The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is Peru's most popular trekking route and one of the world’s most spectacular hikes. It forms part of the more than 14,000 miles (23,000km) of roads built by the Inca across South America.

Each year, some 25,000 hikers from all over the world walk the 27-mile (43km) trail, climbing through enchanted woodlands up to treeless puna grasslands before a dizzying descent to the impregnable citadel of Machu Picchu, deep in the Cusco cloud forest. It is advisable to reserve your place for the trek at least two months in advance.

The trek sets out from Qorihuayrachina at “Kilometer 88” or “Kilometer 77” of the Cusco-Quillabamba railway, and takes three to four days of arduous hiking. The route runs through an impressive range of altitudes, where climates and eco-systems, from the thin-aired high Andean plain down to the dense jungle.
The trail climbs over three highland passes - the highest is Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 13,860 feet above sea level (4,200m.a.s.l.) - before reaching Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku, or “Gateway of the Sun.”

The trail is also the only route to other breathtaking archaeological ruins, like Runkuracay, a circular building overlooking the Pacamayo valley, and the carved granite Inca settlements of Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna.

Choquequirao, west of Cusco, is another "lost city" perched on a mountain spur high above the Apurimac River. Reaching the ruins requires a challenging, but spectacular, trek along an "alternative Inca Trail" that takes a minimum of four days round trip. Choquequirao means "cradle of gold" in the ancient Quechua language, still spoken in much of the Andean highlands.

DAY 1 KM 104 - MACHU PICCHU
We take the early morning train from Cusco through the picturesque Sacred Valley to Kilometer 104, where we enter the trail. Our hike continues gently upward for approximately four hours until we reach the beautifully situated Inca complex of Wiñay Wayna. Sub-tropical flora and fauna surround us as we continue 2 hours to the Sun Gate, from where we see Machu Picchu. We walk down past the majestic ruins, then take the bus to Aguas Calientes to spend a relaxing night in the hotel accommodations of your choice, a charming inn or a luxury hotel. (L/D)

DAY 2 MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
After an early morning rise and breakfast, we take the short bus ride up to the Machu Picchu complex, where we will tour the amazing architecture and mysterious temples left by the Incas. A professional, English-speaking guide will help us understand the sophisticated ideas and technology of this highly-advanced culture. Once the official tour is complete, we will have plenty of time to explore the Sanctuary on our own before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. Note: Meals, snacks provided. (B)

DAY 1 CHILCA - LLACTAPATA
Depart Cusco early morning by bus and drive through the Sacred Valley to Chilca (Kilometer 77), where we begin the Inca Trail. Following the Urubamba river, we enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,720m). We continue through lush farmland and woodlands to our first campsite at Llactapata, where we will explore the archaeological remains. (B/L/D)

DAY 2 LLACTAPATA - LLULLUCHA
After breakfast, we begin our ascent through the Cusicacha river valley to Huayabamba (3,000m). Here, we enter an eco-climate that supports a wide variety of plant, flower, and bird species. Our trek continues to Yunkachinpa, where we lunch along the stream with a spectacular view of Mount Huayanay (5,460m). In the afternoon, we head up through the cloud forest and onto the puna grasslands of Llulluchapampa (3,600m) to camp for the night. (B/L/D)

DAY 3 LLULLUCHA - PHUYUPATAMARCA
After approximately one hour of walking, we make our first pass at the highest point in our trip, Warmiwañusca (4,200m). From here, we descend into the Pacamayo river valley, then up to the circular Inca ruins of Runcuracay. Following the ancient Inca steps along one of the most stunning sections of our trek, we descend upon the Inca complex of Sayacmarca. After wandering the site, we head for camp at Phuyupatamarca, where we enjoy an astonishing panoramic view of both the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges. (B/L/D)

DAY 4 PHUYUPATAMARCA MACHU PICCHU
Our morning begins with a tour of the incredibly complex and unique Inca remains of Phuyupatamarca. Continuing down through the tropical cloud forest, we arrive to some of the most spectacular and important ruins before reaching Machu Picchu: Intipata and Wiñay Wayna. Leaving Wiñay Wayna, this last section of trail leads us to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where we get our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. We will have an official tour of this amazing archaeological wonder, then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Cusco. Note: Meals, snacks provided. Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicated. (B)

DAY 1 CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA
Early morning pickup from Cusco hotel and drive to the town of Mollepata, where the trek begins. Following four hours of a trek that offers views of diverse flora and fauna, we arrive at Silcakancha site for our lunch. We continue on trail for three hours, arriving to Soraypampa, to have dinner and spend the night. (B/L/D)

DAY 2 SORAYPAMPA - COLPAPAMPA
We continue hike to a high pass of 4650m.a.s.l., with stunning Andes mountain views, then start to descend. After stop for lunch, trek continues to Colpapampa campsite for dinner and spending the night. (B/L/D)

DAY 3 COLPAPAMPA - SANTA TERESA RIVERSIDE
We continue walking until arriving at Lluscamayu; where we have lunch, and make a side trip to an Inca bridge along an orchid lined path. After two hours we arrive at the riverside and spend the night in a small villa. (B/L/D)

DAY 4 SANTA TERESA - HYDROELECTRIC PLANT - AGUAS CALIENTES
We take a rural route to the Santa Teresa town. Later we will have a long walk lasting approximately one hour and cross the Urubamba river in a basket suspended on a rope stretched across the waterway. Then we continue on to the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric station, where we stop for lunch and spend some free time until the arrival of the train for a 30-minute ride to Aguas Calientes. Spend a relaxing night and enjoy dinner in Aguas Calientes in the accommodations of your choice, a charming inn or a luxury hotel, in the lush jungle gorge beneath the Machu Picchu ruins. (B/L/D)

DAY 5 MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Early in the morning, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a four-hour guided tour. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Cusco. (B)

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner