Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Walk in the Footsteps of an Ancient Civilization in Peru
The Incas created one of the most fabulous ancient empires. At its apex in the late fifteenth century, their impressive kingdom encompassed lands stretching from southern Colombia to central Chile, connected by a network of more than 2,500 miles of stone-paved highways, tunnels and bridges. The heart of the empire was Cusco, where they built fabulous temples, fortresses and a mountaintop citadel. These mysterious stone monuments stand today as a testament to the greatness of their creators.
This classic trek along the stone-paved Royal Road leads directly to Machu Picchu, the fabled Lost City of the Incas. Travelers on this path are treated to a broad introduction to Inca civilization presented by top guides, high quality camping equipment, and plenty of creature comforts along the way, making for a luxury Inca Trail experience.
Trip Highlights:
- Adjust to the higher elevation by visiting unique Incan sites near Cusco
- Hike to Pisac’s religious complex, dramatically overlooking the Sacred Valley
- Stop at the Indian market in Chinchero en route to the trailhead
- Witness a spectacular sunrise with views of Salcantay, the highest peak in the Vilcabamba range
- Conquer two high passes and reap the scenic rewards during the 4-day Inca Trail trek
- 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 train back to Cusco
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: USA / LIMA
Arrive to Lima this evening and spend the night.
Days 2: LIMA / CUSCO
Fly to Cusco (11,150′), the archaeological capital of the Americas. Tour the city and its surrounding Incan sites.
DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY / CUSCO
Warm-up hike and visit to the town and ruins complex of Pisac, then return to Cusco.
DAY 4: CUSCO / HUAYLLABAMBA CAMP
Arrive to the trailhead near Piscacucho (9,150′) and embark on day 1 of the Inca Trail.
DAY 5: PACAYMAYO CAMP
Day 2 of the Inca Trail, crossing Warmiwañusqa, the highest pass, at 13,780′.
DAY 6: PHUYUPATAMARCA CAMP
Day 3 of the Inca Trail, with Runkurakay watchtower, Sayacmarca ruins and superb views as highlights.
DAY 7: MACHU PICCHU
Finish the trek with arrival to Intipunku, the Gateway of the Sun, and its incredible view of Machu Picchu.
DAY 8: MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
Further Machu Picchu explorations, optional hike up to Huayna Picchu (8,836′). Afternoon return by train and bus to Cusco.
DAY 9: CUSCO / LIMA / USA
Flight from Cusco to Lima and guided sight-seeing before boarding an overnight flight.
DAY 10: USA
Arrive back to the USA and make your onward connections home.
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.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Dates & Rates
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 $1,500
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Accommodations
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Extensions
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 rainforest, will enjoy the Reserva Amazonica or Sandoval Lake lodge, 45 min by boat from Puerto Maldonado. Both allow access to small oxbow lakes as well as forest trails with a variety of habitats.
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Cusco
Season: April to November
Introduction: 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, one of Lake Titicaca’s natural islands.
Length: 5 days/4 nights from Lima
Season: Mid-April to mid-November
Introduction: 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 ancestral traditions.
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.
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!
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.
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.