Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu

The Incas placed their most revered sites high above the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River, with mystical Machu Picchu perched on a promontory at its farthest reaches. We've created a fantastic adventure in this stunning valley with exhilarating hikes by day and comfy overnights in hotels and lodges (no camping!). Our hikes bring us to major Inca sites as well as hidden Inca ruins as we descend traditional paths to farming villages in the Sacred Valley, with breathtaking views all the way, and we follow trails to fascinating archaeological sites. We'll also visit a Quechua village for a traditional pachamanca feast honoring Mother Earth, and finish with an overnight at the coveted Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right next to the ruins.

Itinerary

Days 1-4
Cusco / Sacred Valley / Pisac 
Exploring Inca sites on foot, we hike from the imposing Saqsayhuaman fortress down past the rock monolith of Q'enqo and Inca springs at Tambo Machay, with a final stroll right into Cusco's colonial neighborhood, San Blas. From atmospheric Chinchero, built on Inca foundations high above the valley, we descend rows of Inca terracing as we cross the mountain-ringed Sacred Valley. One hike brings us through an Inca cemetery to spectacular Pisac, a temple-ruin clinging to a mountain spur. Its Inca agricultural terraces are still in use today.

Days 5-6
Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo 
We visit the enigmatic terraces of Moray, where the Incas built concentric terraces in natural depressions in the valley, then hike from Maras to the roaring Urubamba River, a great spot for our picnic lunch. In the early morning, when the light is dramatic and there are fewer visitors, we visit the massive ruins of Ollantaytambo and the quaint 13th century town below it, a beautiful example of Inca city planning. At a remote village, we enjoy a festive pachamanca lunch (meat slow-roasted over hot stones). Generations of trail crew, cooks, and porters for Wilderness Travel's renowned Inca Trail staff are from this traditional village, and we are welcomed here as family. 

Days 7-9
Machu Picchu / Cusco 
The morning train brings us to Machu Picchu. Many travelers rush in and out of here within a few hours, but our overnight stay at the Sanctuary Lodge, right at the gates of this indescribable Inca city, gives us plenty of time to discover its mysteries with our specialist guide. Return to Cusco on Day 8 and depart on Day 9.