Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

One of the world’s classic treks is the five-day route along the Inca Trail to magnificent Machu Picchu, the glorious city of stone perched high above the Urubamba River. This fabled lost city, with its evocative stone staircases, altars, temples, and fountains, is the most intriguing of all the Inca sites, and its exquisite setting makes it one of the most spectacular. We’ve honed this journey to perfection with wonderful campsites, superb camp amenities, and a team of Trip Leaders and trail guides who have a passion for creating an unforgettable journey on this celebrated route. If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking the Inca Trail, this is the way to do it! In addition to our peerless camping services, our hotels are the very best, including the landmark 5-star Hotel Monasterio in Cusco and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel right at the ruins. Note: Sign up early—trail permits sell out far in advance!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Cusco / Urubamba Valley

In the Incas’ imperial city, we enjoy an introduction to the ceremonial heart of the Inca Empire as we explore Inca sites including the mighty fortress of Saqsayhuaman. The following day we head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a mountain-ringed valley full of Inca ruins. After we explore colonial Pisac and its market filled with artisan wares, we hike to the majestic Inca fortress overlooking the town. The towering Pisac citadel has some of the finest examples of Inca terracing in existence, still in use by local residents.

Days 3-6
Inca Trail

After we explore the classic village of Ollantaytambo and the stunning Inca ruin above it, we head to our camp, dramatically located below Mt. Veronica (20,275'). The next morning, we set off on the royal trail to Machu Picchu, following in the footsteps of the Incas. Crossing two high passes, we explore major Inca ruins accessible only on foot and enjoy spectacular campsites with views of the steep green peaks of the Vilcabamba. We pause at Runkuracay, a circular ruin with massive walls and a magnificent view of the Pacamayo Valley, Sayacmarca, a maze-like ruin perched atop a sheer cliff at about 11,600 feet, and Puyupatamarca, with its ingenious stone baths and incredible views of the Urubamba Valley. Our fantastic camp just above this ruin has panoramas of the snow-capped giants of Huamantay (19,239') and Salcantay (20,574'). Throughout our Inca Trail experience, Wilderness Travel’s famous full-service camping amenities keep us comfortable.

Days 7-8
Machu Picchu

Hiking up to Intipunku, the stone-built Gate of the Sun and the city’s original entrance, we see the fairytale ruins of Machu Picchu spread out before us. We discover this incredible site, and our overnight at the Sanctuary Lodge, set right at the ruins, allows us phenomenal access. We return to Cusco the next afternoon.

Days 9-10
Cusco / Lima

After a day to explore Cusco’s cultural and artistic riches, we fly to Lima and depart on evening flights, or join one of our Peru extensions.

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Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

• Arequipa and Colca Canyon Exension (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 5, Strenuous. Most hiking is between 8,000 and 12,000 feet, and the maximum elevation reached is 13,650 feet. For the most part, you can hike at your own speed. The group will spread out along the trail to 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). Everyone should be prepared for five 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