Peru
Peru – Inca Trail and Sacred Valley Tour
Peru – Inca Trail and Sacred Valley Tour
Duration
6 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Demanding
Overview
The Inca Trail is one of the most legendary hiking trails in the world. For four days, you follow the original Inca steps through valleys and cloud forests, cross passes over 4,200 meters high, and discover ruins like Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarka, and Wiñay Wayna. Finally, you glimpse Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Experience the best of Peru on a 6-day journey through the world of the Incas. You start in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and explore the Sacred Valley with its weaving villages, the agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt ponds of Maras before hiking the renowned Classic Inca Trail. The first two days also help you acclimatize: you visit Qoricancha, Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay, meet Quechua weavers in Chinchero and spend the night in Ollantaytambo, the "Living Inca Town". From there, the trek leads you over Dead Woman's Pass, through mystical cloud forest and past numerous Inca sites to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. You travel with knowledgeable local guides in small groups of 4 to 12 people. Hotels, transport, porters and meals during the trek are all taken care of, so you can fully enjoy the journey.
Tour Code
Tour language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Cusco – Gateway to the Inca Civilization
3-star hotel, Cusco
On arrival in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft), your Incatrekkers guide welcomes you and brings you to your hotel, where you can take a moment to adjust to the altitude. In the afternoon, you explore the capital of the Inca Empire, starting with Qoricancha, one of the most important religious buildings of the Incas. At Saqsayhuaman, you marvel at colossal walls built without mortar, before visiting the nearby Inca sites of Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay. Afterwards, you return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
Arrival in Cusco – Gateway to the Inca Civilization
Day 1
3-star hotel, Cusco
On arrival in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft), your Incatrekkers guide welcomes you and brings you to your hotel, where you can take a moment to adjust to the altitude. In the afternoon, you explore the capital of the Inca Empire, starting with Qoricancha, one of the most important religious buildings of the Incas. At Saqsayhuaman, you marvel at colossal walls built without mortar, before visiting the nearby Inca sites of Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay. Afterwards, you return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
Day 2
Cultural Exploration in the Sacred Valley
Hotel, Ollantaytambo
We pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 AM. In Chinchero, the ancestral home of the Quechua people, you witness traditional dyeing and weaving techniques passed down through generations. Next, you visit Moray, an Inca agricultural experimentation center with concentric terraces and different microclimates, and the Maras salt ponds, each owned and run by a local family. After lunch, you explore Ollantaytambo, the "Living Inca Town", with its massive terraces and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. You spend the night in Ollantaytambo.
Cultural Exploration in the Sacred Valley
Day 2
Hotel, Ollantaytambo
We pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 AM. In Chinchero, the ancestral home of the Quechua people, you witness traditional dyeing and weaving techniques passed down through generations. Next, you visit Moray, an Inca agricultural experimentation center with concentric terraces and different microclimates, and the Maras salt ponds, each owned and run by a local family. After lunch, you explore Ollantaytambo, the "Living Inca Town", with its massive terraces and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. You spend the night in Ollantaytambo.
Day 3
Start of the Inca Trail – Km 82 to Wayllabamba
Campsite Wayllabamba (3,100 m / 10,171 ft)
12 km / 7.5 mi · 6–7 h · 400 m / 1,312 ft elevation gain
After an early start, a private transfer brings you from Ollantaytambo to Km 82 (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), the starting point of the legendary Inca Trail. A pleasant 2-hour hike along the Urubamba River brings us to Miskay. From there, we climb to Wilkarakay, which offers fantastic views of the Inca site of Llactapata. Through the scenic Cusichaca Valley, we ascend gradually for about 2 hours to our campsite in Wayllabamba (3,100 m / 10,171 ft). Today you cover 12 km (7.5 miles) in 6–7 hours of hiking.
Start of the Inca Trail – Km 82 to Wayllabamba
Day 3
Campsite Wayllabamba (3,100 m / 10,171 ft)
12 km / 7.5 mi · 6–7 h · 400 m / 1,312 ft elevation gain
After an early start, a private transfer brings you from Ollantaytambo to Km 82 (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), the starting point of the legendary Inca Trail. A pleasant 2-hour hike along the Urubamba River brings us to Miskay. From there, we climb to Wilkarakay, which offers fantastic views of the Inca site of Llactapata. Through the scenic Cusichaca Valley, we ascend gradually for about 2 hours to our campsite in Wayllabamba (3,100 m / 10,171 ft). Today you cover 12 km (7.5 miles) in 6–7 hours of hiking.
Day 4
Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo – Dead Woman's Pass
Campsite Pacaymayo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft)
12 km / 7.5 mi · 6–7 h · 1,115 m / 3,658 ft elevation gain · 615 m / 2,018 ft descent
After an early breakfast, you set out towards the highest point of the Inca Trail. As we climb, the vegetation changes dramatically and the trail leads through enchanting cloud forest with native trees. At Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft), you are rewarded with magnificent views of the Pacaymayo Valley and the surrounding mountains. From the pass, we descend to our campsite in Pacaymayo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). Today you cover 12 km (7.5 miles) in 6–7 hours of hiking and reach the highest point of the trek.
Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo – Dead Woman's Pass
Day 4
Campsite Pacaymayo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft)
12 km / 7.5 mi · 6–7 h · 1,115 m / 3,658 ft elevation gain · 615 m / 2,018 ft descent
After an early breakfast, you set out towards the highest point of the Inca Trail. As we climb, the vegetation changes dramatically and the trail leads through enchanting cloud forest with native trees. At Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft), you are rewarded with magnificent views of the Pacaymayo Valley and the surrounding mountains. From the pass, we descend to our campsite in Pacaymayo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). Today you cover 12 km (7.5 miles) in 6–7 hours of hiking and reach the highest point of the trek.
Day 5
Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna – Inca Sites and Cloud Forest
Campsite Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft)
15 km / 9.3 mi · 8–9 h · 350 m / 1,148 ft elevation gain · 1,300 m / 4,265 ft descent
After an early breakfast, we hike to the Runkurakay pass (3,950 m / 12,959 ft) and stop at the Runkurakay archaeological site with its views of the valley below. We continue to the Inca site of Sayacmarka and on to the third pass, Phuyupatamarka (3,680 m / 12,073 ft), with panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley and Machu Picchu Mountain. From there, stone steps lead us down into the cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), our last campsite. Today you cover 15 km (9.3 miles) in 8–9 hours of hiking.
Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna – Inca Sites and Cloud Forest
Day 5
Campsite Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft)
15 km / 9.3 mi · 8–9 h · 350 m / 1,148 ft elevation gain · 1,300 m / 4,265 ft descent
After an early breakfast, we hike to the Runkurakay pass (3,950 m / 12,959 ft) and stop at the Runkurakay archaeological site with its views of the valley below. We continue to the Inca site of Sayacmarka and on to the third pass, Phuyupatamarka (3,680 m / 12,073 ft), with panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley and Machu Picchu Mountain. From there, stone steps lead us down into the cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), our last campsite. Today you cover 15 km (9.3 miles) in 8–9 hours of hiking.
Day 6
Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
3-star hotel, Cusco
6 km / 3.7 mi · 2 h · 70 m / 230 ft elevation gain · 320 m / 1,050 ft descent
After an early breakfast, we hike to Intipunku, the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), where Machu Picchu appears before your eyes. A short descent along the wide Inca road brings us to the classic view of the citadel (2,400 m / 7,874 ft). Your guide then leads you on an immersive tour of the ruins and their temples and sacred buildings. Afterwards, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco. Today you cover 6 km (3.7 miles) in about 2 hours of hiking.
Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Day 6
3-star hotel, Cusco
6 km / 3.7 mi · 2 h · 70 m / 230 ft elevation gain · 320 m / 1,050 ft descent
After an early breakfast, we hike to Intipunku, the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), where Machu Picchu appears before your eyes. A short descent along the wide Inca road brings us to the classic view of the citadel (2,400 m / 7,874 ft). Your guide then leads you on an immersive tour of the ruins and their temples and sacred buildings. Afterwards, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco. Today you cover 6 km (3.7 miles) in about 2 hours of hiking.
Price from
€1,490.00
Services
What's included
Airport Pick-up: Your Incatrekkers guide welcomes you at Cusco airport and transfers you to your hotel; airport transfers included.
Professional Guide: Bilingual guide (English and Spanish) with deep knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history, traditions, flora and fauna.
Entrance Fees: All attractions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley mentioned in the itinerary.
Permits: Permits and entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Private Transportation: Throughout the itinerary.
Accommodation: 3-star hotels on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 6 (double occupancy); upgrades available on request.
Meals During the Trek: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners; vegetarian and special diets accommodated on request.
Porters, Cook & Service Staff: Porters carry tents, food, cooking equipment and your duffel bag (max. 6 kg per person including sleeping bag).
Camping Equipment: Spacious 4-person dome tents shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, dining and kitchen tents, dry bag for your gear.
Bus & Train Tickets: Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and train back to Ollantaytambo.
First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including emergency oxygen.
Taxes & Fees: All taxes and permit fees included.
What's not included
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for any unforeseen circumstances.
Flights: Airline tickets to and from Cusco.
Sleeping Bag: Available for rent – see options.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for guide, cook and porters as well as souvenirs, snacks and personal expenses.
Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: Choose this option while making your reservation if you want to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu. As availability is limited, booking in advance is recommended.
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
High (up to 4,215 m)
Culture / nature
Culture-led
Fitness – challenging: After two sightseeing days, you hike for four days with up to 15 km (9.3 mi) and 8–9 hours per day, including a climb of more than 1,100 m (3,600 ft) to Dead Woman's Pass and long descents on uneven stone steps. Very good fitness, endurance and sure-footedness are required; multi-day hiking experience is recommended. No technical skills are needed.
Altitude – high: The trail reaches its highest point at Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft) and the campsites lie between 2,650 m / 8,694 ft and 3,600 m / 11,811 ft. The tour starts in Cusco at 3,400 m / 11,155 ft; the first two days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley help you acclimatize. We still recommend arriving a day earlier.
Culture & nature – culture-focused: Cusco's Inca sites, Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo and the Inca sites along the trail up to Machu Picchu, combined with high Andean landscapes and cloud forest.
Hotels, camping & porters: Three nights in 3-star hotels and three nights in tents. During the trek, porters carry your duffel bag (max. 6 kg / 13 lb including sleeping bag) and all camping equipment.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Optional
Sleeping Bag
€25.00
per person
Wayna Picchu (Huayna Picchu)
Steep, narrow stone stairs with exposed sections and drop-offs – a head for heights and sure-footedness are required. Limited availability, booking in advance is recommended.
€75.00
per person
Machu Picchu Mountain
Long, steep stone stairs with some drop-offs – a head for heights is recommended. Limited availability, booking in advance is recommended.
€75.00
per person
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€20.00
per person
Groups of 6 or more: contact info@silvertip.at for special rates and tailor-made options.
Notes on the trip
Regulations
Entry times are strictly enforced by the Ministry of Culture. We secure permits for the 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM slot to ensure the best lighting and fewer crowds.
What to bring
Daypack: A sturdy backpack for day trips and the trek.
Original Passport: Mandatory for entry requirements and permits; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Walking boots with ankle support, plus sandals or light shoes for camp.
Clothing: Rain jacket and pants or a poncho, a complete change of clothes, warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) and thermal clothing for sleeping.
Protection: Sunscreen, after-sun cream, hat and insect repellent.
Gear: Metal or Nalgene water bottles, headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit and medications, small towel, toilet paper and optional walking poles (must have rubber tips).
Extras: Snacks, camera with spare batteries, swimsuit for the hot springs and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.
Information
Book as early as possible: Inca Trail permits are strictly limited and often sold out months in advance, especially from May to September. Permits for the following year usually go on sale in October. Please send us your inquiry as early as possible – ideally 6 to 8 months before your trip.