Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu from Lima

Welcome to Lima! A representative from Tierras Vivas will be waiting for you at the international airport with a sign bearing your name. Please pay close attention when your name is called. Once you meet the representative, they will take you to your hotel, located in the Miraflores district, where you will spend your first night.

There are no scheduled activities on the first day. For this reason, you may arrive in Peru’s capital city at any time. However, it is very important to provide us with your flight details, including the flight number and arrival time, so that we can properly arrange your airport transfer.

Lima is known as the “City of Kings.” In the historic center, you can admire beautiful yellow-toned colonial houses and explore the area on your own. The city also offers impressive archaeological sites, such as Pachacamac, as well as attractions like the Magic Water Circuit. In Miraflores, you can visit Larcomar, enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, stroll through the Love Park, and discover many other attractions.

If you would like to add more activities to your trip, we recommend contacting the Tierras Vivas sales department.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to Lima International Airport, where you will board your flight to Cusco. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival in Cusco, our representative will be waiting for you at the airport holding a sign with your name. Once you meet your transfer, you will be taken to your hotel, conveniently located in the historic center of Cusco.

The rest of the day is free. We recommend using this time to acclimatize to the altitude by resting, drinking coca tea, and taking a short nap of one to two hours.

Cusco offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, with the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) being one of the most important highlights. Here, you can explore and observe a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture. Around the square, you will find the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, while the surrounding streets are built on original Inca stone foundations.

You may also visit the artistic neighborhood of San Blas and see the famous Twelve-Angle Stone, located on Hatun Rumiyoc Street. If you wish to explore further, you can visit the impressive Inca archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, located just outside Cusco. Among them, Sacsayhuamán stands out for its massive stone blocks, some weighing more than 120 tons, making this site one of the most enigmatic and remarkable achievements of Inca engineering.

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning to begin the Sacred Valley tour. After approximately 45 minutes of driving, we will arrive at the Pisac Inca archaeological site, where you will enjoy a guided tour of this important complex. Following the visit, we continue to the Pisac Market, where you can admire the vibrant colors of traditional clothing and the handmade crafts created by local artisans.

After exploring Pisac, we continue driving to Urubamba, where you will enjoy a buffet lunch at one of the best restaurants in the Sacred Valley. Along the way, take in the stunning natural scenery of the valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and fields of potatoes and corn.

After lunch, we continue to Ollantaytambo, an impressive living Inca town. Upon entering the town, you will notice the remarkable Inca terraces, traditional Andean houses, and ancient ruins. As you walk through Ollantaytambo, you will see original Inca water channels still running through the streets, many of which have remained in use since Inca times. Parts of the town preserve both Inca and colonial architecture.

We then visit the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site, where you will have a guided tour of this important Inca complex. During the visit, you will climb approximately 125 stone steps to reach the Temple of the Sun, from where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ollantaytambo and the surrounding valley. Ollantaytambo was an important Inca fortress, administrative center, and royal citadel, and its original streets remain preserved to this day.

After finishing the guided tour, our guide will transfer you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo, where you will spend the night. We recommend resting early, as the following day you will begin the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and need to be ready for an early start.

Today, we will begin our trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Early in the morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo. Together with our driver, we will then travel to kilometer 82, the official starting point of the classic Inca Trail.

Once we arrive, our guide will introduce you to our trekking team, including the cook and experienced porters. They play a vital role in ensuring a comfortable and well-organized trek. They will carry your personal belongings and all the camping equipment, so you can hike light and enjoy the journey. Each day, our trekking cook will prepare delicious traditional Andean meals. Every evening, the porters will set up your tents and other camping equipment, including sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses. Throughout the four-day trek to Machu Picchu, our staff will be attentive to your needs, offering constant support and encouragement.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a legendary route that leads to the Lost City of the Incas. During the hike, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes and dramatic Andean mountains, as well as well-preserved sections of the original Inca Trail. You will also have guided visits to important archaeological sites, such as Patallacta, Huayllabamba, Pacaymayu, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna. You will also cross Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek, located at 4,250 meters (13,943 feet) above sea level.

On the final day, you will wake up early and hike to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where you will catch your first unforgettable glimpse of Machu Picchu. From this panoramic viewpoint, you will have time to take photos of the stunning Inca citadel before continuing the hike down to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, you will take a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. A private transfer will then take you to Cusco. Our driver will drop you off at your hotel.

Today, there are no scheduled activities, allowing you to enjoy a well-deserved rest at your hotel or explore the historic capital of the Incas, Cusco, at your own pace.

Cusco offers an incredible combination of natural landscapes, archaeological sites, and living culture. If you would like to deepen your experience and discover more of the region, we recommend the following optional day tours:

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Located near Ausangate Mountain, Rainbow Mountain is famous for its striking, multi-colored slopes. Visiting this site is a physical challenge due to its high altitude of 5,210 meters (17,093 feet), but the experience is well worth the effort. It is one of the most popular natural attractions near Cusco.
This tour requires an early departure at approximately 4:00 a.m., followed by a 4-hour drive and a 2-hour hike. In the afternoon, you will return to Cusco.

Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines (Salineras)

This half-day tour begins around 8:00 a.m. and includes visits to the Moray archaeological site, an impressive Inca agricultural laboratory. The Incas used its circular terraces as a type of greenhouse to experiment with crops such as potatoes, corn, and other plants, allowing them to adapt agriculture to different climates—from the jungle to the highlands.
The tour also includes the Maras Salt Mines, a stunning landscape of thousands of salt ponds still used today.

Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake is one of the most adventurous day trips from Cusco. The tour starts early in the morning with a 4-hour drive to the trailhead at Soraypampa. From there, you will hike uphill for approximately 3 hours to reach the lake. The reward is breathtaking scenery and the lake’s stunning turquoise and emerald colors set against dramatic mountain peaks. After the visit, you will hike back along the same trail and return to Cusco in the evening.

These are some of the most popular tourist attractions around Cusco; however, there are many other options, including easier or moderate hikes. If you would like to add an additional tour, please contact our sales department for more information and assistance.

Today marks the end of the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu from Lima. Now is the perfect time to extend your journey and explore other destinations in Peru or Bolivia.

If you would like to do so, please contact our sales department. We will be happy to assist you in planning the next part of your trip.

At the appropriate time, we will transfer you from your hotel to the airport or bus station for your onward departure.

Please note that domestic flights from Cusco to Lima are not included in this tour. If you would like assistance booking flights, please contact us. We will be glad to help.

• Welcome by our representative upon arrival in Lima.
• Domestic flight: Lima – Cusco.
• All airport transfers.
• Accommodation: 3*** hotels (5 nights) and camping (3 nights).
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary, including the Inca Trail permit.
• Pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing).
• Inca Trail Permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Meals: 7x breakfast, 4x lunch, 3x dinner, 3x snack and 3x afternoon´s hot beverages on the Inca Trail (If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost!);
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide (a group up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
• A professional trekking cook;
• A pair of hiking poles;
• Super Porters to carry food, camping, cooking equipment;
• Personal Porter to carry your personal belongings;
• Camping equipment: Personal double tents (4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
• Sleeping bag (-5 grade) with liner;
• Air sleeping roll mattress with cover;
• Pillow with cover;
• A pair of hiking poles;
• Rain Poncho;
• Duffel bag for your personal belongings (7 kg);
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town;
• Water every day (on the Inca Trail);
• Tables, chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas;
• A Machu Picchu T-shirt;
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo;
• Transfer by private vehicle to the initial point of the Inca Trail at Km 82;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

Additional Equipment on the Inca Trail

• Biodegradable soap provided by our staff.
• Machu Picchut T-shirt.
• Portable two-way radio communication.
• Medical kit and oxygen bottle.
• Hot water provided every morning by our trekking chef for personal cleaning.
• Small towels for hand cleaning.
• Hot water bottles provided each night to place inside your sleeping bag if you feel cold.

• Pre & post tour accommodation,
• Last flight Cusco – Lima,
• Huayna Picchu Mountain (U$ 80)
• International flights and airport departure taxes.
• Meals not mentioned.
• Travel insurance
• Tips and baggage portage to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory),
• Other extras not specified.

Meal budget: Please allow USD 50-100 for meals not included.
Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the “Solo Traveler” option for this tour, you receive your own single room for all overnights and a single tent for the Inca Trail.
Local flights: There is one local flight included in the cost of your tour. It is very important that we have got your passport details at the time of booking in order to process all air tickets! National flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to each flight departure!

At Tierras Vivas, our tour guides are university-trained professionals with strong language skills and in-depth knowledge of Andean history, culture, religion, and social traditions. Their primary goal is to ensure your journey is smooth, informative, and truly memorable. All guides receive annual training in first aid, high-altitude emergencies, and trail leadership.

Throughout your trip, your guide will provide accurate and helpful information, including restaurant recommendations, places to visit, current exchange rates, and guidance on essential services such as banks and artisan markets. They have extensive expertise in the Classic Inca Trail and Machu Picchu and are well prepared to anticipate and manage any unexpected situations.

The Tierras Vivas representative is responsible for your safety, logistics, and overall service during the trip. He or she is a university-trained tourism professional with excellent communication skills. The representative carefully oversees every detail of your itinerary, ensuring that all services are confirmed and operate on schedule. This includes hotel pickups, coordination with drivers, and confirming that your guide is ready to meet you at the designated location.

Our representatives are also trained in customer service and first aid. Upon meeting you, the representative will request your WhatsApp contact, which will serve as the primary communication channel throughout your trip. Should you have any questions, concerns, or emergencies, you may contact them at any time for immediate assistance.

Our team also includes trained food-handling and high-altitude food preparation staff. Our porters are local Andean professionals who support you throughout the trek, allowing you to hike comfortably and confidently. They carry all camping equipment, including your personal gear, and set up tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats at each campsite. Upon arrival, everything is ready so you can rest, recharge, and prepare for the next day’s adventure. Their dedication and encouragement play a key role in helping you achieve your dream of reaching Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail.

Our trekking cooks receive training in first aid, high-altitude emergency evacuation, environmental protection, and sustainable practices. All cooks and porters are fairly compensated, receive legal wages, and are provided with the required equipment in accordance with national regulations. Tierras Vivas also supports porter families by developing projects that improve their quality of life. In partnership with the Responsible People Foundation, we support high-Andean communities and participate in mountain reforestation initiatives, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible tourism model.