Welcome to Peru - Let the adventure begin!

Upon arrival at Cusco airport, one of our friendly team members will be there to transfer you to your hotel. Here, you'll meet your fellow adventurers throughout the day, all just as excited to hit the trails as you are!

Depending on your flight time, today is a great opportunity to start exploring this vibrant city. Take a stroll through San Pedro Market, where local life buzzes with colour, activity, and photo-worthy moments. Or head to San Blas, Cusco’s historic and artistic district, with its steep cobbled streets, whitewashed colonial houses, and walls of ancient Incan stone. You can visit the iconic 12-Angled Stone, Plaza de Armas, and the revered Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) - once the most important temple in the Incan Empire.

There’s plenty to discover at your own pace, but don’t worry if time is tight; tomorrow’s guided city tour will ensure you don’t miss the highlights!

This evening, you’ll meet your guide and group for a welcome briefing and dinner - a great chance to get to know each other and run through the exciting days ahead.

Then, kick back and relax - you’re in Cusco now, and the adventure is just getting started.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco (Tikka Wasi or similar)

Time to Discover magical Cusco!

Today you’ll dive into the rich history of this enchanting city, shaped by both Incan roots and colonial influence. Your half-day tour begins in Cusco’s main square, once known as Huacaypata (Warriors’ Square) during Incan times.

As your guide brings the past to life, you’ll take in the impressive Cusco Cathedral, built between 1560 and 1664 using striking red granite stones taken from the ancient Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuamán. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s fascinating blend of cultures and stories.

The Cusco Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the city’s most awe-inspiring landmarks, not just for its striking façade, but for the treasures it holds inside. It houses one of the most important collections of colonial-era gold and silver artwork, offering a glimpse into the city's opulent past.

From there, you’ll head to the Koricancha - once the most revered temple in the Inca Empire, now partially overlaid by the Convent of Santo Domingo. This sacred site was once covered in gold to honour the Sun God, and its ancient stones still reflect the glory of the Inca Empire. As you stroll through the historic streets it truly feels like stepping back in time.

After soaking up the energy of Cusco, it’s time to explore the incredible Incan ruins just beyond the city.

You’ll visit the mighty Sacsayhuaman Fortress, famous for its colossal stone walls. These “Living Stones” were crafted so precisely, without any mortar, that not even a sheet of paper can slide between them. It’s one of the great mysteries of the Incan world.

You will also explore the reddish ruins of Puca Pucara, the ceremonial site of Qenko, and Tambomachay, also known as the Inca baths.

This is your chance to dive deeper into the rich culture and history of the Incas while exploring the true heart of Cusco. Trust us - you’ll be buzzing with stories by the end of the day, and you’ll need to tear yourself away from chatting just to make it to bed!

Today’s a real highlight as we kick off our first trek of the adventure, straight into the Andes to explore the hidden gem of Huchuy Qosqo, meaning “Little Cusco” in the Quechua language.

We'll trek from 3,750m up to 4,400m, before heading back down to Cusco in the evening. This route follows the trusted “hike high, sleep low” acclimatisation strategy we use at EverTrek, it’s a game-changer for helping your body adjust to altitude.

This breathtaking trek is only accessible on foot and takes you through a remote corner of the Sacred Valley, surrounded by jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped Cordillera Urubamba mountains. You’ll hike for 6–7 hours, crossing mountain passes, shimmering lakes, quiet local villages, and open plains. All far off the beaten path.

Once we reach the highest point at 4,400m, the descent is absolutely epic. You’ll follow a restored section of ancient Inca trail through a dramatic canyon, crossing streams via rustic bridges before arriving at a rarely visited Incan site tucked into the hillside.

We’ll take a breather under the shade of Queñua trees (Andean oak), grab some lunch, then continue down a zigzagging path for about 2 more hours to Lamay (2,900m), where our ride back to Cusco awaits.

All in all this is an unforgettable day in the Andes and the perfect way to acclimatise for the journey ahead!

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco (Tikka Wasi or similar)

The Adventure Begins!

We’ll rise early and set off with breakfast on the move, heading out on a breathtaking drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As we cross the bridge and step onto the trail, the real journey begins. Welcome to the legendary Inca Trail!

Today’s trek follows the winding path along the Urubamba River, passing ancient Incan terraces carved into the landscape, with dramatic mountain peaks towering above. The pace is steady as we ascend, eventually reaching our first highlight: the stunning archaeological site of Llaqtapata.

We'll pause here to take in the views and delve into the fascinating history of this ancient settlement, once a key stop for Inca travellers.

From there, we continue onward to Wayllabamba, the final inhabited village along the trail and our first overnight campsite, a peaceful spot to rest up for the adventure ahead.

