PATH OF THE SUN: CUSCO AND THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

Cusco is the capital of the Inca Empire, free day to explore the capital at your own pace or take this special invitation, free of charge.

OPTIONAL: BEHIND THE SCENES CUSCO "FREE":

We invite you to discover the real Cusco, the ancient “Capital of the Inca Empire.” Beyond the tourist spots, we want to show you the daily life of many local families and what makes those of us born in Qosqo, the navel of the Andean world, so proud.

If you’re ready to explore and want to make the most of your time in Cusco, we suggest starting together with the experience “Behind the Scenes Cusco”: a warm welcome and a small gift to discover the authentic and profound side of the capital of the ancient empire.

At the time you choose, we’ll begin this experience by visiting iconic places such as the Main Square of Cusco, known in Inca times as Haukaypata, the “square of joy,” where rituals dedicated to the universe were held. Then, we’ll head to the San Pedro local market, a perfect place to explore regional products and traditional aromas. To end the experience, we’ll enjoy lunch at a traditional Cusqueñan eatery, where you’ll taste the most representative dishes of local cuisine.

Cusco is a living museum in itself. You can explore at your own pace, visit markets, taste local fruits, and see traditional neighborhoods such as San Blas, known for its artisans and the famous 12-angled stone. You can also be amazed by the Cusco Cathedral, filled with Cusqueñan art and valuable works from the local painting school.

Overnight stay: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast at selected hotel.

At 6:30 a.m. we will pick you up from your hotel by bus to begin the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour. After about 40 minutes traveling north of Cusco, we’ll arrive at Chinchero, a traditional village that still preserves its original Inca layout. This agricultural town stands out for its church and colonial tower built on ancient Inca foundations. Here, you can observe local artisans working on traditional weaving using ancestral techniques.

Next, we’ll head to Moray, a fascinating system of circular agricultural terraces ingeniously built into the natural landscape. This site served as an Inca agricultural laboratory for experimenting with crops, acclimatization, and plant domestication through its microclimates.

Our next stop will be at the Salt Mines of Maras, an impressive complex of over 3,000 salt pools exploited since pre-Inca times. These pools, owned by about 380 local families, are fed by a natural saltwater spring flowing from the mountain known as Qoripukiu (the golden spring).

After this visit, we’ll go to Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch prepared with fresh ingredients from the Sacred Valley.

Finally, after lunch, we’ll travel for about 30 minutes by bus to reach the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, which served as an important administrative, military, and economic center during Inca times. It was also a strategic point for access to different ecological zones.

Overnight stay: Ollantaytambo “The Last Inka Town”
Meals: Breakfast at hotel in Cusco; Lunch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

INCLUDES:

• Pick-up from your hotel
• Tourist transport service
• Bilingual guide service (English and Spanish)
• Entrance tickets to all tourist attractions
• Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Very early in the morning, our vehicle will pick you up from your hotel to begin the journey to kilometer 82, where the Inca Trail trek starts. The bus ride will take approximately 2 hours. There, our team of professionals will be waiting to accompany you throughout the route, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Before starting the hike, we will receive a brief orientation about the trail and important recommendations. The first part of the trail is relatively easy and offers beautiful views of Mount Veronica while walking along the Vilcanota River until reaching the Llactapata archaeological site, where we’ll take a lunch break.

After a well-deserved rest, we’ll continue the hike until we reach our first campsite in Huayllabamba, where we’ll spend the night. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a comforting dinner to regain energy and rest.

Overnight stay: Camping "Tents at Wayllabamba"
Meals: Breakfast; Lunch and Dinner along the Inca Trail

After enjoying breakfast, we’ll begin the most challenging stage of the trek, a demanding yet achievable section for any traveler with an adventurous spirit. In this part, we’ll ascend to the highest point of the Inca Trail, from where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and observe the distinct ecological levels that characterize this region.

After about 3 hours of ascent, we’ll reach the famous Warmiwañusca pass, or Dead Woman’s Pass, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. Reaching this point is a personal achievement and you’ll feel the satisfaction of having conquered the highest point on the Inca Trail.

After this demanding but unforgettable section, we’ll pause for lunch. Later, we’ll begin the descent to the Pacaymayo campsite, where we’ll enjoy dinner and rest to regain strength.

Overnight stay: Camping "Tents at Pacaymayuc"
Meals: Breakfast; Lunch and Dinner along the Inca Trail

After breakfast, we will continue the hike ascending to the second highest pass on the Inca Trail, located at an altitude of 3,850 meters above sea level.

From there, we will continue to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, where our guide will explain the history and details of this ancient complex.

We’ll then head to the citadel of Sayacmarca, another important archaeological site that we will also explore with our guide.

After the visit, we will resume the hike until we reach Puyupatamarca, one of the most significant landmarks of the route. Here we’ll pause for lunch, and after a short rest, we’ll continue the trek to our final campsite: Wiñay Huayna, which translates as “forever young.” There, we will enjoy a final guided tour to explore this impressive archaeological complex.

At the end of the visit, we will enjoy dinner and spend our last night camping.

Overnight stay: Camping "Tents at Wiñayhuayna"
Meals: Breakfast; Lunch and Dinner along the Inca Trail

After breakfast, we’ll resume the hike early in order to arrive in time to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. After approximately one hour of walking, we will pass through the Inti Punku, or Sun Gate, the historic entrance to the citadel. From there, you will enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the entire Inca sanctuary.

Upon arrival at the citadel, we will take a guided tour of approximately 3 hours, visiting the most important areas: ceremonial enclosures, plazas, sacred fountains, temples, and both the agricultural and urban zones.

After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the citadel at your own pace, take photographs, or simply enjoy the breathtaking surroundings.

Afterward, we will regroup to board the bus that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes. From there, we will take the train back to the city of Cusco.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast on the Inca Trail

At the scheduled time, our team will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you to the airport, providing personalized assistance during the check-in process. Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy some free time in Cusco for souvenir shopping or to take your final photos of this charming city.

Overnight stay: Check Out
Meals: Breakfast at hotel in Cusco