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Cusco and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu


An unforgettable trekking and world wonder
10 days starting at $2,060/Person

Why you'll love this Peru, Inka Trail & Machu Picchu tour!

An unforgettable trekking and world wonder

10 days 1 country(ies)

Hike the world famous Inca Trail to the World Wonder of Machu Picchu as you take in the authentic highlights of Peru on this customizable adventure. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most rewarding challenges you can face as you arrive at the other-worldly site of Machu Picchu at sunrise. You’ll take in the beauty of the Sacred Valley and the Inca Capital of Cusco which is an equally rewarding experience for both history buffs and casual visitors.

From

$ 2,060 USD

Per person based on Double Occupancy

From

$2,060 USD

Per person
  • Package valid for trips to be made between 3rd of January 2022 and 15th of December 2022, not including special holiday seasons.
  • Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Encounter Latin America has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability.
  • Package subject to availability at time of booking.
What you can expect in every tour:
  • Choose any date, all tours have daily departures
  • Hand picked guides specialized for every excursion
  • 7 regional offices with 24/7 in country support
  • Transfers with English guide to/from all airports
  • Local specialists who live and guide the destination
  • Personal dining recommendations for food lovers
  • Incredibly comfortable authentic accommodations

TOUR DETAILS “Cusco and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu”

What’s included

9 NIGHTS

MEALS

9 x Breakfast, 1 x picnic, 3 x Lunch, 3 x Dinner

TRANSPORTATION

All private transportation, Vistadome train ticket from Aguas Clients to Cusco. National flights not included.


Wow experiences

EXPERIENCES INCLUDED

City tour Lima as a Local, guided tour of Pisac Market & Ruins, Llama pack project, Private Inka Trail 4 days, Walking tour of Cusco


Highlights

Cusco & The Sacred Valley

Inka Trail & Machu Picchu

10 Day Travel Itinerary

Our tours depart any day of the year, there are no fixed departure dates. It’s really simply, we’ve designed some of the best experiences that cover your “bucket list” must see stuff in each destination. You can trust in our 20 years of experience, that everything will run just like clockwork.

1
Day 1 - LIMA

TOUCH DOWN IN PERU

View Travel Guide for Lima
Depending on the time of your arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore Lima. As most flights arrive in Lima in the evening once you’ve settled and checked in to your accommodation we recommend going out to explore some of Lima’s colonial beauty or to one of the many bars and restaurants overlooking the beach and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy Lima’s wealth of excellent restaurants, including Astrid & Gaston, rated as one of the top 100 restaurants in the world.

Included: Private transfer from Lima airport to your hotel with assistance; Accommodation in Lima. (Meals – None).

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View Travel Guide for Lima Depending on the time of your arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore Lima. As most flights arrive in Lima in the evening ...

2
DAY 2 - LIMA

LIMA LIKE A LOCAL

This fascinating walking tour will help you gain a little insight into the local Limeño culture and history. After being picked up from your hotel at 9 am, the taxi will take you to the Miraflores market, where Peruvian merchants will enlighten you on the local produce and outline the different types of potatoes, corn, and fruits that can be found in Peru. Feel free to grab some samples and don’t forget to try the coca leaves!

Following a short meander through the market, you will then hop on the public bus ‘Metropolitano’ to the historic center, where you can admire grand colonial buildings. The Historic Center of Lima has been the seat of the Colonial and Republican governments since the Spanish foundation of the city in 1535 and is also an important indigenous center. Until the 1940s, it also housed Peru’s richest and most influential families. As you stroll through the city center, pay attention to the changing style of architecture and the beautiful interior balconies.
Upon arriving in Plaza San Martin, you will taste some delicious Peruvian pastries before heading to the main square. There, you will stop by a small outlet of the ChocoMuseum and will receive fun facts and information about the process of transforming the cocoa bean into the delicious chocolate that you will be savoring. Following this tasty treat, the tour will proceed to the Cordano Bar, where you will taste a typical Peruvian drink, the Chicha Morada, made from sweet purple corn. From here, you can either grab the Metropolitano bus back to Miraflores or you are welcome to stay in the historic center to continue exploring on your terms.
Included: Private excursion with Guide, Public Transport, Chicha Morada and Food tasting; Accommodation in Lima. (Meals – Breakfast).
Note: The entrance to the Cathedral and San Francisco Church are not included. Around USD 8 p.p. It is not possible to visit the Cathedral on Sundays.

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This fascinating walking tour will help you gain a little insight into the local Limeño culture and history. After being picked up from your hotel at 9 am, the taxi will take you to the Miraflores market, where Peruvian merchants ...

3
DAY 3 - SACRED VALLEY

INTO THE ANDES

View Travel Guide for the Sacred Valley
It’s time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination. Once you arrive in Cusco, you’ll be warmly welcomed and taken on a journey of discovery through the Sacred Valley to your accommodation where you can get settled and rest. Cusco is seriously high up at 11,155 ft. above sea level, today is about acclimatizing and avoiding soroche (altitude sickness) while also being able to see some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley.
Staying in the Sacred Valley which is at about 9,500 ft. above sea level will help you acclimatize quicker so you can get up and explore this beautiful region with a lower risk of getting altitude sickness.
You’ll be taken in a full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, alongside the Vilcanota River, where you will find native communities, impressive terraces, and many important archaeological sites. In this tour, you will visit the Pisac Indian Market, one of the most popular and picturesque of the indigenous markets in the Cusco region. Travelers from all over the world come to purchase all manner of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, ponchos, rugs, hats, gloves, Andean instruments, ceramics, alpaca, and woven llama clothing, and a host of lovely souvenirs. And although you can visit it every day, the Sunday market is magnificent, mass is celebrated in Quechua and the worthy “varayoc” (local authorities) attendance adds enrichment to the celebration. Your tour will continue to Pisac ruins, perched magnificently at the entrance to a great gorge, the citadel looks the Urubamba Valley and the town of Pisac from above. Pisac was situated strategically along a road that connected the Inca Empire with the jungles of the east, and the site is an impressive reminder of just how advanced the civilization was in terms of building and agriculture. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Included: Private transfer to the airport; Private guided tour of Pisac Market & Ruins with pick up at the airport and drop off in the Sacred Valley; Entrance fees; Accommodation in the Sacred Valley. (Meals – Breakfast).

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View Travel Guide for the Sacred Valley It’s time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination. Once you arrive in Cusco, you’ll be warmly welcomed and taken on a journey of discovery through the ...

4
DAY 4 - CUSCO

LLAMA PACK PROJECT

You’ll be picked up and taken to the Llama Pack Project. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by members of the Local Guilds of Llama Breeders and an English-speaking interpreter, who will present the Llama Pack Project to the group. After that, you will be asked to assist in the packing activity led by your local hosts. Then, you will leave the base camp and start trekking uphill at a slow pace through a zig-zag trail, walking behind the llamas with the assistance of your local hosts until you reach the designated spot, where you will enjoy an outdoor picnic while you chat with your hosts, relax and enjoy the panoramic views
and the Valley’s fresh air. After this nice rest, you will head back with the llamas to the base camp and then, take the private transport back to your hotel. Please note that, in the unusual event of a storm the previous day or a community chore that prevents llamas from joining the trek, the rest of the activities will still be carried out (previous evaluation from the Llama Pack team).
Note: We recommend you to bring a lightweight personal backpack with drinking water, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, any personal medicines, cash for tips and crafts, and your camera. Wear comfortable clothes: Fresh long-sleeved shirt, long pants, closed trekking shoes, socks, hat, sunglasses, an extra jacket for a fresh breeze, and rainproof clothes. For small children, we recommend a trekking child carrier.
Included: Private trek with Llamas, English speaking interpreter, Hosts from Local Guilds of Llama Breeders and transfers, Accommodation in Sacred Valley (Meals – Breakfast, Picnic Brunch).

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You’ll be picked up and taken to the Llama Pack Project. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by members of the Local Guilds of Llama Breeders and an English-speaking interpreter, who will present the Llama Pack Project to the group. ...

