This extended version of our classic Inca Trail trek includes pre-trek and post-trek amenities, airport pick-up and drop-off, and wonderful acclimatization activities so you can focus 100% on enjoying Peru (see classic version). After acclimatizing, we will hike the entire Inca Trail, which combines snow-capped mountains, lush cloud forests, subtropical jungle, and a magnificent mix of Inca ruins to justify its status as one of the world’s most famous adventures!
Wildland Trekking’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek gives you the ability to enjoy our premier camping accommodations; to hike with light day packs as porters transport the bulk of gear and food; to enjoy wonderful Peruvian cuisine prepared by our outdoor chef; to access safe drinking water for the duration of the trip; and most importantly to fully maximize your Peruvian adventure.
Most Iconic Hike to Machu Picchu
All-inclusive Acclimatization Package
Pre-trek & Post-trek Accommodations
Fascinating Cultural History
Stunning Mountain Scenery
Private Machu Picchu Tour
Fantastic Peruvian Cuisine
View Dates
"*" indicates required fields
This trip requires significant elevation gains and losses on dirt and rock trails, and tops out at nearly 14,000 feet. The higher elevations make the trekking more difficult and necessitate training for most guests to be well prepared.
Learn More
Learn More
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
On this hiking tour to Machu Picchu, we will pick you up from the airport in Cusco, Peru and take you to our lovely accommodations near the main square. Depending on what time you arrive, you may enjoy exploring the town or resting up until our orientation meeting in the evening. During this meeting, we will get acquainted with our group, itinerary, gear for the trek, answer questions, etc. Afterwards, we’ll head to our favorite Peruvian restaurant for dinner. Be sure to drink copious amounts of water throughout the day, as flying and traveling will certainly dehydrate you. Cusco is over 11,000 feet in elevation and being hydrated is a critical component of dealing with significant elevation changes. Self-care begins immediately.
This morning, we will enjoy our first Peruvian breakfast at the hotel. We will then head out for a spectacular day of familiarizing ourselves with Cusco and its fascinating history. We’ll have a fascinating visit to the ruin of Saksaywaman and Q’uenqo. We’ll move on to a fun introduction to the 4 camelids of South America and see beautiful textiles and a weaving demonstration. Next, we’ll meet our chef for the week and enjoy a delicous lunch of the local foods of Cusco. We’ll then head to the city center and visit Qoricancha (the Sun Temple) and lastly visit the prominent cathedral in the Plaza del Armas. After the tour, we have some free time to relax before dinner. At dinner your guides will provide the plan for the following day.
This morning will serve as an additional acclimatization and rest day. We will meet in the lobby after breakfast. Be sure to have your bags packed as we will be driving to the Sacred Valley for the night. Our first stop of the day will take us to the village of Chinchero, where we will visit a cooperative weaving center. The Chincherinas (local women) will show us the process of weaving beautiful blankets, dying with colors and making clothes. Next, we will head towards Salineras (the salt mines) that date back over 2,000 years with over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountain side. After the Salineras visit, we will go to our lunch spot with phenomenal mountain views. After, we will move on to the fascinating terraces of Moray, once used for agricultural experimentation by the Incas. After Moray, we will drive to our hotel in Ollantaytambo and get prepared for the Inca Trail! Ollantaytambo is a small, beautiful town. We’ll enjoy dinner in town and have some time to walk around.
Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles (12.1 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,476 feet (450 m)
Elevation Loss: 492 feet (150 m)
Highest Elevation: 10,168 feet (3,100 m)
Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
After a breakfast at our hotel, we will have a short transfer to the start of the Inca Trail trek: Km. 82! Our hike starts in a high desert forest with views of Waqayhillca (Nevada Veronica), the highest mountain in the Urubamba mountain range. After a couple of hours of hiking and a stop for lunch, we will enter the Cusichaca valley where the flora transitions to jungle. In addition, we will travel to the Incan ruins of Patallaqta and view the ruins of Q’anabamba and Willkarakay from afar, which our in-country guide will explain the significance. We can expect to arrive at our first camp (10,168 ft.) by 4 pm, allowing time to rest until our delicious dinner is served by our chefs at 7 pm.
