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9 Day itinerary in Peru, South America

Andean Odyssey: Lima to Lima Inca Trail Exploration

Embark on an unforgettable Andean Odyssey. Traverse the majestic Andes from the vibrant capital of Lima to the historic heart of Cusco. Prepare for an immersive trek across 43 kilometres of ancient pathways, leading you to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Discover hidden archaeological treasures, del... Read More

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Sandra

By Sandra

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Lima

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Visit markets

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Historic & cultural landmarks

Outdoors & Nature

Classic Sights

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Fly from Lima to Cuzco with time to acclimatize, and back

2

Enjoy trekking the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

3

Experience hidden archaeological sites in the Andes

4

Learn about Inca history in Machu Picchu with a guide

Itinerary

Mid-Range ($$) expand_more

Day 1

place Welcoming You to the Vibrant Capital of Peru, Lima

Upon landing at Lima's airport, a driver with a sign bearing your name will transfer you to your hotel. Once settled, the rest of your day is free to explore the rich history of Lima, a city established by Francisco Pizarro but with roots stretching back before the Inca era, characterized by its well-preserved historical center.


Accommodation:

  • 3* Hotel: Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro or Similar
  • 4* Hotel: Casa Andina Select Miraflores or Similar
Day 2

place Morning Leisure in Lima and En Route to Cusco

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Lima. Later, a driver will transport you from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Take the opportunity to acclimate to the altitude and explore the city, where Inca stonework serves as the foundation for many of its colonial and modern buildings.


Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza or Similar
  • 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco or Similar
Day 3

place Independent Exploration of Cusco's Enchanting Sights

Utilize this free day to discover Cusco's array of attractions. Visit the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, and other significant sites. In the afternoon, attend a mandatory briefing to prepare for your trek, covering essential details about the journey, what to pack, and an opportunity to ask questions.


Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza or Similar
  • 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco or Similar
Day 4

place Journey from Ollantaytambo to Wayllabamba Camp on the Inca Trail

Pick-up from your accommodation is between 05:00-06:00 hrs. You'll be taken to Ollantaytambo, where you'll have time for breakfast and to purchase snacks, water, and walking sticks. Then, you'll head to Piscacucho (KM 82), the start of the Inca Trail. After the checkpoint, where you'll need your original passport and student card (if applicable), you'll begin the trek. The hike takes you through the Vilcanota River Valley, past several small archaeological sites, to Wayllabamba camp (2,980m). Lunch is provided en route.


  • Trekking: 10 kilometres / 6 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate, ascending from Piscacucho (2,570m) to Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m)


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • 3* Hotel: Wayllabamba Camp
  • 4* Hotel: Wayllabamba Camp
Day 5

place Wayllabamba Camp to Pacaymayo Camp via Dead Woman's Pass

The day starts early, with a challenging trek to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m), the highest point on the trail, followed by a descent to Pacaymayo camp (3,600m). The journey offers breathtaking views and a chance to observe local flora and fauna.


  • Trekking: 10 kilometres / 7 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging, ascending to Dead Woman's Pass and descending to Pacaymayo Camp

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • 3* Hotel: Pacaymayo Valley Campsite
  • 4* Hotel: Pacaymayo Valley Campsite
Day 6

place Pacaymayo Camp to Wiñayhuayna Camp via Runquracay Pass

Begin with a hike to the Runquracay archaeological site, followed by an ascent to Runquracay Pass (3,950m). Visit additional sites like Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. The trek concludes at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m), where you'll prepare for the final day.


  • Trekking: 15 kilometres / 9 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate, with ups and downs through varied terrain and archaeological sites


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • 3* Hotel: Winay Wayna Camp
  • 4* Hotel: Winay Wayna Camp
Day 7

place Wiñayhuayna to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

Start before dawn to head to the Sun Gate, with Machu Picchu's first views at sunrise. Descend to Machu Picchu for a guided tour and free exploration. Later, return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus to Cusco.


  • Trekking: 7 kilometres / 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate, descending from Wiñayhuayna to Machu Picchu


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza or Similar
  • 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco or Similar
Day 8

place Transfer back to Lima

After your enriching journey through the Andes and the mystical experience of Machu Picchu, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. This day offers a chance to reflect on your adventures or explore more of Lima's sights and sounds, depending on your flight times and interests.


Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 3* Hotel: Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro or Similar
  • 4* Hotel: Casa Andina Select Miraflores or Similar
Day 9

place Lima Departure

On the final day of your Peruvian adventure, you will be transferred from your hotel to Lima's airport. This marks the end of your Inca Trail trek experience, as you prepare to board your flight and carry with you the memories and experiences of a lifetime exploring the heart of the Incan empire.


Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza or Similar
  • Wayllabamba Camp
  • Pacaymayo Valley Campsite
  • Winay Wayna Camp
  • Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro or Similar
  • Casa Andina Select Miraflores or Similar
  • Wayllabamba Camp
  • Winay Wayna Camp
  • Sonesta Hotel Cusco or Similar
  • Pacaymayo Valley Campsite

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (7)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)

Transport expand_less

  • Transport as per itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation pick-up in Cuzco to start the trek
  • Regular bus service Cusco - KM 82
  • Regular bus ticket Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
  • Regular train ticket Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
  • Regular bus ticket Ollantaytambo - Cusco
  • Domestic flights from Lima - Cuzco - Lima

Activities expand_less

  • 4-day trek along the Inca Trail
  • Machu Picchu guided visit (2 hours, entrance fee included)
  • Trek to Machu Picchu

Extras expand_less

  • Entrance fees and support during trek
  • Inca Trail permits
  • Machu Picchu entrance fees
  • Porters and cook to carry all shared camping equipment
  • Emergency oxygen bottle
  • First aid kit

Not Included expand_less

  • Professional trekking poles (15USD for the trek)
  • Huayna Picchu Trek (approx. 200 Soles)
  • Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (approx. 200 Soles)
  • Other activities
  • International flights
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Inflatable sleeping mattress (15USD for the trek)

About Sandra

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

Expertise: 

Hiking

Rafting

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Historic & cultural landmarks

Outdoors & Nature

Classic Sights

Food & Drink

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$1,379 USD