Crossroads of History

Fly to Cusco this morning! Upon arrival, and after a delicious local lunch, you will explore mysterious alleyways, historic plazas, and coveted treasures of Cusco with your private guide. Your first stop will be Sacsayhuaman. Next you will visit the temple and ampitheater of Q’enko and the red fortress of Puca Pucara. The final stop will be Tambomachay before returning to the city to visit the famous Plaza de Armas and Qoricancha. Briefing for your Inka Trail (Private Tour).

Today, you’ll get a sense of the wonderful combination of old and new that makes Peru so compelling as you travel around the enchanting Sacred Valley.

First stop on our agenda will be the ancient hillside town of Ollantaytambo, where the influence of its old Inca inhabitants is still writ large on the town’s streets. The traditional Inca urban planning remains in place here, and is evident in the street canals, the multi-family stone residences and the solid trapezoidal doors – a shape frequently used in Inca construction to denote importance.

From here it’s on to the charming valley town of Pisac, best known for its market – a vibrant, crowded, and colorful spectacle that attracts visitors and residences from all over the country. Pick up some patterned textiles or artful ceramics for friends and families back home, or inspect the fresh and unique produce. After, we’ll head up to see Pisac’s mountainside Inca ruins. 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.

Later, your guide and driver will bring you back to your hotel for a quiet evening in preparation for the Inca Trail adventure that awaits!

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is consistently rated among the best treks in the world and you’ll soon see why. This hiking route traverses several different ecological areas, from the high deserts to tropical rain forest, and the natural surroundings are seriously beautiful. Then there are 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, you can rest assured that your Inca Trail experience will be a safe 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 – a godsend for weary trekkers – just make sure to ask!

From the hotel, we will transfer you to the start of the trek (point km 82) where you’ll meet your porters with all necessary equipment. You’ll set off on the first section of the trail, which weaves 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 camp site in Ayapata at 10,829 feet above sea level. This evening, enjoy a wonderful hot dinner prepared by your incredible porters and then fall asleep under the stars in the comfort of your tent.

Get ready for a significant challenge today and fortify yourself 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 do 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 there will be a lot of breaks along the way. We will stop and settle into our second camp site, Chaquicocha, which is 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.

Your tour of Machu Picchu continues today 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 snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, and a panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Towards the end of the Inca flats, we’ll start climbing to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka. From Phuyupatamarka, we will have three hours of walking down steps.  During the descent, we will visit Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) and then Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), before reaching to our last campsite, which is close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young).

After lunch at the campsite, you will have time to relax and just enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Later in the afternoon, your guide will take you to visit 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 your Inka Trail hike. After dinner, it is time to sleep as you will be getting up early in the morning to arrive to Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn to view the stunning sunrise over the ruins at Machu Picchu.

Bright and early this morning after breakfast, we will head to the checkpoint. Say goodbye to your team of porters and chefs, as we continue on our journey to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From Sun Gate, stare out into the horizons and be in awe with the views of the mountains and Machu Picchu hidden between steep peaks below you. Take a deep breath of relief and triumph as you have tread in the footsteps of the Incas and have conquered the historic Inca Trail!!

Descend to the lost citadel and reach for your camera to try and capture the vista, but before you do, be sure to take a moment to stop and truly appreciate this staggering 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.

Today you have the option to hike two different trails – Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, so it’s completely up to you on how you would like to culminate your Machu Picchu luxury tour. Feeling adventurous? Consider hiking the steep slope of neighboring Huayna Picchu, which offers unrivalled views over 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-deserved good night’s rest.

This morning, you can continue your exploration of the city of Cusco, or have a lie-in and enjoy the comforts of your hotel! At the appropriate time mid-day, 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!

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.

Meet your private guide this afternoon and drive 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 the Huaca Pucllana restaurant before returning to the airport for your journey home! Buen viaje!

Like the sound of this Crossroads of History private tour? Get in touch with Kuoda and we’ll start crafting your very own customized private travel experience to Peru!