Cusco & the Classic Inca Trail Tour

9 Days

From $ 999

About this SAAT Travel tour: Cusco & the Classic Inca Trail

This mother of a tour includes the whole package, we’re talking Lima, Cusco, the classic Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail represents the very pinnacle of Peruvian adventure tourism, and with stunning scenery and some thought provoking history to keep you occupied on your way to the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu, it’s not hard to see why. At South America Adventure Travel we value your safety above all else and only use the best providers, while still managing to offer excellent prices. So, if you’re intent on experiencing the ultimate Inca Trail on your journey from Lima, to Cusco and Machu Picchu, then this South America Adventure Travel tour is for you. All tours can be tailor-made to suit your individual travel aspirations.

Travel to Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail for less with South America Adventure Travel

Day 1
To The Ancient Andean Capital

Lima to Cusco
As you arrive at the airport in Lima we'll be waiting to assist you with your flight to Cusco. The flight takes about an hour, and as soon as you arrive our guide in the ancient Andean capital will be waiting to meet you and let you know what to expect during your tour. You'll then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in, acclimatize, and spend the rest of the day unwinding and exploring the area around the city centre. Cusco is a great place to let your hair down in the evening, enjoy a few cold beverages, and the festive company of fellow travelers and locals - be sure to ask your travel specialist for a list of good restaurants and bars in the area.

Day 2
Historical Highlights of Cusco

Cusco
After a hearty breakfast you'll be collected for a guided tour of Cusco and the surrounding area. A city unlike any other, Cusco is both an historical tour de force and a cultural hot-spot - in no other place is the clash of historical civilizations more evident. On the tour you'll witness the many interesting icons that define the city, such as the colonial cathedral, the Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman, and the Korikancha. The essence of the tour is to give you an idea of the depth of the city's awe-inspiring history, while at the same time letting you take in some breathtaking sights. The tour moves through the city's different cultural epochs and gives a fascinating insight into the staggering clashes of cultural history for which Cusco is renowned. Following the tour you'll be free to relax and enjoy the city and its nightlife at your leisure. (Meals - B)

Day 3
Vilcanota and the Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley
After enjoying a good breakfast in your hotel you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel guide for your tour and transfer to the Sacred Valley (T/Th/Su). An hour and a half away from Cusco, this leg of the tour is a little more relaxed as it takes in the breathtaking landscapes of the Urubamba Valley and the dominating ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The first stop is Pisac and its local market, where you will be able to mingle with the local residents and browse the colorful handicrafts on offer. Following this you will be led to the Sonesta Posada to enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the impressive landscape. After lunch your guide will lead you to the imposing ruins of Ollantaytambo before taking you to your cozy hotel in the valley where you'll be able to enjoy an easygoing evening. If you wish to return to Cusco for the night you will also visit the village of Chinchero. (Meals - B, L)

Day 4
Crossing the Urubamba to Wallabamba

Inca Trail
The trek kicks off in Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), located on the Cusco-Machu Picchu railroad and it is here that you enter the Inca Trail. The hike begins slowly as you cross the mighty Urubamba River and continue to meander along its shores, northwest through the Sacred Valley. Further along the trail you arrive at Miskay (2800m/9184ft), and from there you amble onwards to the ruins of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). After having a little time to explore the trek continues on to the community of Wayllabamba where the first camp will be made, and you'll be able to relax and admire the stunning views over the surrounding valleys and mountains after a long day's walk. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 5
Orchids in the Mist

Inca Trail
There is nothing quite like waking up early in the crisp morning light to find oneself in a tent amidst the Andes. A campfire breakfast will be waiting for you as you rise, and you'll be able to enjoy a good bite to eat before heading out on the second day of the trail. The second day is the toughest and begins with a 9km ascent up to Dead Woman's Pass, or Abra Warmihuausca (4200m/13776ft). Along the stretch the terrain slowly changes to accommodate the climate with less vegetation lining the side of the path. However, as you descend the other side of the pass you enter a cloud forest full of lush vegetation and alive with the buzz of electric hummingbirds darting between vibrantly colored air plants and orchids. On rare occasions hikers even stumble across the elusive Spectacled Bear. You then descend further and enter the Pacamayo Valley (3600m/11808ft) where we'll set up camp for the night. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 6
Breaching

Inca Trail
After another early rise and breakfast you begin the third day of the trail, a particularly impressive day owing to the variety of Inca ruins along the route. The trail begins with a climb up to the second pass known as Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). As soon as you've made the pass, you head down towards Yanacocha, the Black Lagoon. From there it's a short amble on through another cloud forest to the ruins of Sayamarca (3624m/1188ft) - the best preserved Inca ruins you'll see before arriving in Machu Picchu. You'll be given some time to explore the ruins and relax in the shade of any number of the leafy trees surrounding the area before trekking up and over the third and final pass and onwards to Winaywayna (2650m/8692ft). Winaywayna is another impressive Inca complex and religious center, it also happens to be the place where you'll camp for the evening. The area has a lodge and a bar, and it's also the place where trekkers tend to partake in a little celebration with their fellow travelers following the long walk. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 7
The Sun Gate at Dawn

Inca Trail
You'll have to wake up at 4am in order to reach Intipunku, the Sun Gate, before sunrise. The walk up takes about an hour and most of the path is ancient Inca road built from flat rocks found around the area. The early wakeup call is worth it once you arrive and witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu, an unforgettable sight that leaves pretty much everyone speechless. It's about a 40 minute hike from there down to the Inca Citadel. At the entrance you'll be able to leave your packs in a secure area, before being led on a guided tour around the ruins themselves. The tour takes a couple of hours, after which you'll be able to explore the ruins on your own. There is a lot to see. It's a good idea to spend some time climbing Huayna Picchu which overlooks the ruins on the northern side. In the afternoon you'll be transported down to the town of Aguas Calientes where you'll be helped checking in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind, relax, and take in a little of the local culture. It's recommended you spend a little time in the hot springs at the edge of town where warm waters, cold drinks, and a beautiful sunset combine to create the perfect end to the Inca Trail. (Meals - B)

Day 8
Aguas Calientes and Train to Cusco

Machu Picchu to Cusco
If you didn't get enough of Machu Picchu the day before, it's highly advisable you return again today. It's best to try and catch the sunrise, and buses leave for the Inca ruins at daybreak (second entrance and bus ticket required). You may want to consider a hike to Wayna Picchu for a unique adventure and to enjoy panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding valleys. The train heading back to Cusco departs in the afternoon and arrives back in the Inca capital after sunset. Once back in Cusco you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel representative, and delivered to your hotel where you can relax or enjoy a night out on the town. (Meals - B)

Day 9
Return to Lima and End of Tour

Lima and home
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast in preparation for your trip to Lima or onwards to another one of South America Adventure Travel's extraordinary Latin American travel destinations. You'll be transferred to the airport in Cusco, taking with you incredible memories of the experiences shared with us in Peru. The team at SAAT would like to thank you for the opportunity to organize your Peruvian Vacation. (Meals - B)