From Cusco to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trails
On the traces of the Incas, a journey to the heart of the Andes where every step reveals the soul of authentic Pérou.
Duration
10 days
From
US$2,075/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
With Machu Picchu in your sights, you will progress at your own pace through the spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, favoring less-traveled paths and meaningful encounters. Stays with local families punctuate the journey and offer precious moments of exchange to discover traditions and better understand local ways of life.
Along the way, Andean valleys, traditional villages and stunning landscapes succeed one another. Each stage reveals a new facet of Pérou, between cultural heritage and preserved nature.
Designed around discovery, proximity and authenticity, this itinerary takes the time to travel differently, away from the most conventional routes. A gentle and immersive approach that will gradually lead you to the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the seven new wonders of the world, to conclude this Andean adventure rich in emotions and shared memories.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Hiking from Yuncaypata to Inkiltambo, in the highlands of Cusco
Today, we will pick you up at your hotel for a bus ride of approximately half an hour to the village of Yuncaypata, located in the highlands of Cusco.
From this point, we will begin a pleasant hike mainly downhill through the countryside of Cusco, until we reach the ruins of Inkilltambo.
Accompanied by our guide, we will explore this superb archaeological complex, little known but remarkably preserved, a precious testimony to local heritage.
After the visit, we will enjoy our picnic in this peaceful and restorative natural setting.
To finish, we will continue our hike through a beautiful valley until we meet our driver, who will take us back to your hotel.
Night at Llipimpac Guesthouse in a standard room.
Trek to Patabamba via the Queullacocha Pass
Today, we will pick you up at your hotel to take the road to Tambomachay, located in the heights of the former capital of the Inca empire.
Tambomachay → Col de Queullacocha
After visiting this site, we will begin, accompanied by our trekking team, a long progressive climb of approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to the Queullacocha pass. Once we reach the summit, we will have our midday meal while enjoying a magnificent panorama of the city of Cusco and its surroundings.
Col de Queullacocha → Patabamba
Refreshed, we will resume our walk for approximately 4 hours of additional effort, crossing high plateaus and lagoons, until we reach the Patabamba community.
Upon our arrival, our friend Rosalio and his family will have prepared a "pachamanca," a traditional meal of the region. The evening will be marked by sharing, with a night at a local home.
Distance: 15km
Elevation gain: 675m
Elevation loss: -675m
Max altitude: 4275m
From Patabamba to Huchuy Qosqo: Trekking in the Sacred Valley
Patabamba → Sacred Valley
After a good breakfast, we will leave Rosalio's family and begin our day's itinerary heading towards the balcony of the La Vallée Sacrée. From there, we will overlook a large part of the valley, with stunning views of the villages of Pisac, Calca and Lamay, as well as the peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray and the imposing Veronica.
Sacred Valley → Huchuy Qosqo
We will then continue with the second difficulty of our trek: crossing the Pukamarka pass, which we will reach in the middle of the day. After crossing this pass, we will descend to the entrance of the Leon Punku canyon, where we will have our lunch.
After a well-deserved break, we will cross this magnificent canyon by taking a section of the old Camino Inca, which we will follow until the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo.
We will spend the end of the afternoon exploring the "Little Cusco" in Quechua, before joining Natividad and her family for a second night with a local host.
Distance: 14.50km
Elevation gain: +500m
Elevation loss: -650m
Max altitude: 4080m
Tauca Pass Trek: from Huchuy Qosqo to Chinchero
Last day of effort today, with a morning dedicated to crossing the Tauca pass, which peaks at 4,435 m altitude. It will take us approximately 4 hours from Huchuy Qosqo to reach the highest point of our three-day adventure. Once at the summit, you will be able to admire exceptional views of the entire Urubamba mountain range. A spectacle that justifies all the effort accomplished!
After a long break at the summit, we will begin a 3-hour descent towards Piuray lagoon, and then head to the village of Chinchero.
Distance: 12km
Elevation gain: +800m
Elevation loss: -575m
Max altitude: 4400m
After lunch, we will continue our exploration of the sacred valley by visiting the Moray agronomic laboratory, which you will discover with your guide.
Then, we will head to the Maras salt ponds, from where we will begin, if you wish, a magnificent downhill walk to the Urubamba river.
Night at Sonia's family house.
Hiking in Chinchero
This morning, we will begin our discoveries with a visit to a solidarity textile center, where we will have the opportunity to learn more about the weaving and wool dyeing techniques in the region.
We will then continue with a visit to the Inca ruins of the village, before beginning a beautiful downhill hike along an ancient section of the Inca Trail.
During this 3.5 to 4-hour experience, which will take us from Chinchero to the village of Urquillos, we will also have the opportunity to stop at the Poc Poc waterfall to enjoy a moment of relaxation and contemplation.
Our driver will wait for you at the end of our hike to take you back to Cusco or drop you off at your hotel in the La Vallée Sacrée.
Night at Hotel Sol Natura Ollantay in a standard room.
Inca Trail
From Ollantaytambo, you will take the train to KM 104, the starting point of our adventure on the Inca Trail.
Our first historical stop will be Chachabamba, an Inca archaeological site located on the route leading to the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Next, we will walk for approximately 3 hours to reach Wiñayhuayna, an impressive archaeological site featuring over 40 agricultural terraces. Located at the summit of a mountain, its access is exclusively reserved for hikers on the Inca Trail.
We will continue our hike to Intipunku, a small complex of houses that appears to have served as a control zone. This site offers an excellent opportunity to capture panoramic photos of the Machu Picchu citadel. It is probably the best place to admire the majestic splendor of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
After exploring the Inca citadel, you will descend by bus to the village of Aguas Calientes.
The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Night at Sacred Stone Boutique in a standard room.
Discovery of Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
You will need to reach the main avenue of Aguas Calientes to take a shuttle that will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The journey lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Today marks probably one of the highlights of your trip!
Machu Picchu stands at 2,430 m altitude in the heart of the tropical forest, in an exceptional setting. This site represents probably one of the most impressive urban achievements of the Inca Empire at its peak. Its immense walls, terraces and ramps seem to be carved harmoniously into the rocky cliffs.
We will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours with our local guide, followed by free time so you can explore this wonder of the world at your own pace.
Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
After your visit to Machu Picchu, you will hike down to Aguas Calientes, a trek of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you prefer to descend by bus to the village instead, it is possible to buy your ticket at the site exit.
You will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where the train company will welcome you to board a shuttle bus that will take you to Wanchaq station in Cusco.
Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
You will take the train from Aguas Calientes towards Ollantaytambo.
Night at Hotel Sol Natura Ollantay in a standard room.
2 hours by shuttle. Upon your arrival in Cusco, a transfer to your hotel will be organized.
Night at Llipimpac Guesthouse in a standard room.
Palcoyo and Ananiso Canyon: Hiking in the Andes
We will pick you up early this morning to head south of Cusco, towards the Palcoyo rainbow mountain range, the starting point of our day's hike.
We will begin by observing the unique and colorful landscapes of the site, then we will embark on a magnificent hike, mainly downhill, until the village of Ananiso. Throughout this itinerary of approximately 4 hours, we will enjoy spectacular views of the Ausangate mountain range in the background.
Upon our arrival in Ananiso, we will take a long break to recover our strength and enjoy our lunch.
After this moment of rest, we will set out to explore the Ananiso canyon, located just a few minutes from the village. This canyon, millions of years old, offers a splendid setting and is home to rock paintings that the more adventurous can discover by crossing a small part of the river, with water around their feet !
We will finally go back to the village where our driver will be waiting to take us back.
Night at Llipimpac Guesthouse in a standard room.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
Included
- Domestic flights
- Arrival transfers on D1 & D8
- Accommodation & Breakfasts
- Meals mentioned in the program
- Entrance fees for the sites visited mentioned in the program
- English-speaking guide
- Private transport for Days 2 & 3, Days 5 & 6, Days 9
- Group Excursion J12 & J13
- Private excursion J9
- Muleteer, rescue horse & Mule D3 to D5
- Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Train tickets
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns entry requirements for tourism stays in Peru. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Peru, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourism stay without a visa
Entry requirements depend on your nationality. You must verify the visa requirements and any visa exemptions applicable to you with the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country of residence.
Generally, immigration authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the country (return flight or onward travel),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of an accommodation booking for the first nights.
Health and vaccinations
Vaccination requirements depend on your nationality and the regions you plan to visit. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended according to the areas visited:
yellow fever is recommended for travelers going to the Amazon regions and low-altitude areas (below 2,300 m); an international vaccination certificate may be required upon entry if you are arriving from a risk country,
updating routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid fever, tetanus) is advised.
Precautions against malaria are recommended in certain regions of the Peruvian Amazon. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one or both parents, Peruvian authorities may require a notarized parental authorization, ideally translated into Spanish. Additional requirements may apply depending on your country of residence.
Entry requirements verification
Entry conditions may vary according to your nationality. You must check with the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country of residence to verify the specific requirements that apply to you.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance and repatriation insurance as well as foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedure for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Peru without a visa. A valid passport for at least 6 months after entry is required. The immigration form (TAM) is now electronic and must be completed upon arrival. Before booking your trip, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Peruvian consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 270 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros round-trip) are additional. Access to Machu Picchu (permit, train, bus) represents a separate budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each trip to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sacred Valley of Cusco
Explorer of the Andes and Forgotten Worlds, based in Cusco
Peru often feels like traveling through several worlds in a single trip. Each region tells a different story, with its own landscapes, traditions, and its own way of experiencing time.
— Lionel
