(Choose one or more fields)
Receive our e-newsletter, sent 5-6 times a year, announcing new adventures and special offers.
WT’s photo blog is the place to find inspiration for your next trip, hear the latest adventures of our team of top Trip Leaders, enjoy highlights from fellow travelers’ journeys, and add a bit of adventure to your week, wherever you are.
Head Down Under for a hiker’s dream journey on the South Island. Snorkel with dolphins on the Kaikoura Coast, hike on the ice of the Fox Glacier, explore the magnificent seaside trails of Abel Tasman National Park, overnight cruise in wondrous Milford Sound.
Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu
Fine Hotels and Spectacular Day Hikes in the Realm of the Incas
![Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu route-map](javascript:routeMap("/images/trips/latin-america/peru/hikersmp-map.jpg");)
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $4695 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 9 days |
| Arrive: | Lima, Peru |
| Depart: | Lima, Peru |
| Lodging: | 8 nights fine hotels, including Cusco’s Hotel Libertador and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge describe |
| Meals: | All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner |
| Activity: | Hiking / Trekking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Moderate to steep trails, 2-6 hours a day, altitudes up to 12,000 feet
explain
|
Highlights
- Exhilarating day hikes and wonderful hotels—no camping!
- Hike to remote Inca sites, including Huchuy Cusco, visit families in remote Quechua villages
- Explore magnificent Machu Picchu, with an overnight right at the ruins
- Enjoy a traditional pachamanca—Peruvian feast!
Trip of a lifetime! We can’t wait for the next one.William J.—Washington, DC
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
Email Area Manager
References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Resources
Looking for exhilarating day hikes to incredible spots in Peru’s Sacred Valley, complemented by overnights in fine hotels? This is your trip! The Incas placed their sacred sites high above the dramatic Sacred Valley, and the crown jewel, Machu Picchu, is perched on a promontory at its easternmost reaches. On our journey culminating at this glorious site, our hikes bring us to traditional Quechua hamlets and hidden Inca ruins surrounded by a dazzling landscape of granite crags and the snow peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Each evening, we relax in a great hotel and enjoy a glass of wine and a fine dinner. Our overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel right at the ruins, gives us an extraordinary chance to view Machu Picchu silhouetted beneath a star-filled sky.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-2
Cusco
A wonderful hike brings us from the stunning fortress of Saqsayhuaman to the imperial baths of Tambo Machay and along a paved Inca road to Cusco. Overnights are at the Hotel Libertador, set in Cusco’s historical center in front of the Coricancha.
Days 3-4
Sacred Valley / Chinchero / Pisac
In the mountain-ringed Urubamba Valley (the Incas’ “Sacred Valley”), we visit the colonial town of Chinchero, hike past Inca terracing down to the valley floor, and explore Pisac, an elaborate temple-ruin filled with astonishing examples of Inca stonework.
Days 5-6
Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo
Our hikes in the Sacred Valley include a festive pachamanca (barbecue) at a traditional Andean village and an exploration of the majestic fortress at Ollantaytambo, where the rebel Manco Inca and his men held out against Pizarro’s forces.
Days 7-9
Machu Picchu / Cusco
Enchanting Machu Picchu is set in one of the most mystical locales in the world. We explore the ruins with a specialist guide and enjoy optional hikes on trails around the citadel. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right at the ruins. Return to Cusco on Day 8 and depart on Day 9, or join one of our Peru extensions.
For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
- Arequipa and Colca Canyon Extension (4 days)
- Amazon Rainforest Extension: Reserva Amazonica (3 days)
- Sipan and Chan Chan Extension (4 days)
- Lake Titicaca Extension (3 days)
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3+. Most hiking is between 9,000 and 13,000 feet. For the most part, you can hike at your own speed; the group will spread out along the trail during the day to cover normally a maximum of 6 to 8 miles per day (3-6 hours of hiking). Trail conditions can be primitive, and there is a good bit of up-and-down (often 2,000- to 3,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day). We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top physical condition for the trip. The most important factor in deriving the maximum enjoyment from your trip is a spirit of adventure.
Departures & Leaders
Jun 8-16, 2013 Andrea Heckman
Jul 5-13, 2013 Andrea Heckman
Aug 31-Sep 8, 2013 Peter Boehm
Oct 12-20, 2013 Holly Wissler
Apr 18-26, 2014
May 10-18, 2014
Jul 5-13, 2014
Aug 31-Sep 8, 2014
Sep 25-Oct 3, 2014
Trip Cost
Prices are for 2013
$4695 (13-15 members)
$4895 (10-12 members)
$5195 (6-9 members)
Single supplement: $1250
Forced single supplement: $1050
Internal airfare: $460 (subject to change)
more on pricing
Extension Costs
Arequipa and Colca Canyon Extension
from: $895
Amazon Rainforest Extension: Reserva Amazonica
from: $675
Sipan and Chan Chan Extension
from: $850
Lake Titicaca Extension
from: $910
Trip Cost Includes:
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations in hotels, including the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu, the Libertador in Cusco, and beautiful inns in the Sacred Valley
- All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner
- Airport transfers as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
Trip Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, internal flights, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors, cost of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).
