Start your Andean adventure with a visit to the Sacred Valley and the surrounding sites. These first few days will also be important to acclimatize before starting your Inka Trail hike. Begin your once in a lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas with a morning trip to km 82, where our hike starts. Local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry-free. Fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fill every day of the hike. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the 'Sun Gate', to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu before touring the famous Inca ruins. Afterwards, spend some time in the town of Aguas Caleientes, where you can reminisce and take notes about your trek in a beautiful and relaxing setting. Complete your Cuzco discovery by spending some time in the city of Cuzco, with its colonial charm and lively atmosphere you will want to come back for more of Peru! Fly back to Lima for your international flight.

PLEASE NOTE: A scanned copy of you valid passport(s) is mandatory to book the Inca Trail. The passport copy will be used to purchase the Inca Trail permit. This passport number and name will be used to identify yourself as you enter the check point at the start of the trail and throughout the hike. If this information does not match the information you have submitted at time of confirmation, then you will be subject to delay, fine, and/or cancellation of admission to the Inca Trail.

INCA TRAIL ALERT: In an effort to preserve and protect the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Peruvian governing bodies have taken drastic measures in the past few years to limit the amount of people hiking the Trail. Kensington Tours works within the framework of these regulations in order to properly protect the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. As of March 2004, no more than 500 people (including support staff) per day are allowed on the Inca Trail and this number is strictly adhered to. Only 500 permits are issued per day and once this limit is reached, the Trail is effectively closed off for the day and no further bookings can be made. Reservations are not held on the Trail and all permits must be bought as far as possible in advance with complete and correct passport information, to which no modifications can be made. A permit cannot be purchased until the client has paid and provided their valid passport information for travel during the dates of the trek. Once purchased, Inca Trail permits are 100% non refundable.
*Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress **Departure and arrival times are suggested and subject to change depending on the day’s events.

Limais situated halfway alongPeru’s desert coastline, literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6, 1535, and thus beganLima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that graceLima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (GovernmentPalace). Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores andSan Isidrohave much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

With a prime spot in an exclusive area of Lima, not far from the capital city's commercial hub, the Miraflores Park Hotel is an exquisite hotel that has made its mark on Peruvian hospitality. The 82 suites are refined, with specialty linen and fixtures, all embodying a tasteful elegance valued by luxury travelers. It is hard to resist the hotel's restaurants and the medleys of international and local, authentic Peruvian flavors. Take a walk through this area of the city, which showcases historic avenues and modern successes of Lima. Let your daytime be filled with the hotel's leisure activities, such as tennis and swimming.

Overnight at Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel.

Gateway for all international flights, Lima is located in the central coastal area, founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro. Today, with a population of over 8 million people, Lima is a bustling metropolis with a mix of colonial mansions and modern buildings, art galleries and baroque churches, restaurants, beautiful parks, bohemian bars and discotheques. Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Colonial and Modern Lima in the company of your private vehicle, driver and English speaking Guide, passing by outstanding monuments such as the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Cathedral (closed on Sundays) at the Plaza Mayor. Visit the 17th century San Francisco Convent. Take a short tour of the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores where there is a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. After lunch (included in tour) visit the Larco Herrera Museum- Since 1926 the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art with a unique assortment of erotic pottery, genuine and rich jewels in gold, silver and semi-precious stones. The museum holds 45,000 pieces of ceramics plus genuine mummies and marvellous Paracas textiles.

Overnight at Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a valley in the Andes of Peru, close to Cusco. It is fed by rivers which descend through adjoining valleys and gorges, and contains numerous archaeological remains and villages. The valley was appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the empire's main points for the extraction of natural wealth, and the best place for maize production in Peru. The Sacred Valley is generally understood to include everything between Písac and Ollantaytambo, parallel to the Urubamba River, or Vilcanota River or Wilcamayu, as this Sacred River is called when passing through the valley.

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

Fly from Lima to Cusco. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Flight times are subject to change based on availability and seasonality.

Includes transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Approx. 2 hrs.

Enjoy some time at leisure or select some of the many activities available at the Casa Andina Private Collection (not included in tour price).

Experience: Ollantaytambo – Cachicata rafting Description: Rafting in calm waters until reaching the Ollantaytambo rapids that are surrounded by Inca terraces and 800m high stone walls. Time: 4 hours (2 hours rafting) / Suggested departure time: 9:00 am / Includes: guide, snack and water / Difficulty: medium-class III rapids (from December to March it depends on the river level). Includes visit to the archaeological site.

Experience: Trekking by the Sacred River (Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo) Description: Easy trekking by the Vilcanota River banks and archaeological sites rarely visited until reaching Ollantaytambo. Time: 4 hours (3 hours trekking) / Suggested departure time: 9:00 am and 2:00 pm / Includes: guide, snack and water / Difficulty level: low.

Experience: Mountain bike alongside the Sacred River (Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo) Description: Easy ride alongside the Urubamba River, where there are many archaeological sites surrounded by spectacular nature. Time: 3 hours (2 hours bike riding) / Suggested departure time: 9:00 am and 2:00 pm / Includes: guide, equipment, snack and water / Difficulty level: medium-low.

Experience: Horse riding in Maras Description: Horse riding through Maras, Tiobamba church and the salt area. Duration: 3 hours (2 hours horse riding) / Suggested departure time: 9:00 am and 2:00 pm / Includes: equipment, guide and water / Difficulty: low.

