Ancient Trail to Machu Picchu 7 days

The trip begins with your arrival in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. After transferring to your hotel, we recommend resting for a few hours to acclimatize to the altitude of 3,399 meters. At midday, we will begin a city tour that will serve as an introduction to the history and culture of the region.

One of the most authentic places to start is the San Pedro Market, a vibrant space full of aromas, colors, and flavors. This market, very popular with both locals and tourists, offers everything from fresh produce to unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Walking through its aisles is a genuine way to immerse yourself in the daily life of the people of Cusco.

The next stop will be the Inca Museum, located in a colonial building in the heart of the historic center. There, ceramics, textiles, tools, and mummies are on display, reflecting the greatness of the Inca civilization and the richness of pre-Columbian Andean history.

The tour also includes the majestic Qorikancha, the ancient “Temple of the Sun,” which was once covered in gold leaf. Although much of its splendor was looted during the conquest, the structures that remain standing still convey the magnificence of Inca power.

Finally, you will visit Sacsayhuamán, a ceremonial fortress that dominates the city from above. Its colossal walls, built with stones fitted together perfectly without mortar, are an impressive example of Inca architecture. Nearby are the Chincanas tunnels, passageways shrouded in legend that are said to have connected to the Qorikancha.

This first day combines history, archaeology, and local life, leaving travelers completely fascinated by the start of the adventure.

The second day is dedicated to exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a place that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and enormous cultural significance.

The first stop is the picturesque village of Chinchero, famous for keeping textile traditions alive. There, local women demonstrate how they work with alpaca and sheep wool using ancestral techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving that have been passed down from generation to generation for over two thousand years.

The next stop is the Maras Salt Mines, a complex of over 3,000 pools that produce a world-renowned pink salt. This place is not only incredibly photogenic, but also reflects the ingenuity of the Incas in harnessing the natural resources of the mountain.

The tour continues in Moray, an amazing agricultural laboratory made up of circular terraces. There, the Incas experimented with different microclimates to grow a wide variety of crops. Its amphitheater-like design is impressive both for its aesthetics and its functionality in ancient agriculture.

At midday, we will enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, featuring a selection of typical regional dishes, ideal for recharging our batteries before the last visit of the day: Ollantaytambo. This village, considered the “gateway to the Inca Trail,” preserves its cobblestone streets, water channels, and an archaeological complex that seems to have stopped time.

The night will be spent in Ollantaytambo, in a magical setting that will serve as the perfect prelude to the great adventure to Machu Picchu. This day offers a perfect balance between culture, history, and gastronomy, preparing the traveler for the most anticipated moment of the trip.

The third day marks the real start of the adventure on the legendary Inca Trail. From Ollantaytambo, we will depart by private transport to Piscacucho (km 82), the official starting point of the hike. Here begins the walking route, surrounded by majestic mountains and Andean landscapes that look like something out of a postcard.

Along the way, we will pass through small local communities and archaeological sites such as Llaqtapata, a complex of agricultural terraces that reflects the Incas’ ability to adapt the geography to their advantage. The environment combines the greenery of the valleys with the fresh, pure air of the mountains, ideal for adapting to the pace of the trail.

After lunch in a designated area, we will continue the hike until we reach the Wayllabamba camp, where we will spend the first night in direct contact with nature. Surrounded by mountains and a starry sky, this place is perfect for resting and recharging our batteries.

The support team, made up of porters and cooks, will take care of your comfort by preparing a hot and nutritious dinner, which is comforting after a day full of effort and excitement.

At this point, you really begin to feel the spirit of the Inca Trail: walking on ancient trails, surrounded by spectacular landscapes and with the excitement of what is to come in the next few days.

The fourth day is considered by many to be the most demanding of the entire trek, but also one of the most rewarding. Very early, around 5:30 a.m., we will be awakened with a traditional coca tea, perfect for alleviating the effects of altitude. After a hot and nutritious breakfast, the ascent to the famous Warmiwañusca Pass, known as the Dead Woman’s Pass, begins.

This section reaches an altitude of 4,215 meters and requires considerable physical effort, but every step is rewarded with spectacular views. The landscape gradually transforms: from cloud forests teeming with life to high, rocky areas where vegetation becomes scarce, but the majesty of the Andes unfolds in all its splendor.

Once at the summit, the feeling is indescribable: the fresh air, the imposing mountains, and the endless horizon make the experience unforgettable. After enjoying this moment, we will begin the descent to the Pacaymayo camp, where a well-deserved lunch and the opportunity to rest deeply await us.

The satisfaction of having overcome the physical challenge is combined with a strong emotional bond with the mountain and with oneself, marking this day as one of the most intense and transformative experiences of the Inca Trail.

The fifth day is a day of contrasts, marked by ascents and descents that traverse dreamlike landscapes and Inca ruins full of mystery. After breakfast, we resume our hike to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, an ancient circular construction that served as a strategic checkpoint during the Inca Empire.

From there, we ascend to the Runkurakay Pass, which opens the way to another iconic destination: Sayacmarca, known as the inaccessible city due to its strategic location atop a hill. Its walls, stairways, and passageways are a testament to Inca architectural grandeur and allow us to imagine daily life in this sacred enclave.

The route continues to Phuyupatamarca, called the city above the clouds, a magical place where the Andean mist envelops the stone buildings and creates an almost mystical atmosphere. From there, we will begin a descent along trails surrounded by lush vegetation until we reach the Wiñay Wayna camp, the last one before arriving at Machu Picchu.

At this camp, we will share our last dinner prepared by the kitchen team, a special moment to exchange stories with our fellow travelers, thank the porters for their support, and prepare for the big day ahead: our arrival at the legendary city of Machu Picchu.

This day combines history, archaeology, and breathtaking landscapes, making it clear why the Inca Trail is considered one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world.

The sixth day is undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited of the entire trip. Very early, before dawn, we begin the final hike to the mythical Sun Gate (Inti Punku), considered a sacred portal and the official entrance to Machu Picchu during the Inca Empire.

Upon arrival, we will be greeted by one of the most exciting views of the trip: the citadel of Machu Picchu illuminated by the first rays of the sun. The thrill of contemplating this wonder of the modern world, after several days of physical effort and connection with the Andes, is simply indescribable.

After this unique moment, we will descend to the citadel for a complete guided tour. For several hours, we will explore its most representative temples, squares, and agricultural areas: the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of Mother Earth, the Temple of the Condor, among others.

Every corner reveals the grandeur of the Inca civilization and its perfect integration with the surrounding nature. Our specialized guide will share valuable details about the history, ceremonial uses, and Andean worldview that shaped this architectural gem.

At the end of the visit, we will take the bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will enjoy a well-deserved rest, a comforting meal, and even the option to relax in its famous hot springs.

Finally, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation to Cusco will be waiting for us, thus closing an unforgettable week full of discoveries, culture, and emotions.

The last day can be spent relaxing or, if you have extra time, going on an additional excursion. Among the most recommended options are the Mountain of Seven Colors (Vinicunca) or Humantay Lake, two of the most impressive natural landscapes in the Andean region.

If you don’t have enough time, the transfer to the airport will officially mark the end of this adventure. However, the feeling will be clear: the heart of the Inca Empire continues to beat strongly, and exploring it is a transformative experience that will remain etched in the traveler’s memory forever.