Hiking Mileage: 7 miles (11.3 km)
Elevation Gain: 3,937 feet (1,200 m)
Elevation Loss: 2,133 feet (650 m)
Highest Elevation: 13,779 feet (4,200 m)
Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
Waking up in the mountains of Peru with Wildland Trekking means getting a hot drink of your choice delivered to your tent and a warm bowl of water to wash your hands and face; what a way to start the day! Next we’ll enjoy a scrumptious Peruvian breakfast, prepared by our chef, before setting out for our day’s hike. For many of our guests, this portion of the trek is considered the most challenging of the trip–and most rewarding, as we reach our highest altitude. We wind through high altitude jungle, a cloud forest and grasslands before reaching Dead Woman’s Pass at Wamiwanusqa (13,779 ft.). We will then descend for roughly 2 hours to our camp at Paqaymayo (11,646 ft.) have time to rest before another delicious dinner. From the vantage of this stunning camp, we can witness clouds creeping up the valley, as we relax over a wonderful Peruvian dinner.
Hiking Mileage: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,444 feet (440 m)
Elevation Loss: 1,148 feet (350 m)
Highest Elevation: 12,959 feet (3,950 m)
Trekking Duration: 7-9 hours
Today is widely considered the most beautiful day on the Inca Trail, which encompasses a wide variety of flora, especially orchids. We will have views of beautiful mountain vistas and an assortment of Incan ruins. We begin the day by ascending to our second pass on the Inca Trail called Runkuraqay. Runkuraqay is located at roughly 12,959 feet, and we will stop at this high perch to soak up the amazing scenery while taking a breathtaking snack break. With clear skies, we’ll have the opportunity to see two spectacular peaks in the distance, Huaqaywillka (19,028 ft.) and Pumasillo (19,685 ft.). We then begin our descent to explore the Inca ruins at Sayaqmarca. After lunch, we will hike roughly two more hours to the most beautiful campsite on the Inca Trail, Phuyupatamarka (11,942 ft.). Again, we will have views of Mount Huaqaywillka and Mount Pumasillo, as well as the mountain of Machu Picchu!
Please Note: Other groups with shortened itineraries will wake up very early and pack up camp in the night, so we recommend bringing ear plugs to avoid waking up to the noise.
Hiking Mileage: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Elevation Gain: 294 feet (90 m)
Elevation Loss: 4,264 feet (1,300 m)
Highest Elevation: 11,942 feet (3,640 m)
Trekking Duration: 6-8 hours
This morning, we depart Phuyupatamarka (11,942 ft.) after an early mountain sunrise and tasty breakfast. Shortly after departure, we will visit the beautiful Incan site of Intipata. We then hike downhill for about three hours to the most magnificent ruins along the Inca Trail, Winayhuayna. Here we will tour the site, say goodbye to our porters and chef, and begin our two-hour hike to the sun gate at Machu Picchu! Once at Machu Picchu (7,972 ft.) we will have a chance to take great pictures because most crowds have left the city. We will then take a bus down to Aguas Calientes (6,692 ft.), where we’ll check into our hotel, enjoy hot showers, and enjoy dinner together at our favorite local restaurant!
Hiking Mileage: varies
Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
This morning, we’ll have an early wake up call for our sunrise arrival to Machu Picchu! At Machu Picchu (7,972 ft.), our guide will lead us on a thorough and fascinating tour of the ancient Inca city for the next 3-4 hours. We will learn about the amazing cultural history of the Inca and Machu Picchu and delve into some of the mysteries that surround the remote mountain city. After our Machu Picchu tour we will head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. We will then board a train to the historic town of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, we board our private van to the town of Urubamba. Depending on the time, we may have dinner in Urubamba or continue on to Cusco (11,200 ft.), where we will have a celebratory dinner.
This morning we will have our last Peruvian breakfast in Cusco and say our good-byes before heading to the airport. From here you can continue exploring Peru on your own or have a flight booked to return home. You may depart Cusco any time on this final day.
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
Scroll horizontally to view all dates
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
This inviting Cusco hotel maintains the feeling of a historic residence built with stone, tiles, adobe and wood. It is the beautifully restored home of the Velasco Ordoñez family, historic residents of Cusco. The rooms offer modern comfort and are spacious, with large windows and wood floors.
