Your Sacred Valley tour begins with a pick-up at 8:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive through the valley. Along the way, your guide will make stops to enjoy the stunning landscapes.

The first highlight is a visit to an Alpaca farm, where you’ll meet llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Learn about these animals and the traditional weaving techniques using their wool.

Next, explore the Pisac Inca site, an important archaeological site with agricultural terraces, religious areas, and stunning views. Afterward, visit the Pisac market, where you can shop for handmade textiles and crafts.

After visiting the market, you’ll travel to Urubamba for lunch, where you can enjoy a delicious meal before heading to the Ollantaytambo Inca site. Known for its impressive rock formations representing the Inca god Viracocha, Ollantaytambo is famous as the last living Inca city. Your guide will take you on a tour of this fascinating site, sharing insights into its historical and cultural significance.

The tour ends with your arrival in Ollantaytambo town, where you’ll check into your hotel. You’ll have free time to explore the charming town before the tour concludes at 4:00 PM.

• Accommodation: Sol Natura *** or similar

• Tickets: Included

• Meals: Lunch included

Your Inca Trail adventure begins with a 6:30 AM pick-up from your Ollantaytambo hotel. From there, a short drive takes you to Km 82, the official start of the Inca Trail.

At Km 82, you’ll meet your guide, chef, and porters, and after handing over your duffle bag, you’ll be ready to trek with just your daypack. Be sure to have your passport ready for checkpoint verification.

As you begin your hike, you’ll pass stunning mountain views and ancient ruins, with your guide offering fascinating insights along the way. The pace is relaxed, with breaks for snacks, photos, and rest.

Lunch is served around 1:30 PM, prepared by your chef, and then you’ll continue to your first campsite at Huayllabamba, at an altitude of 3,350 meters (10,990 feet). The hike is moderate, helping you adjust to the altitude.

Upon arrival, your team will have your tent set up and warm water ready for washing. After settling in, enjoy tea time and a hearty dinner around 7:30 PM, resting up for the next day’s adventure.

(The campsite location may vary between Huayllabamba or Ayapata, depending on regulations and availability.)

• Acomodation: Camping

• Tickets: Included

• Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Day two of your Inca Trail adventure begins with a gentle wake-up call at 5:30 AM, as our team delivers a steaming cup of coca tea to your tent. Known for easing altitude discomfort, this revitalizing drink will help prepare you for the day ahead.

You’ll have time to organize your daypack and duffle bag before breakfast is served. We also provide snacks and water to ensure you’re fueled for the journey. At 7:30 AM, we begin our hike, starting with a gradual ascent through a beautiful valley, where you’ll see ancient trees like Queñas and Uncas, native to this region.

As we continue into the Highland forest, you’ll experience unique vegetation that makes this part of the trail special. After about four hours of hiking, we’ll reach Llulluchapampa, where our chef will have a delicious lunch ready, offering a well-deserved rest.

Following lunch, we tackle a challenging two-hour uphill climb to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the trail at 4,200 meters. The panoramic views here are breathtaking, providing the perfect opportunity for photos.

From the pass, we descend gently to our campsite at Pacaymayu Alto, located at 3,650 meters. Upon arrival, your tent will be set up, and we’ll treat you to a ‘happy hour’ with hot beverages before dinner, served around 7:00 PM. Given the day’s exertion, most guests are ready for an early night, usually by 8:30 PM.

• Accommodation: Camping

• Tickets: Included

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day three of your Inca Trail adventure highlights the rich diversity of ecosystems along the route. Known for its abundance of orchids (about 135 species), this section of the trail offers plenty of opportunities to see these beautiful flowers, along with hummingbirds and other bird species.

After an early breakfast, we begin with a two-hour ascent. Midway, we reach Runcuracay, a small but important Inca site where we’ll take a break and explore. Continuing for another hour, we reach the second-highest point of the trek, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

We then descend for about 90 minutes to Sayacmarka, one of the most scenic Inca sites on the trail, where we’ll spend some time exploring. As we move into the jungle, the climate warms, and mosquitoes may become more frequent. A lunch stop will recharge us for the next stretch.

After lunch, we hike for two more hours to Phuyupatamarca, where we’ll enjoy stunning views of Machu Picchu Mountain and Aguas Calientes. The final portion of the trail involves a challenging descent with many stairs—trekking poles will be helpful here.

Our day concludes at Wiñayhuayna, our final campsite at 2,650 meters, where we’ll spend the night before our grand arrival at Machu Picchu.

• Accommodation: Camping

• Tickets: Included

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Today marks the highlight of our journey as we approach the legendary Machu Picchu. Prepare for an early start at 3:30 AM, a tradition for all Inca Trail trekkers. Breakfast will be served at 4:00 AM, and by 5:30 AM, we’ll be at the checkpoint, ready for entry.

Our trek begins with a one-hour hike to the Sun Gate, a unique privilege for Inca Trail trekkers. Arriving at 6:30 AM, we’ll witness the unforgettable sunrise over Machu Picchu—an awe-inspiring moment to capture in photos.

After soaking in the views, we’ll descend for about 40 minutes to the Machu Picchu citadel, where you can snap postcard-perfect photos. Your guide will then lead you on a three-hour tour, providing fascinating insights into the history and significance of this ancient site.

Once the tour is complete, if you’ve booked tickets in advance, take the optional hike up Huayna Picchu. This challenging climb takes about two hours and offers stunning views of the citadel from above.

After your Machu Picchu experience, we’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Afterward, we’ll board the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, with a usual departure time of 3:00 PM. From Ollantaytambo, our driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 7:30 PM.

• Accommodation: Book on your own

• Tickets: Included

• Meals: Breakfast only

The Classic Inca Trail is a 4-day, 3-night trek that leads hikers through stunning Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, and diverse ecosystems, culminating in a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.

To book your trek, visit our website to check availability, then contact our team to discuss your travel dates and complete the booking process.

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. However, the trail can be hiked year-round, and each season offers a unique experience.

Yes, a permit is required to hike the Inca Trail. Only official operators, like Qoricancha Expeditions, can secure these permits on your behalf. Early booking is essential, as permits are limited.

Pack lightweight clothing, a good pair of hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a rain jacket, personal items, and any necessary medications. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

Yes, all meals are included during the trek, starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 4. We cater to various dietary requirements—just let us know in advance.

The Classic Inca Trail involves moderate to challenging hiking, with steep ascents and descents. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and training before the trek is beneficial.

Yes, all our treks include an experienced, bilingual guide who will provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and ecology of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Yes, there are designated bathrooms along the trail, but they can be limited. Our team will provide toilet facilities at the campsites.

Our cancellation policy will be provided upon booking.  We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.

There is no official age limit to hike the Inca Trail; however, participants should be physically fit and able to handle the demands of the trek.

Recommendations:

• Children: Young hikers (typically ages 10 and up) can participate if they are in good health and have experience with hiking. Parents or guardians should assess their fitness level and readiness for the challenge.

• Older Adults: Older hikers are welcome (typically ages until 65), but it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before undertaking the trek, especially if there are pre-existing health conditions.

Upon arriving at Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, you will be taken directly to the Watch Tower, located in the upper part of the citadel. This vantage point offers some of the best views of Machu Picchu, often referred to as the “postcard picture” spot.

After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, you will continue with a guided tour of Circuit 3. This is part of the official Machu Picchu guided tour regulations, which means that all Inca Trail hikers, whether on the 4-day or 2-day trek, will follow Circuit 3. This circuit allows you to explore significant sites within the citadel while gaining insights into its rich history and cultural importance.