Peru Inca Steps: Lima, Cusco, and Inca Trail – 9 Days

There are few Peru tours as exhilarating as hiking the Inca Trail! Get well acquainted with the vibrant culture and rich history of Cusco and the Sacred Valley before embarking on the iconic Inca Trail directly to Machu Picchu. You’ll traverse mountain passes and cloud forests by foot, stargaze into Sacred Valley night skies, and explore countless off-the-beaten-path Inca ruins.

• Upon arrival at the Lima airport, a Huaynas Expeditions representative will meet you and show you to your airport hotel.
• Overnight in Lima.

• Huaynas Expeditions will schedule a private transfer to take you from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, a Huaynas Expeditions representative will meet you for the drive to the historic center.
• Arriving mid-day at your hotel, you will have the rest of the day to relax and explore. Since Cusco is located at 11,300 feet in elevation, during this first day you may want to take it slow to acclimatize. Nevertheless, this is a good chance to wander about the main square, with its many cafes and stores, or even visit a museum. There are also many options for casual and/or fine dining.

• Spend the morning at your leisure. This is an excellent time to explore some of Cusco’s less-visited attractions, including the famous San Pedro Market, the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, or one of Cusco’s many fine museums.
• In the afternoon, an expert guide will take you to some of the world’s best archeological sites, including the beautiful Cusco Cathedral, the sacred Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha, and the spectacular Sacsayhuaman fortress. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to your Cusco hotel. Spend the evening at your leisure enjoying the local cuisine, music, and the splendor of Cusco at night.

• Explore the beautiful Peruvian countryside with a full-day tour of the magical Sacred Valley, home to several royal estates of Incan emperors. First, you will visit the town of Pisac, famous for its bustling indigenous market and the beautiful Incan ruins on the hillside overlooking the city. Following your visit to Pisac, you will stop for lunch (not included) at a buffet restaurant offering a variety of Peruvian and international food near the town of Urubamba, named after the sacred river that flows through the region.
• Next, you will visit the spectacular fortress of Ollantaytambo. These magnificent Incan ruins were part of the royal estate of the Incan emperor Pachacuti. Later, you will be taken to your comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley. In Ollantaytambo, you can continue exploring the traditional Incan town at your leisure.

• Start your day early with a pick-up from your hotel and a scenic 2-hour drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Here you will collect your trekking equipment and meet the rest of your team before continuing by bus to Piscacucho (Km. 82), where the Inca Trail starts. Once you cross the Piscacucho Bridge over the Urubamba River, the trek begins. You will walk along the valley until continuing on a steeper path toward a high plateau. Your efforts will be rewarded by a spectacular view of the Inca ruins of Patallacta.
• Patallacta, “Village in the Heights,” is an archeological complex situated at the foot of a mountain on the left bank of the river Cusicancha, a tributary of the river Urubamba. After lunch, you will continue the trek for another two hours until you reach the first campsite of Wayllabamba. This is the highlight of the day as it includes breathtaking views of the Vilcanota ridge.

Hike Distance: 7.5 mi (12 km)
Minimum Altitude: 8,230 ft (2,600 m)
Maximum Altitude: 9,840 ft (3,000 m)
Approximate Time: 4 to 6 hrs
Gradient: Moderate

• The second day is the most rigorous when you will reach the highest elevation sections of the Inca Trail, so you are encouraged to take your time. The walk is arduous, with a long steep climb to the Abra de Warmiwañusca, known as the “Dead Woman’s Pass,” at over 13,700 feet (4,200 meters). Once you cross the pass, a winding path of steps descends steeply across a natural valley and to the next campsite.
• Keep your eyes open for wildlife; besides the many avian species that live here, you may spot the Andean bear. Also called the spectacled bear, this solitary creature is native to the Andean cloud forest. Today you will end your hike at the Pacaymayo Valley campsite. Here you will have dinner and take a well-deserved rest after a strenuous day on the trail.

Hike Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
Minimum Altitude: 9,840 ft (3,000 m)
Maximum Altitude: 13,830 feet (4,215 m)
Approximate Time: 7 to 8 hrs
Gradient: Challenging

• After breakfast, the hike continues along a path rich with archaeological treasures. A steep climb will lead you to the Runkurakay Pass. Halfway along the trail, you will encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, an Inca lodge with a view of the valley of Pacaymayo, “Hidden River,” below. Continue wandering past picture-perfect mountain vistas and lakeside villages before reaching the ruins of Conchamarca and Phuyupatamarca, “The Town in the Clouds.”
• As the day ends, you will head toward the ruins of Wiñay Wayna or “Forever Young,” where you will camp for your final night. The ruins consist of Incan agricultural terraces and are believed to be a religious center where water was worshiped. Flower enthusiasts will be pleased to see the area’s fabulous pink orchids. Cold beers and a party the last evening is the norm, allowing you to say goodbye to your cook and porters, who will walk ahead of you early the following day to catch a train back to Cusco.

Hike Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
Minimum Altitude: 8,700 ft (2,650 m)
Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,900 m)
Approximate Time: 8 to 10 hrs
Gradient: Moderate

• After an early start with breakfast, you will be on the final leg of the trail by 5 a.m. in order to reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu for sunrise. While weather conditions may vary, the view is always awe-inspiring. From here you will descend to the citadel for a guided tour of Machu Picchu. You will be able to appreciate the intricate Inca stonework carved into the fantastic Andean scenery. You will have the chance to explore the three zones of this centuries-old city: the urban, agricultural, and adjacent zones. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Principal Bath are only a few of the impressive sights that you will see.
• In the afternoon, you will take a comfortable train back to Cusco and then be transferred to your Cusco hotel for the evening.

