Hidden Inca Trail Private Journey
In the Footsteps of the Incas
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $4495 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 10 days |
| Arrive: | Cusco, Peru |
| Depart: | Cusco, Peru |
| Lodging: | 5 nights in hotels, 4 nights full service camping, including overnight at Machu Picchu describe |
| Meals: | All meals except 2 dinners, 2 lunches |
| Activity: | Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Strenuous hiking, 6-8 hours a day at elevations to 13,650 feet
|
Highlights
- Trek a hidden Inca Trail through the Andes
- Enjoy a spectacular Inca mountain realm virtually to yourself!
- Incomparable Machu Picchu, “Lost City of the Incas”
Everything was perfect. Thanks for an absolutely fabulous adventure!Jo V.—San Carlos, CA
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.
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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
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
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
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.
When to go
April to December
For our Private Journey trips, you choose your own group and your preferred dates—there are no set departure dates. Private Journeys are available to groups as few as two people or as large as you like. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!
Tour Costs
Prices are for 2011
First Class Option
$4495 per person double occupancySingle Supplement: $725
Deluxe Option
$5295 per person double occupancySingle Supplement: $1825
Internal airfare: $395 (subject to change)
Includes all land transportation and private guides throughout. Discount for groups of 3 or more: Call for details.
Note: Some of the hotels on this trip may apply Christmas/New Year holiday surcharges. Please call us for details.
more on pricing
Tour Cost Includes:
- English speaking private guide
- Accommodations in hotels based on double occupancy, as described, and in top quality tents on tre
- Meals as indicated in the Full Trip Brochure
- Land transportation as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Airport transfers
- Private guided tours per itinerary
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, meals not specified in the Full Trip Brochure, any activities described as optional, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to staff, additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).Casa Andina Private Collection—Cusco (First Class Option)
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights),
Cusco, Peru
Just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of old Cusco, this charming hotel is a renovated colonial manor house. It features a series ...
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Hotel Monasterio (Deluxe Option)
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights),
Cusco, Peru
A 16th century monastery that is now an elegant hotel, the Monasterio is an Orient Express property and a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. ...
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Hidden Inca Trail Camps
Days 3 to 6 (4 nights), Hidden Inca Trail, Peru
We make hiking and camping in the Andes as comfortable as it can get! On the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced team of trail guides, and all your gear is carried for you (leaving you free to hike with just a light daypack to hold your camera, water bottle, jacket, etc.). Our camp amenities include a dining tent with a dining table, chairs with backs, camp meals prepared by our highly trained staff, and toilet tents with chemical toilets. Our camp crew takes care of all camp chores, including bringing tea or coffee to your tent each morning and providing beautiful picnic lunches each day at a scenic spot along the trail. Accommodations are in sturdy mountain-style tents equipped with sleeping pads. Most trip members bring their own sleeping bag, but we can arrange for you to rent one in Cusco if you prefer.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (First Class Option)
Day 7 (1 night), Aguas Calientes, Peru
Located in Aguas Calientes below the Machu Picchu ruins, this hotel is spread over 12 acres of lush cloud forest. The rooms are comfortable ...
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Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Deluxe Option)
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 ...
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Casa Andina Private Collection—Miraflores (Day Room)
Day 10, Lima, Peru
The Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores has spacious rooms and an excellent location with easy access to the lively Miraflores district. ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.



