Inca Trail Expeditions 9 Days

OVERNIGHT & ACTIVITIES:

Day 1: LIMA (Arrival)

• Arrival in Lima: Welcome to Peru! Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 2: LIMA (City Tour, Larco Museum & Water Circuit)

• Morning: City Tour of Lima:
  • Plaza Mayor: Visit the historic center, the heart of Lima, where you’ll see the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop’s Palace.
  • San Francisco Monastery: Explore the famous catacombs and the beautiful architecture of the monastery.
• Afternoon: Visit the Larco Museum:
  • Discover the ancient history of Peru’s pre-Columbian cultures with a collection of over 45,000 pieces.
• Evening: Visit the Magic Water Circuit:
  • Enjoy an illuminated water fountain park with spectacular light shows and water displays.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 3: CUSCO (Arrival, City Tour & Ruins)

• Morning: Flight to Cusco (1-hour flight from Lima).
• Arrival in Cusco: Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
• Afternoon: City Tour of Cusco:
  • Sacsayhuamán: Explore the impressive archaeological site with massive stones and stunning views over the city.
  • Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): Visit the golden temple that was once covered in sheets of gold.
  • Plaza de Armas: Walk around the main square and explore its colonial architecture.
  • Pukara Ruins: Visit this lesser-known archaeological site, believed to be the site of a pre-Inca civilization.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 4: SACRED VALLEY (Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo)

• Morning: Travel to Sacred Valley (1-hour drive from Cusco).
  • Pisac Market: Visit this famous market to shop for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
  • Pisac Ruins: Explore the Inca archaeological site overlooking the valley.
• Afternoon: Visit Ollantaytambo:
  • A remarkable Inca town with impressive terraces and walls once used as a military, religious, and agricultural site.
• Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Day 5: INCA TRAIL (Start of the Hike)

• Morning: Travel to the Inca Trail starting point (approximately 2 hours from Ollantaytambo).
  • Km 82: Begin your hike on the famous Inca Trail, following the ancient pathways used by the Incas.
  • First Camp: Set up camp along the trail and enjoy a dinner under the stars.
• Overnight camping on the Inca Trail.

Day 6: INCA TRAIL (Day 2 of Hiking)

• Full Day Hike:
  • Dead Woman’s Pass is the highest point of the Inca Trail, at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet).
  • Explore other significant sites like Runcuracay and Phuyupatamarca as you hike through lush cloud forests and ancient Inca settlements.
• Overnight camping on the Inca Trail.

Day 7: INCA TRAIL (Day 3 of Hiking)

• Morning: Continue hiking along the trail, passing through the Intipata terraces and Wiñay Wayna ruins.
• Afternoon: Arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and enjoy a first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
  • Continue your descent to the Machu Picchu site.
• Overnight at Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu.

Day 8: MACHU PICCHU (Tour of the Ruins & Hike Huayna Picchu)

• Morning: Visit Machu Picchu:
  • Take a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel, exploring the temples, terraces, and breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Hike to Huayna Picchu:
  • This challenging hike rewards you with spectacular views of the ruins and surrounding mountains.
• Return to Cusco: After visiting Machu Picchu, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and a bus back to Cusco.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 9: LIMA (Return)

• Morning: Flight from Cusco to Lima.
• Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you may have free time to explore more of Lima or enjoy some last-minute shopping.
• End of the tour: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.