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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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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 11 - Apr 23, 2024
Starting at
4,899
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Apr 23 - May 5, 2024
Starting at
4,899
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Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

May 14 - May 26, 2024
Starting at
4,899
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Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Jun 6 - Jun 18, 2024
Starting at
4,899
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Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Jul 16 - Jul 28, 2024
Starting at
4,899
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Aug 13 - Aug 25, 2024
Starting at
4,899
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Sep 10 - Sep 22, 2024
Starting at
4,899
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Oct 1 - Oct 13, 2024
Starting at
4,899
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Oct 15 - Oct 27, 2024
Starting at
4,899
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Nov 1 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
4,899
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 11 - Apr 23, 2024
Starting at
5,549
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Apr 23 - May 5, 2024
Starting at
5,549
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

May 14 - May 26, 2024
Starting at
5,549
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Filling Fast!
Jun 6 - Jun 18, 2024
Starting at
5,549
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Jul 16 - Jul 28, 2024
Starting at
5,549
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Aug 13 - Aug 25, 2024
Starting at
5,549
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Sep 10 - Sep 22, 2024
Starting at
5,549
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Oct 1 - Oct 13, 2024
Starting at
5,549
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Filling Fast!
Oct 15 - Oct 27, 2024
Starting at
5,549
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

Filling Fast!
Nov 1 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
5,549
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and save $300 off the price shown.

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.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • 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 Experts
Profile Image
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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca
by Rebecca Stone-Miller
This authoritative and concise illustrated survey of Andean art and architecture covers not only Machu Picchu and additional Inca monuments, but also Chan Chan, Nasca and other archaeological sites and cultures.
Archaeological Map of Machu Picchu
by Wright Water Engineers
Ken Wright's foldout color site plan shows the monuments, topography and physical features of the Inca sanctuary with exquisite clarity.
Insight Guide Peru
by Insight Guides
Panoramic in scope, this illustrated overview brings Peru to life in color photographs and vivid essays on history, archaeology and culture.
Lost City of the Incas
by Hiram Bingham
This first-rate adventure story by the man who brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the world is not just a gripping tale of exploration and archaeology, it also sets the scene for any visitor to the site.
Inca Trail: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Map
by Lima 2000
This fact-filled map shows the whole of the Sacred Valley, from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, on one side, and, on the reverse, the area surrounding the sanctuary in splendid, topographic detail (1:50,000). It's the best map for those making the trek from kilometer 88 to the site and an excellent choice for those exploring by bus or train.
Stone Offerings
by Mike Torrey
Torrey captures the dramatic setting, solitude and intricate construction of the Inca site of Machu Picchu in 100 striking color photographs taken over a few days at summer and winter solstice.
Peru, Travellers' Wildlife Guides
by David L. Pearson, Les Beletsky
Featuring 500 illustrations of the birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and insects of the Amazon, Andes and Pacific Coast.
The Heights of Macchu Picchu
by Pablo Neruda
An indispensable contribution to 20th-century poetry, Neruda’s ode to Machu Picchu celebrates the Incan civilization while abhorring that the ancient estate was built by slave labor.
Machu Picchu, Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas
by Richard L. Burger (Editor), Lucy C. Salazar (Editor)
Burger and Salazar vividly evoke the art, architecture, culture and society of Machu Picchu in this illustrated, up-to-date survey. With Hiram Bingham's original report, archival and modern photographs and excellent chapters on recent archaeology at the site.
The Bridge of San Luis Rey
by Thornton Wilder
The classic tale of Franciscan missionaries in 18th-century Lima, Peru by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist. First published in 1927.
A Sacred Landscape, The Search for Ancient Peru
by Hugh Thomson
Hugh Thomson travels all over Peru with his archaeologist pals, visiting Moche, Chavin, Nasca and other ancient sites in this thrilling account of adventure. His tale is bracketed by an account of his discoveries with Gary Ziegler at Llactapata, a newly excavated observatory barely two miles from Machu Picchu and essentially lost since Bingham happened upon the place in 1912. He concludes with wise words by John Hemming, "Anyone can find a ruin in the jungle; but it can take a lifetime to understand what you have found."
The Incas
by Carmen Bernard
Featuring archival drawings and photographs, a chronology and chapters on Atahualpa, the Conquistadors and Hiram Bingham, this handy book (previously published as People of the Sun) illuminates the daily life, monuments and history of the Incas.
Peru Mammals
by Rainforest Publications
A handy, double-sided laminated card depicting over 60 commonly encountered mammals of Peru. Beautiful and accurate full-color illustrations.
Lima, A Cultural History
by James Higgins
An erudite guide to the cultural gems and literary history of Peru's capital city. James Higgins, who specializes in Peruvian literature, covers the scope of the city's history from its pre-Columbian museums, to its conquistador heritage, to its dynamic present.
Peru Map
by Borch Maps
A detailed laminated relief map of Peru at a scale of 1:1,750,000. This is a very clear, colorful map, which also features detailed insets of Lima and Cuzco and even a site plan of Machu Picchu.
Conquest of the Incas
by John Hemming
This classic prize-winning history of the Inca struggle against the Spanish invasion weaves wide-ranging, scholarly material into a gripping narrative.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu
by Mark Adams
Over his head on an arduous guided trek to Choquequirao and other remote sites, Mark Adams mixes entertaining tales of his adventures (he makes himself out to be quite the accidental explorer) with analysis of the rather grand Hiram Bingham in this light-hearted "following-in-the-footsteps-of" account.
Machu Picchu Revealed
by Ruth M. Wright
Wright's handsome little tribute to Machu Picchu includes not only gorgeous color photographs but also a map, color rendering and suggestions for exploring the site.
The Inca Trail, Cuzco & Machu Picchu
by Alexander Stewart
An excellent overview of local culture and history, including chapters on exploring Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Lima. Fifth edition.
Peru, Birds of the Forest
by Rainforest Publications
A handy, double-sided laminated card depicting 100 commonly encountered parrots, motmots, hummingbirds and other forest birds of Peru. We also carry Peru Mammals Guide plastic card. (Item PRU73)
Meals
27 Meals
11 Breakfasts
9 Lunches
7 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Nov 01, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024
  • Nov 01, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024
  • Apr 11, 2024 - Apr 23, 2024 (Lima to Cusco)
  • Apr 23, 2024 - May 05, 2024 (Lima to Cusco)
  • May 14, 2024 - May 26, 2024 (Lima to Cusco)
  • Jun 06, 2024 - Jun 18, 2024 (Lima to Cusco)
  • Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 28, 2024 (Lima to Cusco)
  • Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024 (Lima to Cusco)
  • Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024 (Lima to Cusco)
  • Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024 (Lima to Cusco)
  • Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024 (Lima to Cusco)
  • Nov 01, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024 (Lima to Cusco)
2 nights
Lima
This smoke-free property is located in Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district, near restaurants, shops, and local entertainment. It is located about 13 miles, approximately 45 minutes by taxi, from the international airport (LIM).
3 nights
Urubamba
The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set among gardens in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
3 nights
Inca Trail
The tented camp is composed of high quality expedition-style tents. The camp is raised and disassembled each day at pre-assigned sites along the Inca Trail. When participants enroll as a double they get a triple-size tent, 88 x 76 inches, and the singles will get a double-size tent. This allows for room in the tent for the duffel bags and backpacks and room to enter and exit the tent. Singles will always get their own tent.
1 night
Aguas Calientes
El Mapi (formerly Machu Picchu Inn) provides a wonderful location from which you can admire the quaint and folksy town known as Aguas Calientes.
2 nights
Cusco
This modern hotel offers modern amenities and views of the city or the mountains and features 127 rooms. Reopened after renovation in 2010, the hotel features contemporary decor and fine dining and is close to the handicraft market and the Plaza de Armas.
2 nights
Lima
This smoke-free property is located in Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district, near restaurants, shops, and local entertainment. It is located about 13 miles, approximately 45 minutes by taxi, from the international airport (LIM).
3 nights
Urubamba
The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set among gardens in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
3 nights
Inca Trail
The tented camp is composed of high quality expedition-style tents. The camp is raised and disassembled each day at pre-assigned sites along the Inca Trail. When participants enroll as a double they get a triple-size tent, 88 x 76 inches, and the singles will get a double-size tent. This allows for room in the tent for the duffel bags and backpacks and room to enter and exit the tent. Singles will always get their own tent.
