Machu Picchu – The Inca Trail Trek
9 days
From $ 4099
Duration9 days
book now
  • Etepia
  • Machu Picchu – The Inca Trail Trek

Spend nine days following lush Peruvian paths along the classic Inca Trail to the breathtaking “Lost City of the Incas.” It has been more than 100 years since explorer Hiram Bingham first discovered the existence of Machu Picchu, and the majesty of the citadel has not diminished since. As modern-day adventurers, we begin our trip with a 3-day introduction to the former Inca capital of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Spend some time becoming familiar with the altitude of the region, visiting iconic ruins and traversing well-preserved cobblestone streets. Our journey along the Inca trail begins from there. Climb through beautiful mountain valleys filled with wild orchids and rainbow-colored mosses. Cap each evening off with good conversation and deluxe camping accommodations. The journey along the trail comes to a close as we descend 2,000 stone-cut steps and approach the Gate of the Sun. Just beyond this magnificent viewpoint lie the glories of Machu Picchu. Experience the peace and solitude of these incomparable ruins before departing back home from Cusco. Limited trekking permits—reserve your trip earlyThe Peruvian Government issues a limited number of Inca Trail permits per day. Due to the popularity of this spectacular route, permits generally sell out six months in advance. Reserve your spot now and leave the rest to REI Adventures! This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Machu Picchu Family Adventure.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 9 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ages: 18+
Machu Picchu – The Inca Trail Trek - Tour Map

