Start in Cusco, tour the city, then explore the cultural highlights in the Sacred Valley, learn about traditional ways of life and visit local markets, and conquer the Inca Trail on a four day trek to Machu Picchu. You will be rewarded with a stunning combination of the region's ruins, mountainscapes, and cloud forests with comfortable accommodations, quality food and equipment, support for the local community and an achievement of a lifetime on one of the world's best known hikes.

Your trip includes 3 nights of hotel stays and 3 nights of camping.

Day 1: Cusco
Arrive at any time.

Day 2: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).

Day 3: Inca Trail
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.

Day 4: Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.

Day 5: Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.

At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).

Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the site and enjoy free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows.

Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.

Day 7: Cusco
Depart at any time.

• Physical Rating: The Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike; however, there are a lot of staircases to climb, and the altitude can also affect the body. We recommend a walking stick as it helps with your balance and reduces stress on the knees, as long as it is not a metal-tipped walking stick, as they are not permitted on the trail. You will be hiking for six to nine hours for each of the first three days and about two hours on the last day. The trip is also at quite a high altitude with the trek beginning at 9,186 ft. The highest point you’ll reach on the trek is approximately 13,780ft. and you’ll also sleep at 11,811 ft for at least one night. This altitude can be quite fatiguing.
• 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners are included in your trip. You are responsible for all other meals.
• Bottled water can be purchased on day one and on the evening of day three of the trek. However, we discourage trekkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of waste. Instead, we strongly recommend bringing a refillable water bottle, as boiled water will be provided with every meal.
• Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
• It can get chilly due to the altitude. During the Andean winter (May – September) the temperature can drop below zero at night. So we suggest bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag.