Trip Highlights
In creating this expedition to the Inca Trail, I wanted to bring together everything that I love about travel. From the exploration of ancient cultures, to an adventure through wild landscapes. From magnificent ruins to breathtaking mountain passes. I wanted to take our group on a journey to a place you may have heard of, but never thought you could experience first-hand.
The Inca Trail ticks every single box. We’ll be exploring some of the most famous and historic Inca ruins in the world, including the incredible Machu Picchu.
Join us, as we trek the unexplored paths of the Inca Trail, and experience Peru’s ancient beauty and rich culture together.
Amazing Hiking
Once in a lifetime hiking experience on the Inca Trail.
Ancient Cultures
Exploring ancient cultures and magnificent ruins such as Machu Picchu.
Local Cuisine
Delicious culinary experiences in local restaurants.
Support Communities
Visit local communities and support traditional crafts.
Meet Like-Minded Women
Spend time with our beautiful and supportive community, creating lasting memories together.
Ancient Ruins
Explore Cusco’s Inca ruins, including Saqsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and Q’enko, and learn about Inca history, rituals, and incredible stonework
Culture
Wander the historic streets of Cusco, visiting Plaza de Armas, the Twelve-Angle Stone, and Qoricancha, as well as the Pre-Columbian Art Museum
Make Pisco Sours!
Enjoy a hands-on experience at the Pisco Museum, crafting Peru’s national cocktail, the Pisco Sour, or a non-alcoholic version
Sacred Valley
Discover the wonders of the Sacred Valley with visits to Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras salt pans, and explore Ollantaytambo Fortress while witnessing traditional weaving and agricultural terraces
Inca Trail
Trek the Inca Trail through lush valleys, cloud forests, and ancient ruins, including Llactapata, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñaywayna
Sun Gate & Citadel
Experience the magic of the Sun Gate sunrise at Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of the citadel
Rainbow Mountain
Hike to Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain to see vibrant mineral-striped peaks in a peaceful, less crowded setting
Memories to last a lifetime!
Marvel at breathtaking Andean landscapes, from high-altitude valleys to cloud forests
Celebrate achievements and create lasting memories with an amazing group of fellow travellers
Gallery
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival Day
Welcome to Cusco!
Step into the heart of the Andes and meet your Inca Trail crew. Take the day at leisure to acclimatise while exploring colorful markets, ancient plazas, and hidden alleyways – your adventure officially begins!
Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio
Day 2 - Explore Cusco
Begin your day with a private tour of Cusco’s main archaeological sites, starting with the impressive fortress of Saqsayhuaman, followed by the ceremonial baths of Tambomachay, the small reddish fortress of Puka Pukara, and the ritual site of Q’enko. This circuit takes about two hours and offers a first glimpse into the city’s Inca heritage.
After lunch in Cusco, continue your exploration in the historic center, strolling through its cobblestone streets and visiting key sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the famous Twelve-Angle Stone, and the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), where Inca and colonial architecture meet. Your day also includes a visit to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, known for its excellent presentation and rich collection spanning centuries of regional history.
In the late afternoon, head to the Pisco Museum at 17:00 to end your day on a fun and interactive note. Here, you’ll learn how to prepare Peru’s national cocktail, the Pisco Sour, and even create your own version using the ingredients provided. For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, they can enjoy making a non-alcoholic cocktail instead. This experience offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to conclude your day of cultural discovery in Cusco.
Day 3 - Exploring the Sacred Valley
Exploring the Sacred Valley
Today we explore the Sacred Valley, rich in Inca history. Our first stop is Chinchero, a village at 3,762 metres (12,343 ft) known for its colorful textiles and a colonial church built on Inca foundations. Watch local weavers at work using traditional techniques and natural dyes, creating unique, vibrant fabrics.
Next, we visit Moray, with its mysterious concentric terraces once used by the Incas for agricultural experiments, followed by the Maras salt works, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside, still harvested using traditional methods. After a buffet lunch at a charming hacienda, we head to the Ollantaytambo Fortress at 2,792 metres (9,160 ft), one of the few Inca victories against the Spanish, with massive terraces and stunning views. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in the peaceful Sacred Valley.
