Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 Days 6 Nights
Tour Overview
Embark on a breathtaking 7-day adventure along the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, where history and natural beauty converge. Begin your journey in Cusco, exploring its vibrant cityscape and the Sacred Valley's hidden gems. Experience the thrill of hiking the legendary Inca Trail, guided by expert professionals, and marvel at the stunning archaeological sites along the way. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, including hotels in Cusco and Ollantaytambo, and camping under the stars with all essentials provided. Delight in meals prepared by local chefs and travel back to Cusco on the exclusive Vistadome train. This tour not only offers an unforgettable trek but also supports local social projects, making your adventure meaningful. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or a hiking aficionado, this tour promises an enriching experience, culminating in the awe-inspiring sunrise over Machu Picchu. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Day 1: Cusco City Tour: Cathedral, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Marqueses, Munay Wasi or Similar
Upon arrival at the airport of Cusco, your tour guide will meet you at the airport and drive to your centrally located hotel in Cusco. Later in the afternoon at 13.3o pm, you’ll start the tour in Cusco city. Explore the most remarkable places in the city and nearby like the Cathedral, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. The tour will finish back at your hotel
- Duration: Half-day
- Meals: None Included
- Tickets included
- Hotel: Marqueses, Munay Wasi or Similar
Day 2 : Day 2: Sacred Valley: Pisac - Ollantaytambo
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Del Pilar or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel at 8:00 am and drive to Awanacancha alpaca center, then visit Pisaq indigenous market and the archeological site. Later drive to Urubamba to enjoy a delicious lunch with fresh local products. After lunch, drive to Ollantaytambo, explore the fortress and the famous Last Living Inca Citadel, continuously inhabited since the 14th century. Stay in a Hotel close to the beginning of teh Inca Trail.
- Duration: Full day
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Tickets included
- Hotel: Del Pilar or Similar
Day 3 : Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Km 82 – Llactapata- Ayapata
Location: Ollantaytambo
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast in your hotel, you’ll meet the Inca Trail group and drive in a van to km 82 where is the beginning of the Inca Trail. The first day is called the training day, hike along meandering streams, visit local villages and beautiful archeological sites for 6 hours until the first campsite at Ayapata.
- Campsite Altitude: 3300m – 10826ft
- Distance: 13.5km / 8 miles
- Duration: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4 : Day 4: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Runcuraccay – Chaquicocha
Location: Inca Trail
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a long night’s sleep, start early in the campsite with a cup of coffee in your tent and prepare for the most challenging days of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, today’s hike is about 10 hours crossing 2 mountains. The first mountain takes 4 hours up to the highest point of the Inca Trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (421700m -13835ft) then 2 more hours downhill to Pacaymayu for a well-earned lunch. After lunch, Climb for 2 hours to the second mountain, Runcuraccay Pass (4000 m / 13123 ft), then another 2 hours down to the second campsite at Chaquicocha.
- Campsite Altitude: 3600m – 11811ft
- Highest altitude: 421700m -13835ft
- Distance: 16km / 9 miles
- Duration: 10 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Day 5 : Day 5: Chaquiccocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna
Location: Wiñaywayna
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After the hardest and most challenging part, you can relax with a relatively easy 5 hours hike to the last campsite of the Inca Trail. The route is extremely varied with different ecosystems, magnificent panoramic views of the Vilcabamba Mountain range, and beautiful Inca sites such us; Phuyupatamarka (City in the Clouds), Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), and Wiñay Wayne (Forever young). This last one is our lunch place and also the final campsite. After lunch, visit the amazing Wiñaywayna Incas site and enjoy the last supper with a special farewell surprise!
- Campsite Altitude: 2600 m – 8530 ft
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 6 : Day 6: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Marqueses, Rumipunku or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the final and most important day, wake up early and prepare to discover the 15th century Lost Inca Citadel. After 1 hour hike, you will arrive to the Sungate form where you will have the first views of the amazing Machu Picchu, if the weather allows, you will experience the most amazing sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas. Machu Picchu was abandoned for unknown reasons in the 16th century and with this also the main and most important access, The Classic Inca Trail. Your expert mountain guide will take you to explore the best of Machu Picchu, learn the mysteries of the citadel, and the history of the Last Days of the great Inca Civilization. Later in the afternoon, take the Vistadome Panoramic train back to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel around 7:30 pm.
- Highest altitude: 2700m -8858ft
- Distance: 6km / 3 miles
- Duration: 2 hours
- Meals: Breakfast
- Hotel: Marqueses, Rumipunku or Similar
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 7 : Day 7: Depart Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport according to your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
What's Included
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Airport Transfers
Airport pick up and drop off in Cusco city are included.
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Accommodation
2 nights hotel in Cusco (Munay Wasi or similar), 1 night hotel in Ollantaytambo (Del Pillar or similar), and 3 nights camping in comfortable tents are included.
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Transportation
All transportation from the beginning to the end of the tour is included.
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Entrance Tickets
All entrance tickets to the places visited are included.
