Peru Active: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 9 Days – Peru

Experience Peru on foot and by bike during a nine-day active journey built around the classic four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Begin with two nights in the Sacred Valley, giving your body time to adjust to the elevation before a supported mountain-bike ride from Maras to Moray. Then join your trekking group at Kilometer 82 and follow approximately 45 kilometers of original Inca paths through high mountain passes, archaeological sites and cloud forest.

The trail is fully supported by experienced guides, porters and cooks who transport shared equipment, prepare camp and provide meals along the route. Cross Dead Woman’s Pass, descend through changing Andean landscapes and approach Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate. Finish with a guided visit to the citadel followed by a well-earned recovery day in Cusco.

Trip Highlights

Spend two nights in the Sacred Valley to acclimatize before the trek
Mountain bike from Maras to the circular terraces of Moray
Hike approximately 45 kilometers along the classic four-day Inca Trail
Cross Dead Woman’s Pass at approximately 13,830 feet / 4,215 meters
Explore Inca sites including Llactapata, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca
Hike through high Andean terrain and cloud forest
Enter Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate
Trek with professional guides, porters and cooks
Enjoy three nights of fully supported camping with prepared meals
Explore Machu Picchu on a guided visit
Return aboard the Expedition train, with a Vistadome upgrade available
Recover in Cusco with a market visit, free time and farewell dinner

Trip Details

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Price: US$2,360 per person
Trip style: Private pre-trek services with a group-guided Inca Trail
Minimum travelers: 2 people
Trekking distance: Approximately 45 kilometers / 28 miles
Activity level: Challenging
Highest elevation: Dead Woman’s Pass at approximately 13,830 feet / 4,215 meters
Accommodation: Five hotel nights and three nights of fully supported camping
Arrival/Departure airport: Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima (LIM)

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lima

Welcome to Peru. Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, meet your private driver for the transfer to Casa Andina Premium Miraflores.

Settle into your hotel and enjoy an included dinner without needing to make additional plans after your international journey. The remainder of the evening is free to relax and prepare for your flight into the Andes the following morning.

Overnight: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Fly to Cusco and Enter the Sacred Valley

Transfer to Lima Airport for your morning flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, meet your private guide and travel directly into the lower-elevation Sacred Valley. Beginning here instead of Cusco provides a more gradual introduction to the Andes before the active days ahead.

Stop for an included Andean lunch and take a gentle walk through a local community or along the valley floor. Snow-covered mountains rise beyond fields of corn and quinoa, but today’s pace remains intentionally relaxed.

Arrive at Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado with the remainder of the afternoon free to rest, hydrate and begin adjusting to the elevation.

Domestic flight: Lima to Cusco, not included
Overnight: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Activity: Gentle acclimatization walk

Day 3: Mountain Bike from Maras to Moray

Begin your active Sacred Valley experience with a supported mountain-bike ride from Maras to Moray. Pedal along quiet rural tracks through open highland scenery, cultivated fields and traditional farming communities.

Your route finishes near Moray, where immense circular terraces descend into natural depressions in the earth. These terraces demonstrate the Incas’ detailed understanding of agriculture and the different growing conditions found throughout their empire.

The route will be selected according to participant experience and current trail conditions. After the ride, transfer back to Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado.

Later, meet the trekking team for an Inca Trail briefing and equipment check. Prepare your personal porter bag and review the route before enjoying a free evening at the hotel.

Overnight: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Activity: Half-day supported mountain biking

Day 4: Begin the Classic Inca Trail

Transfer to Kilometer 82, the starting point of the classic four-day Inca Trail. Meet the guides, porters and cooks who will support your group throughout the trek before crossing the Urubamba River and beginning the journey on foot.

The trail passes through farmland and dry Andean forest, with views toward the archaeological site of Llactapata. A gradual ascent introduces you to the rhythm of the trek without reaching its highest elevations.

Arrive at the first campsite to find your tent prepared and a hot meal waiting. As daylight fades, settle into camp surrounded by the mountains and valleys of the Andes.

The Inca Trail is operated as a shared group-guided trek.

Overnight: Fully supported camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trekking: Approximately 11–14 km / 7–9 miles
Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Highest elevation: Approximately 3,300 m / 10,827 ft

Day 5: Cross Dead Woman’s Pass

Today brings the most sustained climb of the Inca Trail. Ascend through cloud forest and increasingly open mountain terrain toward Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the route.

