general maintenance and due to the rainy season. For this reason, we recommend a safe alternative trek: the Lares Trek. This 3-day hike takes you through the stunning Andean highlands, offering insight into local Andean life, where people wear traditional red ponchos and preserve ancient customs, along with visits to Inca ruins. On the third day, you will travel by train to Machu Picchu and spend the night nearby. On the final day, you will visit Machu Picchu.

IMPORTANT:

If you decide not to do the trek, you must inform us well in advance (usually at least a couple of weeks) so we can secure your train tickets. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee this option free of charge.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

After the trek to Machu Picchu, today is a relaxing and free day. You can explore the city of Cusco and discover its hidden corners and charming streets. Cusco offers many wonderful places to visit, including ancient temples, historic streets, museums, and the artistic neighborhood of San Blas.

You may enjoy a walking tour around the city, visit the handicraft markets at San Pedro Market or the Artisan Market located on Avenida El Sol, or simply relax and enjoy the local atmosphere. If you are looking for more adventure, we recommend visiting Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo Mountain, Humantay Lake, the Salt Mines of Maras, or Moray.

Please contact our representative for more information. We will be happy to assist you.

Today is your last day in Cusco, with a transfer to Cusco Airport or the bus station.

Please note: A return flight to Lima can be arranged upon request. Alternatively, this is a great opportunity to extend your trip!

• Welcome by our representative upon arrival in Lima.
• One domestic flight: Lima – Cusco.
• All airport transfers.
• Accommodation: 3*** hotels (5 nights) and camping (3 nights).
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary, including the Inca Trail permit.
• Professional tour guides as outlined in the itinerary.
• A professional trekking cook for the Inca Trail.
• Experienced porters to carry food, camping, and cooking equipment, plus up to 7 kg (15 lb) of each passenger’s personal belongings during the Inca Trail.
• Meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks, and 3 afternoon hot beverages during the Inca Trail.
• Personal double tents (designed for 4 people but used by only 2 for maximum comfort and space).
• Inflatable mattress (Therm-a-Rest) with cover.
• Pillow with cover.
• Sleeping bag (rated to –5°C / 23°F) and liner for the Inca Trail.
• Duffel bag for personal belongings during the Inca Trail.
• A pair of hiking poles.
• Rain poncho.
• Tables, chairs, cooking tent with equipment, dining tent, and toilet tent.
• All food during the Inca Trail.
• Tourist transportation according to the itinerary.
• Tourist train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo.
• Shuttle bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes Town.

Responsible Travel

Machu Picchut is committed to responsible tourism and works in cooperation with the Responsible People Foundation, which supports projects aimed at improving Andean communities and reforestation using native Queuña trees in the Andean mountains.
By booking this trek, Machu Picchut donates a percentage of the tour cost to help continue these important projects.

Additional Equipment on the Inca Trail

• Biodegradable soap provided by our staff.
• Machu Picchut T-shirt.
• Portable two-way radio communication.
• Medical kit and oxygen bottle.
• Hot water provided every morning by our trekking chef for personal cleaning.
• Small towels for hand cleaning.
• Hot water bottles provided each night to place inside your sleeping bag if you feel cold.

• Pre & post tour accommodation,
• Last flight Cusco - Lima,
• Huayna Picchu Mountain (U$ 80)
• International flights and airport departure taxes.
• Meals not mentioned.
• Travel insurance
• Tips and baggage portage to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory),
• Other extras not specified.

Meal budget: Please allow USD 50-100 for meals not included.
Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this tour, you receive your own single room for all overnights and a single tent for the Inca Trail.
Local flights: There is one local flight included in the cost of your tour. It is very important that we have got your passport details at the time of booking in order to process all air tickets! National flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to each flight departure!

All adventure group tours are accompanied by a Machu Picchut tour guide, a company representative, and a professional support team for the Inca Trail. Our goal is to remove any hassle from our guests’ journeys and ensure they enjoy the best possible travel experience in Peru.

Machu Picchut tour guides are highly trained professionals, university-certified, and fluent in several languages, including English, French, German, Russian, and others upon request at the time of booking. They provide detailed information about the places you visit, offer helpful recommendations on what to see and do, and suggest the best locations to purchase authentic souvenirs. In addition, our guides recommend excellent restaurants, allowing you to enjoy the finest traditional and local cuisine during your trip.

Our guides have extensive knowledge of history, culture, and religion, and they deeply respect nature and Pachamama (Mother Earth). They share ancestral traditions and cultural insights that have been preserved through time, enriching your overall travel experience.

During the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your guide will introduce you to the trekking staff and provide information about sustainable tourism practices, environmental protection, and responsible behavior to help preserve the trail and surrounding ecosystems.

Our Machu Picchut representative is professionally trained in customer service and first aid. They remain attentive throughout your trip in Peru to ensure everything runs smoothly and without issues. The representative will provide you with detailed itinerary information, coordinate meetings with your guide, and advise you on health-related concerns in each destination. If needed, they will recommend trusted hospitals or medical professionals.

To ensure constant communication, our representative will request your WhatsApp number upon arrival so you can stay in contact at all times in case of any questions or emergencies.

Our trekking cook is a highly trained professional who receives annual training from Machu Picchut in food handling and preparation, using fresh and natural ingredients suitable for high-altitude environments. Our porters also receive yearly training in first aid, high-altitude safety, and emergency evacuation procedures.

Every member of the Machu Picchut team is carefully trained to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience throughout your journey.

Hotels

These following hotels are used to accommodate you during your tour:

Accommodation in Lima:

Hotel Ferrer Miraflores - Lima

Address: Calle Diego Ferré 235, Miraflores 15074

Tel: (+51) 1 4473456

Accommodation in Cusco:

Hotel Illa - Cusco

Address: Calle Carmen Alto 166, Cusco 08003

Tel: (+51) 920 005 100

Accommodation in Ollantaytambo:

Hotel Posada Julieta

Address: Av Ferrocarril , Ollantaytambo

Tel: (+51) 929 955 794

During your stay at hotels on the Inca Trail Trek (9 Days), breakfast is included starting from the second day. Breakfast is served as a buffet and includes fruit salad, juice, coffee, tea, bread, cheese, eggs, yogurt, hot water, and other items, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious meal before starting your daily activities. Our hotels are located in safe areas near the city centers of the destinations visited, making it easy and secure to walk around at any time.

Our representative will contact the hotels in advance and request that your room be ready upon your arrival, especially if you arrive before the standard check-in time. However, this cannot always be guaranteed. In such cases, you may store your luggage at the hotel and explore your destination while waiting for your room to become available.

During the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we recommend leaving any extra equipment in the hotel’s luggage storage. Once you finish the trek, we will pick you up, retrieve your stored luggage, and transfer you to your assigned hotel room.

Please note! If you have purchased pre or post trip accommodation, you might be asked to change your room during your trip.

3 Nigths Camping

During the Inca Trail we spend three nights full-service camping, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents, cook, and do all camp chores for you: you need only carry your day pack. There will also be dining and toilet tents and bowls of warm water are provided both morning and evening for washing with.

• Passport Original and copies
• Travel insurance(+ copies for a case of lost),
• Flight tickets,
• Cash in USD or credit cards,
• Our service voucher (sent by us to you),
• Entry visa and a proof of vaccination (if applicable),
• Day pack (to carry your personal items during daily travels),
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco),
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
• Insect repellent– recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria has been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle.
  Important: plastic bottles are not allowed on the Classic Inca Trail! Please bring a metallic (alternatively Nalgene) bottles!

Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during entire Inca Trail, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.