Lima to Machu Picchu Journey

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins in the historic city of Cusco, where you'll meet your local leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting in the afternoon. If you arrive early, take time to soak up the city's unique atmosphere or relax at Casa Intrepid, a beautifully restored historic building where you can enjoy a coffee, coca tea or simply unwind before the trip begins. Later, join a guided walking tour through Cusco's charming streets, visiting highlights such as Qorikancha Temple, San Pedro Market, the Plaza de Armas, the famous 12-Angled Stone and the artistic neighbourhood of San Blas. In the evening, attend your trek briefing before enjoying free time to discover Cusco's vibrant food scene with your group.

Please make sure you attend the welcome meeting, as your leader will collect important information, including your travel insurance and emergency contact details. If you expect to arrive late, notify your travel agent or hotel reception as soon as possible. Reception staff or a notice in the hotel lobby will provide details of the meeting location if needed.

Please note that this itinerary is part of several longer combination tours. Some travellers may have joined the group earlier in Peru or elsewhere, while others will continue their journey after this trip. Participants may also choose different routes to Machu Picchu, including trekking or travelling by train.

After breakfast, fly to the historic city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, meet your local leader and the rest of your travel group at an afternoon welcome meeting before setting out on a guided walking tour of the city. Discover Cusco's fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish heritage as you visit landmarks including Qorikancha Temple, San Pedro Market, the Plaza de Armas, the famous 12-Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and the artistic neighbourhood of San Blas. The evening is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps enjoying traditional Peruvian cuisine with your fellow travellers.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Travel through the spectacular Sacred Valley, the fertile heartland of the ancient Inca Empire. Admire terraced mountainsides, traditional farming communities and the winding Urubamba River before stopping in a local village for lunch and an introduction to everyday Andean life, including the opportunity to learn a few phrases in the Quechua language. If your visit falls on market day, browse colourful handicrafts and locally made textiles. Later, visit the inspiring AMA Restaurant in Urubamba, a social enterprise that provides employment and training opportunities for single mothers. Continue to Ollantaytambo, where you can explore one of Peru's most impressive Inca archaeological sites overlooking the picturesque town.

TYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Route 1 – Inca TrailBegin your adventure with a scenic drive to Kilometre 82, the starting point of the legendary Inca Trail, where you'll meet your expert guide, local porters and trekking crew. Hike through spectacular Andean scenery, passing ancient Inca sites including Llactapata while enjoying stunning views of the snow-capped Veronica Peak. Finish the day at your mountain campsite, where a freshly prepared dinner awaits.
Route 2 – Quarry TrailSet out on the quieter Quarry Trail, starting with a visit to the ceremonial Inca site of Choquequilla. Trek through peaceful valleys and remote mountain landscapes to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Soqma, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. Explore rarely visited archaeological remains and sacred tombs before continuing to your high-altitude campsite. Later, discover the fascinating Q'orimarca ruins, once an important Inca checkpoint.
Route 3 – CuscoIf you've chosen the train option, travel to the picturesque town of Pisac, famous for its colourful artisan market and traditional Andean crafts. Browse handmade souvenirs, sample local delicacies and return to Cusco for a relaxing afternoon. You may choose to visit the lively San Pedro Market, enjoy some free time or ask your leader for recommendations on the city's excellent restaurants.
Luggage InformationWhile travelling to Machu Picchu, your main luggage will remain securely stored at your hotel in Cusco. Travellers hiking the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail will receive a small duffel bag (maximum 5 kg) for essential belongings, which will be carried by the porter team throughout the trek. Those travelling by train will leave their main luggage in Cusco and take only a small overnight bag to Aguas Calientes.

• Route 1 – Inca Trail: Today's hike covers approximately 12 km over 8 hours, starting at an elevation of 2,688 metres. You'll ascend 412 metres and descend 68 metres as you make your way through spectacular Andean scenery.
• Route 2 – Quarry Trail: Today's trek covers approximately 7 km over 6.5 hours, beginning at 3,220 metres and climbing 480 metres to your mountain campsite.
• Meals: Lunch and dinner are included today for travellers on both the Inca Trail and Quarry Trail options.

