Part of the 23,000 kilometers (approx. 14,000 miles) of roads built by the Incas in South America, the most famous trekking route in Peru, and possibly one of the most spectacular in America, is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail is justly famous for its spectacular Andean landscapes, filled with snow-capped mountains between June and October, as well as for the captivating Inca ruins that can be found along the way.
Combine this adventure with another highlight of Cusco: Get to know the Manu National Park, a paradise blessed with the greatest biodiversity in the world, inhabited by native communities that still keep alive their ancestral traditions and live in harmony with nature.
Depart from Km 82, crossing the Urubamba River Bridge to begin our trek along the Inca trail. The route follows the winding path alongside the river, offering breathtaking views of the Vilcanota mountain range. As we journey through the Cusichaca valley, we’ll eventually reach the indigenous community of Huayllabamba, where we’ll set up camp.
Your local crew, including porters and guides, will ensure you’re well taken care of throughout the hike. The porters carry most of the heavy gear, allowing trekkers to carry only a small daypack. Approx. walking time: 5 hours.
Accommodation: Camping
On day two, we’ll tackle the long and steep climb to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,215 meters. Don't worry—your guide will offer plenty of encouragement as you take in the fantastic views from the top. The second pass, Runcuracay (3,998 m), offers stunning views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. We’ll camp tonight at Pacaymayo.
Accommodation: Camping
Approx. walking time: 7 hours.
Today’s trek takes us through the beautiful cloud forest, including a steeper climb (1 ½ hours) than the previous day’s pass. We’ll encounter original Inca constructions, including a causeway and tunnel. The third pass reaches an altitude of 3,700 meters, and on clear days, offers stunning views of the Urubamba Valley. We’ll camp near the Wiñayhuayna ruins, a terraced hillside site just a short hike from Machu Picchu.
Accommodation: Camping
Approx. walking time: 8-9 hours.
The final day of our trek takes us to the famous Machu Picchu. We’ll visit the site early in the morning, when the mist rises off the mountains, revealing the magnificent ruins. The morning is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu with your guide. There’s also the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu (optional). In the afternoon, we’ll take the train back to Cusco.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Approx. walking time: 2 hours.
Today, we depart from Cusco on a comfortable bus to the folkloric town of Paucartambo. On the way, we’ll visit the pre-Inca funeral towers of Ninamarca, then continue through the cloud forest, where we’ll spot orchids and various bird species, including the national bird, the Cock of the Rocks. With luck, we may also see the Spectacled Bear. In the evening, we arrive at Pilcopata village and overnight at Paraiso Lodge.
Accommodation: Paraiso Lodge
After breakfast, we’ll continue by private bus to Atalaya, stopping along the way to observe a coca plantation and take in sweeping views of the jungle. From Atalaya, we’ll travel by motorized boat to Aguas Calientes for a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs. Later, we’ll explore the jungle, discovering diverse wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and more. We’ll return to the lodge for dinner and spend the night immersed in nature.
Accommodation: Palotoa Amazon Lodge
On this day, we’ll embark on a jungle exploration, trekking along a vast trail system. We’ll see various animals, such as monkeys and peccaries, as well as birds like eagles, toucans, and parrots. We’ll also discover medicinal plants and giant trees. Afterward, there will be time for swimming and fishing. As night falls, we’ll look for caimans. We’ll spend the evening around a bonfire with drinks and a BBQ.
Accommodation: Palotoa Amazon Lodge
After breakfast, we’ll return to Atalaya by boat, then take our private bus back to Cusco. We’ll pass through the cloud forest and Paucartambo on our way back, arriving in Cusco late in the afternoon.
Walking and journey times are approximate and the package includes Classic Inca Trail, see availability first. Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
The high season on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is from May to September, because this time coincides with vacations in the Western Hemisphere. These months probably offer the best trekking conditions with a dry and sunny climate. The Inca Trail closes the month of February of each year, because it is the rainiest month.
Children accustomed to walking can do the Inca Trail, although we recommend that they be over 12 years old.
It is recommended that you have a good level of physical condition, however, you do not have to be a fan of exercise.
Altitude is one of the biggest challenges about trekking in Peru. To help you acclimatize and avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness, we recommend the following:
This does not happen very often; However, if it happens, our guides are very experienced and know how to act in case of any emergency or unexpected occurrence. They will do everything possible to help you complete your walk. In addition, first aid kits and oxygen tanks are carried for emergencies. However, if you become seriously ill and need to return to Cusco, you will be treated quickly and arrangements will be made for you.
No, unfortunately, once your reservation is confirmed, we cannot change your trekking date or reimburse your permit.
There are several toilets along the way, some have toilets, but most of them do not. When you are in your camp, you will have a bathroom store that will be only for your group.
The Inca Trail and Manu Amazon 8-Day Tour was an incredible journey that offered the best of both worlds. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was an unforgettable experience—challenging but worth every step, especially when we finally reached the ruins at sunrise. After that, the transition to the Manu Amazon was a total shift, diving deep into the jungle and witnessing stunning wildlife, from macaws at the clay lick to playful monkeys. The guides were exceptional, offering insightful knowledge about both the Incan history and the Amazon’s biodiversity. The combination of high-altitude trekking and immersing yourself in the jungle makes this tour a unique adventure.
Le circuit de 8 jours sur le Chemin de l’Inca et l’Amazonie du Manu était un voyage incroyable, offrant le meilleur des deux mondes. La randonnée sur le Chemin de l’Inca jusqu’au Machu Picchu fut une expérience inoubliable : exigeante, mais chaque pas en valait la peine, surtout lorsque nous avons enfin atteint les ruines au lever du soleil. Ensuite, la transition vers l’Amazonie du Manu fut un changement radical : nous nous sommes plongés dans la jungle et avons pu observer une faune époustouflante, des aras à la léchette aux singes joueurs. Les guides étaient exceptionnels, partageant des connaissances approfondies sur l’histoire inca et la biodiversité amazonienne. La combinaison du trekking en haute altitude et de l’immersion dans la jungle fait de ce circuit une aventure unique.
