Peru

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Program No. 19937RJ
The Incas created the largest pre-Columbian empire in the Americas. Hike and learn about their grand achievements as you explore sacred ruins, the Inca Trail and iconic Machu Picchu.

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At a Glance

Let your feet carry you into natural beauty, mystery and even spiritual awareness on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Inca constructed an advanced road and trail system over which agile runners would deliver messages (in the form of knotted cords known as quipu) and even carry fresh fish into the highlands for the ruling class. Led by experts, hike the most famous stretch of this road system, passing through lush cloud forests and alpine tundra and examining Incan ruins before successfully arriving at the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Challenging
Hiking up to six hours a day over varied terrain. Elevation sickness can affect even healthy, physically fit people. Two and a half days in the Sacred Valley are intended to help participants acclimate before starting the Inca Trail. Participants can return to Cusco after the first day if they feel unwell/unable to complete the Inca Trail (additional cost applies). Elevations up to 13,779 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Hike the famed Inca Trail from Piscacucho to Machu Picchu.
  • Experience the “Lost City of the Incas."
  • Learn about the remarkable Incan agriculture system in the Sacred Valley from a local expert.

General Notes

Inca Trail permits are issued in limited quantities and on a first-come, first-served basis. The permits are person-specific and must match the bearer’s passport records. Participants must email or fax a copy of their passport identification page to the Program Coordinator upon enrollment.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Gustavo "Tito" Leon
A native of Cusco, Gustavo "Tito" Leon found himself fascinated with the music of the Andean highlands. This affinity led him to devote his life to the research and preservation of Peru's Andean music. His research has focused on the origins of Andean music, its different forms, influences and instruments. Gustavo is a talented musician and an expert on native Andean woodwind, percussion, and string instruments. His interactive style will get your toes tapping as he performs the various song styles and instruments of the Andes.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Gustavo "Tito" Leon
Gustavo "Tito" Leon View biography
A native of Cusco, Gustavo "Tito" Leon found himself fascinated with the music of the Andean highlands. This affinity led him to devote his life to the research and preservation of Peru's Andean music. His research has focused on the origins of Andean music, its different forms, influences and instruments. Gustavo is a talented musician and an expert on native Andean woodwind, percussion, and string instruments. His interactive style will get your toes tapping as he performs the various song styles and instruments of the Andes.
Profile Image of Maywa Blanco
Maywa Blanco View biography
A lifelong resident of Cusco, Maywa Blanco is a university professor who teaches courses in genetics, the biodiversity of Andean crops and agricultural research. She attended the National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Peru and studied English at the Peruvian-North American Cultural Institute. She received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at Michigan State University, earned a master’s degree, and then returned to Cusco to work helping impoverished communities. In her free time, Maywa enjoys cooking, soccer and spending time with her family.
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