5
DAY 5 - INCA TRAIL DAY ONE

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS: 4-HOUR HIKE

View Travel Guide for Machu Picchu
It is time to start hiking the world-famous Inca Trail! You can leave part of your luggage safely behind at your accommodation before getting picked up with your backpack between 5:30 am to 6:30 am. You will be transferred to KM 82, situated between Cusco and Machu Picchu, you will show your passport to the Sanctuary personnel before crossing a bridge that officially marks the start of your Inca Trail experiencepause for a photo! The first section of today will take you along the shore of the Urubamba River until you reach the little community of Miskay.
From there the uphill trekking really begins. Up and up you go to a high plateau where you can see the stunning Inca ruins of Patallacta. Your local guide will be on hand to provide you with information of the area from the Inca legacy to its diverse flora and fauna.
Having stopped for lunch at a beautiful spot with panoramic views and with some time to rest a bit it is then; guess whattime to keep on hiking up some more until you reach your first campsite! It is tiring but the views of the Vilcanota ridge and the snowcapped Veronica Mountain make it all worthwhile.
There are communal toilets, (cold) showers and some electricity (and battery charging points) at the campsites.
Included: 4 day Inca Trail Trek; guides, tents, cooking equipment, entrances. (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Not included: sleeping bag (you may bring it, or rent it locally) and a porter for your personal belongings (request this at the time of booking).

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View Travel Guide for Machu Picchu It is time to start hiking the world-famous Inca Trail! You can leave part of your luggage safely behind at your accommodation before getting picked up with your backpack between 5:30 am to 6:30 am. ...

6
Day 6 - INCA TRAIL DAY TWO

INTO THE MOUNTAINS: 7-HOUR HIKE

Following an early rise and breakfast get ready to tackle the most challenging day of the Inca Trail. The day begins with a 5.5-mile uphill climb along a narrow ravine but does not worry as, there are plenty of stunning views, flora, and pretty streams to distract you! After scaling several Inca steps you will be feeling the burn as you arrive at Llulluchapampa where you can take a short rest. Get as much breath back as you can for this next part as you will be climbing up to the highest and most famous mountain pass on the Inca Trail; the Abra Warmyhuañuska (or foreboding Dead Woman’s Pass).
Here you are at 13,780ft above sea level and so even the fittest among you will be breathing pretty heavily! It takes about 2 hours but really, do this at your own pace! It is quite common to see llamas and alpacas grazing in this area as well as the ichu plant which is one of the few plants that can grow at such high altitudes. At the summit, you will receive the fruits of your labor as the Andean landscape and what seems like the whole world opens up in front of you. This is also where you will see the classic view of the Inca Trail snaking through the valley below. Having completed the most challenging section of the Inca Trail you will finally start heading downhill for a while to your lunch stop, crossing a narrow valley which is home to lots of birds and even the Andean speckled bear. You finish today in your campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley where your porters will be waiting for you – they carry all the stuff for the campsite (limited to 11 lbs per porter) and they still get there in half the time it will take you to get there! Here you eat and get some well-earned sleep!
Included: Included: 4 day Inca Trail Trekking; Entrances. (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

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Following an early rise and breakfast get ready to tackle the most challenging day of the Inca Trail. The day begins with a 5.5-mile uphill climb along a narrow ravine but does not worry as, there are plenty of stunning ...

7
DAY 7 - INCA TRAIL DAY THREE

APPROACHING MACHU PICCHU: 8-9 HOUR HIKE

This is the longest day, but do not despair, it’s also the most impressive because you will see and explore loads of Inca ruins and pass through a cloud forest full of exotic birds! We are sorry but from the get-go, it is uphill again to start with the Runkurakay Pass, but you get to stop off at the archaeological complex of the same name first which is believed to have been an Inca watchtower. Then it is down (yay!) to Sayacmarca palace where you will come across one of the most complete and well-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Next, you go through an enchanting cloud forest before heading up again to the next pass known as Phuyupatamarca. From the top of Phuyupatamarca, stop and look down at the intricate water fountains in the Inca complex below before taking a moment to rejoice as the rest of the trail is pretty much downhill from there. Welcome to Wiñaywayna, your last campsite on the Inca Trail! Here you find a hiker’s lodge complete with a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities allowing you to get ready for the final day of the Inca Trail tomorrow and your arrival at the World Wonder of Machu Picchu.
Included: 4 day Inca Trail Trekking; Entrances. (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

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This is the longest day, but do not despair, it’s also the most impressive because you will see and explore loads of Inca ruins and pass through a cloud forest full of exotic birds! We are sorry but from the ...

