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This 8-day tour of Peru offers a journey that connects the country’s coastal capital with its ancient Andean heartland. Your trip begins in the busy urban setting of Lima where you can experience modern Peruvian life before flying into the high-altitude world of the Incas. It is designed for travelers who want a complete picture of Peru from its Spanish colonial history to its deep indigenous roots.
The journey is structured to allow for proper acclimatization. After exploring Lima you will fly to Cusco the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Here you will spend time getting used to the altitude while exploring the city and the nearby Sacred Valley. This preparation is essential for the main part of your trip a physical and mental test that follows in the footsteps of an old civilization.
The central feature of the tour is the four-day trek along the classic Inca Trail. This famous route takes you over high mountain passes and through lush cloud forests connecting you directly with the past. The trek is a physical challenge that concludes with arriving at the Sun Gate for a first look at Machu Picchu. This itinerary combines cultural sightseeing with a significant outdoor adventure.
Your journey begins in Lima (Approx. 154m / 505ft), Peru’s capital city. The Plaza Mayor located in the heart of the historic center is a good starting point for your exploration. You can visit the Museo de la Inquisicion for a look into the Spanish Inquisition or see the catacombs at the Monasterio de San Francisco.
As evening approaches you might want to find some of Peru’s well-known food specialties in the modern Miraflores district. Afterward you can join the locals at one of the many active bars in the area to get a feel for the city’s nightlife.
Today you will fly to Cusco (Approx. 3,400m / 11,152ft), the former capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival you will begin the important process of acclimatizing to the high altitude. A guided walking tour will show you the main historic sights of the city.
During the tour you will learn about the country’s famous coca tea at the city’s Coca Museum. You will also have time to wander through the colorful stalls of the central market where you can see local produce and crafts.
You will travel by road through the changing landscapes of the Sacred Valley. This area is home to many Quechua-speaking villages and was a key agricultural region for the Incas. Your journey ends in the small town of Ollantaytambo (Approx. 2,792m / 9,160ft).
Here you have the option to join a guided tour of the ancient Inca stronghold which features fortresses built into the cliffs. You can also explore the street stalls to look for warm woolen goods made by local artisans.
You will set out on the mighty Inca Trail a path that was once a main trade route for the ancient Peruvian empire. The trek involves climbing over difficult mountain passes including the 4,198-meter-high Warmiwañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’.
Each evening you will camp out surrounded by high mountain views. On the final morning you will climb the steps to the Sun Gate and see Machu Picchu appear through the morning mist. You’ll have time to take in the scene before spending the day uncovering the history of the ruins with your guide. You will then return to Cusco for the night.
This is the final day of the tour and it concludes after breakfast in Cusco. There is still much to see in this city so it is worth considering spending a few more days here on your own. You could divide your time between checking out more of the city’s markets and resting your legs in one of the many good cafes in town.
The trek is rated as challenging. It requires four days of hiking over steep uneven terrain at high altitude. The second day which includes crossing Dead Woman’s Pass is particularly difficult. You must be in very good physical condition to complete it.
If permits are unavailable when you book the tour operator will typically offer an alternative trek like the Lares Trek or Quarry Trek. These treks also offer great Andean scenery and culture and are followed by a visit to Machu Picchu via bus and train.
The flight is a standard domestic flight that takes about 90 minutes. It’s a common and safe route. The most notable part is the view of the Andes mountains as you approach Cusco. Be prepared for the immediate change in altitude upon landing.
You must take it very easy for the first 24 hours in Cusco. Do not do any strenuous walking. Drink a lot of water and coca tea. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol. This passive approach is the best way to allow your body to begin acclimatizing.
There are basic squat toilets at the main campsites along the trail. Their cleanliness can vary. There are absolutely no shower facilities available during the four-day trek. The crew will provide bowls of warm water each morning for basic washing.
The group size is typically small with a maximum of 16 travelers plus the guide and crew. This allows for a more personalized experience and is also a requirement set by the regulations that govern the Inca Trail.
Yes the minimum age for this tour is set at 15 years old. This is due to the strenuous physical demands and the risks associated with high-altitude trekking which are not suitable for younger children. All minors must be with an adult.
Yes Cusco is full of rental shops where you can get high-quality equipment. You can easily rent sleeping bags rated for cold temperatures trekking poles and even waterproof jackets and pants. This is a convenient option if you don’t want to buy or travel with this gear.
Tipping is a customary way to thank your trekking crew. A general guideline is to budget around $50-$70 USD per trekker. The guide usually collects all the tips on the last night of the trek and distributes it among the porters and cook.
The food is surprisingly varied and plentiful. A dedicated cook prepares all meals. You can expect high-energy foods like pasta rice potatoes soups and porridge along with vegetable and meat dishes. They can usually cater to dietary restrictions if you give advance notice.
You only need to carry a small daypack each day. This should contain your water rain jacket camera sunscreen and any snacks you want. The porters will carry a larger duffel bag for you with your sleeping bag and other clothes which has a strict weight limit.
Guides are trained in first aid and carry oxygen for emergencies. If you are unable to continue a porter will escort you to the nearest trail exit from where you will be transported to a medical clinic. This is why having comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory.
No you should expect to have zero cell phone signal or Wi-Fi access for the entire four-day trek. The trail is in a remote protected area. You will be completely disconnected from the outside world until you return to civilization.
Lima is a massive modern metropolis at sea level with a humid coastal climate and a focus on colonial history and modern cuisine. Cusco is a smaller historic city high in the Andes with a dry climate a focus on Inca history and a much slower pace of life.
Citizens of many countries including the USA Canada the UK Australia and most of the EU do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. However you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.
Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.
Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.
To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.
We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.
We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!
The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:
At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.
Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!