The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is rated among the best trekking trips in the world because of the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings. Following this ancient Inca Trail, you will walk past increasingly impressive archaeological sites that lead to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Our addition of “glamping” (glamorous camping) brings a new twist to an old favorite, upping the ante for service, dining, and comfort. In addition to glamping, this trip also features in-depth tours of Cusco, the surrounding ruins, and the scenic Sacred Valley, with comfortable first-class accommodations throughout. Crowned by the towering Andes and tucked between the Amazon and the Pacific, Peru offers a captivating mix of adventure, nature, and history. Embedded in every active traveler’s Top Ten List is the great city of the clouds, Machu Picchu. Our route takes us there from bustling Lima to the cobblestone streets of Cusco, from ruin to ruin across the Sacred Valley, and by train and breathtaking footpath over the Inca Trail.
Catch a glimpse of the Andean Condor, a vulture with the largest wingspan of any land bird – 10.5 feet!
Discover the colorful street markets, friendly people, and strong local culture of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca empire
Delight in traditional Peruvian dishes prepared by your expert cooking team and camp with the best views of the surrounding jagged peaks
Descend into the Andean cloud forest and keep your eyes peeled for orchids and epiphyte plants in the dense undergrowth
Visit the Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, residential areas, terraced fields, ceremonial fountains, and other sectors of Machu Picchu
Our Partner: Apumayo Expediciones
Austin Adventures is proudly offering this trip in conjunction with Apumayo Expediciones. Apumayo, a local Peruvian company based in the City of Cusco, was established in 1995. Specializing in adventure travel and non-conventional tourism, the company combines tourism with cultural, educational, and natural history. Apumayo Expediciones describes itself as a commercial venture with a strong environmental and social agenda, developing and supporting many projects such as river clean-ups and supporting Andean community projects. Apumayo looks to host many of their adventure trips with help from the local communities of Peru and relates them with Inca culture and the daily life of the Andean people. Austin Adventures and Apumayo look forward to providing you with top-notch customer service in some of Peru’s most beautiful and inspiring places.
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Glamping: This fancy way to experience the great outdoors is clearly the coolest thing since sliced bread! Experience the excitement of camping, with the comfort of a four-star hotel!
02
To see a world wonder: An UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, this ancient city on top of a mountain is a must on every traveler's bucket list.
03
The mighty Inca: Marvel at the remains of one of history's greatest civilizations. At the time of the Spanish conquest, the Inca Empire was the largest empire in the world!
Arrive in Lima, the “City of Kings,” and the cultural hub of Peru. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your first night’s hotel (just across the street!). Dinner on your own.
About the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Located just steps from the Lima International Airport, the convenience of this hotel will be welcomed on your first night’s stay before your following day’s flight from Lima to Cusco. Enjoy a delicious meal or Pisco Sour in the 24-hour restaurant or opt for a massage, Jacuzzi, steam room or sauna in the 24-hour spa. Cool off and go for a swim in the indoor pool. The caring staff is happy to take care of your every need.
Meals Included
No meals
Overnight
Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Day 2
Day 2:
Lima / Cusco / Sacred Valley
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the Inca Empire’s capital and oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere. Transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (at a lower elevation than Cusco), on the way visiting Pisac town where a stop at the Indian market promises unique and authentic souvenirs. Lunch at Cuchara de Palo Restaurant. Continue the shuttle to your hotel along a beautiful road bordered by the Urubamba River, agricultural fields and snow-capped mountains.
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Sol y Luna
Day 3
Day 3:
Maras / Moray / Sacred Valley
Morning pickup from your hotel for a visit to Mara’s ancient salt mines. Here you’ll find an array of picturesque pools where the Incas built terraces in the hillside to capture the downward flow of salty springs emerging from the hillside. Continue on to Moray, where you’ll find huge circular agricultural terraces built by the Incas used to plant various crops. The area was used in the past as an agricultural laboratory to determine optimum conditions for different species of crops growing at varying altitudes. Lunch at Wayra Restaurant. Then enjoy a guided visit to the Inca site that crowns the town. Transfer back to Sol y Luna and enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Sol y Luna
Day 4
Day 4:
Sacred Valley / Huayllabamba
Transfer from the hotel to km 82, where our porters and equipment await. After checking in with the park rangers, we begin our trek escorted by the porters, hiking through semi-arid terrain along the Urubamba River with magnificent views of snow-capped mountains. Passing the last remaining local villas, we’ll leave the Urubamba valley behind as we set off up the Kusichaca River to our first camp site in Huayllabamba where you’ll experience your introduction to “glamping” (glamorous camping). Our campsite will be near the village but separate from crowds and noise which allow us to enjoy the peace of the surrounding mountains and birdlife.
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Inca Trail Camp at Huayllabamba
Day 5
Day 5:
Huayllabamba / Pacaymayo
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our trek to the top of Warmihuañusca Pass (13,860 ft). We’ll reach the turning point after a short time from where it is possible to see the other side of the valley leading to Runkurakay ruins. Once we snap pictures and take in the fantastic view, we’ll make our way down into a native gorge towards our next campsite at Pacaymayo. Overnight Inca Trail Camp at Pacaymayo, 11,649 feet.
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Inca Trail Camp at Pacaymayo
Day 6
Day 6:
Pacaymayo / Phuyupatamarca
After a short zigzagging ascent, we’ll arrive at the Runkurakay circular ruins. With no sign of human life, only extensive woods and abrupt hills, we’ll continue our way up the second pass. Upon reaching the top and resting our legs, we snake our way down the other side, clearly observing that the Inca Trail becomes more and more well preserved as we continue. Taking the steps up to Sayacmarca, we’ll break as we listen to an explanation about the Inca Empire and its connection with the Amazon jungle. Continue towards Phuyupatamarca Ruins, crossing the “Lago Seco” or Chakikocha where we’ll eat a tasty lunch. Carrying on, we hike up and down hills passing through “The Tunnel”, a natural cavity produced by a landslide, adapted by the Incas. After crossing a small pass, we spot steep steps and under these the Ceremonial Center of Phuyupatamarca Ruins, our campsite tonight with the best views of the surrounding jagged Andean peaks.
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Inca Trail Camp at Phuyupatamarca
Day 7
Day 7:
Phuyupatamarca / Machu Picchu
We’re up early this morning as we begin our descent into the Andean cloud forest where orchids and epiphyte plants hide in the dense undergrowth, awaiting detection by keen eyes. The Urubamba valley and river will be within our sights as we continue on our path towards the Wiñay Wayna ruins built up on a steep hillside. After exploration of these famous ruins, we continue up the last pass to the renowned Inti Punku or “Sun Gate.” From here, you’ll be looking down upon the extensive and beautiful site of Machu Picchu. For now, your guide will provide you with a brief orientation of the site and its history as we continue our journey onwards to our lodging for the evening.
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Day 8
Day 8:
Machu Picchu / Cusco
Once again, we rise early to take full advantage of our day in one of the most famous Inca sites in the world. After a short public bus ride up to the main entrance of Machu Picchu, we’ll begin our guided tour of this intricate city of an ancient civilization. You will visit the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, the residential areas, the terraced fields, the ceremonial fountains, and other sectors of the impressive citadel. You will have the option to climb the stairs up Huayna Picchu to get a better view of the site as a whole. This afternoon we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, return by train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer by car back to Cusco. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco
Day 9
Day 9:
Cusco
Morning pickup from your hotel for a Cusco city tour. We’ll start with a viewing of the Cathedral, built over 450 years ago, and its fine collection of paintings at the Cusqueño School. After this, you can’t miss a visit to the Koricancha, the most sumptuous temple of the Inca culture, which was dedicated to worship the sun. The remainder of the morning we’ll spend taking in the magnificent ruins of Sacsayhuaman and its impressive rocky constructions, followed by Kenko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Tonight we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at Map Café to share memories of our trip over Pisco Sours, followed by some lively music.
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco
Day 10
Day 10:
Cusco / Lima
Return flight to Lima. With guide assistance, connect with your international flight home.
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures and Apumayo Expediciones.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Please fill out our Custom Adventure Inquiry form and an adventure travel consultant will be in touch.
An Austin Adventures/Apumayo representative will meet you upon arrival at the Lima airport. Upon clearing customs, you’ll be escorted across the street to Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel, your home for the night. On Day 10 you will be transferred from Costa del Sol Ramada in Cusco to the airport according to your morning or afternoon flight schedule. You will be met upon your arrival in Lima and assistance will be provided to the international departures terminal of the Lima airport. Please confirm with your airline provider if the Peruvian airport departure and tourist tax is included in your ticket. If not, this departure tax must be paid in U.S. dollars or Peruvian Nuevos Soles, as credit cards are not accepted.
Activities
Hiking: Some hiking experience is recommended on this adventure
1 to 2 mile city walks and ruins tours.
Inca Trail: 4 to 8 mile hikes, moderate to strenuous uneven, rocky terrain.
Elevation range: 7,800 – 14,000 feet.
Your gear is carried by porters so you are only required to pack your essentials while hiking (rain jacket, water bottle, camera, etc.)
Your guides will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Cultural Discoveries
Crowned by the towering Andes and tucked between the Amazon and the Pacific, Peru offers a captivating mix of adventure, nature and history. Embedded in every active traveler’s Top Ten List is the great city of the clouds, Machu Picchu. Our route takes us there from bustling Lima, to the cobblestone streets of Cusco, from ruin to ruin across the Sacred Valley, and by train and breathtaking footpath over the Inca Trail. Catch a glimpse of the Andean Condor, a vulture with the largest wingspan of any land bird – 10.5 feet! Discover the colorful street markets, friendly people, and strong local culture of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca empire. Did you know that Machu Picchu is called “The Lost City” because when it was “rediscovered” by Yale explorer Hiram Bingham III in 1911, the jungle had literally swallowed the complex ruins? Even a knife blade can’t be inserted between the precise mortarless joints of the stones used in the building of Machu Picchu, and many of these stones weighed more than 50 tons! Come explore Peru with the experts in adventure travel!
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. Meals are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). One glass of Peruvian wine per night is included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Peru Expert
Kasey Morrissey
As President of Operations at Austin Adventures, Kasey Austin can tell you the logistical ins and outs of every single trip. More than that, though, Kasey has lived and breathed most of the company’s featured destinations and will eagerly share her contagious passion for the transformational power of active travel. Kasey grew up in the adventure travel business; she knows the positive, lifelong impact of family travel, a quality that earned her the distinction of being named top family travel guide by Outside Magazine in 2014.