Experience: Pottery workshop Description: Work with clay and minerals used for dyeing, learn about burnishing and pottery kiln and get acquainted with ancient and modern designs. Time: 2 hours / Suggested time: 10:00 am and 3:00 pm / Includes: transportation and kiln / Difficulty level: low.

Experience: Offerings to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) Description: Ceremony guided by an Andean Shaman to give offerings to the Mother Earth and express gratitude. Time: 1 hour / Suggested time: anytime during the day.

Note: These are optional excursions and are not included in the price of the tour.

The Sacred Valley’s most complete hotel: a mountain chalet-styled retreat with panoramic Andes views from every room and every angle. On more than 8 landscaped acres, it breathes an air of tranquility and relaxation. Unique among Sacred Valley hotels – most of which remain isolated in the valley, offering precious little for guests to do – it contains an extraordinary, full-service “Sacred Spa”, a domed Planetarium & Observatory for stargazing in the massive Southern Hemisphere sky, and gourmet restaurant and bar. Casa Andina organizes a wide range of activities for both families and adventures, including trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting, visits to Andean markets and Inca ruins, and ceramics, textiles, yoga and cooking classes.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado.

Enjoy a full day excursion to the Pisac ruins located on the top of a hill overlooking the Vilcanota (Urubamba) river, a series of terraces, canals, houses, food storage and temples can be seen in very good shape. The most notable is the “Intihuatana” or solar calendar made out of a big piece of red stone. Continue to visit the Pisac Market where artisans from all over the area congregate to sell their crafts. Buffet lunch in a countryside restaurant and visit to Ollantaytambo, a fortress built during the Inca Empire, excellent sample of military architecture. 8 hours in duration

Includes tourist ticket and entrance fees.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado.

Most commonly refers to a 1-3 day trek to Machu Picchu; however, in antiquity the Inca road system covered approximately 22,500 km (14,000 mi) and provided access to over three million km² of territory. Among the many roads and trails constructed in pre-Columbian South America, the Inca road system (El Camino Inca) of Peru was the most extensive. Traversing the Andes mountains and reaching heights of over 5,000 m (16,500 feet) above sea level, the trails connected the regions of the Inca empire from the northern provincial capital in Quito, Ecuador past the modern city of Santiago, Chile in the south.

Tips for Inca Trail hike Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light rain gear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required in the first two campsites, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket are sufficient. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, colling down only in the evening.

Climate Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night

Between 04:00-04:30am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco –Machu Picchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.

Meals: B,L,D
Total Distance: 12 km (7,47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point:: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft)

Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience hiking the Inca Trail with your own private English speaking guide.

Overnight at Inca Trail.

We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance: 11 km (6,84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point:: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Overnight at Inca Trail.

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance: 16 km (9,94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Overnight at Inca Trail.

Aguas Calientes is the colloquial name forMachu Picchupueblo, a town on theUrubambaRiverinPeru. It is best known as the closest town to the tourist attractionMachu Picchu, which is 6 km away, about a 1.5 hour walk. It has many hotels and restaurants for tourists, as well as natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). The hydro electric plant about 8 km past Aguas Calientes is the end of the train line fromCusco. A few trains leave Cusco each morning to transport tourists from Cusco to Aguas Calientes to visitMachu Picchu; they are also used by local residents.

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, or climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it.  Or you can visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge.

The rest of the afternoon is to spend at leisure!

Meals: B
Total distance: 4 km (2,49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)

Inkaterra Machu Picchu enjoys the privacy of 12 acres of lush vegetation and land in Aguas Calientes. The 85 rooms are well-appointed, with local decorative effects accented by contemporary fabrics. Traditional Andean alpaca blankets and terra cotta tile mark the appearance of this Peruvian retreat. A talented kitchen staff and chef are responsible for scrumptious, fusion-style Andean cuisine. Delve into this region by taking hikes, walks, and bird watching. Otherwise, spend some time at the spa and pamper yourself with relaxing treatments and aromas.

Overnight at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Cuscowas the former capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100). The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remnants of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls, and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs.

For your convenience the bus ticket between Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full.

The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is provided for your convenience.

For your convenience, the entrance fee for the hike to Wayna Picchu is included. There are two start times to do this: 7am and 10am. When booking your trip please specify which time you prefer.

The eternal guardian of the Sanctuary, Wayna Picchu (meaning “YoungMountain’ in Quechua) towers over the Incan city, and an amazing view can be appreciated from the top. The route to the top of the mountain is treacherous, with very narrow pathways, and to conquer the summit is truly a rewarding experience! Along the route and at the top of the mountain are sacred structures and eye-catching terraces, built right against the slope’s edge. Depending on each person's hiking pace, this activity may take up to 3 hours. This activity is on your own; please speak to your sales agent about organizing a guide to accompany you.

Return to Cusco on the Vistadome train. Departs from Aguas Calientes at 3:25pm* and takes 4 hours to return to Cusco. Snacks are served on board.*Note train times and schedules may vary based on availability

Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

The Casa Andina Private Collection in Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection.

High in the Andes, 3000m above sea level, lies the historic city of Cusco, with its unique blend of Spanish and Inca cultures. Take a half day private tour of the city including the best of Cusco: the Koricancha Temple (Temple of the Sun) and the Cathedral with its magnificent chapels and baroque altars and paintings from the Cusquenian School. The tour also includes the surrounding ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca bath of Tambomachay, the labyrinth of Puca Pucara and the amphitheatre of Kenko.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection.

Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver .

Direct flight from Cusco to Lima. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).