Travel Facts
- Country Name
- Peru
- Capital
- Lima
- Area
-
- Total: 496,225 sq mi
- Land: 494209 sq mi
- Water: 2,015 sq mi
- Elevation Extremes
-
- Low: Pacific Ocean 0 ft
- High: Nevado Huascaran 22,205 ft
- Population
- 29,546,963
- Demonym
- Peruvian
- Climate
-
Month High Low Rain Jan 79 66 .4 Feb 81 66 0 Mar 81 66 .04 Apr 77 63 0 May 72 61 .08 Jun 66 57 .16 Jul 54 37 2.3 Aug 64 57 .24 Sep 66 57 .20 Oct 68 57 .08 Nov 72 59 .04 Dec 75 63 .04 - Time Zone
- PET (UTC-5)
- Currency
- Nuevo Sol (PEN)
- Voltage
- 220 V (Talara 110/220 V; Arequipa 50 Hz)
- Calling Code
- 51
Tailor Made Peru: Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Expedition Type [ Tailor Made ]
- Difficulty [ Strenuous ]
- Activities [ Camping, Hiking, Whitewater Rafting ]
- Duration [ 11 Days ]
Expedition Timeline
Peru's Inca Trail is a rugged 27-mile hike through amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest, rich in Andean flora and fauna, and ending at the sacred Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This challenging five-day alternative climb avoids most of the crowds and takes you to more remote and beautiful campsites. Along the way, stop to explore ancient ruins and admire the stunning views. You also have the opportunity to explore Cusco, the former ancient capital of the Inca Empire; wander the ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo; and visit a traditional Andean textile center in Chinchero.
- DAY 1
Arrive Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima is known as “the City of Kings”.
Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada Lima- DAYS 2-3
Lima/Cusco/Urubamba/Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco, an Andean community and former ancient capital of the Inca Empire. En route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Urubamba, stop in Chinchero to visit a traditional Andean textile center.
The next day, head into the Sacred Valley to whitewater raft the Urubamba River. Following lunch, explore the fortress of Ollantaytambo. This stone structure that climbs massive terraces to the top of a peak was the valley’s main defense against the Antis and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest.
Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa [ B L ]- DAYS 4-6
Cusco/Llactapata/Llulluchapampa/Phuyupatamarca
Begin your three day hike of the Inca Trail along the shore of the Urubamba River. The terrain starts out flat and ambles to Miskay (a height of 9,184 feet). At this point, you have a remarkable view of Llactapata. Start climbing down to the ruins, where camp is set up. Spend the afternoon exploring this archaeological site.
Wake early to continue the trek, gradually climbing to 9,840 feet above sea level. All along the way, watch as breathtaking views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range come into focus across the Urubamba River. Leave Wayllabamba behind and begin the most difficult part of the trek: an abrupt, steep ascent that stretches for nearly six miles to the first mountain pass on the Inca Trail, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s pass). Cross an area of cloud forest that is home to hummingbird, sparrow and the Andean (“Spectacled”) bear.
On your third day of hiking, ascend and descend the peaks and valleys along the way to Machu Picchu. Crest Abra Warmihuañusca — at 13,776 feet the highest point on the Inca Trail and towards the end of the day descend to the cloud forest at Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and finally to the complex at Sayacmarca (11,887 feet).
Camping [ B L D ]- DAY 7
Phuyupatamarca/Machu Picchu
If the sky is clear, you may witness one of the most spectacular sunrises along the trail from the vantage point of Phuyupatamarca. Head down a long series of steps toward Wiñaywayna (8,692 feet), second only to Machu Picchu in size. From here, follow a trail of flat stones secured on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle en route to Intipunku (the “Sun Gate”) where the views over Machu Picchu are magnificent.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel [ B L D ]- DAYS 8-9
Machu Picchu/Cusco
Accompanied by your guide, explore the citadel’s mystical ruins. Early this afternoon, return to Cusco by train.
Join your guide this morning to explore Cusco with visits to the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple or Koricancha, “place of gold.” Travel to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Challenge yourself to slip a piece of paper between the cracks of the massive stone blocks (each weighs up to 125 tons) that have been cut and fitted together with incredible precision — and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place.
Hotel Monasterio [ B L ]- DAYS 10-11
Cusco/Depart Lima
Fly to Lima this morning, and, relive the rich, religious history of the Spanish colonies when you see the Plaza Mayor, where the Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace are all located.
This morning, transfer to the airport for your international departure flight.
Miraflores Park Hotel [ B ]
Departure Dates & Pricing
Various Departure Dates can be arranged. Please tell us your preferred travel dates on the reservation form.