Ascent: 275 m / Highest altitude: 2931 m / Distance: 11 Km / Activity duration: 6 hrs

Accommodation: Tent

We start early as we climb the steep section and path to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman's Pass 4215m)

We’ll set off bright and early today to tackle one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the Inca Trail: the climb to Warmiwañusca, famously known as Dead Woman’s Pass.

This is the highest point on the trek, sitting at 4125m. The ascent takes us along a steep and open trail with dramatic mountain cliffs rising around us. The ancient Inca stone steps carved into the mountainside are both impressive and humbling.

Reaching the summit is a real achievement, and once you’re standing on the pass, you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic views across the snow-dusted peaks of the Huayanay Range. It’s a moment you won’t forget.

From here, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley, where our camp awaits. We plan to arrive by early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to relax, soak in the scenery, and recharge for another epic day on the trail tomorrow.

Ascent: 1263 m / Descent: 607 m / Highest altitude: 4194 m / Distance: 10 Km / Activity duration: 7 hrs

Accommodation: Tent

Inca Ruins, Cloud Forest & Epic Passes

Another early start today as we continue deeper into the Andes, climbing a steep stone stairway toward our first stop: the Inca ruins of Runkuracay. Soon after, we reach the Runkuracay Pass (3,954 m), where sweeping views unfold over rugged mountains and deep valleys. This is a perfect spot to pause, breathe it all in, and snap a few unforgettable shots.

From here, the trail descends to the striking ruins of Sayacmarca or the "Inaccessible Town" (3,597 m), dramatically perched on a rocky promontory. With its maze-like layout of terraces, ceremonial plazas, and irrigation channels, it's a fascinating glimpse into Inca ingenuity.

As we continue, the path begins to feel even more magical. You'll follow ancient granite paving stones through lush forest and high-altitude ridgelines; the craftsmanship and setting of this stone highway are truly awe-inspiring.

Next, we reach our third and final pass of the day, Phuyupatamarca (3,656 m), which translates to "Town in the Clouds". You’ll understand the name as mists curl over the ridges and the sky feels just an arm’s reach away.

From here, it’s a scenic descent down a final Inca staircase to our camp for the night: Wiñay Wayna (2,720 m), meaning “Forever Young”. This is one of the most beautiful and expansive sites along the trail, perfect for a peaceful wander before dinner and an early night.

Tomorrow, we reach Machu Picchu, so rest up!

Ascent to Runkuracay pass: 367 m / Descent to Sayacmarca: 357 m / Ascent to Phuyupayamarca: 59 m / Descent to Wiñay Wayna: 975 m / Highest altitude: 3,954 m / Distance: 11,1 Km / Activity duration: 8 hrs

Accommodation: Tent

Sunrise at the Sun Gate & Exploring Machu Picchu!

Today’s the big one and it starts early. We’ll be up by 3:30am, grabbing a quick bite before beginning our 2–3 hour trek to Intipunku, the iconic Sun Gate.

Reaching this spot at sunrise is a moment you'll never forget. This is the classic view you’ve seen in photos, Machu Picchu revealed in all its glory below, bathed in the golden morning light. It’s a truly awe-inspiring way to arrive.

After soaking in the views, we’ll descend into the citadel itself and spend a couple of hours wandering through its ancient walls, courtyards, and temples. Walking in the footsteps of the Inca, it’s hard not to wonder how such a magnificent city was built high in the mountains with no modern tools. It’s a surreal and unforgettable experience.

Following our guided tour, we’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes and then hop on a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo, where a comfortable hotel stay awaits. What a day. Machu Picchu: check. But don’t be surprised if this place lingers in your thoughts long after - it leaves a mark that only a few places can.

Ascent: 29 m / Descent: 290 m / Highest altitude: 2710 m / Distance: 5 Km / Activity duration: 3 h

Train Ride - 1 1/2 Hours Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo

After a hearty breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Ollantaytambo to begin the day’s adventure in the Sacred Valley.

You’ll explore the impressive Ollantaytambo Ruins, a fantastic place to hike and immerse yourself in Inca history while discovering unique souvenirs along the way.

Next, you'll visit the vibrant Pisac Andean market, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of local culture and traditions. Enjoy the colourful traditional clothing worn by villagers from the surrounding areas, making this market a lively and authentic experience that draws visitors from far and wide.

In the evening, you’ll return to Cusco for your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco (Tikka Wasi or similar)

The adventure is over but the memories will last a lifetime. On this day, we will transfer you back to Cusco airport for your homeward journey.

Want to extend your adventure?

Once your trek is finished, why not add on our 2 day Rainbow Mountain Extension?

Want to read more about this incredible extension? View the full itinerary here!

Or if you’re looking for something more relaxing, try the serene and awe-inspiring Lake Titicaca extension.

Want to read more about this incredible extension? View the full itinerary here!