9 Day Cusco, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Titicaca lake

• Start the day with a pickup from your hotel at 8:00 AM for a scenic drive to Moray. Admire the snow-capped peaks, golden wheat fields, and picturesque villages along the way.
• At Moray, explore the fascinating circular terraces used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. Next, head to the nearby salt mines of Maras, where over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountainside date back to pre-Inca times.
• The final stop is Chinchero, where you’ll see well-preserved Inca walls, visit a beautiful colonial church, and participate in a demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques. Return to Cusco in time to enjoy lunch on your own.

Accommodation: Ayni Cusco Hotel or similar.

• After breakfast in Cusco, we will board a private bus for a 1.5-hour journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our adventure begins at the iconic Kilometer 82, where we will introduce our trekking crew before crossing the Urubamba River via a suspension bridge. From this point, your 4-day Inca Trail journey begins.
• The first day is a gentle introduction to the trail, offering smooth terrain and stunning landscapes. Along the way, we will visit Patallacta, an ancient Inca city nestled at the base of a mountain. This site served as a critical hub for administrative, economic, and religious activities. We’ll also explore Willkarakay, a strategic military outpost overlooking Patallacta.
• As the trail leads us into the lush valley of Wayllabamba, we will follow the Cusichaca River (meaning “Happy Bridge”) and pass agricultural terraces used by the Incas. Gradually ascending through dense Andean forests, we’ll reach our first campsite at Wayllabamba.
• Distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
• Campsite Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals: Lunch, snack, afternoon tea, and dinner

Accommodation: Campsite

• We will start the day early to tackle the most challenging and rewarding segment of the Inca Trail: reaching the highest point, the Warmihuañusca Pass, or "Dead Woman's Pass" (4,200 meters / 13,779 feet).
• The morning trek is physically demanding, especially for those unaccustomed to the high altitude. However, it is equally breathtaking. Our hike begins with a 1.5-hour journey through a dense Andean forest until we reach the campsite of Tres Piedras ("Three Stones"). Here, we will take a short rest before continuing our ascent.
• As we climb higher, the landscape transforms into the unique inter-Andean forest, filled with Unca trees found only in this region. After about two hours, we’ll reach Llulluchapampa, where we will rest and enjoy snacks and warm drinks. From here, the final stretch to Dead Woman’s Pass offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. After reaching the summit, we’ll descend into the valley for a few hours to our campsite at Pacaymayu.
• Walking Distance: 12 km / 6.82 miles
• Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• Campsite Elevation: 3,580 m / 11,700 ft
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snack, afternoon tea, and dinner

Accommodation: Campsite

• Our day begins with a 45-minute ascent to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, an ancient Inca "tambo" or resting lodge for travelers. From there, another 45-minute climb takes us to the Runkurakay Pass (4,000 meters / 13,123 feet), the second highest point of the trail.
• Descending from the pass, we will arrive at Sayacmarca, a strategically constructed archaeological site offering stunning views. After an insightful visit, we’ll follow a beautifully paved trail leading to our lunch spot at Chaquicocha.
• The journey continues as we enter the high Andean cloud forest, a lush and vibrant ecosystem. We’ll pass through Phuyupatamarca, a natural viewing area with spectacular sights of the Sacred Valley, distant mountain peaks, and our final destination—Machu Picchu. Along the way, we’ll visit an important archaeological site dedicated to offerings for the sacred mountain spirits.
• Our final campsite is at Wiñayhuayna, located near terraces and ceremonial sites that demonstrate the engineering brilliance of the Incas.
• Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles
• Maximum Altitude: 4,000 meters (13,123 feet)
• Campsite Elevation: 2,680 meters (8,792 feet)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne

Accommodation: Campsite

• We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to “Inti Punku” or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy-going and after about an hour we will arrive at Inti Punku, an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and, weather permitting, sunrise over the Andes.
• Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the site led by an expert guide, who will take you through its most iconic areas while sharing captivating stories of its history and significance. After the tour, if booked in advance, hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views
• Then, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and collect your train tickets for the journey back to Cusco. The train will take you to Ollantaytambo, where our staff will meet you and transfer you by van to your hotel in Cusco.
• Walking Distance : 5 km / 3.10 miles
• Starting Elevation :2680 meters ASL /8792 feet ASL
• Maximum Altitude: 2730 meters ASL / 8956 feet ASL (Sun gate)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
• Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

• Departing from Cusco, the journey to Puno takes you along the stunning "Route of the Sun," a scenic passage rich in cultural and historical landmarks. The first stop is Andahuaylillas, a picturesque village known for its church often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" due to its breathtaking murals, intricate altars, and unique fusion of Andean and Catholic influences. Continuing the journey, you will visit Raqchi, home to the impressive Inca temple of Wiracocha, a monumental structure of immense cultural and spiritual significance. The next highlight is La Raya, the highest point along the route at 4,335 meters (14,222 feet), where you can marvel at snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas and alpacas, and the breathtaking Andean landscape. The final stop is Pucara, a pre-Inca ceremonial site renowned for its distinctive stone sculptures and tombs, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient civilizations. After a full day of exploration, you will arrive in Puno for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Qalasaya Hotel or similar

• In the morning, embark on a motorboat to explore the legendary Uros Floating Islands, a network of islands made entirely from totora reeds. These islands are home to the Uros people, who maintain a traditional way of life that dates back centuries. Following this visit, the journey continues to Taquile Island, a UNESCO-recognized cultural site. Here, you will have the opportunity to hike to the summit of the island at  4,150 meters (13,615 feet), where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views and visit the ancient temples of Pachamama and Pachatata. A delicious traditional lunch will be prepared and served by the local families. In the late afternoon, return to Puno for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Qalasaya Hotel or similar

On the final day of your journey, you will be transferred from Puno to Juliaca Airport. This brief ride allows you to bid farewell to the highlands of Peru before boarding your flight to Lima.