Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
A Journey Through History

Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu

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 once traversed by the Inca people and rediscovered by Hiram Bingham.

Relish jaw-dropping views of the jagged Andean Mountains and soak in the serene atmosphere of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Along the way, meet local inhabitants, from skilled traditional craftspeople to charming camelids. This unforgettable Inca Trail to Machu Picchu journey offers the opportunity to marvel at Machu Picchu and explore some of the region’s other remarkable 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.
  • Explore the rural life of the Sacred Valley on horseback.
  • 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 or Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • 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.
  • Get your hands dirty learning to make traditional adobe bricks.

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

You will wake up refreshed and enjoy a complimentary breakfast in your hotel before we escort you back to the airport for your morning flight to Cusco. Watch the windows as the desert coast rises into the snow-capped peaks of the Andes!

We will be waiting for you when you touch down at our Andean airport and will bring you to the historic city center of Cusco for a delicious lunch. Afterwards you’ll have the afternoon free to explore and acclimate to the altitude at your own pace.

This evening, you will have your briefing for your Inca Trail!

horseback Sacred Valley

This morning, spend a special hour on horseback, away from the crowds and losing yourself in the stunning views of the rural Sacred Valley. After a safety briefing and meeting your horse, we’ll show you our neighborhood, a beautiful section of the Sacred Valley that just a few get to see. There are no popular tourist attractions on this route, which is why this is an unforgettable and peaceful way to experience rural life in the Sacred Valley.

Then for lunch, you’ll experience a traditional Pachamanca! The pachamanca is a culinary tradition that dates back to the Incas as a way to celebrate and pay respect to the Pachamama or Mother Earth, a deity representing fertility to the indigenous people in Peru. The Pachamanca is a real feast that plays a key role in gatherings in different regions of Peru.

Thie afternoon, you will get your hands dirty and learn all about the building traditions of the Sacred Valley with an adobe making workshop. Surrounded by colorful mountains, our local experts in mud brick making will share their first-hand knowledge about this building tradition. With their help, you’ll make some strong mud mix yourself!

After getting cleaned up, we will bring you to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure in the beautiful Sacred Valley.

Sacsayhuaman Cusco

Prepare to fall in love with Cusco, a gorgeous city that wins the heart of almost every traveler that passes through it. A private tour is the best way to learn about this historic city and uncover the best insider secrets. Your guide will meet you at your hotel, and from there you’ll start your exploration of the city!  Explore the archaeological remains of Sacsayhuaman, where the Incas staged a great battle against the conquistadors, the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, a hub of artistic inspiration, and Qoricancha and the Santo Domingo monastery, a colonial structure built on top of the ancient Inca temple of the sun, enjoying local snacks and tasty treats along the way!

At the end of the tour, you will be free to explore our vibrant city on your own, and pick up any last minute items so that you will be ready to start your trek in the morning!

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. Local 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-hour 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

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-hour 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.

Your triumphant arrival at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu

After 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, depending on which you decide! 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 number of hikers are allowed to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain each day and tickets will need to be purchased well in advance along with your Machu Picchu entrance.

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

Explore Cusco

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.

After breakfast, your guide 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!

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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.

MORE SAMPLE

Peru Itineraries

ENGAGE IN

Sustainable Travel

With Kuoda, every step of your journey is guided by purpose and respect, creating a positive legacy for the places you explore and the people you meet. Together, we can travel with intention and make a lasting impact.

BY EMBARKING ON THIS JOURNEY

  • Support environmental conservation efforts and promote eco-conscious practices.
  • Enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals made with organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Contribute to the empowerment of local communities by supporting fair trade, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities, particularly for women.
  • Experience authentic cultural interactions that celebrate and protect traditions, art, and identity.

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