This trek is considered physically demanding due to the distance and elevation change from Cusco to Machu Picchu. However, my amazing friend recently completed this tour shortly after having a knee replacement. Also, three nights of your accommodation is camping! In Peru! This is a guided hike with cooks and porters and includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu. This company has frequent specials so check with your Cloudburst advisor for the most recent pricing.
Vibe - Active, adventure, nature, hiking, elevated economy, solo, group
Example of camping accommodations for this excursion
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Cusco, Peru
Arrive in Cusco in time for a trekking briefing at 4pm at the tour office. The adventure begins today. Feel free to explore but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Your Trek representative will review the details of your tour. Work with your Cloudburst Travel Company advisor to make sure you arrive with plenty of time to experience the additional activities shown below.
Accommodation Hotel Prisma or similar
Meals on day 1 are by traveler
Inka Museum
Explore artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.
10 PEN per person, approximately $3USD
Cusco Tourist Ticket
This ticket allows admission at 16 sights of the city of Cusco including many popular museums and cathedrals, the ticket also provides entrance to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, and sights in the South Valley of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
130 PEN per person, approximately $40USD
Cusco City Tour
Enjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.
45 PEN per person, approximately $14USD
Day 2 Cusco/Inca Trail
Depart Cusco by van for about 82 kilometers to the starting point of the Inca Trail. Begin with an easy first day of trekking past winding streams, a small village, ancient Incan ruins, and sweeping Andean mountain views. This gentle hike helps you warm up for the days ahead while offering a preview of the adventure to come.
Accommodation Camping (Glamping!)
Meals on day 2 are included (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 3 Inca Trail
Start early for the challenging climb to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass—the highest point of the trek at 4,198 m (13,769 ft). The trail becomes steeper and increasingly dramatic as you approach the pass, where conditions can shift between blazing sun and cold winds. Take your time, drink plenty of water, and enjoy the sweeping views along the way. Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, leaving ample time to rest and relax.
Accommodation Camping (Glamping!)
Meals on day 3 are included (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 4 Inca Trail
Today’s trek crosses two more mountain passes and several Inca ruins. Begin with Runquraqay Pass at 3,950 m (13,113 ft), where clear weather may reveal views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Continue through cloud forest and original Inca stonework on a gradual climb to the day’s second pass, reaching 3,700 m (12,136 ft). In clear conditions, take in sweeping views of the Urubamba Valley.
At 3,650 m (11,972 ft), arrive at Phuyupatamarca, the “town above the clouds.” Camp here, or continue another 1.5 hours to Wiñay Wayna, the “forever young” ruins at 2,650 m (8,694 ft).
Accommodation Hotel Wiracocha or similar
Meals on day 4 are included (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 5 Machu Picchu / Cusco
Wake around 3:30 a.m. to reach the Sun Gate as early as possible, then head to the checkpoint and wait for it to open. With luck and clear skies, you’ll get your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. From there, hike about 45 minutes down to the site for a 1.5-hour guided tour, followed by free time to explore. Your local guide will share the history and significance of the Lost City of the Incas as you walk among ancient dwellings, stone temples, and sculpted terraces. Take in the atmosphere of this 15th-century mountaintop citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Catch the bus outside the Machu Picchu gate after your visit for a 25-min downhill ride to Aguas Calientes. Eat and relax before the 3-hour train/bus ride back to Cusco this evening.
Accommodation To be determined by Cloudburst Travel Company and traveler. We recommend an overnight stay upon arrival in Cusco with a departure on Day 6. This is an opportunity to see the sights you may have missed on Day 1.
Meals on day 5 are by traveler
Booking this Adventure
Machu Picchu regulations require all visitors to follow a pre-determined circuit within the site to prevent overcrowding. The circuit-specific entrance tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, you may select your preferred circuit, subject to availability. If no selection is made, you will be assigned to Circuit 1 (Panoramic View Only) by default. All circuits offer the opportunity to enjoy the beauty, history, and impressive ingenuity of this ancient site. To note: Travelers completing the Inca Trail will enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate with a guided tour taking place on circuit 3.
When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the time restrictions below for joining and departing from your group. With the times indicated below, we have considered travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration. Your Cloudburst Travel Company advisor will take care of flight details for you if requested.
Your flight must arrive by or before: 13:00 on Day 1
Your flight must depart no earlier than: 22:00 on Day 5
This adventure is available several times a year. It is recommended for 18–30-year-old travelers and is considered physically demanding. The company has frequent specials so check with your Cloudburst travel advisor, [email protected], for pricing details. I recommend booking this several months in advance since its Spring Break and everyone will want to do it! Space is limited because this is a small group adventure. If you want to check flight information, I usually start with Skyscanner to get an idea of air travel costs. The button below is a link to Sherri’s calendar so you can schedule a complimentary consultation at a time that works for you!
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