Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley - 4 Day Inca Trail - Colca Canyon -Arequipa

Peru's best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. The classical 43-km trek leading to the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Machu Picchu is reached at sunrise on the fourth day.

Subsitutions available - If you would like to modify this package, for example, instead of doing the Inca Trail, you can spend extra nights in the other locations on the tour. Please notify us on the booking form, so we can adjust pricing and your itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Lima

This will be a travel day from home and you may arrive on an overnight flight to Lima, and connect  directly to Cusco's early flight  next morning. Arrangements can be made to assist you onto your connecting flight or we can advise you of the process , or arrange overnight in Lima if required.

Day 2 - Cusco

Most will need the morning to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. After lunch, refreshed and eager we go for an afternoon walk around town and Nearby Ruins, visiting the most sacred of Inca sites - the Koricancha. Winding out of town we will take in the megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the strange temple of Kenko, and the water fountains of Tambomachay. We gather later for the welcome celebration dinner in our favorite restaurant near the main plaza.

Day 3 - Full Day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Today we will visit the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas and the stupendous archeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Probably built by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec in the 1460s, it was the site of Hernando Pizzaro's defeat by Manco Inca in 1536. Constructed of finely cut polygonal stones and royalties blocks, the fortress and nearby town represent the best of Inca architecture and construction. Large worked blocks, some weighing as much as 100 tons were carried from a site more than a thousand vertical feet above the valley floor using a technique of pecking with hammer stones, then skidded down and across the Urubamba river several kilometers to the temple site. Inclined ramps were built to raise the blocks several hundred feet up hill to the construction area. We have ample time to examine the complex and ponder its many mysteries. We'll also visit the impressive but little understood temple site of Pisac and its megalithic Inca terraces still housed by local peasant farmers. If it's a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday we'll also spend time at one of the traditional local markets, lunch is usually had in Urubamba or Yucay where the best restaurant services are located. Afterwards to finish the tour at last, Chinchero a colonial village built upon Inca foundation and where typical shopping is usually done. Then we will return to Cusco, at the hotel we will have a pre-departure information meeting as tomorrow the Inca Trail is waiting for us.

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

Day 4 - Cusco to Wayllabamba

Between 04.00-04.30am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco -Machupicchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
Meals: B, L, D

Total distance:  12 km (7,47 miles)
Estimated walking time:   5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)

Day 5 - Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo

We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass - 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.
Meals: B, L, D

Total distance:  11 km (6,84 miles)
Estimated walking time:   6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Day 6 - Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.
Meals: B, L, D

Total distance:  16 km (9,94 miles)
Estimated walking time:   8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Day 7 - Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals: B

Total distance:  4 km (2,49 miles)
Estimated walking time:  2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide's criteria and the group progress

Machu Picchu - Difficulty degree of this hike is moderate to challenging

*** Inca Trail must be booked at least 3 months in advance due to limited spaces available ***

Day 8 - Full Day in Cusco

Your free day to do whatever you like in cusco. If you would like an additional activity planned for this day, please advise us, and we will arrange accordingly.

Day 9 - Cusco to Arequipa

We pick you up from your flight from Cusco and escort you to our comfortable hotel, as your request in the white city of Arequipa. Our colonial hotel is right in front of the Santa Catalina Convent and the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the convent and old Arequipa.

Day 10 - Arequipa to Colca Canyon

Pick up at around 7:00am and we wind out of Arequipa past El Misti Volcano to the barren altiplano. The colors and scenery are spectacular as we pass endangered grazing Vicunas and ponds with Andean Geese. Reaching the last pass above the Colca Canyon we see the mounds of stones called apachetas where weary travelers have left a rock over the centuries to symbolize the shedding of their weariness at the pass. We can see many snow peaks and volcanoes from here.. Winding down into the Colca, we stay at the comfortable Colca Lodge or similar. (breakfast,lunch included)

Day 11 - Colca Canyon to Arequipa

This morning after a hearty and leisurely breakfast we drive a short distance down the side of the Colca Canyon reputed to be the deepest canyon in the world, past megalithic ancient terracing, to Cruz del Condor. Here Andean Condors and other Birds of Prey, roost on inaccessible ledges and once hot air thermals have developed, produced by the burning Andean sun, they circle out gaining height and provide stunning photographic opportunities. The Condors are big and one cannot help but be amazed by these creatures. After lunch in nearby Chivay, we retrace our steps to Arequipa and the Hotel Posada del Monasterio for the night. (breakfast,lunch included)

Day 12 - Arequipa to Lima

We will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport to take the flight to lima city , after lunch we will meet to join the famous Lima City tour to the most important and typical sites downtown Lima with its typical features of the colonial era, like Plaza de armas, Government Palace, Basilica of the Cathedral, Archbishop Palace, City-hall of Lima, Railroad-station. Desamparados and old streets as well as classical mansions of the viceroyal era and moorish-styled balconies. Then we visit the church San Francisco, its monastery, Art Museum and catacombs. Leaving the old downtown Lima we come to San Isidro (el Olivar), the outlook or Love Park of Miraflores, enjoying the constrast of old and modern Lima. Finally, later in the evening we take you to the airport for your flight back to your country.

Prices: Contact us using the book now button for current pricing

Return airline tickets from Cusco to Lima approximately $200 USD pp extra - to be confirmed upon booking request if needed

Prices vary frequently

According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12, 2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation which refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees.