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Walk in the Footsteps of an Ancient Civilization in Peru
Type of Trip: Cultural, Trekking Length: 10 days Season: Apr-Nov Rating: Grade III
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Inca Trail, a 26-mile trek through the heart of the ancient Incan Empire.
This four-day adventure takes you from Cusco to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, traversing diverse landscapes and altitudes ranging from 8,530 to 13,829 feet. You’ll explore remarkable Incan ruins like Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, cross the challenging Dead Woman’s Pass, and hike through stunning cloud forests.
The trail culminates with a breathtaking sunrise view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. With expert guides, high-quality camping equipment, and comfortable amenities, this luxury Inca Trail experience offers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort for intrepid travelers seeking to uncover the mysteries of this ancient civilization.
Trip Highlights:
- Adjust to the higher Andean elevation by visiting impressive Incan sites near Cusco
- Hike to Pisac’s religious complex, dramatically overlooking the Sacred Valley
- Explore Chinchero village and ruins of Inca Yupanqui’s palace en route to the trailhead
- Conquer two high passes and reap the scenic rewards during the 4-day Inca Trail trek
- Witness a spectacular sunrise with views of Salcantay, the highest peak in the Vilcabamba range
- Marvel at the Inca architectural skills with a visit to Wiñaywayna
- Arrive on foot to Machu Picchu through the Intipunku site, or Gateway of the Sun
- Rejuvenate in the luxury of top hotels and take the Vistadome scenic train ride back to Cusco
Brief Itinerary
DAY 1: USA / LIMA
Land in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital and settle into your hotel near the airport for a restful evening while you prepare for your Andean adventure.DAY 2: LIMA / CUSCO
Fly to Cusco (11,150′), the archaeological heart of the Americas. Explore the city’s rich Incan and colonial heritage, visiting iconic sites like Sacsayhuaman fortress.DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY / CUSCO
Embark on a scenic 3-mile hike in the Sacred Valley. Savor your taste of Peruvian cuisine during a typical lunch. Discover the colorful Pisac town and impressive ruins before returning to Cusco.DAY 4: CUSCO / HUAYLLABAMBA CAMP
En route to the trailhead stop to explore Chinchero. Begin your Inca Trail adventure at Piscacucho (9,150′). Hike through the Urubamba River valley, experiencing the path of the ancient Incas.DAY 5: PACAYMAYO CAMP
An exciting hiking day unfolds, conquer Warmiwañusqa pass (13,780′), the trail’s highest point. Revel in breathtaking Andean vistas and a sense of accomplishment.DAY 6: PHUYUPATAMARCA CAMP
Follow the stone-paved trail to explore the Runkurakay watchtower and Sayacmarca ruins. Enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and lush cloud forests. Sunset scenes over Mount Salcantay (20,575′)DAY 7: MACHU PICCHU
Explore the splendid Wiñaywayna site, then continue to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, for your first awe-inspiring glimpse of Machu Picchu. Arrive to this architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage site.DAY 8: MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
Experience the sunrise while discovering Machu Picchu’s secrets. Join for a challenging but rewarding hike up Huayna Picchu (8,836′). Return to Cusco by scenic train ride.DAY 9: CUSCO / LIMA / USA
Fly to Lima for guided sightseeing, including the world-class Larco Museum, before your evening departure.DAY 10: USA
Arrive home, carrying unforgettable memories of your Andean adventure.
All Southwind itineraries are fully customizable to your personal interests and travel dates. Please contact us for firsthand knowledge and help with your travel plans.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.Departures
On request any week throughout the April-December season.
You can pick your own dates and have Southwind design a custom itinerary anytime during the season for a minimum of two participants. Please contact our Travel Specialists.
Notes
Current regulations allow only 500 permits per day for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and are granted on a first-come first-serve basis. We recommend making reservations 4-6 months in advance to secure your space.
All departures are subject to permit availability. Please contact a Southwind Travel Consultant to check current permit status for your preferred dates or to discuss alternative recommendations.
☼ If planning a summer trip, consider adding an extra day for the famous June 24th Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco.
2025 Land Cost
4-6 participants: from $7,100 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $6,500 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $1,500p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.Lima: Costa del Sol
After a long flight to Lima travelers can step out of the International Terminal, walk a short distance, and enter the lobby of Ramada’s newly constructed Costa del Sol Hotel. This stylish four-star, 130 guest room hotel is the perfect place to unwind before exploring the wonders of Peru.
Cusco: Aranwa Boutique Hotel
Built in a colonial mansion of the XVI century, the Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel displays several paintings of the Cuzco school, colonial sculptures and carvings that transport us to the greatness of the time.