Less than 200 feet from the Ollantaytambo’s charming town square, and less than 300 feet from a famous archeological site, this lovely lodge features clean, comfortable rooms with peaceful views of the garden, free wi-fi, and original Inca walls in some of the rooms. Each room has a private bathroom and shower.
Our Peru Treks feature premier camping with comfortable sleeping tents, kitchen tents, dedicated chefs, and a team of porters to carry and set up/break down camp each day. We provide all top-of-the-line gear. Our guests regularly rave about the camping accommodations on our Peru adventures!
This hotel is in the quietest area of Aguas Calientes, facing the Urubamba River and surrounded by the Forest of Clouds. Modern and stylish, it features spacious and comfortable rooms, a lounge with a fireplace, and wonderful local art hung on the walls of the lobby and rooms.
Cusco, Peru
Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport, CUZ. Transporation to/from Cusco is the guest’s responsibility.
We will pick you up from the Cusco Airport, Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ), upon your arrival on Day 1. Please plan to arrive no later than 3:00 PM in order to be on time for our 5:00 PM orientation meeting at our hotel.
Our pre-trip support team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Cusco, Peru
Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport, CUZ. Transporation to/from Cusco is the guest’s responsibility.
Breakfast is included today. Checkout from hotel is at 10 am. and you may depart anytime. Transfer to CUZ airport is included anytime today.
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Cusco, Peru as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
For our Peru treks you will need to arrive in Cusco, Peru on the day the trip begins earlier than 3:00 PM. Your guide will rendezvous with you at the airport and transport you to our hotel. An orientation meeting, dinner and accommodations are included on Day 1. Your return flight should be scheduled for the final day of the tour leaving at any time.
Flights to and from Cusco are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Cusco, and nearly all connect through Lima. You can reach Lima from many U.S. and European international airports. Some of the primary U.S. departure cities include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Chicago, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. The duration of nonstop flights to Lima is 5-9 hours. The duration of flights from Lima to Cusco is 80 minutes.
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Wildland works with a team of 15-25 porters, mainly from two different villages: Willoq and Cuyo Grande, both located in the Sacred Valley of Peru. The ages of our porter team ranges from 20 to 55 years old. Our porter team is made up of farmers, meaning their main job is farming and the porter work is to supplement income. They grow crops such as potatoes, lima beans, peas, corn and also raise livestock such as cows, sheep, llamas, and alpacas.
Porters aim to work 2-3 treks per month. Each trek lasts for 4 days, so they are away from their families and farm duties between 8 and 12 days each month. They prefer to visit with their families, rest, and catch up on farm duties between treks, usually for 4-5 days. They choose when they want to be available for any given trek.
We believe that the main ingredient for any successful trip is keeping not only our guests safe and happy, but also our staff. We have created a set of standards to ensure the safety and happiness of our porter team.
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is highly recommended on all Peru trips (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD).
We recommend IMG/iTravelinsured and their Travel LX product for this trip. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
If you already have insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Loved it! Eddie was awesome. Highly recommend it. Life altering. Hardest thing I’ve ever done a loved it.
I have heard that the Inca Trail/Machu Picchu trip is a "trip of a lifetime" and after doing this one with Wildland Trekking", I can say that that is absolutely true. The trip was very well organized in terms of the logistics and daily itineraries. Our guide, Edgar, was excellent in terms of his ability to provide direction and support for a group of people with different needs and also in terms of his ability to communicate his knowledge of the history and culture of the Machu Picchu and Cusco areas. The support and service from the porters along the Inca Trail was also excellent.
This trip was awesome! It incorporated all the aspects I was hoping for- amazing hiking the Inca Trail while learning so much about the Inca history and culture- from the initial days in Cusco through the Inca Trail hike as we made our way through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. This trip has been a lifelong dream of mine, and WT did not disappoint. Our guide, Edgard, was amazing- so knowledgable as he seamlessly wove the history and culture through from the beginning of the trip to its conclusion. He and the WT team had all of the logistics nailed down. This is the third WT trip my daughter and I have taken, and once again, it did not disappoint! We always know that the food, lodging, transportation and all aspects of our WT trip will be perfect. We thank Edgard and the entire WT team for another amazing adventure, and look forward to more in the future.
"*" indicates required fields
Leave a Reply