Discovery Machu Picchu – Hike the Inca Trail

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be taken to your hotel in Miraflores or historic downtown Lima.

Day 2: Lima Tour

You will start your bike tour around Lima in Miraflores, roaming around its charming little hidden streets, then stop for a while at Huaca Pucllana, an impressive pre-Inca site in the heart of the city, surrounded by beautiful houses from colonial times (called casonas) and restaurants. Then you will immerse yourself into the old but beautiful olive garden located in San Isidro, including its old hacienda. Back in Miraflores, you will stop for a snack at a traditional place in town. You will finish up the tour riding along the boardwalk and taking in the view of the ocean, cliffs, and parks in Miraflores, biking through modern shopping centers, sculptures, a bridge, and an old lighthouse. An excellent way of taking in and enjoying the city of Lima. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Lima – Cuzco

Early morning pick up from hotel for transport to the airport to take your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be taken to your hotel and have some time to rest and settle in the ancient Inca town. You will take a walking tour around the city of Cuzco; you will be able to appreciate the colonial side of the city, which was built over the foundations of Inca palaces. You will visit the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun; then you will head to the Main Square to see the Cathedral, with impressive wood carvings. You will finish the tour by visiting the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas, known for housing the best artists in town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Cuzco

You will horseback ride along the city outskirts where several archaeological sites from Inca times can be found. Start with the Sacsayhuaman Inca Fortress, entirely built in stone, each piece carefully carved to fit perfectly to the other. This Inca fortress is also the chosen site for the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), celebrated every June 24th. Even more archaeological marvels are ahead: Kenko (labyrinth or maze in Quechua), a ceremonial site; Puca Pucara, a place where you will find the tambos (watchtowers) from Inca Time. Finish the day by horseback riding along the picturesque road to the local community of Corao. Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.

Day 5: Cuzco – Sacred Valley

You’ll be picked up in the morning and head towards the banks of the Urubamba river to have a short orientation on safety and equipment to be used. Then you will enjoy rafting along the river in rapids of class II, III, or IV (depending on the season); after having some fun in the water, you will enjoy a delicious lunch by the river. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Sacred Valley

You will start your biking tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas at Cruzpata in Pampas de Chinchero; you will bike from Huaypo Lagoon until reaching Moray, an experimental agricultural site from Inca times made of terraces shaped as concentric circles. Then you will continue your bike journey towards the nearby town of Maras, where you will stop to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before heading to the traditional salt mines found in this town. This one-of-a-kind experience finishes with a descent towards Pichingoto and across the Urubamba River, where the bus that will take you back will await you. Overnight at your chosen hotel.

Day 7: Inca Trail: Huayllabamba

The adventure to Machu Picchu starts very early; you will be taken to the 82nd km, where the hike begins alongside the Urubamba river, a leisurely cobblestone path surrounded by incredible scenery from every angle. Prepare to be amazed at the first archaeological site you will encounter on the trek: Llactapata, an essential place near the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu, most likely used as a shrine. We stop here for lunch and have a chance to tour the sites and ruins. After lunch, you will continue hiking until reaching your first campsite in Huayllabamba. This will complete the first 8 miles of the trail. Overnight at campsite.

Day 8: Inca Trail: Pacaymayu

The second day of hiking will be the hardest one, as you will climb 13 miles across high passes that can reach up to 13,780 feet above sea level, like Warminusca. However, your effort will be compensated when you enjoy the stunning views around you, such as the mountains and glaciers up above and the green valleys beneath. Along this hike, you will also visit the archaeological sites of Runkurakay and Sayacmarca. Finally, reach the Pacaymayu campsite where you will spend the night.

Day 9: Inca Trail: Wiñaywayna

The third day of hiking will be much easier, with only 6 miles of mostly downhill slopes. You will also have the opportunity of witnessing the change in geography where the dry Andes start becoming green as you come along more archaeological sites from Inca times such as Phuyupatamarca and Intipata, reaching your final campsite by the end of the day at Winaywayna.

Day 10: Inca Trail: Machu Picchu

The last day of hiking starts very early in the morning, as you depart towards Inti Punku (Sun Gate in Quechua), which is considered the entrance to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Brace yourself as you hike down the final slope that leads you to this fantastic Inca citadel as the morning breaks. You will tour the citadel with a guide and then enjoy a delicious lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own at the citadel, then head down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. Overnight at campsite.

Day 11: Machu Picchu – Cuzco

You will have the chance to revisit the Machu Picchu citadel this morning, hiking up and the nearby peak, the Huayna Picchu, the perfect spot to soak in the energy of this mystical site. In the afternoon you will take the train back to the city of Cuzco where you will spend the night. Upon arrival at the train station, you will be taken to your hotel, night in Cusco.

Day 12: Cuzco – Lima

Early morning pickup from the hotel for transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima. Transfer to hotel. Morning flight out.