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Porter Services
Personal porter for your personal staff up to 7 kg and porters to carry food and equipment are included.
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Meals
Local expert chefs prepare all meals during trekking, and drinkable water is provided every day.
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Tour Guides
Professional English speaking tour guides are included, with two guides for groups of more than 9 people.
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Camping Equipment
4-man tents for every 2 people, sleeping pad, personal tents, dining tent, tables, chairs, and portable toilets when camping are included.
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First Aid
First aid kit (AED, Pulse Oximeter, Oxygen tank) is included.
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Additional Amenities
Hot water for washing, hand towels, sheets, pillows, rain ponchos, and duffle bags are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal Equipment
Sleeping bag, inflatable air mattress, and trekking poles are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities are optional and not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended but not included.
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Meals on Specific Days
Lunch on the last day of trekking and meals not mentioned on Day 1 and Day 2 are not included.
Requirements
- Original Passport
- Rain gear
- Sun protection
- Warm layers (fleece / long-sleeved tops)
- Personal medication
- Camera, extra batteries
- Head torch
- Extra snacks, power bars, chocolate
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips (small change is useful for paying to use the villagers' toilets on the first day)
Please Note
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking
- Vegetarian, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Passport name, number, expiry, and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Mode of Transport
The tour includes all transportation from the beginning to the end, with airport pick-up and drop-off in Cusco city, and a Vistadome panoramic train ride back to Cusco.
Accommodation
Enjoy 2 nights in Cusco at Munay Wasi or similar, 1 night in Ollantaytambo at Del Pillar or similar, and 3 nights camping in comfortable tents with personal tents, dining tent, and sleeping pad provided.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour?
The tour includes 2 nights in a hotel in Cusco, 1 night in a hotel in Ollantaytambo, and 3 nights camping in comfortable tents along the Inca Trail.
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Are meals included during the Inca Trail trek?
Yes, meals are included during the trekking days. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on the days of the trek, prepared by local expert chefs.
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What is the highest point reached during the Inca Trail trek?
The highest point reached during the trek is Dead Woman’s Pass at an altitude of 4217 meters (13835 feet).
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Is there a porter service available during the trek?
Yes, personal porters are available to carry your personal items up to 7 kg, and additional porters are provided to carry food and equipment.
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What should I bring with me for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour?
You should bring your original passport, rain gear, sun protection, warm layers, personal medication, a camera with extra batteries, a head torch, extra snacks, and extra money for souvenirs and tips.
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Is there any special equipment I need to bring for the trek?
You will need to bring a sleeping bag, inflatable air mattress, and trekking poles, as these are not included in the tour package.
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What is the difficulty level of the Inca Trail trek?
The trek is considered moderate to difficult, with the most challenging day being the hike over Dead Woman’s Pass.
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What kind of support is available in case of emergencies during the trek?
The tour provides a first aid kit, including an AED, pulse oximeter, and oxygen tank, to handle emergencies during the trek.
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When is the best time to travel to Cusco?
The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is perfect for trekking and exploring the city, with clear skies and little chance of rain. This is also the peak travel season, so it can be busier. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a little rain, the shoulder seasons (April and October) can also be great times to visit.
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When do you have to arrive in Cusco?
It’s a good idea to arrive in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek starts. This gives your body time to adjust to the high altitude, which is crucial since Cusco sits pretty high up at 11,152 feet (3,400 meters). The extra days also give you time to explore the city and its surroundings before your big adventure begins.
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How to prevent altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is pretty common when you head to places like Cusco, so it’s smart to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do to avoid or lessen it: - Arrive early: Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate. - Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is key. - Try coca tea: Locals swear by it. It's made from coca leaves and can help with altitude adjustment. - Avoid heavy meals and alcohol: These can make it harder for your body to adjust. - Take it easy: Don’t push yourself too hard on the first day or two. - Medication: Talk to your doctor about altitude sickness pills like Diamox if you're worried. If you start feeling dizzy, tired, or get a headache, slow down, rest, and stay hydrated.
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Which is better, Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek?
Both treks offer incredible experiences, but they’re different in key ways: - The Inca Trail is all about history, as you’ll walk the same paths the Incas did and pass through several archaeological sites. It’s a shorter trek but highly regulated, with limited permits. - The Salkantay Trek is a bit more off the beaten path. It’s longer and tougher but offers stunning scenery, including glaciers and cloud forests. There are fewer crowds, and no permit is required. If you want the classic Machu Picchu experience, go for the Inca Trail. If you're looking for a more rugged adventure, Salkantay might be the better choice.
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How many people are allowed in each group?
The size of each group on the Inca Trail is typically limited to 16 people. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easier management on the narrow paths of the trail. TreXperience, like most tour operators, adheres to this limit to comply with government regulations and to preserve the environment along the trail.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
TreXperience requires a minimum deposit of 140 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 2 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trexperience charges.
Up to 3 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 0 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 Days 6 Nights
7 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail, Wiñaywayna, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
381227
Guide Type:
Fully Guided