Sacred Valley: Tent Camping
Our first-class trekking services include: experienced, licensed, English-speaking, local guide; all group camping equipment; spacious 3-person all season Eureka K-2™ or North Face VE-25™ tents (shared by just 2 participants); Thermarest™ sleeping pads; and all meals, including 3 course served dinners.
Machu Picchu: Inkaterra Pueblo
The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel is a unique, 4-star ecological hotel situated in a cloud forest above the Urubamba River. Featuring 83 spacious, sunlit rooms, the style is Spanish colonial with stone archways and red tiled roofs. Cottages and gardens are reminiscent of a traditional Andean village.
Lima Upgrade Option: Miraflores Park Hotel
Located on the Malecon de la Reserva, the 5-star Miraflores Park Hotel has 81 suites offering guests the ideal space for work and rest. Enjoy ample private bathrooms in marble and granite, comfortable king-size beds, and a splendid ocean view.
Lima Upgrade Option: JW Marriott Hotel
Enjoy a view of the Pacific Ocean against the shoreline at one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top-20 Latin American hotels, the JW Marriott Hotel Lima. This 5-Star facility has prime location near the Larcomar shopping and entertainment center, and luxurious amenities.
Machu Picchu Upgrade Option: Sanctuary Lodge
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, by Belmond, enjoys a unique position at the entrance of the Inca Citadel ruins. The unequaled location of this upscale 4-star hotel allows guests easy access to Machu Picchu, as well as breathtaking scenery and bird watching.
Cusco Upgrade Option: Monasterio Hotel
Built in 1592, the original monastery was given the seal of royal approval in 1692. The San Antonio Abad Seminary and was converted into Cusco’s best and most delightful 5-star hotel in 1995. Only two blocks from Cusco’s main square, the Monasterio Hotel features 109 guest rooms.
Amazon Lodges
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Cusco or Lima
Season: April to December
Families and travelers with limited time, who want a taste of the Amazon Basin rainforests, will enjoy the Reserva Amazonica or Sandoval Lake lodges, 45 min by motor boat from Puerto Maldonado.Lake Titicaca Tour
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Cusco
Season: April to November
For those who want to experience authentic Quechua culture first-hand and feel like you’ve traveled back in time, nothing beats a visit with a family on Taquile Island.Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Length: 5 days/4 nights from Lima
Season: Mid-April to mid-November
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca in southern Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Since its walls are not as vertical, the valley is filled with small towns that preserve their traditions.Paracas Reserve
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Lima
Season: Year-round
A visit to Paracas is a journey to one of South America’s most important protected coastal-marine systems. Whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters are just a few the 36 species of marine and land mammals found in the reserve.Manu Biosphere Reserve
Length: 5 Days/4 Nights from Cusco
Season: April to October
For travelers wanting to maximize their wildlife viewing opportunities in a short extension, few places in the Amazon Basin can compete with Manu National Park in southeastern Peru. It is considered to be one of the most pristine and important rainforest reserves on the planet!Northern Peru
Length: 4 days/3 nights from Lima
Season: Year-round
Long before the Incas controlled the country, sophisticated cultures existed along the Peruvian coast; and northern Peru is one of the best destinations for visiting the remains of their cities. Moche sites including the renowned Lord of Sipan and the pyramids.Nazca Lines Tour
Length: 3 days/2 nights from Lima
Season: Year-round
The mysterious lines etched into the coastal plains near the town of Nazca have fascinated scientists, archaeologists and visitors for decades. Best viewed from the air, Nazca figures such as the monkey, fish, hands and whale are highlights.Carnal Ruins
Length: 2 days/1 night from Lima
Season: Year-round
In 2001 researchers stunned the archaeological community by carbon-dating the ruins at Caral back to 2627 BC. Step back in time to an early civilization while touring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.Testimonials
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“Everything about the trip far exceeded our expectations . . . the guides, the food, the porters, each and every day of the trek and of course the sites, scenery and culture. Everyone did a wonderful job in seeing to our every need and providing the best of services. Keep up the good work.”
Michele & Don Wyman – Wilsonville, OR
★★★★★ -
“Your planning of the itinerary for this complex custom trip was superb – both the big picture and the flow of the tour; and the meticulous attention to detail & execution. I was most impressed overall – you and your staff did a superb job!”
Mark Giesecke – Flagstaff, AZ
★★★★★ -
“The trek itself was very pleasurable as we saw beautiful valleys, quaint villages, wildlife, etc., but Machu Picchu was, of course, awe inspiring.”
Karin O’Connell – Chicago, IL
★★★★★
