Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

At leisure. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Please refer to the last pages of your program booklet for restaurant recommendations during your stay in Peru. br> The Inca Trail route follows paved Inca roadways that still exist throughout the Andes and pass by various archaeological sites. The Group Leader will provide historical information about the sites, details about flora/fauna, culture of current peoples living in that region of the Andes as we go. There will be a nightly overview of the next day’s hike. Should you feel unwell or anxious about your abilities before or during hiking activities, it is essential to notify the Group Leader. If you find you are incapable of participating or choose not to participate in the hikes, arrangements will be made to return you to Cusco (at your cost). You will have an opportunity to make a final decision on the morning of Day Six. Once we are on the Inca Trail, there is no opportunity to depart from the program until we reach the end. (See the NOTES section of this information packet for details.) Indicated altitudes are the expected maximum for that day.

At the hotel.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We'll review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and will adhere to local guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Meals on our program feature local cuisine. Transfers to/from program activities will be by bus, unless specified otherwise. If you feel unwell or anxious about your abilities before or during hiking activities, it's essential to notify the Group Leader. If you are incapable of participating or opt not to participate in the hikes, arrangements will be made to return you to Cusco at your cost. Once we are on the Inca Trail, there is no opportunity to depart from the program until we reach the end. (See Program Notes/Special Notes section of your preparatory materials for more details.) When we reach the official control point at the start of the Inca Trail, each participant’s original, valid passport must be presented to officials. Periods in the schedule labeled “free time and “at leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow participants, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we'll alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll complete the morning with a presentation on Peruvian Biodiversity provided by a local expert. This will introduce us to some of the ecosystems found along the Inka Trail.

At a local restaurant with a presentation on local Peruvian dishes, ingredients, and meal preparation.

We will embark on an expert led field trip in Lima’s historic downtown, beginning with a visit to the historic Plaza de Armas, the official center of the city and the original site upon which Lima was founded. We will explore La Catedral, an architectural masterpiece built in 1534, and the Church of San Francisco with its library and collection of fine paintings and frescoes. We’ll also see exteriors of the Presidential Palace, where soldiers guarding the palace offer an excellent photo opportunity; the Archbishop’s Palace; City Hall; the Desamparados train station; and Moorish-style houses and balconies along Lima’s old streets. We’ll then join in a favorite pastime of Limeños, an afternoon walk along the city’s Malecon (waterfront) in Miraflores with its magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and landscaped parks.

On your own to enjoy what you like of the many options for Peruvian cuisine and local fare. Your Group Leader will be available to offer suggestions. Please refer to the last few pages of your program materials for a list of restaurant recommendations.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and our flight to Cusco in the morning.

At the hotel.

We’ll check out and depart to the airport for our morning flight to Cusco. High elevations can have an adverse effect on hikers, even those in good shape, so program activities in the Sacred Valley are designed to help participants acclimate to higher elevations prior to starting the Inca Trail hikes. The Group Leader will monitor everyone’s ability to adjust to the altitude during this time. Upon arrival, we’ll board a bus and meet our local guide. Then, we will begin the transfer to the Sacred Valley for lunch.

At a local restaurant.

We will vsit the Ollantaytambo ruins and have a site lecture. We’ll learn about the engineering genius of the Inca demonstrated by the extensive terracing and irrigation present at the site. Running water still flows through the town in aqueducts. The Inca emperor Pachacuti built Ollantaytambo in the 15th century as part of his royal estate. In the mid-15th century after Pachacuti’s death, the Spanish conquest of Peru began. The Inca emperor at that time was Manco Inca who used Ollantaytambo as a stronghold against the Spanish. His army won a small victory nearby against Spanish forces. Though, shortly afterwards Manco Inca decided the site was not secure enough and fled with the remaining members of his empire to Vilcabamba where the Inca famously made their last stand against the Spanish. We will hike up several terraces at the archaeological site. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival we’ll check in and freshen up before rejoining our Group Leader for a brief introduction to Peru that will cover Inca culture and history, the Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley of the Inca.

At the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We’ll set out on a hiking field trip to Moray, where a local expert will give a presentation. The large series of circular terraces were built by the Inca as an outdoor agricultural research station. Walking around the terraces as they decrease in size to a central point will provide a good opportunity to acclimate in preparation for the Inca Trail. We’ll continue our exploration with a hike to the Salineras de Maras (Salt Pans of Salinas) for a demonstration of the salt extraction process.

At a local restaurant.

Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free. We’ll regroup before dinner for a presentation on the crops of the Inca, a source of health and energy.

At a local restaurant.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will board the bus and ride to Pisac for a hiking field trip in the vicinity of the Pisac ruins to help us acclimatize. This trail is similar to the Inca Trail routes. The beautiful site high above the Urubamba River features one of Peru’s only remaining “intihuatanas” — enigmatic carved rocks that were used for astronomical observation. The ruins are notable for their Inca waterworks and large, curving agricultural terraces offering excellent views of the Sacred Valley. We’ll then descend to the town.

At Pisac, we’ll have boxed lunches.

We’ll continue walking in Pisac and its busy, colorful market. This rustic Andean village that grew up at the foot of the original Incan settlement has become well known to visitors. The artisan market hosts hundreds of vendors offering ceramics, clothing and knitted goods including those made of alpaca, jewelry, scarves, and trinkets of many kinds. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon we'll have some down time. We’ll gather with our Group Leader before dinner for a final briefing session on the Inca Trail in preparation for our hikes.

At the hotel.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel.

This is the day to decide if you will hike the Inca Trail or return to Cusco. Once we begin hiking on Day 7, there is no turning back We’ll check out and depart for Ollantaytambo, where we’ll stop briefly for last minute purchases. We’ll then transfer to Piscacucho, where we will meet our porters and have a final bathroom stop. Formal registration procedures are required at the official control point at the start of the Inca Trail. Original, valid passports must be ready to be presented to the officials. Once done with registration, we will cross a footbridge over the Urubamba River and start our hike! After the first leg of the hike, we’ll stop for a brief rest break and a snack. Moving on, we’ll arrive at the Patallaqta viewpoint and see classic Inca ruins at the intersection of three valleys — a wonderful photo opportunity.

En route, we’ll stop for a sit down lunch. Trail lunches will include a main dish and drink.

We’ll continue hiking for about 5 hours to the first campsite. It’s time to rest and enjoy an extended tea break to revive body, mind, and spirit.

In the dining tent.

At leisure.

Early morning wake-up call with a hot beverage followed by breakfast at the camp.

The first portion of our hike this morning will take approximately 1.5 hours through tropical subalpine forest with opportunities to see bromeliads and orchids. We’ll have a stop at Ayapata to see the landscape and a rest break with an opportunity to use the local toilet facilities. We’ll then continue hiking on ascending stairs for approximately 2.5 hours.

Trail lunch en route.

Next, we’ll set out on a 2-hour hike to Abra Warmiwañuska, the first pass, at an elevation of approximately 13,776 feet. From there, we’ll descend to our second campsite at Pacaymayo (11,580 feet) for tea time and relaxation.

In the dining tent.

At leisure.

At the camp, early morning wake-up call with a hot beverage, followed by breakfast.

We’ll start the day with a hike of approximately 1 hour to the Runkuracay archaeological site with superb views overlooking the Pacaymayo Valley. Runkuracay, the Egg Hut, is about halfway up the climb to the second pass. It was probably built as a lookout point for watching the highway, and perhaps also as a “tambo” — a traveler's lodging and temporary storehouse. We’ll then move on, hiking to Runkurakay Pass, the second on the trail. After reaching the pass, we’ll continue downhill for approximately 1 hour before arriving at the narrow staircase that will take us into Sayacmarca, “Inaccessible Town.” The ruins of Sayacmarca are the remnants of a fortress or travelers' lodge used by the Inca. It was built on a narrow mountain ridge with only one entrance — probably planned as a means of defense. The thatched roofs are long gone, but an observatory, small plaza, ritual baths, housing complex, and other constructions remain. The lack of agricultural terraces and farmland point to a dependence on outside suppliers, a big weakness in times of war. In its heyday, Sayacmarca is thought to have housed as many as 200 people. Leaving the ruins, we’ll continue our hike and stop for lunch.

At Chaquicocha, trail lunch.

We’ll continue hiking for another 1.5-2 hours to the next campsite at Phuyupatamarka, elevation 10,695 feet. There, we’ll relax with a tea break and some “down” time before dinner.

In the dining tent.

At leisure.

Early morning wake-up call with a hot beverage followed by breakfast at the camp.

We’ll begin hiking the trail towards the Phuyupatamarka archaeological ruins, located less than 1/2 mile (approximately 15 minutes) from the camp. As we hike through the ruins, our Group Leader will give us an explanation of the site. The ruins of Phuyupatamarka — “Cloud Level Town” — include many terraces and a series of ceremonial baths. A large platform on the highest part of the site once served as an open-air temple, the Temple of the Sun. We’ll continue hiking for another 3.5 hours and arrive at Wiñay Wayna in time for lunch.

At Wiñay Wayna archaeological site

We estimate that this final stretch of the Inca Trail will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. Once at Intipunku — “Sun Gate” — we will begin the descent into Machu Picchu, just as the late afternoon shadows begin to accentuate the mysterious citadel. After a quick walk through the ruins, we’ll board the bus to Aguas Calientes and check-in at our hotel. Have a hot shower and get a good night's rest in preparation for tomorrow morning's activities in Machu Picchu.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Prepare for our early morning (7:00 a.m.) field trip to Machu Picchu. As the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription states, “Embedded within a dramatic landscape at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere and the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization…Built in the fifteenth century Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century. It was not until 1911 that the archaeological complex was made known to the outside world.”

Early at the hotel.

We’ll check out of the hotel (with luggage held in storage until after the field trip). We’ll then board a bus to the Machu Picchu ruins for a field trip and on-site presentation by our Group Leader on the ruins, their history, and latest discoveries concerning this UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “Embedded within a dramatic landscape at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere and the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization… Built in the fifteenth century Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century. It was not until 1911 that the archaeological complex was made known to the outside world.” Note: Those who are highly motivated — with great energy, strength, and stamina — may wish to take an elective hike on another portion of the Inca Trail to the summit of Huayna Picchu for an amazing overview of Machu Picchu. The summit trail to Huayna Picchu is narrow, rocky, very steep, and strenuous; no handrails. (This is an extra-cost activity. See Program Notes/Special Notes section of your preparatory materials for more details.) At the conclusion of our field trip, we will board the bus, return to Aguas Calientes town, and walk to the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

Next, we’ll transfer to the Aguas Calientes train station and board the train back to Ollantaytambo Station. There, we’ll board the bus to Cusco and check into our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Our next field trip is to the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman where our Group Leader will discuss this amazing fortress that forms the head of the Puma design of old Cusco. It is a wonder of technical achievement and a testament to human will. It is a mystery how it was constructed, as the stones are not native to the region and the majority of them weigh over one ton. The largest rock is more than 300 tons. Sacsayhuaman is constructed of huge polygonal blocks which interlock with one another so precisely a knife blade cannot be inserted between them. Returning to Cusco, we’ll embark on a walking field trip orientating ourselves to the city with visits to the Koricancha sun temple, the Plaza de Armas, and most important streets.

On your own to explore local fare.

Free Time. Take this opportunity to explore Cusco on your own. We’ll regroup before dinner for a presentation-performance by local experts with traditional Inca instruments and music.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have our farewell dinner with local entertainment. Share your favorite experiences of this amazing journey with new Road Scholar friends.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

At the hotel.

We will set out on foot from the hotel, walking through Cusco with our Group Leader to arrive at the San Pedro Market. This small, local market is where many Cusqueños shop for fruit, produce, snacks and other kitchen staples, gifts and trinkets, and enjoy a meal. Our Group Leader will take us around the locale and provide insight into some of the goods offered. We will have the chance to interact with locals and purchase snacks and souvenirs. Following this visit, we will have time for independent exploration. The center of Cusco is a history lesson where modern and colonial buildings were built on top of Inca foundations and colonial churches dominate the central square. Our Group Leader will establish a meeting time for us all to reconvene back at the hotel in preparation for the late afternoon transfer to the Cusco airport.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

We’ll say goodbye to our Group Leader and transfer to the Cusco airport for the flight to Lima's Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM). Upon arrival in Lima, we’ll check in for our international flights this evening.

On your own.

Upon arrival to Lima you will connect with your evening flights out of Jorge Chávez International Airport to the U.S. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!