Inca Trail
The 45 km Inca Trail is suitable for travellers with a moderate level of fitness. Expect around seven hours of hiking each day across a combination of uphill and downhill terrain, with regular breaks for snacks and lunch. You'll spend three nights camping in twin-share tents with self-inflating sleeping mats provided. Your porter team carries the camping equipment, while your cook prepares fresh meals throughout the trek.
Quarry Trail
The 31 km Quarry Trail also requires a moderate fitness level and reaches a maximum altitude of 4,450 metres. Horses transport your luggage and camping equipment, allowing you to hike with only a daypack. You'll spend two nights camping in twin-share tents before enjoying a final night in a simple hotel. Campsites are fully prepared by the support team, and meals are freshly cooked each day.

Route 1 – Inca Trail
Continue your journey along one of the world's most famous trekking routes, crossing Runkurakay Pass and enjoying spectacular views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Visit the remarkable Inca ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, known as the Town Above the Clouds, before descending the original stone steps to your final campsite beside the impressive Wiñay Wayna archaeological site.
Route 2 – Quarry Trail
Enjoy a scenic downhill hike through the Andes, stopping at the fascinating Kachiqata Quarry, where unfinished Inca stonework tells the story of the Spanish conquest. After arriving in the historic town of Ollantaytambo, reunite with the rest of your group before boarding a picturesque train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, where you'll spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
Route 3 – Train to Aguas Calientes
Travel by road to Ollantaytambo, where you'll join the travellers returning from the Quarry Trail. Then board a scenic train through the breathtaking Urubamba Valley, arriving in Aguas Calientes, the charming town nestled beneath Machu Picchu. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for tomorrow's unforgettable visit to Peru's most iconic archaeological site.

Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 1127m and a descent of 627m
Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 7.5 hours or 14 km, with an elevation gain of 750m and a descent of 700m

Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.

Route 1 – Inca Trail

Rise before dawn for the unforgettable final stage of the Inca Trail. After an early breakfast, begin the last hike to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where, weather permitting, you'll enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu as the ancient citadel emerges from the morning mist. Enter the Lost City of the Incas on foot and celebrate the incredible achievement of completing one of the world's most iconic treks.
Route 2 & Route 3 – Machu Picchu

Start the day with an early bus ride to the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore this extraordinary Inca citadel with your local guide, discovering its temples, terraces, ceremonial sites and fascinating history while surrounded by spectacular Andean scenery.
Return to Cusco

After plenty of time to admire the ruins and capture unforgettable photos, travel back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding a scenic train through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. From there, continue by road to Cusco, arriving in the evening after an unforgettable day exploring Peru's most iconic landmark.

Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 10 hours or 15 km, with an elevation gain of 400m and a descent of 1350m
Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 4.5 hours or 10 km, with an elevation gain of 0m and a descent of 950m

Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the Inca Trail trekking option only. There is an included lunch for travellers on the Quarry Trail trekking option.

Route 1 – Inca Trail
Rise before dawn for the unforgettable final stage of the Inca Trail. After an early breakfast, say goodbye to your trekking crew and set off on the last hike to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Weather permitting, you'll be rewarded with your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu as the ancient citadel appears through the morning mist. Enter the Lost City of the Incas on foot and celebrate the completion of one of the world's most iconic treks.
Route 2 & Route 3 – Machu Picchu
Travel by early morning bus to the magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the extraordinary Inca citadel on a guided tour, discovering its temples, terraces, ceremonial spaces and remarkable history while surrounded by the spectacular Andes.
Return to Cusco
After enjoying plenty of time to admire the ruins and capture unforgettable photographs, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding a scenic train through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. From there, continue by road back to Cusco, arriving in the evening after an unforgettable day exploring Peru's most iconic landmark.

• Route 1 – Inca Trail: Today's final hike covers approximately 6 km over 4 hours, with an ascent of 81 metres and a descent of 331 metres before reaching the spectacular Sun Gate (Intipunku) and continuing into Machu Picchu.

Arrival at Machu Picchu
For safety reasons, the final checkpoint on the Inca Trail opens at 5:00 am, with trekkers typically arriving at the Sun Gate at around 7:30 am. Travellers on the Quarry Trail and train option depart Aguas Calientes by bus at approximately 6:00 am, arriving at Machu Picchu between 6:30 and 7:00 am. Since sunrise occurs at around 5:30 am, this itinerary does not allow entry to Machu Picchu in time for sunrise.
Wayna Picchu

• Please note that, in line with Intrepid's safety policy, tour leaders are unable to recommend or assist with bookings for hikes to Wayna Picchu Mountain

Your trip comes to an end today, and there are no activities planned. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. You may want to consider purchasing a Boleto Turistico (tourism ticket) It gains access to the many fascinating museums here, such as the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum and Qosqo Native Art Museum. Please speak with your tour leader about this for more details.