Hike Distance to Machu Picchu: 3.7 mi (6 km)
Approximate Time: 8 to 4 hrs
Gradient: Moderate

• After breakfast at your hotel, one of our representatives will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport for your journey home or on to your next destination.
• Alternatively, choose one of our other exciting Cusco tours or Sacred Valley excursions, or browse our full range of Peru travel destinations to extend your Peru vacation.

• Pick up from the airport in Lima.
• Lima – Cusco – Lima Airfare.
• 1 night in Lima airport hotel, 4 nights in Cusco in Peru Hotels based on US standards & 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail
• All tours stated in the itinerary with English-speaking guides
• Ground transportation and entrance fees
• Breakfast at all hotels
• All meals on Inca Trail

For Inca Trail we include:

• Pre trek briefing (briefing at the hotel).
• Pick up from your hotel on the morning of departure.
• Private Tourist transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo and then KM 82 (The Trailhead).
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain US$ 80 extra).
• English / Quechua / Spanish professional guide speak.
• Second Tour Guide over 12 people.
• Tents – 2 people in a 4-person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
• Thermarest air-inflate Comfortable sleeping Mattress.
• Master Chef.
• Cooking equipment.
• Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables.
• Local food service in the campsites (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 4 snacks).
• Vegetarian and free gluten food for no extra cost.
• Daily tea service (weak up Coca tea and afternoon tea time or happy hour with full of popcorn, chocolate, coffee, and special snacks made by our cooks).
• Water for Drinking: we will supply filtered and boiled water, and your bottles will be filled at each mealtime. Please bring enough water for the first day only.
• Single tents upon request with no extra cost.
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Porter Service: As detailed in the table authorized by the INC. (To carry our camping equipment and food)
• INCA TRAIL PERMITS AND ADMISSION TICKETS: Inca Trail and Machupicchu Permits & entrance fees, as well as all the porters and cooks valid for 4 days as well as an insurance policy of life for all our staff.
• Camping equipment and basic field equipment for our porters as well as adequate clothing like: (Sleeping bag, Mat, Jacket, T-shirt, pants, rain poncho, shoes, hat, belts, proper backpack to carry the equipment, and all of them are limited to carry 20kg only).
• Visit Machupicchu on the last day (2 hours of guided tour to explore the whole incan sites).
• Tourist Expeditions Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

• Extra expenses.
• Airport taxes
• Feeding. (unless otherwise specified)
• Travel and health insurance (bring copies with you).

We don’t include for Inca Trail

• Huayna Picchu entrance US$ 80 extra.
• Sleeping bags (it can be rented from us for US$ 30 for the entire trip).
• Walking sticks (it can be rented from us for US$ 20 for the entire trip).
• Porter to carry your personal stuff – Extra Porter (Full Porter 12kg) US$150 – Extra Porter(Half Porter 6kg) US$75 – Extra Porter (To carry Sleeping bag and pad 4kg) US$50
• Tips (optional).

• Original Passport.
• Original Student Card (if you book as a student).
• A travel insurance card is essential.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants) or poncho. Plastic ponchos can be purchased for about $ 2 in Cusco.
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
• Hat or cap to protect you from sun, rain and cold.
• Sun block.
• Toilet paper.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Your own first aid kit with special medicines you may need, paracetamol, second skin blisters, etc.
• Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.

Items to bring for Inca Trail

• Original Passport.
• Original Student Card (if you book as a student) Note: ( you have to bring your student card to Machu Picchu because you are going to be required to show up at the Machupicchu control point
• A travel insurance card is essential.
• Sleeping bag.
• Walking sticks.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants) or poncho. Plastic ponchos can be purchased for about $ 2 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, and waterproof trekking boots are recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breathe at night if you want to take them.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf, and knit / tour beanie.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Camera, films, and batteries.
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
• Sunblock.
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported.
• Toilet paper.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• We recommend bringing water purification tablets in case you pick up water from streams.
• Your own special medicines you may need, paracetamol, second skin blisters, etc.
• Small towel.
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you think swimming in the hot springs)
• Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips, and souvenirs.
• Eager and adventurous spirit to enjoy your hike.

We also offer a special service only for you or your group, you have the power to choose the size of your group and the date of departure, we will never add other people since it will be organized only for you.

Our Peru Inca Steps: Lima, Cusco, and Inca Trail – 9 Days private service includes additional items such as:

Additional Inclusions:

• Hotel 3 Stars in Lima and Cusco.
• Entrance fees for doing the City tour of Lima, Cusco, and Sacred Valley.
• Entrance to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Buffet Lunch in Urubamba.
• Extra Porter (to carry your personal stuff 7kg/person)
• North Face 4 season tents.
• Bus Ticket ( Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes).
• Lunch in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes.
• Sleeping Bag.
• 02 Waking Poles per Person.
• 1 Duffel Bag to carry all your sleeping bags, self-inflating pad as well as your clothes.
• Vistadome Train (First Class train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo).
• Tour Guide to explore Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu all day. and of course, we pay a little bit more to our Staff and Guide.

Our prices for the Peru Inca Steps: Lima, Cusco, and Inca Trail – 9 Days are reasonable and are in different packages with the prices that are handled in the city of Cusco, and discounts will apply automatically for groups of over 5 people when booking this tour together at the same time.
We are a local tour operator that never shares service with any other company in Cusco, most agencies in Cusco share their service to save operating costs with poor quality. We guarantee to make the trip even if there are only 02 people in your group.
Our booking process is simple and you can secure your trip with only a 50% deposit and pay the rest at the destination.

We want your vacation to Peru to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. This section contains answers to any inquiries regarding going with Huaynas Expeditions. Please read the following information; it will assist you if you have any queries regarding our services.