Peru
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The most famous trek in South America
Best time to travel
From April to December
Recommended for
Groups & Friends, Couples & Honeymoon, Solo Travel
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Price from
$12000
per person
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu pairs Peru’s most legendary trek with Aracari’s signature approach to luxury, comfort, and expert-led cultural immersion. This journey blends the highlights of Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley with four days on the iconic Inca Trail, complete with private guides, exceptional equipment, and thoughtfully chosen campsites far from the crowds.
Climb through cloud forest, puna grasslands, and ancient stone paths used by Inca messengers, encountering archaeological sites accessible only on foot. Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, the most storied entrance to the citadel, before exploring the ruins at your own pace. Whether choosing our elevated luxury camping or the all-out VIP upgrade with wellness, showers, and gourmet dining, this is the Inca Trail at its most exclusive, seamless, and unforgettable.
Highlights
- Experience the Inca Trail privately, with flexible dates and luxury equipment for maximum comfort.
- Visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, and the Sacred Valley’s cultural highlights.
- Optionally upgrade to VIP camping with massage, showers, enhanced cuisine, and refined service.
- Hike to remote Inca sites reachable only on foot, far from crowded day routes.
- Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, arriving at dusk after most visitors have left.
- Explore Lima and Cusco with expert guides, staying in curated boutique and luxury hotels.
Daily Summary
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The most famous trek in South America
10 Days / 9 Nights
Lima, Sacred Valley, Camino Inca, Peru, Machu Picchu, Cusco
All elements of these journey will be tailormade to your interests and travel style.
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Day 1
Arrival in Lima
Lima
Arrive in Peru and meet your Aracari host for VIP assistance before transferring to your boutique hotel. Settle in and enjoy an evening at leisure in one of Latin America’s great culinary capitals.
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Day 2
Into the Sacred Valley
Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and descend into the Sacred Valley, stopping at Awanacancha to meet llamas and alpacas. Explore Pisac’s bustling market and impressive hillside ruins before checking into your hotel.
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Day 3
Andean Heritage: Chinchero, Maras & Moray
Sacred Valley
Visit Chinchero’s colonial village and sweeping mountain views, then enjoy lunch at a scenic hacienda. Continue to the salt pans of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray before returning to your hotel.
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Day 4
Inca Trail Begins: Huayllabamba Camp
The Inca Trail
Start the trek at Km 82 and follow the Cusichaca Valley to Llactapata, your first Inca ruins. Continue to the village of Huayllabamba for a scenic campsite and deluxe camp setup.
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Day 5
Over Warmiwañusca Pass
The Inca Trail
Climb steadily into cloud forest and puna grasslands toward Dead Woman’s Pass, the trail’s highest point. Descend to Pacaymayo Camp for a well-earned rest beneath Andean peaks.
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Day 6
Ancient Trails to Phuyupatamarca
The Inca Trail
Cross the Runkuracay Pass and explore Sayacmarca before following beautifully preserved Inca stone paths. Reach Phuyupatamarca, “the place above the clouds” for one of the trek’s most magical campsites.
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Day 7
Sun Gate Arrival at Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail – Machu Picchu
Descend through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, then continue to Inti Punku for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Enjoy an evening visit before overnighting in Aguas Calientes.
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Day 8
Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Machu Picchu - Cusco
Revisit Machu Picchu at sunrise with your expert guide. Explore the citadel in depth before boarding the Vistadome back to the Sacred Valley and continuing to Cusco.
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Day 9
The Best of Cusco on Foot
Cusco
Stroll Cusco’s historic center, from the Plaza de Armas and Koricancha to San Blas and Sacsayhuaman. Learn how Inca and colonial worlds overlap in the city’s architecture and stories.
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Day 10
Lima’s Historic Core & Departure
Cusco – Lima
Fly to Lima for a final guided visit through the city’s colonial center, including the Cathedral, Santo Domingo, and Casa Aliaga. Transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Travel Designer
Mark Green
I'm Mark, a British expat living in Palma de Mallorca, Spain together with my Peruvian wife. Before joining Aracari in 2013, I worked as a Tour and Expedition leader across South America. I'm passionate about helping travelers plan their adventures, and enjoy photography, hiking, and soccer. Some of my favorite travel experiences include spotting jaguars in the wild at Tambopata Research Center, hiking through Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, and visiting Rainbow Mountain in...
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