Hotel Libertador
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),
Day 8 (1 night),
Cusco, Peru
Set in front of the Coricancha, just off Cusco’s central square, the Hotel Libertador is close to everything—within walking distance of ...
Click here for full description and more photos
Sonesta Posadas del Inca
Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Yucay, Peru
An 18th century monastery converted into a country inn, the Sonesta Posadas del Inca is delightful retreat in a tranquil valley near the village of ...
Click here for full description and more photos
Hotel Pakaritampu
Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Ollantaytambo, Peru
A cozy hotel with a countryside feeling, the Pakaritampu is just a few blocks from the main plaza in the traditional village of Ollantaytambo. The ...
Click here for full description and more photos
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
Day 7 (1 night), Machu Picchu Ruins, Peru
You can’t get closer to the Machu Picchu ruins than this! With only 31 rooms, this Orient Express property is famously set right at the gate ...
Click here for full description and more photos
Ramada Costa Del Sol Lima Airport (Day Room)
Day 9, Lima, Peru
Very conveniently located right across the Lima international airport, this hotel is just a two- minute walk across the street from the terminal, ...
Click here for full description and more photos
Extension Accommodations
If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:
- Arequipa and Colca Canyon Extension (4 days)
- Amazon Rainforest Extension: Reserva Amazonica (3 days)
- Sipan and Chan Chan Extension (4 days)
- Lake Titicaca Extension (3 days)
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Our Trip Leaders
Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).
Peter Boehm is one of the most experienced trekking guides in the Peruvian Andes and helped us create our special Hiking the Sacred Valley journey. He has a fascination with Andean culture and an astounding knowledge of the remote trails and hidden ruins of the ancient Inca Empire. Peter is an ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Holly Wissler, an ethnomusicologist and one of our most experienced guides, has led treks for us in both Nepal and Peru, two countries that she has lived in for many years. She holds double Masters degrees from the University of Idaho in Flute Performance and Music History and her PhD in ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
Peru
Amazon Rainforest Extension: Reserva Amazonica
Exploring Waterways and Nature Trails
Cultural Adventures, Wildlife & Natural History
3 days
-
Level 1
Arequipa and Colca Canyon Extension
Colonial Splendor and Natural Wonders
Cultural Adventures, Wildlife & Natural History
4 days
-
Level 2
Lake Titicaca Extension
Mystical Birthplace of the Incas
Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
3 days
-
Level 2
Sipan and Chan Chan Extension
Ancient Wonders of Northern Peru
Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
4 days
-
Level 1
Client Comments
Trip of a lifetime! We can’t wait for the next one.William J., Washington, DC
A wonderful, well-rounded experience of the people and places of the Cusco-Machu Picchu area.Jocelyn W., Gainesville, FL
Every trip we have taken with WT has been outstanding. Once again our every need was taken care of. The food was 5-star and we especially liked the Hotel Monasterio and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.Fred and Anita G., Costa Mesa, CA
Good balance of hiking, cultural, town, and wilderness. Day 5 was worth the entire trip price!Cathleen C., New York, NY
A very well thought out and executed trip.Susan G., Pittsburgh, PA
We loved the fact that we didn’t have to camp but we could still go hiking.Sue G., San Diego, CA
As perfect as any WT trip I’ve taken, the full package of cultural learning, great hikes, great leaders, great hotels, and great meals. I’m a fan!Elizabeth S., Boston, MA
We had a wonderful trip full of unexpected side trips and visits with local artisans, shepherds, people from many walks of life.Jane E., Laguna Niguel, CA
One of the best trips ever!Elizabeth L., Eden Prairie, MN
Wilderness Travel made our first trip to Peru and South America an awesome experience!Peggy O., Albuquerque, NM
This was a magical trip!John S., New York, NY
Our first adventure with Wilderness Travel was first class! Walking through the countryside and past Inca ruins and enjoying the Peruvian food and culture and camaraderie of the group made this trip a lot of fun.Pat B., Delta, BC
This was one of the best of the 10 trips we've taken with WT.Howard M., La Jolla, CA
Outstanding experience. We were hoping for a trip of a lifetime and we certainly got it.Cathy S., Charlotte, NC