Cuzco, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu 7 days

Inca Trail 7 days Aussie Explorers March-April 2026

At the time of RSVP send me an email to david@discoverytravel.com.au with your name and mobile number, I will then send you an invoice for deposit payment. Note: Yen and I are not leading this event, however a guide and porters is provided throughout.

The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a renowned four-day, three-night trek in South America, celebrated for its blend of history, wildlife, and stunning scenery. The trail spans approximately 42 km (26 miles) and features challenging, mountainous terrain, including three mountain passes, making it a rigorous hike.

Hikers will experience diverse Andean environments, from cloud forests to alpine tundra, and encounter various wildlife, including orchids, foxes, and Peru's national bird, the cock-of-the-rock, as well as spectacled bears and deer. Along the route, trekkers can explore impressive Inca ruins such as Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca.
The journey culminates at Machu Picchu, a breathtaking mountaintop citadel renowned for its remarkable architecture and stunning natural surroundings. With professional guides, porters, and skilled cooks accompanying you, the classic Inca Trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience that reveals the magic of this iconic destination.

Day 1: Upon your arrival in Cusco, a representative from Valencia Travel Cusco will greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
The afternoon Cusco day trip begins with a visit to the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, known for its remarkable masonry and large boulders. Following this, you'll explore Qenqo, an archaeological site with historical and spiritual significance, offering stunning views of Cusco.
Next, the tour takes you to the Tambomachay Archaeological Complex, believed to have served as an Inca spa, showcasing advanced hydraulic engineering. You'll then visit the Koricancha, once the most sacred temple in the Incan Empire, now partially transformed into the Church of Santo Domingo.
The tour concludes at the Cusco Cathedral in Plaza de Armas, which features art from the Cusco School and incorporates indigenous symbolism. Afterward, your guide will offer restaurant recommendations or directions back to your hotel.
Note: Tours start at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm, with coordination beforehand. The total trekking distance is approximately 3 km, taking about 1 hour, with altitudes ranging from 3,400 m (11,154 ft) to 3,750 m (12,303 ft).

Day 2: Your cultural excursion begins with a pickup in Cusco, followed by a drive to the Ccaccaccollo Community, home to about 50 families engaged primarily in farming and traditional weaving. Upon arrival, you’ll meet local residents and learn about the ancient weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations. A Quechua-speaking weaver, assisted by a translator, will explain the traditional iconography of their textiles while demonstrating the entire production process, from shearing the wool to dyeing it using natural materials. Participants will have the opportunity to try their hand at weaving various items, such as ponchos or hats, while supporting the community by purchasing their high-quality textiles.

Following the weaving experience, the tour continues to the nearby village of Pisac, where you can explore a vibrant artisan market for local crafts and souvenirs before visiting the Pisac archaeological site. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of this significant Inca ruin, learning about its historical structures, altars, and iconic features like the Intihuatana stone. Afterward, you’ll stop for lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo, another major Inca site that showcases impressive agricultural and architectural engineering. Participants will explore the ruins, admire the intricate stonework, and observe the enduring local culture before concluding the day with a return to Cusco and an overnight stay at the San Agustin Urubamba Hotel.

Day 3: The journey begins with an early 4:30 a.m. meeting point at the hotel, followed by a stop at a local restaurant for any last-minute shopping for essentials such as water and snacks. Afterward, the group will proceed to 'Piscacucho' for check-in, ensuring that everyone has their original passport details for entry to the Inca Trail. Participants will have the opportunity to prepare for the trek, using restrooms and applying sunscreen and insect repellent before embarking on a magnificent journey through the Inca Valley, historically traversed by Inca royalty on their way to Machu Picchu.

The trek commences at an altitude of 2,720 meters (8,923 feet) as the path inclines steeply through lush cloud forest, offering breathtaking views of Inca ruins like 'Huillca Raccay' and the expansive archaeological site of 'Llactapata.' Hikers will also enjoy spectacular vistas of the Urubamba mountain range, including the stunning snow-capped peak of 'W'akay Willca' at 5,860 meters (19,225 feet). After approximately 14 kilometers of trekking for around 7 to 8 hours, the group will set up their first camp in the temperate valley of Wayllabamba, at an altitude of 3,300 meters (10,826 feet), where nighttime temperatures may drop to about 5ºC. Please note that campsite assignments depend on the availability determined by The Ministry of Culture.

