From Cusco: City Tour Cusco and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5d/4n

Set out on a captivating 5-day journey that seamlessly combines the historic charm of Cusco with the breathtaking grandeur of the Inca Trail. Explore the city’s vibrant culture, marveling at its iconic landmarks before setting out on a scenic trek leading to the majestic Machu Picchu. With experienced guides, comfortable accommodations, and delectable meals, this tour promises an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the rich tapestry of Peru’s Inca heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, this itinerary offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best City Tours In Urubamba.

Key Points

• 5-day tour combining a Cusco city tour with the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, priced from $1,000 per person.
• Cusco city tour highlights include visits to Qoricancha, Cusco Cathedral, and nearby Inca ruins like Sacsayhuaman.
• Inca Trail itinerary covers 4 days, starting at kilometer 82 and culminating with a sunrise view of Machu Picchu.
• Accommodations include campsites along the Inca Trail, with meals of local Peruvian cuisine prepared by the tour’s culinary team.
• Tour includes round-trip transportation, train tickets, Machu Picchu bus service, Inca Trail entrance fee, and services of a bilingual guide, porters, and first-aid team.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This 5-day tour offers an immersive experience exploring the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and the iconic Inca Trail leading to the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu. Priced from $1,000 per person, the tour includes a guided city tour of Cusco’s highlights, such as the Temple of the Sun and Cusco Cathedral, as well as excursions to nearby Inca ruins.

The Inca Trail portion takes travelers on a challenging yet rewarding hike through stunning mountain scenery, culminating in an early morning visit to the legendary Machu Picchu.

Flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this tour an attractive choice for those seeking an authentic Peruvian adventure.

Highlights of Cusco City Tour

The Cusco city tour showcases the city’s rich Inca and colonial heritage, beginning with a visit to the impressive Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha. This ancient site was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god.

Visitors will also explore the Cusco Cathedral, a stunning example of colonial architecture that blends European and indigenous elements.

The tour continues to the nearby archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay, which offer a glimpse into the engineering feats and spiritual practices of the Inca civilization.

These highlights provide a well-rounded introduction to Cusco’s captivating history and culture before embarking on the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Itinerary of Inca Trail Hike

The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu begins at kilometer 82 on the first day, where hikers set up camp at Huayllabamba.

Trekkers then ascend through the Cusichacay valley, arriving at the village of Huayllabamba by the end of the day.

On the second day, the challenging climb to Warmiwaņusca is rewarded with sweeping views. Hikers then descend to Pacaymayo, where they make camp.

The third day takes trekkers up to Phuyupatamarca, before reaching Wiņayhuayna, their campsite for the night.

An early morning start on the final day allows hikers to arrive at the Sun Gate overlooking the iconic Machu Picchu ruins.

Accommodations and Meals

Throughout the 5-day Cusco and Machu Picchu tour, participants can expect accommodations that provide comfort and convenience.

Campsites along the Inca Trail feature tents, sleeping pads, and other essential camping gear provided by the tour company.

Meals during the hike consist of 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, all prepared by the tour’s culinary team. The meals offer a delicious blend of local Peruvian cuisine and cater to various dietary needs. Hikers can look forward to nutritious and satisfying meals that fuel their journey.

The tour also includes a first-aid team to ensure the well-being of participants throughout the Inca Trail experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a range of essential services and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable Cusco and Machu Picchu experience. This includes round-trip transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the Inca Trail at km 82, as well as train tickets from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco.

Visitors will also enjoy the convenience of the Machu Picchu bus service from Aguas Calientes to the iconic archaeological site. The tour package covers the Inca Trail entrance fee, along with the services of an experienced, bilingual guide, porters to carry the camping gear, and a first-aid team for added safety and peace of mind.

Meals during the trek are also provided, ensuring travelers can focus on the journey ahead.

Fitness Requirements

Prospective Inca Trail trekkers should be aware that the hike requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour operator provides porters to carry the bulk of the camping gear, but participants are still expected to carry their own daypacks, which can weigh up to 15 pounds.

The trek involves several challenging ascents, including the steep climb to the highest point of the trail at Warmiwaňusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at an elevation of 13,800 feet (4,200 meters). Travelers should be prepared for strenuous hiking, especially at high altitudes, and should consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they’re physically fit enough to undertake the journey.

Proper training and preparation can make the Inca Trail trek a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking for this Cusco and Machu Picchu tour can be done online or through the tour operator, with a flexible cancellation policy that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour.

This means travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing them with the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

The tour is limited to just 15 participants, so it’s recommended to check availability for desired start times.

With free cancellation up to a day in advance, travelers can book with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What all does the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu entail, and how strenuous is the hike? Travelers can expect to cover approximately 26 miles (42 km) over the course of 4 days, with the second day presenting the most challenging ascent to the Warmiwaņusca Pass at an elevation of 13,779 feet (4,200 m). While the trek is considered moderate to difficult, the tour operator provides porters to carry the bulk of the camping equipment, allowing participants to focus on enjoying the stunning Andean scenery along the way.

Is altitude sickness a concern? Yes, the high elevations can cause altitude sickness, but the tour includes acclimatization time in Cusco and provides supplemental oxygen if needed.

What’s the weather like on the trail? Temperatures can vary greatly, from freezing at night to warm during the day. Proper layering and rain protection are essential.

Can I customize the tour? While the itinerary is set, the tour operator is happy to accommodate special requests within reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Camping Gear?

Participants can bring their own camping gear on the Inca Trail hike. The tour company provides all necessary camping equipment, but personal gear is allowed as long as it doesn’t exceed the weight limit set by the porters.

What Is the Weather Like During the Hike?

The weather during the Inca Trail hike can vary significantly. Expect cool mornings and nights, with temperatures ranging from freezing to mild. Daytime temperatures are generally mild, but rain is common, so hikers should pack layers and rain gear.

How Much Additional Spending Money Is Needed?

Travelers should budget an additional $200-$300 per person for personal expenses, snacks, tips, and any extra activities not included in the tour package. This covers optional expenses during the 5-day Cusco and Inca Trail adventure.

Can I Extend My Stay in Cusco or Machu Picchu?

Travelers can extend their stay in Cusco or Machu Picchu beyond the 5-day tour. Additional nights can be booked directly with the tour provider or through local accommodations. Flexible arrangements allow travelers to customize their experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no strict age restrictions, but it’s recommended for participants aged 8-65 due to the physically demanding Inca Trail hike. Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Recap

This 5-day tour offers an immersive exploration of Cusco and the Inca Trail, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Highlights include a guided city tour and Inca ruins excursions.

The Inca Trail hike showcases stunning mountain scenery, leading to the breathtaking Machu Picchu.

Accommodations include campsites along the trail, with meals prepared by a culinary team.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, Inca Trail entrance fees, and a team of experienced guides and porters.

You can check availability for your dates here: