Andean Adventure: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes, blending history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
The adventure begins in Cusco, exploring its colonial and Inca heritage, followed by visits to the Sacred Valley’s archaeological wonders, vibrant markets, and traditional communities. The highlight is the iconic 4-day Inca Trail, a spectacular trek through ancient ruins and diverse ecosystems, culminating in the awe-inspiring arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. This immersive experience provides a deep connection to Peru’s rich past and natural beauty.
The Ministry of Culture of Peru has established three (3) circuits to visit the world wonder, with the objective of preserving and decongesting the spaces to visit the Machu Picchu Citadel.
Permits are on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that places are filled months in advance, making last-minute reservations difficult to achieve.
For visitors arriving via the Inca Trail:
On the final day of the trek, travelers will enter Machu Picchu through the Intipunku Gateway (Sun Gate), enjoying a privileged panoramic view of the citadel. Upon arrival, visitors can enter the Circuit 1 (Panoramic) – Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route, where they will have the opportunity to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
After exiting the archaeological site, visitors will re-enter to follow Circuit 3 (Machu Picchu Royalty) – Route 3-B: Designed Royalty Route, which allows exploration of the lower sector of the citadel, including key archaeological structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, and the Sacred Rock.
Andean Adventures Peru
For Inca Trail travelers, the booking includes Circuit 1-B for the initial entry and Circuit 3-B for the guided visit inside Machu Picchu.
Tour departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 guests.
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Private departures available!
Get in touch for a quote tailored to solo travelers or private groups.
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Prueba label
Transfer from airport to hotel.
Free morning to acclimatize.
Cusco has been inhabited since pre-Inca times by a succession of cultures. The Quechua-speaking Inca ethnic group came to prominence in the early 15th century and began its imperial expansionist phase under the great Inca leader Pachacutec, around 1438. As the Inca empire expanded, their capital was enlarged to reflect their growing might. Great temples and palaces were erected, and the vestiges of these magnificent edifices can be seen to this day, as they form the basis for the splendid colonial-era structures built by the Spanish from the third decade of the 16th century onwards. Cusco offers endless attractions, the architecture of the historic center of the city, with its Spanish colonial mansions and churches built over the remains of imposing Inca structures.
Cusco walking city tour The city tour on foot includes the colonial-era cathedral, the Inca Temple of the Sun, or Qoricancha, and the San Blas neighborhood. This half-day guided tour enables visitors to learn more about many of the most important attractions in Cusco.
We will walk-through streets lined with Inca walls on our way to the San Blas neighborhood, famous today, as it was in Inca times, for its skilled craftsmen.
We visit the Cathedral, which was built between 1560 and 1654 on the site of the palace of the Inca Wiracocha. It is a magnificent example of European art made by the indigenous population. Its main altar is completely covered in silver, and the church contains many fine paintings from the Cusco School of religious art.
From the Cathedral we move on to Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, where we will be able to see some of the finest remaining examples of Inca stonemasonry.
Finally, we visit the Cusco’s San Pedro produce market. Local vendors here sell foodstuffs that vary from fresh and tasty produce (think fruit, vegetables, and cereals), medicinal herbs or even supplements, some of which are said to have magical effects. The market, is a lively and animated place, is worth visiting for atmosphere alone. Bargain with vendors for the best price, rub shoulders with the locals and enjoy just a little taster of what life is really like in Cusco.
Day at leisure
Explore Cusco’s Sacred Valley of the Incas, beginning in the city of Cusco, exploring magnificent archeological sites on the way to Pisaq.
The Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park. Sacsayhuaman is an extraordinary archaeological site set on the hill to the north of the city of Cusco, overlooking the main square. This is a complete tour including the great plaza and its adjacent three massive terrace walls.
The stones used in the construction of these terraces are among the largest used in any building in pre-Hispanic America and display a precision that is unmatched in the Americas. The stones are so closely fitted that a single piece of paper will not fit between many of the stones. This precision, combined with the rounded corners of the blocks, the variety of their interlocking shapes, and the way the walls lean inward, is thought to have helped the ruins survive the devastating earthquakes that have shaken Cusco in the past. The largest of the three walls is about 400 meters in length. These ramparts are about 6 meters tall and estimated volume of stone employed at the site is over 6000 cubic meters. Estimates for the weight of the largest limestone block vary from 128 tons to around 200 tons.
From here, you will continue through this picturesque landscape in the hills above the imperial city to the Inca temple of Qenqo (“zigzag,” in Quechua), a limestone outcrop carved into a subterranean altar associated with worship of the Inca earth goddess, or Pachamama, we will also visit the Inca fortified complex known as Puca Pucara (“red fort,” in Quechua) and the water shrine of Tambomachay.
Leaving the Cusco valley behind, after crossing the mountains, our bus will take us to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the road descends to the traditional artisan center of Awanacancha, a tourist complex where we will learn about the Andean Camelids; the Llamas and Alpacas, in addition, native people will show us their techniques of weaving and dyeing of traditional textiles. Next, we continue along the paved road to the picturesque town of Pisac
Pisac (Pisaq in quechua language), on the banks of the sacred Urubamba River.
Every Sunday, Thursday and Tuesday, the sleepy town of Pisac comes alive when indigenous Quechua communities from the surrounding highlands come to Pisac to sell their produce and stock up on supplies for the week.
The Pisaq typical market of souvenirs (that is performed in a daily basis) is one of the most famous markets in the Cusco region. A large section of the market is dedicated to tourist-oriented souvenir stalls where you can find weavings, alpaca products, ponchos, ceramics, jewelry, hats, Andean instruments and a complete range of other gifts and souvenirs to take home with you. The handcraft market is open every day from 9 am to 4.30 pm and is a good place to pick up some gifts all in the one place.
After an excellent lunch we will visit the Pisaq ruins
The Pisaq archaeological site stand high above the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the ruins are separated along the ridge into four groups: Pisaqa, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa, and Kanchiracay and extensive agricultural terracing, with the beautiful Urubamba River far below.
The Intihuatana a volcanic outcrop carved into a “hitching post” for the Sun is the focus of the complex, the angles of its base suggest that it served some astronomical function the religious complex includes a number of baths for rituals and temples. The Inca constructed agricultural terraces on the steep hillside, which are still in use today. They created the terraces by hauling richer topsoil by hand from the lower lands. The terraces enabled the production of surplus food, more than would normally be possible at altitudes as high as 14,000 feet.
Near the sunset we head to our hotel located in Urubamba, the most picturesque area of the valley.
Driving distance: 60 kilometers / 37.2 miles
Visiting time: 9 hours
Altitude:
Follow in the footsteps of the Incas and hike the complete world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The classic 4 day / 3-night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu follows a magical route surrounded by spectacular Andean scenery and dotted with fascinating archaeological sites. This 25-mile (40-kilometer) trek through a variety of landscapes is famous as one of the world’s great hiking routes. After walking for three days on the morning of the fourth day, from high above the site hikers can enjoy their first view of magnificent Machu Picchu.
Cusco – Piscacucho (Km. 82) – Huayllabamba
We will pick you up from your hotel in the early morning for the journey by private vehicle to Piscacucho, a community at Km 82 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railroad. After crossing the Urubamba River, we will begin our trek. Along the way, you will be met by fine views of snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,850 meters / 19,193 feet). After hiking along the riverbank, we will arrive at the beautiful Inca ruins of Llactapata, from where our route continues to the village of Huayllabamba and our first campsite.
raveling time:
Cusco – Piscacucho: 91 kilometers / 56.5 miles (paved: 77 kilometers / 47.4 miles; dirt road: 14 kilometers / 8.7 miles); 3 hours
Trekking distance:
11 kilometers / 6.8 miles (5-6 hours)
Altitude:
Meals: Lunch, dinner
After a good breakfast, we will begin the day by hiking up to Warmiwañusca Pass (4,205 meters / 13,795 feet), the highest part on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Along the way, the landscape will change as we move into the sparse vegetation of the high plains. It is possible to spot alpacas and llamas on this section of the Inca Trail. Arriving at the pass, we will have time to rest and enjoy the fine views, before descending to our second campsite at Pacaymayo in time our evening meal.
Trekking distance:
7.6 kilometers / 4.7 miles (6-7 hours)
Altitude:
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
This is the longest day of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, offering the best views and most interesting archaeological sites on the entire route. We begin this day by hiking up to the second pass (3,950 meters / 12,959 feet). At the ruins of Runkuraqay, our knowledgeable guide will explain the significance of the site. We will then descend as far as the Sayacmarca archaeological site, before continuing to the third pass at Phuyupatamarca (3,640 meters / 11,942 feet), where the best-preserved archaeological site on the Inca Trail is located. At the end of this wonderful day, we will descend to the picturesque ruins of Wiñay Wayna, where we will make our final camp.
Trekking distance:
11.1 kilometers / 6.9 miles (7 hours)
Altitude:
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
At the beginning of this much-anticipated day, we will leave Wiñay Wayna very early, and after two hours we will arrive at the Sun Gate, from where there is a wonderful view of the lost city of the Incas.
Visit Machu Picchu, the most iconic travel destination in South America!!!
Machu Picchu was hidden by thick cloud forest vegetation for centuries until the American explorer Hiram Bingham began to clear the site after its rediscovery in 1911.
Today the city has been extensively restored, creating an unforgettable sight for visitors like you who arrive from all over the world. Our experienced and knowledgeable guide will escort you as you visit the temples and palaces of Machu Picchu and explore its residential and agricultural areas.
Leaving the ruins in the afternoon, we will descend to the small town of Aguas Calientes for the return train trip to Cusco.
Trekking distance:
4.6 kilometers / 2.9 miles (3 hours)
Traveling time:
Machu Picchu – Poroy Train station (train): 99 kilometers / 61.5 miles (3.30 minutes)
Poroy Train station – Cusco (private vehicle): 13 kilometers / 8 miles (30 minutes)
Altitude:
Transfer to the airport,
Flight to Lima
Connecting flight back home
Travelers with a US, UK, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport do not need a visa to enter Peru for tourism or business for up to 90 days. For those traveling on another passport, information on visa requirements for Peru is available at http://www.projectvisa.com/visainformation/Peru
We recommend that visitors to Peru travel on a passport valid for at least six months after the scheduled end of their trip.
No vaccinations are mandatory for entering Peru. However, most international travelers choose to vaccinate themselves against hepatitis A, typhoid fever and tetanus. If you are planning to travel to the Amazon basin, you should consider malaria prophylaxis and yellow fever vaccination. Check with your physician or local clinic before traveling.
After we have confirmed your booking you will need to pay a deposit, the amount of which will depend on the tour you book and the size of your party. The remaining balance must be paid at our office in Cusco at least 2 days prior to the scheduled departure date, before 19:30. Payment should be made in US dollars or local currency. When we confirm your booking, we will send you more details about how to complete payment.
Cash is easy to exchange for local currency, and at popular tourism destinations US dollars are readily accepted. If you plan to use cards, inform your bank before departure that you will be using your cards overseas. Current exchange rates can be checked at https://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/
The best way to deal with high altitude is by allowing the body time to adapt. We recommend at least one day at altitude with minimal activity, to allow the organism to begin to adjust. During your first days at altitude, your metabolism will be working hard to produce more red blood cells and carry the limited oxygen available around your body more efficiently. Be sure to eat lightly during your first few days at altitude, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
Our guides are trained to assist travelers in the event of acute mountain sickness. They can provide an emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit; however, travelers should carry their own personal medication, such as treatment for headaches or stomach ailments.
Yes, if your itinerary includes transfers or you have asked us to pick you up, our staff will be at the airport to meet you and transfer you to your hotel. We can also provide airport transfers at the end of your itinerary.
At Andean Adventures Peru, we work with experienced local guides, all of whom have graduated in tourism after a 5-year course at a Peruvian university. All our guides speak English and Spanish and are knowledgeable, patient and informative. Guides in other major languages are also available upon request.
Weather in Peru varies according to the geographic region you are traveling in, and also altitude. In the Andean highlands (Cusco, Arequipa and Lake Titicaca), where UV levels are high, daytime temperatures peak at between 15 to 21 Celsius (60 and 70 Fahrenheit), while nighttime temperatures range from 1.1 to 5.5 Celsius (30 to 42 Fahrenheit). During the dry season (from April to October), the weather tends to be clear and sunny. The rainiest months are January and February. In the Amazon basin the hottest and most humid months occur during the wet season (from December to April), with the rainiest months being January and February, although of course it can rain at any time in tropical and subtropical forests. Peru’s desert coast is warm all year round, although Lima and the surrounding coastal belt are usually overcast outside the summer months (January to March). There is almost no rainfall in Lima, but humidity is high. Machu Picchu is situated at around 2400 meters (7875 feet) above sea level in an area of subtropical cloud forest. Daytime temperatures range from 26 to 29 Celsius (80 to 85 Fahrenheit). There is the chance of rain at any time of year. The driest months are May to September.
