Crossroads of History

10D / 9N

Venture into the heart of the ancient Inca Empire as you challenge yourself to complete the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Walk along the same trails that were once tread by Inca people, and later explored by Hiram Bingham.

Relish jaw-dropping views of the jagged Andean Mountains, and revel in the tranquil atmosphere of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Introduce yourself to some of the local inhabitants, from traditional craftspeople to lovable camelids. Along the journey, you’ll have the chance to marvel at Machu Picchu as well as some of the region’s other notable Inca ruins.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
SEPT - NOV

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH
10 DAYS

Highlights

  • Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the most famous and coveted hiking routes in the world.
  • Follow in the footsteps of the Incas and enter the ancient kingdom of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
  • Visit rural communities in the Sacred Valley towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
  • Embark on a private city tour of Cusco, whose fascinating streets feature a unique concoction of Inca ruins and colonial constructions.
  • Scale the ancient stone stairway up Machu Picchu’s neighboring peak, Huayna Picchu.
  • Discover the delights of Peruvian cuisine at the country’s finest dining establishments.
  • Stay at your choice of boutique and sustainable accommodations throughout your luxury tour of Peru.

Itinerary

Welcome to Peru! Arrive at your hotel in Lima, the City of Kings.

When your flight arrives in Lima, a Kuoda host will welcome you personally and escort you to the hotel. Instead of navigating a new city after a long flight, let us take care of the transportation logistics. We will drop you off at your hotel so you can refresh and enjoy a peaceful evening before the real excursion starts. Relax with a good night’s rest before your flight to Cusco in the morning.

Fly to Cusco and enjoy a private afternoon city tour

Fly from Lima to Cusco this morning and explore the historic center of the Incan empire. After arriving and enjoying a delicious local lunch, you will explore mysterious alleyways, historic plazas, and coveted treasures of Cusco with your expert guide. Your first stop will be Sacsayhuaman. Next, you will visit the temple and amphitheater of Q’enko and the red fortress of Puca Pucara. The final stop will be Tambomachay before returning to the city to wander the famous Plaza de Armas and Qoricancha. After the day’s activities, you will get a briefing for your Inca Trail trek.

Explore the Sacred Valley with an excursion through Ollantaytambo and Pisac

Today you’ll learn how Peru’s past shapes its present. Beginning in the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, you will study the legacy of original Inca urban planning. Walk through the maze-like streets which come complete with Inca-era canals and ancient houses that feature interior courtyards and trapezoidal doors.

Then, wander the charming village of Pisac, browsing the wares on offer at the market. Travelers and villagers alike come from miles around to barter and sell goods ranging from textiles and dyes to fresh vegetables. After you’ve had your fill of shopping, you’ll venture to a ridge high above the stepped agricultural terraces where Pisac’s mountainside Inca ruins are located. Get a close-up look at the impeccably fitted stonework on the site and peer down at the views of the agricultural terraces, which sweep around the slopes.

At the end of the day, your guide will escort you to your hotel for a quiet evening preparing for the trek up the Inca Trail.

Start your journey on the Inca Trail

Prepare to discover why this is one of the world’s most noteworthy hiking routes, winding through several different ecological areas, from the high deserts to tropical rain forests. Not to mention its mysterious archaeological sites, whose covering of jungle overgrowth gives the impression that you are discovering them for the first time. Of course, the Inca Trail saves its greatest reward for last, culminating at the lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu.

With Kuoda, your Inca Trail experience will be a safe and memorable one. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides and aided by support staff, who will ensure your trek is comfortable and pleasant. Native Quechua porters will help you with your luggage and you’ll be provided with delicious, hearty meals to help you keep your energy levels up. We’re also happy to include portable hot showers and massage services upon request – a luxurious way to revive weary trekkers.

Your journey starts when we escort you to the trek’s starting point (point km 82) where you’ll meet your porters. Hike the first section of the trail, weaving through semi-arid terrain along the rushing Urubamba River, providing magnificent views of the looming snowcapped mountains. We will leave the Urubamba Valley and set off up the Cusichaca River (“Happy Legs River” in Quechua), to our first campsite in Ayapata at 10,829 feet above sea level. This evening, enjoy a wonderful hot dinner prepared by your porters and fall asleep under the stars in the comfort of your tent.

