A classic combination of the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Cusco

Personalised journeys from start to finish

Every trip helps support Conservation

Every detail taken care of

  • Personalised journeys from start to finish

  • Every trip helps support Conservation

  • Every detail taken care of

Itinerary highlights

  • Exploring the colonial city of Cusco, paying special attention to its cuisine
  • Cycling around the Sacred Valley
  • Following in the footsteps of the Incas on the legendary Inca Trail
  • Discovering the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu

What's included

  • Privately guided Inca Trail trek and tour of Machu Picchu
  • Luxury city accommodation throughout
  • Full support from your Travel Designer and Concierge before, during and after your trip
  • Meet and greet airport service
Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

At a glance

This ten-day trip is a classic Andean adventure including Machu Picchu and Cusco, with the added bonus of trekking the famous Inca Trail. This epic and challenging hike is a wonderful way to reach the Lost Incan City and soak up the incredible history of this area.

After a night in Lima, you will fly to Cusco to spend three days acclimatising. Explore the beautiful colonial city, discovering its bustling markets and learning how to whip up delicious Peruvian cuisine. You will also head to the Sacred Valley for a full day of cycling.

After meeting your highly knowledgeable team of guides and porters, you will start your trek which takes you through the remarkable landscapes of the Andean mountains, passing waterfalls, flora and fauna and some Andean wildlife. Reaching the magnificent and awe-inspiring Incan citadel of Machu Picchu on the last day offers the sweetest and most rewarding finale.

Once at Machu Picchu, you will have time to relax with a night at a luxury lodge and some time to explore this fascinating ruin by yourself before catching the train to Cusco for your final night.

Example trip itinerary

Days 1-2

Lima

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Meet and greet at Lima airport

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Lima

Accommodation in Lima

lima-coast-evening-peru
One night in Lima One night in Lima

Enjoy the Capital of Peru, known for its excellent cuisine and museums, as well as the historic down-town areas. You'll have all of our recommendations at hand for the best things to see and do in the city to make the very most of your stay.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Lima airport

Flight

Flight from Lima to Cusco

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Cusco

Days 2-5

Cusco

Accommodation in Cusco

Three nights in Cusco Three nights in Cusco

Enjoy this beautiful city and UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of this beautiful city. We can arrange a number of private, interest-led tours to booking fine restaurants for you. Your personal travel designer will be able to recommend activities that are most suitable to your interests.

San Pedro market tour San Pedro market tour

Begin your day with a visit to Cusco’s central market, a wonderful way to discover the Andean culture and daily life. This vibrant spot, with its dazzling displays of fresh produce and fascinating local products, could keep you entertained for hours.

cycling-moras
Mountain biking in Maras and Moray Mountain biking in Maras and Moray

Enjoy a day trip to the Sacred Valley and explore this epic landscape by bike. Starting at the Paucarbamba bridge, you will receive a safety briefing and get your bikes adjusted before begining your ride. Follow a trail that runs alongside the Urubamba river, the sacred river of the Incas, until you reach the town of Pachar. From here you'll take an easy descent through an ancient Inca trail that passes through farming fields and Inca terraces until you get to the Inca bridge. Once your cycle is over, you will return to Cusco.

Days 5-8

The Inca Trail

Inca Trail Peru
Private Deluxe Inca Trail: Day One Private Deluxe Inca Trail: Day One

This classic four-day trek over Peru's most unforgettable landscapes brings you to one of the greatest mysteries of the Inca Empire, the Sacred City of Machu Picchu. Not only will the scenery move you but your personal guides will fill you in on the incredible history, legends and beliefs of the Incas perpetuated still today by the local Quechuan communities which you will also happen upon.

Departing from your hotel, you will hike across the Urubamba River Bridge, then follow the river until you reach a lookout point over the impressive Inca city of Llactapata. Continuing through the valley, your hike climbs for around five hours until you reach the Wayllabamba Community, where you will set up camp for the evening. Throughout the day you will enjoy spectacular views of the Vilacnota Ridge and pass plenty of wild flora and fauna along the way.

dead-womans-pass-inca-trail
Private Deluxe Inca Trail: Day Two Private Deluxe Inca Trail: Day Two

It's an early start today as you begin your trek back down to Wayllbamba, from where you'll embark on a steep ascent that stretches for around 9km. During this climb you will see the landscape change from sierra to puna, and you will cross your first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's Pass). Here you will see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. You'll also cross an area of cloud forest, home to many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrow as well as the Andean Spectacled bear. Immediately after the pass, you will descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft) where camp will be set up for the evening.

Llamas on the Inca Trail, Peru
Private Deluxe Inca Trail: Day Three Private Deluxe Inca Trail: Day Three

As well as being the longest day of your trek, it will also be the most impressive and the most interesting as you journey from Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna.

After breakfast you will climb from Pacaymayo to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up you will stop to visit the archaeological complex of the same name, which consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served as a watchtower. From here you go over the pass to descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft), a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, terraces, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals.

To arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft), it is an easier climb along which you can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, with paths semi detached from the mountain and rocks placed so that they fill up the ravines in perfect order. Phuyupatamarca 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 - its name fittingly translates as ‘town over the clouds’. Continue your trek down the stone steps that lead to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural centre with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, and all close to where camp will set up that evening.

Sign on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Private Deluxe Inca Trail: Day Four Private Deluxe Inca Trail: Day Four

Your final day on the Inca Trail begins with an early start in order to reach Machu Picchu's Intipunku or Sun Gate in time for sunrise. This will take around an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones that traverse these cliffs of highland jungle but is well worth the mesmerising spot you arrive at to see the sun come up over the sacred citadel (weather permitting).

Days 8-9

Machu Picchu

machu-picchu
Private tour of Machu Picchu Private tour of Machu Picchu

After arriving at the site after your trek, you will leave your backpacks and enjoy a private tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. Your guide will really bring it to life by detailing the history, significance and myths surrounding it as well as taking you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints. After your tour, you'll descend to Aguas Calientes for a delicious lunch at the rustically elegant Inkaterra hotel, before an afternoon at leisure. You can explore the areas around Machu Picchu or carry on exploring the ruins.

Return in the evening to overnight at your chosen hotel in the Machu Picchu area.

Accommodation in Machu Picchu

machu-picchu-with-laama-peru
Morning free to explore Machu Picchu Morning free to explore Machu Picchu

You have the morning free to explore the famous site on your own.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Train from Machu Picchu

Trains from Machu Picchu

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer from Ollanta Station to your hotel in Cusco

Days 9-10

Cusco

cusco-sunset
Overnight in Cusco Overnight in Cusco

Enjoy this beautiful city and Unesco World Heritage site. You'll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of this beautiful city.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Cusco airport

Flight

Flight from Cusco to Lima

Use the navigation to jump down to a particular part of this example trip
What's your dream trip?

We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.

Get in touch

Peru Adventure Holiday

10-Day Example Trip
Prices start from
  PP
1
Simply complete the form below or give us a call
2
We'll get in touch within 24 hours and work with you to perfect the details of your trip.
3
Sit back and relax while we plan the perfect itinerary for you.

How we work

We create fully personalised trips from start to finish, working with you to pick locations, accommodation and guides that suit you.

Every trip helps support Conservation.

From in-depth private tours to restaurant reservations, we take care of every detail so you can make the most of your journey.

Be Inspired