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Guided Hikes to Machu Picchu

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Extended Package

5.0 (51 reviews)

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Extended Package

Packstock or Porter Supported

9 Days, 8 Nights 26.9MI / 43.4KM

Trip Highlights

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. After acclimatizing in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, 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

Book This Trip

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Trip Details

Trip Type

Packstock or Porter Supported
Trip Length

9 Days, 8 Nights
Daily Hiking Distance

Up to 8 mi
Group Size

2-12 Guests
Trip Begins

Cusco, Peru
Trip Ends

Cusco, Peru
Permit Info

View Permit Deadlines

Receive a PDF info packet via email which includes:

day by day itinerary
logistical and travel information
gear and clothing lists and more

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Is This Trip Right For me?

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.

Difficulty Level

3 of 5

Solitude Level

2 of 5

Hiking Distances

3 of 5

Up to 8 mi

Backpack Weight

2 of 5

15-25 pounds

Terrain

2 of 5

Lightly Rugged

Max Daily Elevation

5 of 5

Up to 4,000 ft

Height & Exposure

2 of 5

Light

Trip Itinerary

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.

Day 1

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.

Day 2

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.

Day 3

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.

Day 4

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.

Day 5

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.

Day 6

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.

Day 7

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!

Day 8

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.

Day 9

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.

View Full Itinerary

Trip Dates

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What's Included

A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
Inca Trail Permits and Machu Picchu Entrance Fees
All meals for the duration of the tour including a professional camp chef for days in camp
Transportation for the duration of the tour in a private vehicle including Cusco Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 9
Vistadome train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Lodging for the duration of the tour including 5 nights in hotel and 3 nights camping
Porters to transport all gear, food, and most personal items (your portered duffel bag is limited to 15.5 lbs./7 kg.)
All camping gear and supplies (including a dining tent and kitchen tent)
Drinking water and hot water for washing face, hands, etc.
Use of a backpack, trekking poles, duffel bag for portered bag, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device

What's Not Included

Transportation to/from Cusco, Peru
All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight (disposable plastic water bottles are prohibited; please have refillable water bottles or hydration bladders)
Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (strongly encouraged)
Guide and crew gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each guest. A suggested guidelines is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 10-15% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated. See tipping section in the trip packet for more details. Note: gratuities for waiters and drivers are included in the trip rate.

Accommodations

* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.

TIERRA VIVA CENTRO CUSCO

Tierra Viva Cusco Centro Hotel in Cusco, Peru

4 NIGHTS

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.

Hotel Tikawasi

1 Night

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.

PREMIER CAMPING

3 NIGHTS

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!

Mapi By Inkaterra Hotel

1 NIGHT

This hotel is in the heart of Aguas Calientes. Modern and stylish, it features spacious and comfortable rooms, a lounge, outdoor dining area and wonderful local art hung on the walls of the lobby and rooms.