The thin air makes the final approach challenging even for experienced hikers. Your guide will establish a steady group pace, allowing time for breaks before reaching the pass at approximately 4,215 meters.

After taking in the surrounding mountain views, begin a steep descent along stone steps into the Pacaymayo Valley. The downhill terrain places its own demands on knees and legs, making trekking poles particularly useful.

Arrive at the second campsite for a well-earned meal and evening of rest.

Overnight: Fully supported camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trekking: Approximately 10–12 km / 6–7.5 miles
Walking time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Highest elevation: Approximately 4,215 m / 13,829 ft

Day 6: High Pass memories, Inca Sites and Cloud Forest

Continue through one of the trail’s most varied days, beginning with a climb toward Runkurakay Pass. The route leads through archaeological sites, high grasslands and increasingly dense cloud forest.

Visit Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca before descending along original Inca staircases. Moss, orchids and hummingbirds begin to replace the dry mountain scenery experienced earlier in the trek.

This is often the longest day on the trail, with sustained walking and extended descents. Finish near Wiñay Wayna, an impressive terraced Inca site surrounded by cloud forest. Your final campsite positions the group for the following morning’s approach to Machu Picchu.

Overnight: Fully supported camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trekking: Approximately 14–16 km / 9–10 miles
Walking time: Approximately 8–10 hours
Highest elevation: Approximately 3,950 m / 12,959 ft

Day 7: Enter Machu Picchu Through the Sun Gate

Wake before dawn and hike the final section of the Inca Trail toward Intipunku, the Sun Gate. On a clear morning, your first view of Machu Picchu appears below, framed by forested mountains and the curve of the Urubamba River.

Continue into the citadel for a guided group visit. Explore its terraces, temples, residences and ceremonial spaces while learning how the site was constructed and how its buildings relate to the surrounding landscape. Your visit follows the official Machu Picchu circuit secured for your departure.

After the tour, descend by shuttle bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo and board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo. A private vehicle will meet you for the return to Cusco, where your main luggage and a hot shower will be waiting.

A Vistadome train upgrade is available for an additional US$60 per person, subject to availability.

Overnight: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Trekking: Approximately 5 km / 3 miles before the guided visit
Walking time: Approximately 2–3 hours before the guided visit

Day 8: Recover and Explore Cusco

Enjoy a slower morning after four consecutive days on the Inca Trail. Visit San Pedro Market and walk through Cusco’s historic center, where precisely fitted Inca foundations support later colonial buildings.

The afternoon is intentionally free for recovery and independent exploration. Arrange a massage, visit a museum, browse local shops or settle into one of the cafés near the Plaza de Armas.

In the evening, reconnect for a farewell dinner and celebrate completing the Inca Trail.

Overnight: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
Activity: Easy city walking

Day 9: Fly to Lima and Depart

After breakfast, meet your private driver for the transfer to Cusco Airport. Fly to Lima and connect with your onward international departure.

The Cusco-to-Lima flight is not included. Allow a generous connection window between separately ticketed domestic and international flights. Travelers with an early international departure may prefer to add an additional night in Lima.

Domestic flight: Cusco to Lima, not included
Meals: Breakfast

Additional Trip Information

Difficulty and Training

The Classic Inca Trail is a challenging high-altitude trek covering approximately 45 kilometers over four days. Expect six to ten hours of hiking per day, sustained climbs, long descents and extensive sections of uneven stone stairs.

Previous trekking experience is helpful but not required. Travelers should prepare with regular cardiovascular exercise, hill climbing, stairs and back-to-back hiking days.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The itinerary includes two nights in the Sacred Valley before the trek to support gradual acclimatization. The trail reaches approximately 4,215 meters / 13,829 feet at Dead Woman’s Pass.

Altitude can affect any traveler regardless of age or fitness. Maintaining a steady pace, staying hydrated and allowing time to adjust are essential parts of the experience.

Group-Guided Inca Trail

The four-day Inca Trail operates as a shared group service. You will hike with other travelers under the direction of professional trekking guides and a dedicated support team.

Airport transfers, Sacred Valley services and post-trek transportation are arranged separately for your booking.

Camping and Trek Support

The trek is fully supported by porters and cooks who transport shared equipment, prepare camp and provide freshly prepared meals along the route.

Camping equipment includes tents, sleeping bags, insulated mattresses or cots, a dining tent and a portable toilet. Hot water is provided for washing in the morning and evening.

Porter Allowance and Daypack

A personal porter allowance of up to 7 kilograms is included. This allowance is used for clothing, your sleeping bag and other overnight items.

You will carry your own daypack containing water, rain layers, sun protection, valuables, camera and anything needed while hiking.

Inca Trail Permits

Inca Trail permits are limited, passport-specific and required for every traveler. Availability cannot be held without completed traveler information and payment.

The passport used to reserve your permit must match the passport presented at trail checkpoints. Book as early as possible, particularly for travel during the drier months.

Weather and Trail Conditions

Mountain weather can change quickly. Strong sun, rain, wind and cold nights are possible during any season. Pack lightweight layers, waterproof outerwear, sun protection and sturdy hiking footwear with good traction.

Daily distances, campsites and timing may change because of weather, permit requirements or current trail conditions.

Machu Picchu and Train Service

You will approach Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate before completing a guided visit following the official circuit secured for your departure.

The Expedition train from Machu Picchu Pueblo is included. An upgrade to the Vistadome train is available for an additional US$60 per person, subject to availability.

Domestic Flights

Two domestic flights are required but not included: Lima to Cusco on Day 2 and Cusco to Lima on Day 9. FlashpackerConnect will provide recommended flight schedules so they coordinate with your included transfers and activities.

Additional Trip Info

Five hotel nights and three nights of fully supported camping
Daily breakfast and additional meals specified in the itinerary
Private airport and ground transfers
Guided Maras-to-Moray mountain-bike experience with biking equipment
Four-day group-guided Classic Inca Trail trek
Professional trekking guides, porters and cooks
Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, dining tent and portable toilet
Personal porter allowance of up to 7 kilograms
Inca Trail and Machu Picchu permits and entrance fees
Machu Picchu shuttle bus and Expedition train tickets
Emergency oxygen and first-aid equipment
FlashpackerConnect predeparture planning and in-country support

International
Domestic flights (Lima to Cusco Round trip)
Travel Insurance - We recommend Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue
Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
Vistadome train upgrade, available for US$60 per person
Personal expenses
Gratuities for guides, porters, cooks and drivers

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Peru

Peru Active: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 9 Days

A 9-day active journey featuring Sacred Valley biking and the fully supported Inca Trail

Peru Active: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 9 Days

A 9-day active journey featuring Sacred Valley biking and the fully supported Inca Trail

Trip Highlights

Trip Details

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lima

Day 2: Fly to Cusco and Enter the Sacred Valley

Day 3: Mountain Bike from Maras to Moray

Day 4: Begin the Classic Inca Trail

Day 5: Cross Dead Woman’s Pass

Day 6: High Pass memories, Inca Sites and Cloud Forest

Day 7: Enter Machu Picchu Through the Sun Gate

Day 8: Recover and Explore Cusco

Day 9: Fly to Lima and Depart

Additional Trip Information

Difficulty and Training

Altitude and Acclimatization

Group-Guided Inca Trail

Camping and Trek Support

Porter Allowance and Daypack

Inca Trail Permits

Weather and Trail Conditions

Machu Picchu and Train Service

Domestic Flights

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

Interested in building a custom trip? We want to help you travel to places you have dreamt about.

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Peru

Peru Active: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 9 Days

A 9-day active journey featuring Sacred Valley biking and the fully supported Inca Trail

Peru Active: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 9 Days

A 9-day active journey featuring Sacred Valley biking and the fully supported Inca Trail

Trip Highlights

Trip Details

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lima

Day 2: Fly to Cusco and Enter the Sacred Valley

Day 3: Mountain Bike from Maras to Moray

Day 4: Begin the Classic Inca Trail

Day 5: Cross Dead Woman’s Pass

Day 6: High Pass memories, Inca Sites and Cloud Forest

Day 7: Enter Machu Picchu Through the Sun Gate

Day 8: Recover and Explore Cusco

Day 9: Fly to Lima and Depart

Additional Trip Information

Difficulty and Training

Altitude and Acclimatization

Group-Guided Inca Trail

Camping and Trek Support

Porter Allowance and Daypack

Inca Trail Permits

Weather and Trail Conditions

Machu Picchu and Train Service

Domestic Flights

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

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