The 10-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu vacation package includes everything you need to take the legendary hike to the Inca Citadel. It also allows travelers to visit the beautiful city of Lima, its world-renowned restaurants with signature dishes, and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Travelers will also have plenty of time to acclimate in Cusco before heading to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. To end the adventure, the 10-day itinerary also includes visiting the Maras Salt Ponds in the Sacred Valley.
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The 10-day trip highlights include two days in Lima and two days in Cusco to acclimate to the elevation before camping in the Andes for three nights on the Inca Trail. The package is perfect for travelers that want to get the most out of their Peru hiking experience.
Welcome to Lima! Upon arrival, one of our representatives will wait for you at the airport to assist with your luggage and escort you to your hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. You can begin your 10 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trekking package by visiting some of the best restaurants in Lima, or go on a culinary tour.
Discover the vibrant history and culture of Peru’s capital on an exciting Lima city tour. Start your journey in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will admire colonial-era architecture and visit iconic landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the majestic Lima Cathedral. Wander through the charming streets to discover the Monastery of San Francisco, famous for its beautiful cloisters and intriguing catacombs.
Continue to the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, where you’ll experience the contemporary side of Lima. Visit Parque Kennedy, stroll along the scenic Malecón overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. As you explore these neighborhoods, you’ll witness the vibrant atmosphere that makes Lima unique, from bustling markets to tranquil parks.
Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about Lima’s rich heritage, blending ancient traditions with modern influences. Experience the city’s culinary wonders by stopping at a local café or market to sample traditional Peruvian delicacies. Whether it’s the exquisite ceviche or freshly made picarones, your taste buds are in for a treat!
This tour provides the perfect introduction to Lima, showcasing the diverse beauty, history, and culture of the “City of Kings.”
Your flight to Cusco will arrive at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) early in the morning. To help your body acclimate to the altitude, taking it easy on your first day is advisable. Be sure to drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals, and rest as needed to ensure a comfortable adjustment to the high altitude.
The city tour will provide a glimpse of the rich history and culture of the former Inca capital. Highlights include the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), where Inca stonework meets colonial architecture, and the magnificent Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, showcasing colonial art and history. You’ll also explore the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its massive stone walls and panoramic views, as well as the ceremonial sites of Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, each steeped in Inca tradition and ingenuity. This tour is perfect for those eager to uncover the essence of Cusco’s heritage in a short yet enriching experience.
We begin the Classic Inca Trail early in the morning. Our guides and driver will pick you up from your hotel and head to the train station in Ollantaytambo, an hour and a half away. We’ll take a break to get necessary last-minute gear and personal items. The group will then head to Piskacucho (Km 82) to start our hike. After about 3 hours, the Inca Trail group will arrive at the first Inca site, Patallaqta. Then we will walk for about 30 minutes until our lunch spot, “Tarayoc.” After a deserved break, we ascend for about 2 hours toward our first campsite, Huayllabamba village.
TRAIN STATION – PISKACUCHO : 3 hours approx.
DISTANCE PISKACUCHO – WAYLLABAMBA : 11 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 6 hours
PISKACUCHO : 2600 m.a.s.l.
PATALLAQTA : 2750 m.a.s.l.
HUAYLLABAMBA : 3000 m.a.s.l. / 9842 feet
We start day 2 of the classic Inca Trail with a healthy and hearty breakfast. Your Inca Trail leaders will also provide snacks to carry during the early part of the hike. Next, we’ll begin the ascend for about 5 hours to the highest point of the Inca Trail, Warmihuañusca Pass (4215 m.a.s.l.). The group will take a short break to take photographs of the landscapes. Then we descend about 1 ½ hours until Paqaymayu campsite, where we have a dinner and a much deserved rest after a full day of hiking.