Itinerary

Expand all
Day 1: Meet in Cusco for a walking tour of the city's highlights.
Our trip begins today in Cusco, Peru (11,150'). Upon arrival in Cusco, we're met by our local guide at our centrally located hotel where a brief orientation meeting will be held. This afternoon, we depart on a city tour that includes a visit to many of Cusco's notable and historic sights. Our guide leads us through the bustling Plaza de Armas, and enlightens us on the history and significance of the Inca temple Koricancha and neighboring Santo Domingo Church. We also walk uphill to San Blas and explore this vibrant neighborhood that has become one of the city's artistic centers. We have the remainder of the day at leisure to acclimatize and discover this beautiful Andean city that was once the center of the Inca Empire. All meals on your own.
Day 2: Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress, ruins at Pisac, and the town of Chinchero.
Today we head out to the enchanting "Sacred Valley of the Incas". Shortly after leaving Cusco, we'll stop at the imposing ruins of monolithic Sacsayhuaman fortress (considered one of the world's greatest examples of stonemasonry) and enjoy panoramic views of the jumbled red roofs of the colonial city spread out far below. Our next stop is the exceptionally well-preserved ruins at Pisac, which provide an opportunity for us to take a short warm-up hike as we explore the site's various structures and terraces before making our way down to Pisac town and its bustling crafts market. After lunch, we continue to the lovely high Andean village of Chinchero where we visit a textile cooperative and learn more about the weaving traditions that have been passed down among the local people for centuries. We drop back down to the valley for a relaxing evening in our traditionally styled hotel. All meals included.
Hiking: 3 miles
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Marvel at an Inca crop laboratory and visit ancient salt mines.
This morning, we travel through the Sacred Valley, past Incan terraces and fields of corn, wheat, barley and quinoa, ultimately arriving in the town of Ollantaytambo, whose street plan still maintains its original Incan layout. After a guided walking tour of the town and remarkable namesake ruins, we'll travel to the Inca ruins of Moray. The circular terraces of Moray were used as an agricultural "research laboratory" for the Incas, who studied temperature variation from one terrace to another in order to develop different crop varieties. We continue to the small town of Maras and begin a one-hour hike to the picturesque salt mines. Originally used by the Inca, villagers from surrounding communities still mine salt by hand from the spring-fed terraced pools. In the late afternoon we return to our lovely hotel for dinner and prepare for tomorrow's trek. All meals included.
Hiking: 4 miles.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: On the Inca Trail, hike from the trailhead to our first campsite.
Our excitement mounts as we board our private bus for the hour long drive to the trailhead at Piscacucho (km marker #82). Here, we meet our Quechua Indian porters and begin trekking the amazing Inca Trail. With snow-capped Mount Veronica (19,188') and the rest of the Urubamba range as a backdrop, we follow a well-marked path past the ruins of Llactapata and through some small Indian villages on the way to our campsite near Huayllabamba. All meals included.
Hiking: 5.7 miles/5.5 hours, between 7,900' – 9,678'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Superb mountain views await crossing the high pass of Warmiwanusca.
A nutritious camp breakfast prepares us for today's challenging trek along the narrow Llullucha gorge and over the first pass on the trail. We hike through dense forest encountering abundant birdlife and flowering plants before reaching the open meadows of Llulluchapampa. The final approach to the high pass begins here with a long, steep ramp leading to Warmiwanusca (13,780'). At the top, the views of the surrounding peaks and verdant forest canopy are spectacular. The trail then descends steeply and passes through a meadow rife with lakes, waterfalls and Andean wildflowers. Tonight we make camp in the upper meadows of Pacaymayo. All meals included.
Hiking: 7 miles/7 hours, final elevation 10,991'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Our trail leads past Inca ruins and over high Andean passes.
We cross the Runkurakay Pass (12,631') in the morning, enjoying excellent views of the glacier-clad peaks of the Pumasillo Mountains and deep gorges of the eastern Andes. We then descend gradually through a unique ecological zone - a high jungle transition area rich in plant and animal life. After entering the cloud forest, our route takes us past the ruins of Sayacmarca and through a natural tunnel elaborated on by the Incas. This portion of the trail is well-paved with Inca stonework and leads us to the spectacular campsite at Phuyupatamarca. The campsite offers superb sunrise vistas over the Urubamba and Aobamba River Valleys and of glacier-covered Mount Salcantay (20,575'). All meals included.
Hiking: 6.1 miles/5.5 hours, final elevation 11,975'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Arrive at the Sun Gate and enjoy the first views of Machu Picchu.
As we leave Phuyupatamarca, we begin a steep stone staircase descent (approximately 2,000 steps cut into indigenous rock), followed by a series of additional descents varying in grade, to the Winay Wayna ruins where we stop for lunch. During the afternoon, our anticipation rises as we make our way to Intipunku (the Sun's Gateway). We arrive at Intipunku in mid-afternoon and are rewarded with our first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. After spending time at the lookout point, we descend to the ruins and briefly explore some areas close to the trail. This evening, we enjoy a well deserved shower and hotel stay in the nearby village of Aguas Calientes, on the valley floor. All meals included.
Hiking: 6.2 miles/5-6 hours, Machu Picchu's elevation is 7,874'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Guided tour of Machu Picchu; free time to explore or hike Huayna Picchu.
We have an early breakfast and head up to the ruins to experience the peace and solitude of this magical place. Our knowledgeable guide leads us through, explaining the significance of the various structures and the theories behind Machu Picchu's purpose and construction methods. We have the rest of the morning and early afternoon to attempt the optional hike up Huayna Picchu and/or explore the ruins on our own. We catch the afternoon tourist train to Ollantaytambo and from there take the bus to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7 p.m. The day concludes with our guide joining us for a final celebration dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight in Cusco. All meals included.
Hiking: Optional Huayna Picchu hike may be unguided and is steep with some exposure. Permits are limited. An alternative optional hike may be available if Huayna Picchu permits cannot be obtained.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Depart Cusco for home with wonderful memories of your Inca adventure.
After breakfast, transfers back to the Cusco airport will be arranged for travelers departing today. Trip members can opt to return to Lima for connecting flights home or extend their travels in Peru. Breakfast included.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Accommodations in hotels (5 nights) and tents (3 nights)
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary (including all meals during trek)
  • English-speaking local guides
  • Inca Trail trekking permit
  • porterage of luggage while trekking
  • all group camping gear and cooking equipment
  • ground transportation within Peru, Cusco airport arrival transfers (any day) and departing on Day 9
  • all sightseeing excursions as noted including entry to Machu Picchu
  • tips to drivers and trekking support staff

  • Accommodation

    Hotels, 5 nights, REI Signature Camping, 3 nights​

Save up to 50% on tours! Get exclusive access to members-only deals by email.

Subscribe to our newsletter