Peru’s Timeless Treasures: Private Journey with 4 day Inca Trail Trek

Upon your arrival at Lima International Airport, a private driver and our representative will be waiting to welcome you. They will assist you with your transfer to the hotel, facilitating the check-in process. Overnight at AC Hotel Lima Miraflores. 

Upon your arrival in Cusco, your private guide will greet you and facilitate your transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we’ll stop at a traditional Andean textile center, where you’ll witness the preservation of ancient Incan textile art. Here, you’ll learn about centuries-old dyeing techniques and weaving methods, and perhaps even acquire a beautifully crafted piece to take home.  As part of your cultural immersion, you will participate in a Pachamama offering ceremony, a sacred Andean ritual. In Andean belief, Pachamama, meaning “Mother Earth,” is revered as the deity of life and fertility. With the guidance of an Andean priest, known as a Paco, this ritual offers gratitude to Pachamama and seeks her blessing for health, prosperity, and well-being. The offering includes symbolic elements such as sugar, sweets, wine, chicha, palo santo, and even a llama fetus, accompanied by traditional Andean music.  Following the ceremony, the Andean priest will perform a coca leaf reading, providing insight and reflection based on this ancient practice.  Lunch will be served at Hacienda Huayoccarim, known for its stunning location, offering panoramic views of the valley and also for their authentic Peruvian cuisine using ingredients sourced locally from the Sacred Valley.  The day continues with a visit to the Pisac Archaeological Complex, a remarkable site composed of Incan dwellings, temples, and terraced landscapes, harmoniously integrated into the majestic surroundings of the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll explore the rich history and stunning architecture that once served as an essential center for agriculture and spirituality in the Incan Empire.  Overnight at Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Hotel.

Your day begins in the community of Misminay, where you’ll be immersed in the authentic Andean lifestyle. Misminay is renowned for its deep-rooted culinary traditions and welcoming spirit. You’ll have the chance to engage in a hands-on cooking class with local families, learning about indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations. This is not just a culinary experience, but a cultural one—providing insight into how food reflects the values and rhythms of Andean life. What’s particularly unique about Misminay is that the dishes change with the seasons, following the agricultural calendar, offering a true farm-to-table experience. You’ll witness how local resources are used to create healthy, flavorful meals, and then enjoy the delicious, traditional dishes you helped prepare. Lunch will be served in Misminay, offering a deeper connection to the region’s culinary heritage. After lunch, you will visit the Moray Archaeological Complex. The site, featuring circular terraces set in large natural depressions, is thought to have been an ancient agricultural laboratory, a place for worship, or even an astronomical observatory. These terraces create a series of microclimates that allowed the Incas to adapt various crops to different climatic conditions. Today, they stand as a testament to the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Inca civilization. The tour concludes with a visit to Maras, home to the ancient salt terraces. The salt, harvested from natural springs and stored in terraced pools, has been extracted here for centuries, even before the Incan period. The community of Maras continues to manage the salt mines using techniques passed down through generations, providing a glimpse into the area’s historical and economic significance.  Overnight at Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Hotel.

Your day begins with a visit to the impressive Inca fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo, a site of both historical and architectural significance. Built during the arrival of the Spanish, this ancient fortress served as a strategic stronghold to guard the entrance to the Sacred Valley and protect against potential invasions from tribes in the jungle lowlands. You’ll explore the terraces, temples, and unfinished stonework, witnessing firsthand how the construction of this incredible site was halted, yet remains a testament to Incan ingenuity. Next, we continue through the Sacred Valley to the Pablo Seminario Ceramic Workshop, where you will have the opportunity to observe master artisans at work, creating beautiful pieces that reflect the ancient art of ceramics. With a bit of luck, you may even meet Pablo Seminario himself, as he often works in his studio. The workshop visit concludes with time to explore the exhibition shop, where you can admire or purchase unique ceramic pieces that blend tradition with modern artistic flair. Afterward, we head to Wayra Ranch for lunch, located at the Sol y Luna Hotel. Here, you will enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal while watching a Peruvian Paso Horse demonstration. Known for their smooth, elegant gait and connection to Peru’s cultural heritage, the Peruvian Paso horses perform to the rhythm of ‘la marinera’, symbolizing centuries of fusion between indigenous and colonial influences. At the end of the day, we return to your hotel for an overnight stay at Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Hotel.

Embark on an enriching journey as we commence the Inca Trail adventure. The day begins with a prompt 06:00 hotel pickup, followed by a scenic transfer to the starting point of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, Km 82, situated at an elevation of 2,850m/9,350ft. Here, we rendezvous with our dedicated team of porters. The three-hour drive to Piscacucho includes a one-hour stop at Ollantaytambo for a hearty breakfast.  Our expedition kicks off with the crossing of the Urubamba River via a bridge, leading us along the left bank of the river toward the awe-inspiring Sacred Valley. The initial leg of the trail takes us to Miskay on a level path, where we relish an airborne panoramic view of the remarkable Inca City of Llactapata.  The journey continues through the picturesque Kusichaca Valley for approximately five hours until we reach the charming town of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,840ft), our designated campsite for the night. Along the way, we are treated to captivating views of the imposing Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, with the majestic Veronica peak towering at an elevation of 5,832m (19,134ft).  The inaugural day of the Inca Trail is designed to be manageable, providing a gradual introduction to the challenges that lie ahead. Our estimated distance covered is 12 km (7.47 miles), with a projected walking time of 5-6 hours. As the day concludes, we settle into our campsite for a well-deserved rest, with meals including lunch and dinner served on-site.  Overnight at the Campsite 

Prepare for the most challenging and high-altitude leg of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, covering a demanding 11 km ascent (6,84 miles) in 6-7 hours. Prioritize packing your day bag with ample chocolates or candy to sustain blood sugar levels and mitigate altitude sickness. Commencing after a hearty breakfast, our day unfolds with a rigorous climb to the Warmi wañusca Pass, commonly referred to as the Dead Woman’s Pass, standing at an impressive 4,200m/13,776ft. The landscape transforms into a rugged mountain terrain, offering glimpses of local alpacas and llamas peacefully grazing on the Ichu grass.  Descending along a winding trail that traces the valley adjacent to our upcoming campsite, we transition through the enchanting cloud forest region. This area is a habitat for diverse species, including sparrows, hummingbirds, and the Andean bear, also known as the spectacled bear.  After a challenging 6-hour trek, we descend into the picturesque Paqaymayu valley (3,500m/11,480ft), where our campsite awaits. Recharge with a delightful meal, savoring the satisfaction of conquering a demanding day. Overnight at the Campsite. 

Embark on another day of adventure as we resume our journey after a fulfilling breakfast. This day unfolds along the Inca Trail’s longest and most breathtaking stretch, encompassing ancient monuments, verdant cloud forests, and the vibrant wildlife and flora of the Andes. Our route takes us from Paqaymayu to Abra Runkurakay (3,955m/12,975ft), the second pass on this remarkable trail.  Midway through our ascent, we encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, an intriguing semi-circular Inca dwelling that offers panoramic views of the Paqaymayu valley. Following a brief pause to explore this historical site, we proceed into the enchanting Cloud Forest, making our way to the Sayacmarca Archaeological Site. Continuing our trek, we arrive at Abra Phuyupatamarca (3,700m/12,136ft) before descending to Phuyupatamarca, affectionately known as “the town in the clouds.” Here, we have the opportunity to delve into the mysteries of this remarkable Inca remnant.  Descending a lengthy stone stairway brings us to Wiñayhuayna (2,700m/8,858ft), an impressive Inca town boasting a vibrant agricultural complex, urban sector, and religious center, all set in close proximity to our camp. This marks the final official campsite before our anticipated arrival at Machu Picchu. Ensure a restful night’s sleep to prepare for the awe-inspiring sunrise awaiting us at Machu Picchu.  Covering an estimated distance of 16 km (9.94 miles), this day’s trek is expected to take 7-8 hours. As night falls, we settle into our campsite.  Overnight at the Campsite. 

Commence the day’s adventure with a 04:00 breakfast, preparing for the final leg of our Inca Trail journey towards the iconic Machu Picchu. By 06:00, we reach the Sun Gate, marking the culmination of our trek.  After a 40-minute walk, we arrive at Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft) via the “House of the Guardians.” Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and acknowledged as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu unfolds its awe-inspiring beauty.  Embark on a guided tour starting around 08:30 am, led by an expert guide who navigates us through the remarkable ruins and main streets. Explore the town squares and ascend intricately carved stone stairways, experiencing Machu Picchu as a spiritual center according to esoteric wisdom. The guided tour spans approximately two hours and 30 minutes.  From 12:30 pm to 13:30, board a bus for a scenic descent to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes between 13:30 and 15:00 (not included in the tour price).  Later in the day, board the train for the return journey to Cusco. Arrive at Poroy station, where you will be picked up and transported back to your Cusco hotel.  The day’s trek covers an estimated distance of 4 km (2.49 miles) with an expected walking time of 2 hours. The train schedule is as follows: Aguas Calientes (15:20) – Cusco (19:05) – train time 3.5-4 hours.  Overnight at Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel.   

Today is designed for food enthusiasts eager to explore the flavors of the Andes. The day begins with a guided tour of Santo Domingo Church, built upon the foundations of the Inca temple Koricancha, which was dedicated to worshipping the Sun God. This remarkable blend of Incan and colonial architecture offers a fascinating glimpse into Cusco’s layered history.  We then make our way to San Pedro Market, a vibrant local market bustling with life. Here, you’ll find a wide array of regional produce, from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats, herbs, and handmade goods. As we explore the market, you’ll learn about the ingredients used in traditional Peruvian cuisine and their significance in local dishes.  Next, we stroll through the charming cobblestone streets to visit either the Chocolate Museum or the Coffee Museum. These stops offer tastings and insight into the origins of Peru’s renowned cacao and coffee, providing the perfect opportunity to purchase some flavorful souvenirs. Following this, we take a leisurely walk around Cusco’s Main Square, where you can admire stunning examples of Incan history and architecture intertwined with colonial influences. This area is home to some of the city’s most important monuments, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Our journey continues to the San Blas district, a bohemian neighborhood known for its narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses with distinctive blue balconies. San Blas is the artistic heart of Cusco, filled with workshops where artisans create everything from ceramics and sculptures to textiles. If we’re fortunate, we may even meet some artists at work. We conclude the day with a traditional lunch at Pachapapa Restaurant, where you’ll savor authentic Cusqueño dishes in a setting that honors the region’s customs and culinary traditions. Surrounded by local art and craftwork, you’ll enjoy a meal that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the Andes.  After lunch, we return to the hotel for some rest and relaxation.  Overnight at Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel.   

At the appropriate time, our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Cusco Airport to board your flight back to Lima.  Our representative will assist you with check-in procedures and all departure formalities.