DISTANCE HUAYLLABAMBA – WARMIHUAÑUSCA : 9 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 7 hours WARMIHUAÑUSCA: 215 m.a.s.l. / 13828 feet
PAQAYMAYU : 3600 m.a.s.l. / 11811 feet
After a delicious breakfast, we walk about 1 hour until Runkuraqay archaeological site and then 1 hour more until Runruraqay Pass. Afterward, we descend for about 1 hour to visit Sayaqmarka archaeological site, and after 30 minutes, we arrive at Chaquiqocha campsite, where we have lunch. After that, we walk for about 1 ½ hours until the Phuyupatamarka Inka site, which is at the same time as the next Pass. Finally, we descend 3 hours to the Wiñaywayna Inka site, where we spend our last night on the Trail.
DISTANCE PAQAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA : 16 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 7 hours
RUNRURAQAY: 3760 m.a.s.l. / 12336 feet
SAYAQMARKA : 3620 m.a.s.l. / 11876 feet
CHAQUICOCHA : 3500 m.a.s.l. / 11482 feet
PHUYUPATAMARKA : 3650 m.a.s.l. / 11975 feet
WIÑAYWAYNA : 2650 m.a.s.l. / 8694 feet
The group will get up early and enjoy breakfast before starting the trek’s final leg. After hiking for 2 hours, we’ll reach the famous Inca Sun Gate called “Inti Punku,” where we have the first view of Machu Picchu. After a short hike down the entrance to the Inca citadel, we register and then enjoy a 2 ½ guided tour of the sanctuary. After the guided experience, travelers will have free time to explore independently. By noon, we take the shuttle down to Aguas Calientes town, from where we take the train to return to Cusco.
DISTANCE PAQAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA : 6 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 2 1/2 hours
AGUAS CALIENTES : 2040 m.a.s.l.
MACHUPICCHU : 2400 m.a.s.l.
HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN : 2700 m.a.s.l. (2 hours round trip)
MACHUPICCHU MOUNTAIN : 3150 m.a.s.l. (3 hours round trip)
Visiting the Maras Salt Ponds, also known as Salineras de Maras, offers a unique glimpse into traditional salt extraction methods amidst the stunning backdrop of the Sacred Valley in Peru.
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As your journey comes to an end, please pack your bags, enjoy breakfast, and prepare for your transfer to the airport for your return home. Alternatively, you may extend your adventure with one of our captivating Cusco tours or Sacred Valley excursions. We also invite you to explore our full range of fully customizable Peru tours, offering opportunities to further enrich your Latin American experience.
| 3 Stars ★★★ |
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5 Stars ★★★★★ |
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| $1389 | $1589 | $2199 |
| 3 Stars ★★★ |
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| $1699 | $1999 | $3399 |
Classic 4 Inca Tail to Machu Picchu Map
You absolutely cannot hike the Inca Trail independently. The Peruvian government strictly enforces a limit of 500 people per day on the trail and that number includes the roughly 300 required guides, cooks, and porters. This leaves only about 200 daily spots for tourists. By law, you must book through a licensed Peruvian tour operator. For peak season (May through August), these permits sell out 4 to 6 months in advance, meaning last-minute bookings for your ideal dates are virtually impossible.
The most significant change for 2026 is that an Inca Trail permit no longer automatically includes your entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel. In the past, these were conveniently bundled. Now, operators must purchase the trail permit and the separate Machu Picchu entrance ticket ($65) independently. Furthermore, Machu Picchu now operates on a highly restricted circuit system. If you do not book early enough, your operator might not be able to secure the preferred Circuit 3 ticket, meaning you could be forced onto a restrictive route that misses the iconic viewpoints at the end of your trek.
The 4-day hike was the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done, but the agency made it feel possible. Our guide was so patient during the climb, and the campsite meals they prepared were very filling. Waking up at the Sun Gate was a spiritual experience and the absolute highlight of our Peru trip.
If you’re looking for an agency that knows their stuff, book the 4-day trail with this professional team. They handled every detail, from the high-quality tents to the private transport back to our hotel in Cusco. Our guide brought the Incan ruins to life with incredible storytelling, making our Peru trip truly unforgettable
I’m not usually a camper, but the agency’s crew made us feel like VIPs with hot water and amazing “happy hour” snacks. The guides checked on us constantly to ensure the altitude wasn’t hitting too hard, which made the trek much safer. It’s a tough hike, but the way this travel agency looks after you makes every mile worth it!
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