ATMs are available at most of the destinations included in our itineraries, providing both US dollars and local Peruvian currency. The most secure ATMs are those located in banks, hotels, restaurants or stores.
Refund are available up to a certain date, after which only a percentage of the amount paid can be refunded. Please ask us for our booking conditions at time of booking.
That depends on the availability of places on the Inca Trail. We cannot guarantee that once you have booked, your friends will also be able to do so. On certain dates during the high season, we recommend that groups of travelers who want to hike the Inca Trail should do so under a single booking. Refunds are not given for the Inca Trail, and so if your friends don’t manage to get a place on the same date, or if those who succeed in booking decide to cancel the trip, there will be no possibility of a refund.
There is no official restriction on the age limit for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or other treks in Peru. However, as a responsible trekking and hiking company we recommend that children under 9 years of age should not hike Inca Trail. 12 years is a better age to do the Inca Trail. Also, all children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
The minimum number of participants for each group is 2. In the event that we do not reach the minimum number of persons required for a selected date, we will try to offer you an alternative trek date or refund your trek deposit in full. Andean Adventures Peru can operate with a single participant on a private tour basis (many of our clients choose to travel individually).
The Inca Trail is a 43-kilometer (25-mile) trek through a mountainous region, involving hiking for 5-7 hours a day at high altitude and over rough terrain. Make no mistake, the Inca Trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You should be fit and exercise regularly before your trek. It is also important to be well acclimated before starting the trek. We recommend spending 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3400 meters / 11,154 feet above sea level) prior to starting the trek. If you do not take regular exercise or have a heart, respiratory, knee or back problem, do not consider doing the trek.
Both in Cusco and on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, days tend to be warm and nights cold. On the Inca Trail, from April through October, which is the dry season, the weather during the day is warm. During June, July and August nights can be cold, and a good four season sleeping bag is recommended. The rainy season runs from November through March. In February, which is the rainiest month of the year, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
The maximum group size is 16 persons. For more than 16 persons, a second group must be organized. A single guide travels with 8 participants. For larger groups, an assistant guide will also accompany the participants.
You will need to carry your daypack with all the personal items you need during the day. The rest of your luggage will be transported by us (van / porters). Porters are only permitted to carry 8 kilos for each person (including sleeping bag). As a company, Andean Adventures Peru is committed to the well-being of its porters during treks, ensuring that they are properly paid, well fed, and comfortable at our campsites.
If you are traveling alone and are willing to share a tent, with a member of the same sex or partner, family member or friend, then there is no additional cost. If, however, you would like your own private tent an additional supplement will be payable. Please contact us in advance, because this option will depend on the availability of spaces at the campsites designated by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
Use of plastic bottles on the network of Inca Trails to Machu Picchu is not permitted. Other treks do not have this restriction but we always recommend and encourage our travelers to use reusable canteens or second use plastic water bottles. Our cook will provide you with boiled water to refill your bottle at all the campsites.
correctly packaged and handled by our trained staff to ensure food safety. We use cloth bags when making our purchases, rather than plastic. The produce is fresh and bought directly from local farmers. Also, we pack the produce in cloth bags and hermetic multiuse containers, avoiding the use of plastic in order to make our operations as green as possible.
If you want to hire the services of an extra porter to carry your personal gear, then you must let us know at the time you make your booking for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. By letting us know in advance, you ensure we will be able to organize the services of an extra porter for each day of the trek. If you make this request in Cusco just days before the start of your trek, the extra porter will only be able to accompany you during the first two days of the Inca Trail.
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[They] did an excellent job making sure everything was organized [and] made sure we had what we needed. Our guide was a wealth of knowledge and very informative […]. We enjoyed our trip!
Phenomenal trip to Peru that included Machu Picchu, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Rainbow Mountain! Andean Adventures Peru custom tailored everything based on my timeline, including drivers in Lima. All current COVID measures were used. I highly recommend them!
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