Machu Picchu and Classic Inca Trail • 8 Days
Experience the Lost City of the Incas. Machu Picchu is a masterpiece of art, architecture and engineering and the most spectacular relic of the Incan Empire. Set at nearly 8,000 feet in the Andes Mountains above the Amazon Basin, it was built in AD 1430, but abandoned a hundred years later during the Spanish conquest. In 1911, the American historian Hiram Bingham traveled to Machu Picchu, which was then home to several farming families, and made it known to the outside world. Our full-service trek begins in Cusco, the ancient Incan capital, then follows the classic Inca Trail into the lush, emerald heights of the Andes.
We begin our journey in the bustling city of Cusco, which was once the capital of the Incan Empire and is now known for its Spanish colonial architecture, lively markets and ancient ruins. Before setting out on the Inca Trail, we take a guided tour through Cusco’s history and culture. We also devote a day to beautiful Urubamba, the “Sacred Valley,” at 9,400 feet. Our guided tour of Urubamba helps us acclimatize for our trek to Machu Picchu while we explore the archaeological sites, markets and other attractions of this scenic valley just below the snow-capped peak of Ch’iqun.
The trek to Machu Picchu starts in the village of Piscacucho beside the rapids of the Urubamba River. For the next three days, we follow the classic Inca Trail as it winds past waterfalls and lakes, traverses spectacular ridges, and climbs into the cloud forest across two passes higher than 13,000 feet. With the support of mules, we are free to walk lightly and easily before relaxing each night with fresh, nutritious meals in our comfortable tented camps. Finally, we wake before sunrise and descend 1,500 stone steps through the Gateway of the Sun into Machu Picchu itself. Known in Quechua as “Old Peak,” Machu Picchu was never destroyed by Spanish conquistadors. Home to over 200 structures and an extensive networks of canals, roads, trails and farming terraces, the ancient city is still an explorer’s dream.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the most famous ruins of the Incan Empire
- 8 days exploring Peru
- 4 days trekking to Machu Picchu
- 4 nights in Cusco, including breakfast
- Co-led by a Peruvian guide and an American guide
- Ample time to acclimatize while trekking at your own pace
- Fully supported trek with mule service
- Cozy tent camps and excellent meals while trekking
- Guided tours of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
- Land transportation and airport transfers
- Friendly MG office staff will help you prepare for your adventure
Itinerary
Day 1 • Arrive Cusco
Day 2 • Tour Sacred Valley
Day 3 • Tour Cusco
Day 4 • Huayllabamba
Day 5 • Dead Woman’s Pass • 13,828 ft
Day 6 • Cloud Level • Phuyupatamarka
Day 7 • Machu Picchu • 7,972 ft
Day 8 • Depart
