The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

You’ll first arrive in Cusco, Peru, the starting point of your tour. But there’s no rest for the weary! You’ll immediately hop on a bus and head into the Amazon rainforest!

Before your hike, it’s time to volunteer. Today, you’ll help out with jungle preservation. You’ll learn about how climate change and deforestation are affecting the rainforest, and you’ll get a tour of some of the plant and animal life. You’ll help the rainforest recover from deforestation, whether that be by planting trees or caring for those that are already there.

You’ll wake up in the rainforest, and spend some time today making your way back to Cusco. Unless you want to rest before your hike tomorrow, head to Iglesia De Santo Domingo. Now a church, this ruin was the most important temple of the Inca people. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before your hike tomorrow!

You’ll wake up very early in the morning to join your hiking crew. You’ll have guides to help you the whole way and teach you about what you’ll see. You’ll take a bus to the starting point of the trail and get a beautiful view of the Peruvian Andes. Now it’s really time to start walking! After three hours, you’ll see the Llactapata building at the base of the mountains. Then you’ll hike the rest of the way to your campsite. When it’s dinnertime, make sure you take the time to talk to your fellow hikers. They’ll keep you from getting bored, and hopefully, you’ll meet some new friends along the way.

Today’s trek is the most challenging part of the trail, but you’ll get through it! You’ll reach Dead Woman’s Pass. You’ll visit the highest point of the Inca Trail, where you’ll experience a gorgeous view. You’ll be relieved once you’ve finished! When you stop for the night, since you’re so far away from any light pollution, make sure to look up at the stars.

Tour guides say this is the most beautiful day of the journey, so have your camera ready! Many parts of the hike today have their original stones, which will make you feel more connected to the people who built this trail. You’ll see the archaeological sites of Sayacmarca, Pacaymayo, and Phuyupatamarca and spend your last full night on the trail. You’re almost there!

After walking through the cloud forest, you’ll reach the Gate of the Sun, the most impressive view of Machu Picchu. And better than that, you’ll see it at sunrise! Once you walk through the gate, you’ll get a guided tour of Machu Picchu, including all of the main sites. You’ll see why this was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!

It’s time to head home, but you’ve accomplished so much! Give your feet a rest—they’ve earned it!