Day 4 - The Inca Trail Begins!
Inca Trail – Day 1
Starting our trek, the excitement is palpable. The Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world, and for good reason. The scenery is stunning, the history is rich, and the sense of adventure is unbeatable. Today, we meet our Inca Trail guides and porters, who will support us along the way. Porters carry the group’s belongings, tents, and supplies, with a weight limit of 10 kg per person. As we walk, our guide shares fascinating stories about the Incas, their engineering marvels, and their way of life.
We trek 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) alongside the Vilcanota River, climbing 700 metres (2,297 ft) and visiting Llactapata, an Inca site thought to be a rest stop for travellers heading to Machu Picchu. The views of Veronica Mountain and the lush valleys make the journey unforgettable. We end the day at our first campsite, Yuncachimpa, at 3,300 metres (10,826 ft), enjoying a hearty dinner under the stars and sharing stories as we rest, ready for the days ahead on this incredible trek.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Please Note – Campsites: Camps during the path of the Incas are chosen by the INC (organization in charge of the management of the archaeological park), for each group. We cannot decide in this choice. This is why, depending on the campsites, the days indicated (walking time, altitude difference, etc.) can be modified, as well as the arrival time on the Machu Picchu site (sunrise on the site in particular).
Day 5 - Trekking Continues
Inca Trail – Day 2
We rise early for a challenging day as we climb to Warmihuañusca Pass, the highest point of the trail at 4,215 metres (13,780 ft). Known as Dead Woman’s Pass, this is the toughest part of the Inca Trail. The air thins as we ascend, so we take our time, staying hydrated and resting often. The sense of achievement at the top is incredible, with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
After a short break, we descend to Pacaymayo at 3,600 metres (11,811 ft), navigating steep and rocky paths through changing ecosystems – from high-altitude grasslands to lush cloud forests. Along the way, our guides share fascinating stories about Inca culture, highlighting the significance of local plants and wildlife.
Today’s trek covers 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) over 9-10 hours, with a total climb of 900 metres (2,953 ft). Upon reaching Pacaymayo, we set up camp and enjoy a well-earned meal.
In the evening, we reflect on the day’s challenge and the history of the trail, feeling a deep connection to the ancient Inca civilisation.
Day 6 - Trekking Continues...
Inca Trail – Day 3
We start the day trekking through lush cloud forests filled with orchids, bromeliads, and hummingbirds, following Inca-built tunnels, stone bridges, and pathways. Our first stop is Sayacmarca, the “Inaccessible Town,” perched on a cliffside and reachable only by a narrow stone staircase. The ruins are fascinating, and the views are breathtaking.
Next, we visit Phuyupatamarca, the “Town in the Clouds,” known for its terraces and ceremonial baths that showcase the Inca’s engineering skills. Continuing along the trail, we reach Wiñaywayna, or “Forever Young,” with its cascading terraces and interconnected ritual baths.
Today’s trek covers about 16 kilometres (10 miles) with a climb of 500 metres (1,640 ft) over 7-8 hours. By the time we arrive at our campsite near Wiñaywayna at 2,650 metres (8,694 ft), excitement for tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu is high. After dinner, it’s an early night, as we’ll be up before sunrise to begin the final part of our journey.
Walking time: 7-8 hours
Day 7 - Arrival at Machu Picchu!
Waking up before dawn, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. We pack up our gear and begin our final ascent to the Sun Gate.
As we approach, the first rays of sunlight illuminate the ancient city, and we catch our first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres (7,972 ft). We take a moment to savour the view, feeling the thrill of accomplishment after the trek and celebrating this achievement with an amazing group of ladies.
Entering the citadel, it’s hard to believe we’re finally here. The ruins are even more impressive in person, and our guide leads us on a tour of the main sites.
We learn about the history of Machu Picchu, its discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911, and the theories about its purpose and significance. The precision of the stonework, the alignment with astronomical events, and the sheer scale of the site are awe-inspiring.
In the afternoon, we take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we enjoy dinner at our leisure and a comfortable overnight stay, reflecting on the unforgettable journey we’ve just completed together.
