Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Ultimate Hiking Adventure to a Legendary Lost City
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $4695 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 10 days |
| Arrive: | Lima, Peru |
| Depart: | Lima, Peru |
| Lodging: | 5 nights beautiful hotels and haciendas, 4 nights full-service camping describe |
| Meals: | All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner |
| Activity: | Hiking / Trekking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
5-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 5-6 hours a day, altitudes between 8,000-13,650 feet
|
Highlights
- Hike in the footsteps of the Incas and enter the citadel of Machu Picchu on foot
- Discover Peru’s vibrant traditional culture and renowned archaeological treasures
- Enjoy the comforts of our legendary Inca Trail camping services—the best on the trail!
- Overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right at the ruins, and the 5-star Hotel Monasterio in Cusco
WT certainly set the bar high. It was the trip of a lifetime!Suzanne J.—Cheyenne, WY
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
*Early Sign-up Discount!
All 2011 departures: $400 discount per person, limit first 6 sign-ups per departure. *New sign-ups only.
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
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
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.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
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.
Departures & Leaders
Oct 5-14, 2010 Peter Boehm
Oct 16-25, 2010 Holly Wissler
Nov 20-29, 2010
Dec 27, 2010-Jan 5, 2011
Apr 11-20, 2011
May 1-10, 2011
May 11-20, 2011
Jun 25-Jul 4, 2011
Jul 21-30, 2011
Aug 7-16, 2011
Sep 6-15, 2011
Sep 18-27, 2011
Oct 5-14, 2011
Oct 16-25, 2011
Nov 4-13, 2011
Nov 19-28, 2011
Dec 27, 2011-Jan 5, 2012
*IMPORTANT NOTE: New Peruvian park regulations strictly limit the number of hiking permits issued for the Inca Trail, and all permits are on a first-come first-serve basis! PLEASE PLAN AHEAD if you want to trek the Inca Trail, because trail permits are often reserved many months in advance (especially for summer high-season departures).
Tour Costs
Prices are for 2011
$4695 (10-15 members)
$4995 (4-9 members)
Single supplement: $1485
Internal airfare: $375 (subject to change)
Extension Costs
Arequipa and Colca Canyon Exension
from: $795
Amazon Rainforest Extension: Reserva Amazonica
from: $550
Sipan and Chan Chan Extension
from: $850
Lake Titicaca Extension
from: $795
more on pricing
Tour Cost Includes:
- expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- all accommodations in hotels, including the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and the Hotel Monasterio in Cusco, and in top quality tents on trek
- welcome and farewell dinners and all meals on trek
- camp staff
- group camping and cooking equipment
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, internal flights, transfers for independent arrival or departure, any meals not specified 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, expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, and so on.). Trip members must provide sleeping bag and pad (sleeping bags and pads can also be rented for $8 per day).Hotel Monasterio
Day 1 (1 night),
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. ...
Click here for full description and more photos
Hotel Pakaritampu
Day 2 (1 night), 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
Inca Trail Trekking Camps
Days 3 to 6 (4 nights), 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 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
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. ...
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 Exension (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 was born and raised in Germany and later moved to Cusco, Peru, where he has spent the latter part of his life. One of the most experienced trekking guides in the Peruvian Andes, Peter has a fascination with Andean culture and an astounding knowledge of the remote trails and hidden ...
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
Client Comments
WT certainly set the bar high. It was the trip of a lifetime!Suzanne J., Cheyenne, WY
It was an outstanding trip! I am sold on Wilderness Travel. I am very hard pressed to think of ways to improve it.Mark A., Novato, CA
An amazing, never-to-be-forgotten trip. The almost-full moon over our high elevation campsites, with the snow-capped Andes spread out around us, was unbelievably magical. The whole trip was well planned, well paced, and well executed.Sue C., Healdsburg, CA
‘Perfect’ is the only way to describe my experience with your company. Our Trip Leader was a real gem, and the hotels, porters, tents, food—wow! Thanks for a great trip.Byron D., Mission Viejo, CA
The Inca Trail was better than I could have imagined. The trip was organized flawlessly and was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My first big trek and I loved every minute of it.Brynna P., Washington, DC
Thank you for making an unforgettable, unbelievable, wonderful trip. Your organization is outstanding.Gerald B., Fayetteville, NY
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to see the Inca Trail the way it should be seen!Mary H., Golf, IL
Kudos to everyone at Wilderness Travel! Thank you for planning such a wonderful vacation for us! We can’t wait to start dreaming about our next WT adventure!Mary F. & Andrew R., Tualitin, OR
Staying at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge was fantastic—a highlight of the trip.Patricia A., Vancouver, BC
What a fantastic trip! I can’t wait to do another WT adventure!Anne B., Brigham City, UT
Probably the most thrilling trip I have ever taken! A peak experience in my life!Peter H., New York, NY
We would highly recommend this trip. It’s a special treat to stay at that last campsite—we felt like we were on top of the world. And staying at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Ldoge at Machu Picchu is a must!Jill M., San Francisco, CA
This trip had it all—cultural, hiking, history, food—it's a great program. Everything worked very well. Keep up the good work!Kathleen W., Pittsburgh, PA
A five-star hiking trip. I will likely never experience the outdoors in such a plush respect ever again.Brent F., Athens, GA





