Classic Inca Trail

10 Days

Classic Inca Trail

The legendary Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is one of the world's classic adventures

— a four-day epic pilgrimage that echoes ceremonial journeys of the ancient Incas.

History unfolds as you climb stone staircases, pass long-abandoned villages and

impressive temples, and traverse green valleys and misty forests. Your reward? Arriving

at South America's most awe-inspiring archaeological site — the enigmatic stone

citadel of Machu Picchu. Our Inca Trail experience is unlike any other, with two nights

at Machu Picchu and ample pre-trek time to acclimatize and explore evocative Inca

monuments and out-of-the-way villages near Cusco.

Arrive: Cusco, Peru

Depart: Cusco, Peru

Duration: 10 Days

Group Size: 2-14 Guests

Minimum Age: 12 Years Old

Activity Level:

.

Details Testimonials

“I've taken six MTS trips and they have all exceededmy expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics andthe communications have always been exceptional.Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travelcompany!”

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“I have traveled extensively around the world. Theexperience with MTS was by far the best I have everhad. Thank you for such excellence.”

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REASON #01

MT Sobek has been bringing

travelers to Peru for over 40

years, and our expertise and local

knowledge is second to none.

REASON #02

Due to permit restrictions, only

a limited number of travelers are

allowed to make this trek each year.

MT Sobek can help secure permits.

REASON #03

This trip includes acclimatization

time in Cusco, in-depth cultural

exploration, an expert-led

Inca Trail experience, and

two days at Machu Piccu.

ACTIVITIES

Moderate to strenuous high-

altitude hiking from 4 to 8 hours

a day, following the classic Inca

Trail to Machu Picchu. Also

includes cultural exploration.

LODGING

Three nights of tent camping

in the Sacred Valley, plus

boutique hotel stays near

Machu Picchu and in Cusco.

CLIMATE

April through October expect

to see mostly sunny days

followed by cooler nights and

the possibility of morning frost.

One of Peru’s most experienced adventure travel guides, with

more than 15 years of experience leading treks and whitewater

rafting trips. A resident of Cusco, Manolo is well versed in the

rich history of the Andes and the classic trekking routes that

trace the footsteps of the Inca trade paths. His knowledge

of the region, people, and traditions immensely enrich the

travel experience. He is fluent in English as well as Spanish, and

conversant in Quechua—the historic language of the Incas, and

he has a gift for instilling confidence in every trekker.

Manolo Lazo

                                                                ItineraryARRIVE IN CUSCO

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Cusco, an MT Sobek representative meets you outside the airport's baggage

claim area and transfers you to your hotel. After dropping your bags, enjoy a half-day walking tour of this ancient

capital of the Inca Empire, rich with temples, palaces, and artisans at work.

DAY 1

Meals: D

ARCHEOLOGICAL TOUR OF CUSCO & PISAC

Wake for a morning visit to several Inca ruins near Cusco, which may include the impressive fortress of

Sacsayhuaman, animal temple of Kenko, and the ceremonial bath of Tambomachay. Next visit Pisac, with

its vibrant market and archeological treasures. The town's ruins extend from a hilltop fortress to a temple

complex, home to some of the world's finest Inca stonework. Descend into town through a network of stairs,

walkways, tunnels, and temples to the valley floor (9,500') and enjoy a hearty lunch. Continue to your hotel in the

Urubamba Valley..

DAY 2

Meals: B, L, D

SCENIC DRIVE TO CHINCHERO, MARAS, AND MORAY

Enjoy a scenic drive from the valley to a highland plateau and the market town of Chinchero (12,398'), famous for

preserving traditional Andean weaving techniques and for the town square's massive Incan wall. En route, pass

through fields and adobe houses with red-tiled roofs, and enjoy views of distant snowcapped mountains. From

Chinchero, continue to the town of Maras (11,086'), with its vast saltpans from which the world's finest salts are

extracted. After lunch, head to the striking Inca earthworks and agricultural terraces at Moray. Return to your

Urubamba Valley hotel this afternoon.

DAY 3

Meals: B, L, D

VISIT OLLANTAYTAMBO & START INCA TRAIL HIKEDAY 4Rise to visit the well-preserved Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo, including Incan canchas, ingenious stonework,

cobbled streets, and an extensive communal water system that survives to this day. Continue to Km 82 and, after

passing the control point, cross a footbridge and begin your four-day Inca Trail trek! Follow the Urubamba River

inland and uphill at the Cusichaca Valley along the Incas' marvelous path, including stone staircases through

cloud forests and open grasslands. Enjoy great Urubamba Valley views as you trek to Llaqtapata (8,692'), where

you tour the archaeological site before camping for the night.

Activity: 2-3 hours/3 miles with 727' elevation gain and loss

Meals: B, L, D

TREK FROM LLAQTAPATA TO LLULLUCHAPAMPA

Following the course of the Cusichaca River, the ancient trail takes you to the Inca town of Wayllabamba, whose

Quechua name means "grassy plain." Here you have lunch and then continue to cross the Cusichaca Valley,

ascending until you reach the campsite at Llulluchapampa (12,631').

DAY 5

Activity: 5-6 hours/7 miles with 4,000' gain and loss

Meals: B, L, D

TACKLE DEAD WOMAN’S PASS

Wake early for the hike's longest leg, a steep hike through three climatic zones that tackles the trail's two highest

points. First is the fabled Warmiwanusqa Pass (13,776'), also known as Dead Woman's Pass — the highest point

on the Inca Trail! Enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding ridges and peaks, then continue through Pacaymayo

Valley to various archaeological sites as well as the second pass, Runkuracay (12,795'). After lunch, descend to

Phuyupatamarca, meaning "town at the edge of the clouds," and camp.

DAY 6

Activity: 5-6 hours/9 miles hiking with 3,897’ gain and loss

Meals: B, L, D

BEHOLD MYSTICAL MACHU PICCHUDAY 7After breakfast, descend zigzagging stone steps to the jungle-bound ruins of Winaywayna ("Forever Young").

After lunch and visiting the complex, continue to Inti Punku ("Sun Gate," aprx 9,400'), the original entrance

to Machu Picchu. Nestled between striking peaks high above the Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu exists as a

well-reconstructed city of staircases, terraced hillsides, altars, temples, fountains, and incredible vistas. Take

in spectacular views from here, with the gentle late-afternoon light both illuminating ruins and casting them in

mystical shadow, then head to your luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Activity: 5 hours/7 miles hiking with 7,872’ gain and loss

Meals: B, L, D

EXPERIENCE MACHU PICCHU FROM DAWN TO DUSK

Catch an early bus in time to experience the morning light over Machu Picchu and explore the ruins before the

train arrives with day visitors. Enjoy an in-depth walking tour of the site's various main structures and learn about

their importance in Incas' lives. After lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, spend the afternoon exploring more on your

own. If you're up for it, hike the Inca Bridge, an ancient drawbridge leading to the jungle. Alternatively you can

return to your hotel and stroll its lovely gardens. Dinner is at the hotel.

DAY 8

Meals: B, L, D

BID FAREWELL TO MACHU PICCHU & RETURN TO CUSCO

Return to Machu Picchu this morning for another few hours of exploration on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy

lunch at the Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel and catch the return train to Cusco. Once in Cusco, transfer to the

Palacio del Inka hotel, and then enjoy a free evening of city exploration and dinner on your own.

DAY 9

Meals: B, L

DEPART FROM CUSCO

Transfer to Cusco airport for flight to Lima and connect with international flight home.

DAY 10

Meals: B

2019

$ 4,995 per person

Additional Cost

$ 995 Single Supplement 

PRICE INCLUDESExpert leadership from experienced adventureguides

Accommodations as noted in the itinerary

Meals as noted in the daily itinerary

Potable water and snacks throughout

1 glass of wine or beer at dinner

All tips and gratuities for support staff with theexception of your lead adventure guide(s)

All necessary camping gear

All group entrance fees, activities, and groundtransportation

Arrival and departure day group airport transfers

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDEInternational airfare, any airport taxes, or excessbaggage charges

Dinner on Day 1 and Day 9

Optional tips to your lead adventure guides

Personal expenses such as medical immunizations,phone calls, laundry, or souvenirsAirport transfers if arriving or departing outside ofthe group transfer

Optional travel protection