1 night
Aguas Calientes
El Mapi (formerly Machu Picchu Inn) provides a wonderful location from which you can admire the quaint and folksy town known as Aguas Calientes.
2 nights
Cusco
This modern hotel offers modern amenities and views of the city or the mountains and features 127 rooms. Reopened after renovation in 2010, the hotel features contemporary decor and fine dining and is close to the handicraft market and the Plaza de Armas.
2 nights
Lima
This smoke-free property is located in Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district, near restaurants, shops, and local entertainment. It is located about 13 miles, approximately 45 minutes by taxi, from the international airport (LIM).
3 nights
Urubamba
The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set among gardens in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
3 nights
Inca Trail
The tented camp is composed of high quality expedition-style tents. The camp is raised and disassembled each day at pre-assigned sites along the Inca Trail. When participants enroll as a double they get a triple-size tent, 88 x 76 inches, and the singles will get a double-size tent. This allows for room in the tent for the duffel bags and backpacks and room to enter and exit the tent. Singles will always get their own tent.
1 night
Aguas Calientes
El Mapi (formerly Machu Picchu Inn) provides a wonderful location from which you can admire the quaint and folksy town known as Aguas Calientes.
2 nights
Cusco
This modern hotel offers modern amenities and views of the city or the mountains and features 127 rooms. Reopened after renovation in 2010, the hotel features contemporary decor and fine dining and is close to the handicraft market and the Plaza de Armas.
2 nights
Lima
This smoke-free property is located in Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district, near restaurants, shops, and local entertainment. It is located about 13 miles, approximately 45 minutes by taxi, from the international airport (LIM).
3 nights
Urubamba
The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set among gardens in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
3 nights
Inca Trail
The tented camp is composed of high quality expedition-style tents. The camp is raised and disassembled each day at pre-assigned sites along the Inca Trail. When participants enroll as a double they get a triple-size tent, 88 x 76 inches, and the singles will get a double-size tent. This allows for room in the tent for the duffel bags and backpacks and room to enter and exit the tent. Singles will always get their own tent.
1 night
Aguas Calientes
El Mapi (formerly Machu Picchu Inn) provides a wonderful location from which you can admire the quaint and folksy town known as Aguas Calientes.
2 nights
Cusco
This modern hotel offers modern amenities and views of the city or the mountains and features 127 rooms. Reopened after renovation in 2010, the hotel features contemporary decor and fine dining and is close to the handicraft market and the Plaza de Armas.
2 nights
Lima
This smoke-free property is located in Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district, near restaurants, shops, and local entertainment. It is located about 13 miles, approximately 45 minutes by taxi, from the international airport (LIM).
3 nights
Urubamba
The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set among gardens in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
3 nights
Inca Trail
The tented camp is composed of high quality expedition-style tents. The camp is raised and disassembled each day at pre-assigned sites along the Inca Trail. When participants enroll as a double they get a triple-size tent, 88 x 76 inches, and the singles will get a double-size tent. This allows for room in the tent for the duffel bags and backpacks and room to enter and exit the tent. Singles will always get their own tent.
1 night
Aguas Calientes
El Mapi (formerly Machu Picchu Inn) provides a wonderful location from which you can admire the quaint and folksy town known as Aguas Calientes.
2 nights
Cusco
This modern hotel offers modern amenities and views of the city or the mountains and features 127 rooms. Reopened after renovation in 2010, the hotel features contemporary decor and fine dining and is close to the handicraft market and the Plaza de Armas.
2 nights
Lima
This smoke-free property is located in Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district, near restaurants, shops, and local entertainment. It is located about 13 miles, approximately 45 minutes by taxi, from the international airport (LIM).
3 nights
Urubamba
The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set among gardens in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
3 nights
Inca Trail
The tented camp is composed of high quality expedition-style tents. The camp is raised and disassembled each day at pre-assigned sites along the Inca Trail. When participants enroll as a double they get a triple-size tent, 88 x 76 inches, and the singles will get a double-size tent. This allows for room in the tent for the duffel bags and backpacks and room to enter and exit the tent. Singles will always get their own tent.
1 night
Aguas Calientes
El Mapi (formerly Machu Picchu Inn) provides a wonderful location from which you can admire the quaint and folksy town known as Aguas Calientes.
