The Inca Trail (Classic Route)

In the afternoon, embark on a guided walking tour of Cusco and the surrounding ruins – this 3-4 hour walking tour of Peru’s former imperial capital serves as a fascinating introduction to Incan history and architecture, as well as providing valuable acclimatisation! Starting in Cusco central, you’ll visit the city's most significant historical monuments, including the Plaza de Armas, the Spanish Cathedral (dating from the era of the viceroyalty, and built with great slabs of red granite in the renaissance style) and finally, the Santo Domingo church, built upon the foundations of the Incan temple Koricancha, dedicated to the Sun God.

Late afternoon, explore the ruins surrounding Cusco, including the Sacsayhuaman Fortress – a vast ceremonial compound that overlooks the city; the Qenqo Amphitheatre – a ritual ground with subterranean galleries; Puca Pucara, or the red fortress; and the Inca Baths of Tambomachay. After the tour you will be returned to your hotel in Cusco central.

Dinner at the hotel.

From Awanacancha, continue to Pisac Market, where you will have the chance to interact with the local folk and barter with the merchants. This famous and colourful market is renowned for its handicrafts, which range from alpaca-wool clothing and musical instruments to artwork and jewellery.

After lunch at a local restaurant you will visit the Incan fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo. Constructed to protect the entrance to the valley from lowland invaders, Ollantaytambo was later the scene of Incan resistance in 1537, when Manco Inca’s forces stood their ground against the Spanish troops led by Hernando Pizarro.

After the tour you will be driven back to your hotel in Cusco for dinner and overnight.

The starting section of the trek will take you through semi-arid terrain, as you follow the course of the Urubamba River into the valley, with magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes towering overhead. In the afternoon, you’ll follow the Kusichaca River out of the Urubamba Valley and to your first campsite in Huayllabamba (2,890m).

(Km. 82 to Huayllabamba: 11 km / 6 hours)

From the pass, continue down into a gorge, at the end of which is Pacaymayo (3,600m), your second camp.

(Huayllabamba – Pacaymayo: 7km / 7 hours)

After a good rest at the Runkurakay, a gentle descent will take you to the ruined site at Sayacmarca (3,620m), accessed via a lengthy stone staircase. From Sayacmarca, continue to follow the ancient stone pathway through the jungle to the Phuyupatamarca ruins. The trail then crosses the Lago Seco and, further on, "the Tunnel", a natural cavity adapted by the Incas. The Inca Trail’s well-traced borders continue on the hills, full of moss and fern. After crossing a small pass, you will see some steep steps and under them the ceremonial centre of the Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,650m), where you set up camp this evening.

(Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca: 7km / 6 hours)

From WiñayWayna, one of the most impressive Inca ruins after Machu Picchu, continue towards Inti Punku (2,740m), the Sun Gate, and entrance to Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate you will have you first glimpses of Machu Picchu (2,450m) it looks unreal and beautiful. You will visit the ruins for only a short time this afternoon; tomorrow you’ll have another visit.

Transfer to Aguas Calientes for dinner and overnight at El Mapi Hotel, or similar.

(Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna: 4km / 3 hours; Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu: 5 km / 4 hours)

If you wish to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu please let us know in advance as there is an additional pass and cost required.

In the afternoon, catch the train from Aguas Calientes station to Ollantaytambo, where you will be met on arrival and transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.