Peru

(1) Trail of the Inca

10 days, 9 nights

Overview:
This trip has one mission: Hike the 500-year-old Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. No frills, no luxury hotels, no beaches, no nightclubs (well maybe a few). Before it’s closed to the public, come along on a trip through Incan history. Starting in Cuzco, hike the Incan Trail to arrive atop one of the wonders of the world—Machu Picchu—perched high above the Urubamba Valley. The Andean culture and Peruvian cuisine alone are reasons enough to make the voyage. You never know, you may catch a glimpse of an Andean condor on the way up.

The Basics:
Fly into Lima, spending two nights and enjoying local cuisine such as ceviche or lomo saltado. Board another plane to hop over to the former capital of Cuzco where this trip begins. As you get your bearings for the trip, you’ll explore the riches of one of the highest cities in Peru. With the help of Sherpas and coca leaf tea (an herbal remedy to combat altitude sickness), the hike lasts for 5-7 days to reach the summit. The adventure is not just for those fit for a marathon, but for those who can get acclimated to the altitude. Set off from the final campsite (Winay Wayna) at 4am the final day to see the most spectacular view of your life—Machu Picchu at sunrise. Sites such as the “Temple of the Sun” and “Inihuatana” appear just as they did six centuries ago.

Additional options:
- For those who prefer not to hike, the Hiram Bingham train is also an option.

Physical difficulty: ADVANCED

Travel Seasons Guide (click to enlarge)