Facing “Dead Woman’s Pass” during day two on the trail

Get ready for a significant challenge today. Get your energy levels up with a hearty breakfast before beginning the ascent up the Warmihuañusca pass (or “Dead Woman’s Pass”), which has an elevation of 13,829 feet above sea level. This name is given due to the crests resembling the form of a woman’s supine body when seen from the valley below.

It will be a challenging 4-hours climb through different microclimates, but you can take plenty of scenic breaks along the way. Stop and settle into your second campsite, Chaquicocha, located at 11,800 feet.

Tonight as you relax in your campsite, revel in today’s accomplishments, as you have completed the most difficult section of the trail.

Sleeping among the clouds during day three on the Inca Trail

Your trek to Machu Picchu continues as we depart from Chaquicocha and start hiking along the “Inca flat”, before entering into the jungle, known as the Cloud Forest. During the hike, we will have the opportunity to see the majestic Salkantay, the second-highest mountain in the Sacred Valley. You will also get stunning panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Near the end of the Inca flats, the ascent to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka begins. From Phuyupatamarka, there will be three hours of walking down steps. Along the way, you will visit Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) and then Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). Finally, you will reach the last campsite, which is close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). After lunch at the campsite, cherish the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There will be time set aside in the afternoon for a visit to the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna.

This evening, you will have the opportunity to dine with the porters and chiefs and meet the people who made the magic happen throughout the Inca Trail trek. After dinner, it is time to sleep as you will be getting up early in the morning to visit Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn and watch the breathtaking sunrise over the Incan ruins.

Your triumphant arrival at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu

After breakfast a very early breakfast, you will head to the checkpoint, say goodbye to your team of porters and chefs, and continue on the journey to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From Sun Gate, stare in awe at the horizon, with unparalleled views of the mountains and Machu Picchu. Take a deep breath of relief and triumph as you have tread in the footsteps of the Incas, conquering the historic Inca Trail!

Venture into the lost citadel and take a moment to stop and truly appreciate this staggering ancient site. After ample time exploring this majestic site, make your way to Aguas Calientes by bus and enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing to the sound of the cloud forest around you.

Embark on an exclusive trek up the highly coveted Huayna Picchu!

Today you have the option to hike two different trails – Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, so it’s completely up to you! This will be the culmination of your Machu Picchu luxury tour, so enjoy it however you want. Adventurous travelers who desire something off-the-beaten-path should hike the steep slope of Huayna Picchu, offering unrivaled views of Machu Picchu. Please note that only a limited amount of hikers are allowed to climb Huayna Picchu each day and tickets will need to be purchased in advance along with your Machu Picchu entrance.

In the afternoon, reconvene in Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Your Kuoda host will meet you at the station and bring you to your hotel for a well-earned evening of rest.

Luxuriate with some well-deserved downtime in Cusco and Lima

This morning, you can continue your exploration of the city of Cusco, or have a relaxing morning in the comforts of your hotel! In the afternoon, we will bring you to the Cusco airport for your return flight to Lima. You will have the evening to spend as you please in the culinary capital of South America.

Tour the bohemian streets of Barranco and bid farewell to Peru.

Going home is the worst part of any private Peru vacation, but at Kuoda, we’ll do our best to make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

A Kuoda host will meet you and take you to the seaside bohemian district of Barranco. See the streets of Barranco come alive as you visit a number of local art galleries and shops that support local artisans. Finally, enjoy a first-class gourmet meal featuring world-renowned Peruvian flavors in a restaurant of your choice before returning to the airport for your journey home. Buen Viaje!

PRICE & INCLUSIONS

Each journey is tailored to your specific needs and desires, and so our prices vary depending on the number of people
traveling, level of accommodations desired, and activities included, among other factors.

Our travel designers will curate a journey specifically for you. If you have a budget you want us to work with, please let
us know, and we will do our best to achieve it.

PRICE INCLUDES

  • Personalized itinerary planning
  • A Kuoda host to assist you in every location
  • The majority of meals in the itinerary
  • Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary

NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights to and from your home country
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not specified
  • All gratuities

ACCOMMODATIONS

From luxury properties to boutique hotels, our staff handpicks your ideal stay to ensure you get the ultimate comfort during your travels.

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Sustainable Travel

This sample itinerary was tailored to show the impact of your trip and how
you can take concrete actions toward sustainable travel.

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