8
DAY 8 - INCA TRAIL DAY FOUR / CUSCO

THROUGH THE SUN GATE AT MACHU PICCHU

The day you have been waiting and hiking for has finally arrived! Today you have to get up early, but it is worth it, we promise! To arrive at the Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate in time to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu, you will have to wake up and have breakfast at 4:30 AM before being back out on the trail by 5 AM. After about an hour of hiking through mystical cloud forests, you arrive at the Sun Gate, and there it will be in front of you, Machu Picchu at sunrise. We do not even have words to describe how breathtaking this is – it’s an experience that you will never forget.
After taking a moment to soak up what you’ve just witnessed as well as your sense of accomplishment, it is time to descend into the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Your guide will give you a full explanation of the Lost City of the Inca as well as its history, the surrounding areas, and the sacred legends of Machu Picchu.
Then it is down to the quaint town of Aguas Calientes where you can enjoy strolling its cobblestone streets lined with small restaurants and shops or you can soak away some of those muscle pains (and dirt!) at the nearby hot springs. After lunch, it is time to take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco. The train leaving from Aguas Calientes has large windows which give you a great view from the peaks of the Andes down to the flowing rivers on the valley floor. We will meet you at the station before taking you back to your accommodation.
Included: Full day Machu Picchu tour with entrances; Vistadome train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco; Accommodation in Cusco. (Meals – Breakfast).

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The day you have been waiting and hiking for has finally arrived! Today you have to get up early, but it is worth it, we promise! To arrive at the Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate in time ...

9
DAY 9 - CUSCO

CUSCO LIKE A LOCAL

Enjoy walking around the Imperial City of the Incas. The tour starts at the impressive Colonial Cathedral in Cusco which contains over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School and several beautiful altars. Then you will visit the Temple of the Sun, the main religious center of the Incas dedicated to the Sun Cult, where the walls were said to be covered entirely with gold.
If you still have some energy left, as this is a private tour, we recommend asking your guide to take you up to the old Inca city of Sacsayhuaman, on the outskirts of Cusco.
Here you will see and learn how the Inca’s were able to move and lift enormous rocks, to construct walls so strong, that the building has survived all these years as well as a few earthquakes, mudslides, and erosion. You can then take a taxi back to your accommodation but, not before taking in the stunning aerial view over the terracotta rooftops of Cusco from the Inca city of Sacsayhuaman (entrance fee to these ruins is not included).
Included: Walking city tour with San Blas neighborhood and San Pedro market with a private guide and entrance fees; Accommodation in Cusco. (Meals – Breakfast).

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Enjoy walking around the Imperial City of the Incas. The tour starts at the impressive Colonial Cathedral in Cusco which contains over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School and several beautiful altars. Then you will visit the Temple of the ...

10
DAY 10 - CUSCO

LEAVING CUSCO & ONWARD

It’s time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination where if you are planning to, you can enjoy exploring the beauty and culture of Peru further. Your private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight back home.

Included: Private transfer from the hotel to Cusco airport with assistance. (Meals – Breakfast).

It’s time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination where if you are planning to, you can enjoy exploring the beauty and culture of Peru further. Your private transfer will take you to ...

ACCOMMODATIONS “Cusco and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu”

Comfort

  • Lima – Antigua Miraflores
  • Sacred Valley – Casona de Yucay
  • Cusco – Hotel Tariq

Superior

  • Lima – Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
  • Sacred Valley – Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas
  • Cusco – El Mercado

Luxury

  • Lima – Arts Boutique Hotel B
  • Sacred Valley – Sol y Luna Hotel
  • Cusco – Inkaterra La Casona

ACCOMMODATION & PRICING

(Price estimate for 2 people traveling together)

View Comfort Accommodation
Option 1

Comfort

Travel On A Budget With Style & Comfort


$2,060

Per person
View Superior Accommodation
Option 2

Superior

Travel On A Budget With Style & Superior


$2,235

Per person
View Luxury Accommodation
Option 3

Luxury

Travel On A Budget With Style & Luxury


$2,910

Per person