2 nights
Cusco
This modern hotel offers modern amenities and views of the city or the mountains and features 127 rooms. Reopened after renovation in 2010, the hotel features contemporary decor and fine dining and is close to the handicraft market and the Plaza de Armas.
2 nights
Lima
This smoke-free property is located in Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district, near restaurants, shops, and local entertainment. It is located about 13 miles, approximately 45 minutes by taxi, from the international airport (LIM).
3 nights
Urubamba
The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set among gardens in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
3 nights
Inca Trail
The tented camp is composed of high quality expedition-style tents. The camp is raised and disassembled each day at pre-assigned sites along the Inca Trail. When participants enroll as a double they get a triple-size tent, 88 x 76 inches, and the singles will get a double-size tent. This allows for room in the tent for the duffel bags and backpacks and room to enter and exit the tent. Singles will always get their own tent.
1 night
Aguas Calientes
El Mapi (formerly Machu Picchu Inn) provides a wonderful location from which you can admire the quaint and folksy town known as Aguas Calientes.
2 nights
Cusco
This modern hotel offers modern amenities and views of the city or the mountains and features 127 rooms. Reopened after renovation in 2010, the hotel features contemporary decor and fine dining and is close to the handicraft market and the Plaza de Armas.
2 nights
Lima
This smoke-free property is located in Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district, near restaurants, shops, and local entertainment. It is located about 13 miles, approximately 45 minutes by taxi, from the international airport (LIM).
3 nights
Urubamba
The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set among gardens in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
3 nights
Inca Trail
The tented camp is composed of high quality expedition-style tents. The camp is raised and disassembled each day at pre-assigned sites along the Inca Trail. When participants enroll as a double they get a triple-size tent, 88 x 76 inches, and the singles will get a double-size tent. This allows for room in the tent for the duffel bags and backpacks and room to enter and exit the tent. Singles will always get their own tent.
1 night
Aguas Calientes
El Mapi (formerly Machu Picchu Inn) provides a wonderful location from which you can admire the quaint and folksy town known as Aguas Calientes.
2 nights
Cusco
This modern hotel offers modern amenities and views of the city or the mountains and features 127 rooms. Reopened after renovation in 2010, the hotel features contemporary decor and fine dining and is close to the handicraft market and the Plaza de Armas.
2 nights
Lima
This smoke-free property is located in Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district, near restaurants, shops, and local entertainment. It is located about 13 miles, approximately 45 minutes by taxi, from the international airport (LIM).
3 nights
Urubamba
The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set among gardens in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
3 nights
Inca Trail
The tented camp is composed of high quality expedition-style tents. The camp is raised and disassembled each day at pre-assigned sites along the Inca Trail. When participants enroll as a double they get a triple-size tent, 88 x 76 inches, and the singles will get a double-size tent. This allows for room in the tent for the duffel bags and backpacks and room to enter and exit the tent. Singles will always get their own tent.
1 night
Aguas Calientes
El Mapi (formerly Machu Picchu Inn) provides a wonderful location from which you can admire the quaint and folksy town known as Aguas Calientes.
2 nights
Cusco
This modern hotel offers modern amenities and views of the city or the mountains and features 127 rooms. Reopened after renovation in 2010, the hotel features contemporary decor and fine dining and is close to the handicraft market and the Plaza de Armas.
2 nights
Lima
This smoke-free property is located in Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district, near restaurants, shops, and local entertainment. It is located about 13 miles, approximately 45 minutes by taxi, from the international airport (LIM).
3 nights
Urubamba
The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set among gardens in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
3 nights
Inca Trail
The tented camp is composed of high quality expedition-style tents. The camp is raised and disassembled each day at pre-assigned sites along the Inca Trail. When participants enroll as a double they get a triple-size tent, 88 x 76 inches, and the singles will get a double-size tent. This allows for room in the tent for the duffel bags and backpacks and room to enter and exit the tent. Singles will always get their own tent.
1 night
Aguas Calientes
El Mapi (formerly Machu Picchu Inn) provides a wonderful location from which you can admire the quaint and folksy town known as Aguas Calientes.
2 nights
Cusco
This modern hotel offers modern amenities and views of the city or the mountains and features 127 rooms. Reopened after renovation in 2010, the hotel features contemporary decor and fine dining and is close to the handicraft market and the Plaza de Armas.





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If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.