Classic Inca Trail

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel where you are free to rest in the hotel or wander into town to walk around Miraflores. Some of Lima’s best galleries and shops and restaurants are located in this area. Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima is the oldest capital in South America, with a superb combination of Spanish Colonial and 19th century European architecture. If you have time to visit a museum we would recommend the brilliant Larco Herrera Museum which also has an excellent onsite restaurant or the Museo de La Nacion. Overnight: Hotel Dazzler Miraflores or similar

Meals: Nil

Transfer to Lima airport in the early morning and fly to Cusco (if you organise your own flights, please ask us for the group flight details before you book flights, otherwise additional airport transfer costs will apply). Try to get a seat on the left side of the aircraft for the best views of stunning snow peaks. After your transfer to your hotel located in the historic centre you will have some time to explore the city and also enjoy a few hours of rest, essential to initiate successful acclimatisation to the altitude. Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar.

Meals: B

Today we have a guided tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Francisco Pizarro's men took the city with such apparent ease in November 1533. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most famous monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua), an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, we return to our hotel. In the afternoon you may have time to explore some of the central parts of the city and have a chance to look at some of the great varieties of local craft work on sale in open-air artisan markets and shops. Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar.

Meals: B

We are heading out from Cusco today to go explore the rural village of Pisac including the amazing open-air market. After a winding, ascending 45-minute drive passing through serene mountain countryside, we’ll get our first view of Pisac’s impressive ruins on the mountain across from us. Climbing to their high point, we’ll be greeted with amazing views of the Sacred Valley and its surrounding peaks, or Apus. Their names are Apu Linli, Apu Intihuatana, Apu Chiwuanco, Apu Ventanayoc, and Apu Ñusta. They stand as guardians and protectors of the Sacred Valley and its inhabitants.After our explorations, we’ll return to the village of Pisac, or, time permitting, we may take a leisurely hike (30 min) to the village on a well-maintained trail that winds its way through extensive Andean agricultural terracing and stunning mountainside vistas. Arriving at the picturesque Andean village of Pisac, we’ll visit its large open-air market, where vendors sell everything from colorful local handicrafts to semi-precious stones, hand-woven garments, sweaters, ponchos, etc. Tuesdays and Sundays are Market Days, when villagers from miles around arrive with colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, flowers, and many varieties of Andean potatoes for sale or barter with neighboring communities. After exploring Pisac Market, we’ll head deeper into the Sacred Valley, travelling west towards Ollantaytambo, stopping for a typical Andean lunch. A walk through the labyrinthine streets of the town demonstrates the Inca drainage canals still in use today. Some of the ancient Inca homes, complete with trapezoidal doors and interior courtyards, are likewise still inhabited. Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,L

Today we are learning all about Peru’s ancient cultures along with a visit to a friendly local community. Transferring across to Urco we have a gentle 2.5 km walk through the agricultural terraces at the crest of the surrounding farmlands, all covered by the shadow of Pitusiray Mountain. Stopping to visit the Urco Archaeological Site, where special knowledge of the cosmos and weather patterns were employed in past centuries to assist in farming crops. The highlight of the site is an intriguing stone figure, resembling a snake with a carved water channel running between its eyes. After we head to the Inkariy Museum, a recent museum opened in 2015 which displays more than 5,000 years of Peruvian history. The museum walks you through the timeline of ancient civilizations, from the Caral to the Incas exploring in depth the contributions of these cultures with dramatic displays depicting typical textiles, sculptures, ceramics, and clothing of each civilization. After exploring these intriguing exhibitions it’s time for lunch where we will enjoy an attractive outdoor seating area plus a full menu full of local offerings. From here we head out to visit Lamay where we will spend a delightful afternoon learning about life in this serene Sacred Valley community. We will visit the Lamay Cathedral, which dates from the 1600’s and is replete with religious works of art. Visit the belltower and learn also how the church bells’ various rings connote different occasions. We will visit the local bakery, where we can learn about the breadmaking process, and then observe how the traditional Andean activity of raising guinea pigs, or “cuy” has become something of a cottage industry for this region. We will explore the process of making Chicha de Jora, a fermented corn beer, and of course, have a chance to sample this typical beverage of the Andes along with a traditional local snack. Your visit to this community is part of a project of sustainable tourism that directly supports communities like Lamay to thrive in their traditional ways. Return to your accommodation. Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar.

