As the name suggests, a classic adventure in the Inca heartland: you have time to enjoy the beauty and vibrancy of Cusco, as well as visit the surrounding ruins, Sacred Valley towns and countryside; next you are hiking over Andean passes and through a variety of microclimates, on one of the world’s classic treks, the Inca Trail which culminates at one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

To get more of a taste of our tours around the Cusco and Machu Picchu area, check out our latest streaming video HERE.

Day 1: Cusco: Arrival

After your arrival transfer from the airport, bus or train station, you have time to relax in your hotel and acclimatise to the altitude of over 3,000m (10,000ft) in the legendary capital of the Inca Empire.

This evening, you are free to explore the maze of markets and wander the cobblestone streets.

Day 2: Cusco: City Tour

Today, we take you on a guided bus tour of the city, in order to appreciate fully the magnificent blend of Colonial and Inca influence on the city. Your visit will include the Cathedral, the Rock of the 12 Angles, and monumental Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Koricancha.

Day 3: Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour: Lunch

Today, we explore the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious.

Our first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market, where you can pick up a bargain! You have free time to wander the market stalls before we visit the ruins above the town, which were an important Inca religious centre.

After lunch in Pisac, we continue our journey along the River Urubamba, to the giant Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, which was the scene of one of the most famous battles between the Incas and the invading Spanish conquistadors, with the Incas being victorious.

After the day’s activities, we recommend having an early night and preparing for the challenge of the Inca Trail!

Day 4: Inca Trail: Cusco - Km 82 - Huayllabamba: All meals and snacks

Early this morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you by bus to Km 82 where you will arrive mid-morning and meet the team that will join you during the trek - porters, camp assistants and cooks.

The first day’s walk is quite easy and during the first part you will have a beautiful view of the snow-peaked Veronica Mountain above you and the Vilcanota River below you. Lunch will be waiting for you when you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta.

After re-energising, we begin the steady climb to Huayllabamba, where the first camp is set up.

Day 5: Inca Trail: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu: All meals and snacks

After breakfast, the hardest part of the trail begins, with a steep, three-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), at some 4200m (13,800ft) above sea level. Here you will not only enjoy incredible, panoramic views, but you will have a great sense of achievement at reaching this milestone.

After lunch in Vizcachayoc, we will descend towards Pacaymayu (3500m/11,480ft) for dinner and camp.

Day 6: Inca Trail: Pacaymayu - Wiñay Huayna: All meals and snacks

After breakfast, the ascent will begin to the second highest pass on the Trail, at more than 3900m (12,800ft) above sea level. On the way up, you can enjoy a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Runkurukay and, on the way down, the Inca Citadel of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,800ft).

Lunch will be ready for you in Chaqquicocha. Then, you continue walking towards Phuya Patamarka (Town in Clouds), another important archaeological monument.

After a brief rest, you will continue walking to the spectacularly-located Archaeological Complex of Wiñay Huayna (Always Young). You have a guided visit of the complex before having dinner and overnighting in the nearby campsite.

N.B. The above are our regular camp sites; however, these can be changed by the Machu Picchu Management Unit without previous warning. It will not affect the itinerary.

Day 7: Inca Trail: Wiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco: Breakfast / Snack

After an early breakfast, you will make the one-hour hike through high rainforest to Inti Punku (Gateway of the Sun), the well-known entrance to Machu Picchu, with its unparalleled panoramic view of the Inca Citadel.

Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries.

You will then have free time to stroll around the Citadel, and maybe hike up Huayna Picchu, before descending by bus to Aguas Calientes, which has a range of restaurants and shops … even some hot springs, after which the town is named.

In the afternoon, you take the train back to Cusco, where you will be transferred to the hotel.

Day 8: Cusco: End of services

This morning, we transfer you to Cusco airport, bus or train station for your onward travel.

Note: This tour can also be done with the Lares Trek or Salkantay Trek as an alternative to the Inca Trail for a surcharge of $US 90 (or other currency equivalent).

If you would prefer a non-hiking trip to Machu Picchu and the surrounding Cusco area, please consider our 4-day Cusquenita Tour or Cusco & Machu Picchu Luxury Tour.

Classic Cusco - Fast Facts