The Inca Trail: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu

Upon arrival to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, pass through Customs, collect your baggage and proceed through the Arrivals exit. Here you will find a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. After meeting this representative, you will be directed to an awaiting vehicle and transferred to your hotel. Approximate transfer time is one hour.

Today you will set out to visit to the modern and colonial parts of the city of Lima the 'City of Kings', starting in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. The tour visits a Huaca or sacred pre-Inca site right in the heart of Lima before moving onto the Parque del Amor (Lovers Park) in Miraflores with its magnificent view over the Pacific Ocean. The tour also includes the Historic Centre based in the main colonial square, Plaza de Armas, where the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipality of Lima and the Cathedral are located. A visit is also made to one of the largest colonial-era convents. It is then onto the Aliaga Mansion, historic home of Conquistador Jeronimo de Aliaga and gifted to him by Francisco Pizzaro - the Conquistador who brought down the Inca Empire. It is still inhabited by the original owners descendants. The mansion's façade is embellished by a republican-era balcony and the house has an impressive entrance stairway, which was a symbol of its owner's nobility, a courtyard adorned with 19th Century Italian marble and the family chapel built in 1814, the walls of which used to be covered with silver plates.

Tonight, discover some of the best gastronomy that Lima has on offer. Arranged to coincide with your preferred dining time, reservations will be made with the restaurant of your choice (subject to availability). To take you to and from the restaurant, private transfers will be arranged. Host to some of the world's finest dining, as well as an incredible range of exceptional venues ranging from extravagant to humble, Lima has no shortage of top-notch dining options. Our top recommendations include Maido, Mayta, Cala, Astrid y Gaston, and Nanka. If you have a specific dining option in mind, please speak with your Destination Specialist. Please note, your food and drinks are not included and are to be paid for on-site.

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Jorge Chávez International Airport ahead of your domestic flight to Cusco (not included; available for purchase). Upon arrival to Cusco you will be met by a local representative who will direct you to an awaiting vehicle. You will then be privately transferred to your hotel in Cusco. The afternoon is at leisure so that you can adjust to the altitude, helping you to acclimatize before tomorrow's adventure begins.

After travelling by train from Cusco to "Kilometer 82" (where you will disembark and begin the Inca Trail), the walk begins by following the course of the Urubamba River, which is an alternative route to the traditional path, allowing you to avoid crowds and explore less visited Inca constructions, such as Salapunku. You will enter the classic trail at a different checkpoint a few kilometers distant, and visit the fascinating archaeological site of Patallaqta, then set course for a less-used camp where you will settle in for a quiet evening. Distance Walked: 9 km (5.6 miles). Highest Elevation: 2,690 meters (8,824 feet) above sea level.

Accommodation: Tented Camp

Starting today's journey behind the other groups of hikers, you'll be able to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. You will pass through Andean forests with native trees and have lunch surrounded by lush vegetation near Ayapata, accompanied by the tranquil forest. In the afternoon, hike up to the camp in Llulluchapampa. Here you and the group can spend time with the porter's team and share mountain life experiences. At dusk, with a magnificent view of the Huayanay Mountain, you will take part in an Andean ceremony of gratitude to Mother Earth and ask for the permission and protection of the Apus (mountain spirits) for the arduous ascent the next day. Distance Walked: 9 km (5.6 miles). Highest Elevation: 3,760 meters (12,336 feet) above sea level.

Accommodation: Tented Camp

Today will be the most challenging and memorable day. The route begins with an ascent to the highest point of the journey, the Warmi Wañusca Pass, which affords a spectacular view of the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges. After taking in the sights descend briefly and then start the days second ascent: up the Runcuraccay Pass. After crossing this final pass, and as the elevation decreases, the landscape transforms, turning green as you enter the jungle. Soon, the Sayaqmarca archaeological complex reveals itself, marking the beginning of one of the best-preserved sections of the trail that demonstrates the quality of Incan architecture, with tunnels and spiral stairways. Today's end goal will be Phuyupatamarca, another of the less-crowded camps - and a local favorite since it offers an ever-stunning view of the mountains, river, and clouds below. Distance Walked: 11.5 km (7.15 miles). Highest Elevation: 4,215 meters (13,829 feet) above sea level.

Accommodation: Tented Camp

Machu Picchu is very close! On this last day of the journey, pass by other equally impressive archaeological sites, such as Inti Pata and Wiñaywayna, both with agricultural terraces so imposing and masterfully built that they will leave you amazed. The last section before reaching Machu Picchu is pure magic: the valley opening at your feet on one side, Inca buildings on the other, and ups and downs between tunnels formed by the trees. Finally, you will arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and take your first look at the citadel. After the obligatory photographs, enter the sanctuary for a short introduction to the history of this iconic place. You will have lunch outside of Machu Picchu and go back inside to explore it further. After filling an incredible exploration of Machu Picchu, you will go down to Machu Picchu Pueblo to wait for the train that will take you back to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco. Distance Walked: 9.5 km (5.9 miles). Highest Elevation: 3,641 meters (11,946 feet) above sea level.

After breakfast, pack your belongings and get set for the private transfer to Cusco Airport which will be arranged to coincide with your onward travels.