Day 8 - Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain and Return to Cusco
Day 8 – Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain and Return to Cusco
Today we tackle the steep climb of Machu Picchu Mountain, an iconic peak that rises above Machu Picchu. This a rewarding hike of about 4 hours and offers stunning panoramic views of the sanctuary. The trail is narrow and steep, with sections requiring careful scrambling up rocky steps, but the panoramic views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.
After descending, we have time to explore more of Machu Picchu at our own pace, discovering sites like the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana stone, used by the Incas as an astronomical clock. Each corner of the citadel has its own fascinating story, brought to life by our guide. In the afternoon, we take the scenic train and bus ride back to Cusco, reflecting on the past few days of trekking, exploring ancient ruins, and standing atop one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites – an adventure we’ll never forget.
Day 9 - Rainbow coloured mountains of Palccoyo
Today, we head to Palccoyo, a less crowded but equally stunning alternative to Rainbow Mountain. The drive takes approximately 3–3.5 hours each way. Once there, we embark on a hike of about 1 hour each way, reaching 4,900 metres (16,076 ft). The vibrant colours of the mountains, created by mineral deposits, are simply mesmerizing. As we walk, the landscape transforms around us, revealing striking stripes of red, orange, yellow, and green, and we’re rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
After the hike, we enjoy a well-deserved meal in the small town of Checacupe, sharing stories and highlights from our journey. We then return to Cusco, reflecting on the stunning landscapes along the way. Back in the city, there’s time to explore, shop, or simply relax before gathering for a final dinner, celebrating the incredible experiences and memories we’ve shared throughout our adventure.
Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 - Farewell to Peru!
As our incredible journey comes to an end, we enjoy a leisurely morning in Cusco before our transfer to the airport. We reflect on the unforgettable experiences and the beauty of Peru as we head home, enriched by the memories of this remarkable adventure. Safe travels!
As we say goodbye to Peru, we’re filled with a sense of gratitude for the incredible experiences we’ve had. From exploring the ancient streets of Cusco to trekking the legendary Inca Trail and witnessing the majesty of Machu Picchu, this adventure has been unforgettable.
Safe travels, everyone! We’ve made memories that will last a lifetime, and we look forward to our next adventure together!
Meals Included: Breakfast
- The itinerary is subject to changes – Whilst we do our best to keep to our planned itinerary, on occasions things do have to be altered due to logistics and weather and for this reason, please do not book and additional tours outside of the itinerary in advance.
The room sizes vary at each hotel on this trip and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The USD price may differ upon booking due to the exchange rate at the time.
We reserve the right to adjust hotel accommodations if necessary. Rest assured, we strive to maintain the highest level of comfort and service.
Our travels will be conducted exclusively as a group, and wherever possible, tours will be private, provided we meet the minimum participant numbers required.
FAQ
What's Included
- Accommodation as per itinerary (based on twin occupancy)
- All Transportation outlined in the itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary
- Local guide – english speaking
- Excursions and visits outlined in the itinerary
- Airport transfers (pickup & dropoff)
What's not included
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Additional Excursions – any extra trips, visits or activities not outlined in the itinerary
- Additional meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Gratuities / tipping – custom – Approx $200pp
- Drinks
- Personal expenses – Personal spending money & money for tips. laundry, souvenirs etc.
- Travel Insurance
- Visa costs
- All those not mentioned in the inclusion section
Your host
This unforgettable Incan adventure is hosted by Felicity, an experienced Wild Hearted Host and expedition leader. With Felicity at the helm, our unforgettable trek promises to be an enriching blend of adventure and camaraderie.
Felicity Turner
Fliss is an experienced mountain leader in the UK and loves being connected with the outdoors and going on adventures.
She has lots of expedition managing experience, guiding people safely around the mountains in the UK and has experience of guiding overseas adventures in Nepal, Morocco Costa Rica and Tanzania.
She is looking to explore many more new places with a forever growing bucket list, Peru is up there!
Fliss is a fully qualified Mountain leader with remote first aid and mental health first aid.
At times, unforeseen circumstances may require a change in your assigned host. However, rest assured that you’ll always be in the capable hands of a passionate, knowledgeable, and exceptional host from the Wild Hearted team, ensuring an unforgettable experience.