Day 4: Day 2 of the classic Inca Trail begins early at 5:30 a.m., with a hearty breakfast prepared by the cooks to fuel participants for what is often considered the toughest day of the trek. The group will embark on a challenging ascent along a sacred route that leads into the Apus, the dwelling place of mountain spirits. After several hours of strenuous hiking, they will reach the highest point of the trail, known as Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass, at an elevation of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet). The journey to this high-altitude pass is tough, but rest stops for recharging and enjoying the stunning mountain scenery are an integral part of the experience. Following this accomplishment, the group will descend towards their lunch stop at Pacaymayu, situated at 3,550 meters (11,646 feet), where they can also appreciate the local flora and fauna, including various bird species and the unique Polylepis tree.
After lunch, trekkers will tackle another steep ascent for about two hours, aiming for the Runkurakay pass at 4,000 meters before making their way to the second campsite at Chaquicocha (Dry Lake), located at 3,600 meters. The group is expected to arrive around 5 p.m., giving them enough time to set up camp and unwind after a demanding day of approximately 16 kilometers (9 hours of trekking). As they settle in for the night, participants will feel a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration from their accomplishments on this challenging segment of the Inca Trail.
Day 5: After an energizing breakfast, Day 3 of the Inca Trail begins with a relatively gentle uphill trek to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, also known as "The City Above the Clouds," located at approximately 3,680 meters. This captivating site features terraced slopes and five stone baths fed by fresh running water during the wet season, along with stunning views of distant snow-capped peaks like Salkantay and Veronica. Following a winding path that includes over 1,000 Inca steps, trekkers will transition from the more challenging climbs of previous days to a less strenuous but still demanding descent. The journey continues through the cloud forest to the lesser-known agricultural site of Intipata, where impressive terraces can be admired from various vantage points along the trail.

After about 4 to 5 hours of trekking, the group will reach their third campsite at Wiñay Wayna, located at 2,680 meters (8,792 feet), just in time for lunch and a well-deserved rest. In the afternoon, participants will embark on a short exploration of the nearby Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, known for its magnificent agricultural terraces and intricate Inca masonry, where several baths suggest it may have served as a religious center dedicated to water worship. This visit marks a significant step towards the trek's conclusion, and after dinner at the campsite, hikers will prepare for their final day and the long-awaited arrival at Machu Picchu the following morning. The total trekking distance for the day is around 10 kilometers, and participants will experience a modest range in altitude, with a high point of 2,700 meters and a low point of 2,680 meters.

Day 6: As you complete the Inca Trail, you embody the spirit of royalty, much like the Inca, who was believed to be the son of the sun god Inti and the only one allowed to tread this sacred path to glory at Machu Picchu. The journey on the final day includes a 5-kilometer trek to Intipunku, or the "Puerta del Sol," at an elevation of 2,730 meters (8,792 feet), where trekkers aim to arrive before sunrise for a breathtaking first view of Machu Picchu at 2,400 meters (7,873 feet) as the dawn light illuminates the ancient citadel. Once at Intipunku, participants will enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its history and architecture.
After the tour, guests will have additional time to take iconic photographs of the citadel or to hike up to nearby peaks such as Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu Mountain if they have pre-reserved spots. Following the exploration, the group will reconvene in Aguas Calientes, accessible by included bus transport. After enjoying lunch in Aguas Calientes (not included), the guide will provide return tickets for the journey back to Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable experience.

Day 7: Departure day! After breakfast, checkout your hotel and transfer to Cuzco Airport
Inclusions: Return airport transfers from Cuzco to accommodation, transport whilst on tour, Inca Trail permits, 4 days hiking Inca Trail with guides and porters, meals whilst on the trek, Machi Picchu entry fee.
Price is aud$1990 for the 7 days, single supplement is $350 deposit required is $550 which is non refundable. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations/minimum numbers and change until paid in full. International travel insurance with insolvency cover is compulosory. Hiking to maximum altitude 4200m at Dead Woman’s Pass.

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Aussie Explorers its organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and well being of members at all times however as this is a weekend away travelling, exploring different areas and hiking in the great outdoors accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings.