Classic Inca Trail

Today begins with a guided walking tour through Cusco to see the colorful markets, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of regional cuisine, you tour the remaining prominent Inca sights in and around Cusco. These include the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; Puka Pukara the small fortress that once protected the royal capital; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to the comfort of your hotel to relax or continue to explore Cusco on your own. This evening you will meet with your guide for a briefing session regarding your upcoming trek. (B)

Today begins with a guided walking tour through Cusco to see the colorful markets, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of regional cuisine, you tour the remaining prominent Inca sights in and around Cusco. These include the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; Puka Pukara the small fortress that once protected the royal capital; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to the comfort of your hotel to relax or continue to explore Cusco on your own. This evening you will meet with your guide for a briefing session regarding your upcoming trek. (B)

Embark upon a day-long excursion through snowcapped mountains to the Incas’ legendary Sacred Valley. The first stop is Pisac’s hilltop citadel, featuring the civilization’s agricultural terracing along the steep valley walls, panoramic views of jagged granite peaks and the temple ruins. Descend down to the town of Pisac, known for one of the best Andean textile markets in Peru. After taking in some of the local culture and enjoying a traditional lunch, depart for Ollantaytambo (9,185 feet), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Tour the ruins and enjoy this small traditional town. Overnight at a local hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B)

Rise early this morning for the bus ride to (Km 82), where your Inca Trail trek begins. After meeting the porters, you cross the Urubamba River by bridge. Continuing along the winding path between the sloping banks of the river, where you have a stunning view of the Vilcanota mountain range and Mt. Veronica, which sits at 18,745 feet. The route travels through the narrow Cusichaca valley, with slopes that show the clear imprint of an ancient culture and its agriculture practices. Later, you’ll arrive at the small indigenous community of Huayllabamba (9,843 ft.), where you camp for the night. (B,L,D)

Hiking Details: 7.46 miles; approximately 5-6 hours hiking

Altitude min/max: from 8,438 ft. to 9,843 ft. (camping at 9,843 ft.)

After a hearty breakfast at camp, continue along the trail through the narrow hanging valley where you begin to see a cloud forest where the Quenua tree grows, a rarity of the Andes. From here, your Inca Trail trek ascends steeply to large pampas and continues to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest pass on the Inca Trail at 13,796 ft. After a short break, you’ll begin the descent to where you will camp overnight at Pacaymayo (11,788 ft.). (B,L,D)

Today’s trek takes you through most of the archaeological ruins seen along the Inca Trail. The first is Runkuracay. At this small resting place, you’ll visit the ruins before reaching a second pass and then gradually climbing towards the second highest pass on the trek (12,960 ft.). Here you’ll have a spectacular view of the Cordillera of Vilcanota. After a break, you’ll descend towards the Inca village of Sayacmarca (11,850 ft.). Along the way, you observe a marvel of Inca engineering, and then come upon the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca (11,975 ft.), where you’ll camp for the night. (B,L,D)

Hiking Details: 6.21 miles; approximately 6 hours hiking

Altitude min/max: from 11,788 ft. to 12,960 ft. (camping at 11,975 ft.)

Your final day of trekking along the Inca Trail starts with a visit to the Phuyupatamarca ruins and then follows the flagstone trail that winds sharply down into the cloud forest leading to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 feet). Wiñay Wayna is located along the same watercourse as Phuyupatamarca and contains well-restored Inca ruins. After two more hours of trekking the Inca Trail, you pass through a cloud forest and arrive through Intipunku or the Sun Gate of your long-awaited destination, Machu Picchu (7,970 feet. After a brief tour, you take a bus to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes (6,690 ft.) to spend the night at a charming hotel. (B,L,D)

Hiking Details: 6.20 miles; approximately 6 hours hiking

Altitude max/min: from 11,975 ft. to 7,970 ft. Machu Picchu

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Machu Picchu during the early morning hours. Explore the numerous ruins including an optional climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu. By midday, you return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and an early afternoon train ride back to Ollantaytambo. Your private vehicle will be waiting at the station to deliver you to the Chinchero textile market, where members of the local weavers’ collective will explain the traditional weaving methods of the Sacred Valley. Continue on to your Cusco hotel for the evening. (10,856 feet) (B)

Transfer to the Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima and your connecting international flight, marking the end of Southern Explorations’ services. If your schedule permits, trip extensions to other regions or extra days may also be arranged. (B)