Meals: B

We start our adventure by journeying north to the quiet village of Huarocondo. From here, the road winds down into the dramatic gorge of Pachar, descending toward the Urubamba River, glinting far below at 2,900 meters (9,514 feet). It is here, at the humble footbridge of Parpishu, that our trek begins. We step onto the trail and begin a slow, steady ascent, the valley gradually falling away behind us. The path climbs toward the highland gateway of Watuq’asa Pass (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet), where the remnants of an ancient Inca wall and a weathered tambo - once used for storing goods and coordinating travel - stand in quiet testimony to a time long past. This place is called Qosqoqáwarina, the “Viewpoint of Cusco,” and as we rest here for a hearty lunch, we’ll be enveloped by sweeping, cinematic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. From the pass, the trail gently descends to the left, leading us into a serene valley where a clear stream threads its way through the grasslands. Nestled in this peaceful setting lies the remote Andean community of Chilipahua (3,840 meters / 12,598 feet), where we’ll make camp and settle in for a night beneath the stars. Overnight: Campsite. Walking: Approx. 11.2 km, 6 hours

Meals: B,L,D

At first light, we break camp and set off northwest, climbing steadily through the damp, windswept highlands. The trail leads us into a quiet world of mist and moss, where the air grows thinner and cooler with each step. Eventually, we reach Quencomayo, a bone-chilling stream fed by the snowmelt of distant peaks, marking our approach to the high pass of Chi Chusqasa—an awe-inspiring saddle in the mountains at 4,500 meters (14,763 feet). Crossing the pass, the landscape opens up before us as we descend into the rugged Silque River gully, the trail weaving through wild, raw terrain. Our journey brings us to Ancascocha, a remote and windswept clearing (3,900 meters / 12,795 feet), where we’ll set up camp beneath the towering presence of the Huayanay Glacier, its icy flanks gleaming in the afternoon light—a breathtaking backdrop for a night in the heart of the Andes. Walking: Approx. 12 km, 5 hours Overnight: CampsiteOvernight: Campsite. Walking: Approx. 14.8 km, 7 - 8 hours, max elevation 4,550m.

Meals: B,L,D

After a nourishing breakfast, we set out once more, following the thunderous flow of the Silque River as it rushes down toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The trail winds through lush terrain alive with color and texture, especially when the elusive Huakani—or Masdevallia Orchids—are in bloom. Their vivid petals, ranging from deep pink to striking magenta, create bursts of brilliance against the green backdrop, offering a rare and unforgettable sight. We cross a series of charming footbridges that crisscross the river, each step bringing us closer to the lower elevations. Eventually, we arrive at the community of Camicancha, nestled at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). Here, we’ll make camp amid a landscape marked by ancient volcanic rock, under the watchful gaze of the snow-draped peak of Huacayhuilque—also known as La Veronica—a majestic presence that dominates the horizon. Overnight: Campsite Walking: Approx. 12 km, 5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, we’ll meet our private transport and travel to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll catch the train to Km. 104. Upon arrival, we’ll cross a suspension bridge over the river and visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba, thought to have been a sacred place dedicated to water deities. From there, we begin a roughly three-hour uphill trek to Wiñay Wayna, another significant spiritual site built dramatically into the mountainside on the route to the Sun Gate. After exploring these stunning ruins, we’ll continue along the ridge above Machu Picchu to reach Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. Here, a breathtaking moment awaits as we gaze down at the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu, a mystical city lost in time. That evening, we’ll stay overnight in a hotel in the village of Machu Picchu. Overnight: El Mapi or similar Walking: Approx. 11.7 km, 6 hours, max elevation 4,228m. *Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience Please note: If no Inca permits are available the below will be substituted: After breakfast, we will meet our private transportation, our path leads us to Pallata, where a new day of adventuring begins. As we ascend, the trail unfolds amid lush landscapes, passing local villagers whose lives unfold against the backdrop of this timeless place. The trail winds upward, revealing Pumamarca—an ancient Incan site perched high above the Patacancha Valley, where the view stretches across the land, a perfect vantage point where two rivers merge far below. The archaeological remains of Pumamarca tell a story of ancient ingenuity—stone steps worn by centuries of footsteps, ceremonial structures, and storage areas, all crafted with the precision of Incan stonework. After time to immerse ourselves in this sacred place, we continue our trek through the terraced fields of Musqa Pukyo. The landscape unfurls with every step, offering panoramic views of the Andean mountains, the valleys, and the intricately carved terraces below. As we descend through this living history of agricultural terraces, we'll arrive in the village of Ollantaytambo.. Once we reach Ollantaytambo we will catch the afternoon train across to Aguas Calientes. Overnight: El Mapi or similar Walking: Approx. 7.6 km, 4.5 hours, max elevation 4,228m.

Meals: B,L

This morning we get up early to savour the views and atmosphere of the mystical morning light over Machu Picchu. We are treated to a unique second visit to Machu Picchu including another guided tour (conducted by a local guide) visiting the sites that you may have missed yesterday in this colossal sanctuary. In the afternoon or early evening we depart from Machu Picchu for the train ride back to Cusco. Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar. NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. OPTIONAL HUAYNA PICCHU CLIMB OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB - For the adventurous, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (please enquire for costs). Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu, with its narrow trails, reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain, with a wider path, peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and a waiver form must be signed before purchase. Both permits are limited and sell out quickly, so please contact us if interested.

Meals: B,L

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport where your trip concludes.

Meals: B