Hidden Inca Trail Private Journey

Venture into the heart of the mysterious world of the Incas on a fabulous trek that takes you far from the crowds. Revel in views of ice-clad peaks, turquoise lakes, encounters with traditionally dressed Quechua herders, and enjoy the utter solitude of a hidden Incan realm. And the grand finale—exploring magical Machu Picchu!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Cusco and Highland Inca Ruins

On a privately guided tour, explore Cusco, where the streets are flanked by intricate Inca-built stone walls recalling the city’s fascinating past. Hike amid the important Inca ruins overlooking Cusco, including the imperial baths at Tambomachay and massive Sacsayhuaman fortress. In the beautiful Sacred Valley, discover the stupendous ruins of Pisac, whose Inca-built terracing sweeps around the mountain spur on which the ruin is perched. Hike past the largest known Inca burial site, explore the temple complex, and visit the modern village below, which has excellent artisan shops and a lively market.

Days 3-6
Trekking an Inca Trail

The Incas were an extraordinary people who built their cities on knife-edge precipices above sacred valleys. Masters of stonework, they built thousands of miles of trails connecting these cities and fortresses, the most famous of which led from Cusco, the heart of their empire, to Machu Picchu, the mysterious city in the sky. Our extraordinary trek affords you the pleasures of hiking in unspoiled Andean countryside along an original section of this famous Inca trail. Our trek takes you up a beautiful canyon between high granite walls festooned with tumbling waterfalls and tiny orchids and bromeliads, all framed by spectacular views of ice-clad Mt. Veronica (20,275’), past small settlements populated by Quechua villagers with their herds of llamas, across the broad plateau of Huallanay Pass (14,900’), with its incredible views of Salcantay, Huallanay, and other peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, and alongside several small pristine lakes where Andean geese and black ibis are often spotted. Along the way you’ll explore isolated Inca ruins, including Paucarcancha (10,500’), an archaeological site that was probably an ancient gateway to Machu Picchu. From the village of Huayllabamba (9,600’), the unique experience and solitude of your route will be even more appreciated as you see the crowds coming in the opposite direction along the standard Inca Trail. Your last night’s camp is on the beautiful Urubamba River, right in front of the spectacular Veronica Glacier, with the comforts of a hot shower, fireplace, and even a rustic sauna! On tonight’s menu: a pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian-style barbecue.

Days 7-8
Stunning Machu Picchu

At the lofty sanctuary of Machu Picchu, perched in an incredible mountain setting high above the Urubamba River, explore the haunting ruins of staircases, altars, temples, and fountains of this marvelous city on a privately guided tour. So well hidden in the jungle-covered ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that the Spaniards never knew of it, this “lost city” allows a vivid experience of the Inca world. Return to Cusco on the late afternoon train on Day 8.

Days 9-10
Cusco

Explore enchanting Cusco, with its Inca-paved streets, colonial mansions, sidewalk cafés, and artisan galleries. Depart on Day 10.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

• Nazca Lines: Mysterious geoglyphs of the desert
• Extra night at Machu Picchu
• Extra Cusco or Lima hotel nights at the start or end of your trip

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 5, Moderate to Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. Most hiking is between 8,000 and 12,000 feet, and the maximum elevation reached is 14,900 feet. You will cover about 6 to 8 miles per day (6-7 hours of hiking each day). Trail conditions can be primitive, and there is a good bit of up-and-down (often 2,000 to 3,000 feet of elevation gain and subsequent loss per day). You should be prepared for four days of hardy outdoor living. We expect each participant be in excellent health and physical condition. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top physical condition for the trip.

Explanation of Trip Levels