South America
Peru
Journey to Machu Picchu - the Lost City of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Best Time to Visit
May - Sep (Dry Season)
Elevation
7,972 ft (Machu Picchu)
Inca Trail
4 Days, 26+ Miles
Our Trip
10 Days
The Journey
Classic Inca Trail Itinerary
The 4-day trek following in the footsteps of the Incas to Machu Picchu.
Km 82 to Ayapata
~9 miles
Start at the official trailhead, hike through valleys with views of Patallacta, an ancient Inca checkpoint.
Dead Woman's Pass
~10 miles
The longest and hardest day - climb to the highest pass (4,215m) then descend to Pacaymayu Valley.
Winay Wayna
~6 miles
A beautiful day passing through cloud forests and visiting the spectacular Winay Wayna ruins.
Machu Picchu
~4 miles
Early start to reach the Sun Gate at sunrise, then descend to the legendary Machu Picchu.
Gateway City
Exploring Cusco
The historic capital of the Inca Empire and gateway to Machu Picchu. The Constitution of Peru designates Cusco as the Historical Capital of Peru.
Plaza de Armas
The main plaza of the Incan era, surrounded by colonial architecture, restaurants, and the beautiful Cusco Cathedral.
Qorikancha - Temple of the Sun
Ruins of a 15th-century temple that once had walls and floors covered in pure gold - the most sacred temple of all the Incas.
Sacsayhuaman
Witness marvelous Inca architecture with stones cut with laser precision - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Pedro Market
A vibrant market with handicrafts, food, fabrics, and souvenirs - perfect for experiencing local culture.
Twelve Angled Stone
A famous example of perfectionist Incan architecture, considered a national heritage object.
Acclimatization
Spend 2 days in Cusco before the Inca Trail to acclimatize to the 11,152 ft elevation and avoid altitude sickness.