Machu Picchu Pilgrimage - Inca Trail

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Overnight.

Day 2 Fly to Cusco

An early morning flight brings you to the Inca capital of Cusco where Quechua speaking descendents of the Incas move back and forth in the busy plazas and markets. Colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the arrival of the Conquistadors. The church walls have fallen many times throughout the years, but the Inca walls remain.

The morning is yours to explore Cusco's narrow streets and bustling markets. In the afternoon, you'll tour Cusco's traditional markets talking to the women selling natural medicines and charms for curing heartache and other afflictions. You will visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions. (If visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form.

Day 3 Cusco Free Day

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. Travelers can go on a city tour of the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of SUVs). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.

Day 4 Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley is an area full of major Inca ruins and ancient villages. You'll wind your way past snow-capped mountains, Inca ruins and ancient villages. You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside near the seldom-visited town of Moras and the pre-Columbian salt mines of Moray. Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo. Tonight, relax and sip wine in front of a fire beneath the ruins of Ollantaytambo as you prepare for your trek on the Inca Trail.

Days 5-8 Pilgrimage on the Inca Trail

Walk in the footsteps of the great Inca civilization as you journey along their ancient trail to the sacred city of 'Machu Picchu'. Andean history comes to life along this ancient route as each day you pass ever larger ruins. Scenery changes from snowcapped mountains to lush green cloudforest. The trek is made with pilgrims from all over the world, and your friendly crew of guides and porters will take great care of you along the way. On Day 8, the group descends 3,000 feet from their campsite at Phuyapatamarca to reach spectacular Machu Picchu in the afternoon. Tonight, relax in the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes) below the ruins.

Trek Details

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Day 5 - KM 82 TO HUAYLLABAMBA -- Trek length: 7.8 miles (5-7 hrs) Camp elevation: 9,691 ft
Day 6 - HUAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYO -- Trek length: 5.1 miles (5-7 hrs) Camp elevation: 11,833 ft. Warmiwanusca pass (13,776 ft)
Day 7 - PACAYMAYO TO PHUYUPATAMARCA --Trek length: 4.5 miles (4-6 hrs); Camp elevation: 12,067 ft
Day 8 - PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHU PICCHU -- Trek length: 6.9 miles (5-7 hrs); Machu Picchu elevation: 7,875 ft

Some itineraries will hike farther on day three and camp at a closer location to Machu Picchu, making the hike on day four shorter. This will be up to the discretion of your Tour Leader and the Peruvian National Park Service. Your Tour Leader will notify you locally of your camping itinerary.

Day 9 Machu Picchu/ Cusco

Explore the ruins today at leisure and enjoy the ancient city in the tranquil morning hours. Later head off through thick cloudforest to the seldom visited Temple of the Moon or climb Huayna Picchu overlooking the ruins. Return by train to Cusco in the afternoon

Day 10 Fly to Lima and Return Home