Dates: June 28-July 6, 2024

8-Day Itinerary for Machu Picchu via the

• 4 Day Inca Trail Trek or Train with optional Rainbow Mountain add on

• Hotel-based 1-Day Inca Trail Trek

• Hotel-based Train to Machu Picchu

$3299 based on Double Occupancy  

(Pricing based on 8-person or more group size)

$271/Single Supplement Trek Itinerary*

$525/Single Supplement Train Itinerary

 Add Rainbow Mountain $250 pp double occupancy      ( add $50 for single on Rainbow Mountain)

Once the group minimum numbers are confirmed, there will be a $1500 non-refundable deposit for the Trek or Train to Machu Picchu. Trip Cost is $3299, per person based on double occupancy. Optional add on for Rainbow Mountain extension is $250 per person, double occupancy. Huayna Picchu permits are optional and cost $80 USD.
Please complete the registration and medical questionnaire to register for this trip. Reservation & Cancellation Policy:
The deposit and payment policy are as follows: $1500 non-refundable deposit payment is required to confirm your reservation. The deposit must be paid via electronic bank transfer (Zelle) or cashier’s check. The final balance is due in full no later than 120 days prior to the trip. Failure to remit final payment within 120 days of the first day of your trip may result in cancellation of your reservation with no refund for deposits or payments already made. There will be no refunds within 120 days prior to the start of the trip. It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance from the licensed travel insurance provider of your choice.

NOTE: The government of Peru regulates the number of permits allotted for each day on the Inca Trail.   Once the permits are sold out for our dates, we will not be able to add anyone to the Inca Trail portion of the trip. 

Join us for this exciting journey to Machu Picchu and choose between one of two itineraries. Trek the 4 day Classic Inca Trail trek or enjoy our hotel based Machu Picchu by train itinerary . 

If you would like to arrive a day or more early, please feel free to email for room availability. It is recommended to arrive early for those that need a little more time to adjust to the altitude. We are happy to offer early arrival/late departure and additional tours for those interested in seeing more of this amazing area of Peru.

Fr  28 June 2024: Day 1: Friday Welcome to Cusco!

Upon arrival in Cusco airport, your driver will be waiting outside of baggage claim holding a sign that reads TJ HIKER. Transfer to hotel for check-in. At 2:00 pm, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Cusco City Center. Your guide introduces you to local Peruvian culture and ancient Inca civilization with legendary stories and a visit to the main Plaza de Armas, once considered the center of the Inca Empire, and where the statue of King Pachacutec, whose brilliant vision led to the design and building of Machu Picchu, greets everyone. Continue on foot through authentic narrow Inca streets where you explore the historical city including markets and Coricancha Temple, also known as the “Golden Temple of the Sun.” See the remarkable achievements of ancient Peruvians that include stone arches, Inca walls, cobbled streets, and many examples of exotic architecture. Observe the impact of colonial invasion and how the collision of two very different societies fused into one enchanting hub of modern Peruvian culture. Dine at local restaurant for evening meal. Overnight hotel Cusco.

Sa 29 June  2024 Day 2: Saturday Sacred Valley Tour by Van / Hike Pisac Ruins / Ollantaytambo Ruins

08:30 AM Driver and guide will pick-up from hotel and begin drive to the village of Pisac home of the famous market as well as one of the lesser known archaeological gems of the Sacred Valley. Continue past the village and up to the parking area past sweeping agricultural terraces. The car parks and you prepare for 2-3 hour hike beginning with a short walk to the Inca cemetery where you see hundreds of holes in the mountain. Continue on the trail for another 20-30 minutes until you reach the first residential structure. Further down is the stunning temple complex constructed from exquisitely carved pink granite, featuring a sun temple, ceremonial altars, water channels and wells. After some time to enjoy the setting you are driven 10 minutes to the village. Here you can enjoy refreshments in the cafe and you will be able to check out the famous market. Continue by car about 1 hour to your hotel in Ollantaytambo. Overnight Hotel Ollantaytambo. (B)

Su  30 June 2024 Day 3:

4-Day Hikers: Begin Inca Trail Hike

Guide will pick you up from your hotel with a private vehicle for transport to Km 82 to Piscacucho where the hike begins on a strolling (kind of flat) path along the Urubamba River and then shifts upward until your lunch stop. Along the way, get a close-up view of the archaeological sites Qhanamarca, Llactapata, and later Wayllabamba. After lunch, climb up for an hour to your campsite, Yuncachimpa, for the night. Overnight Camping on Inca Trail. (B, L, D)

Hiking distance 13 km /8 miles Camp altitude 11,000 feet

Non-Hikers: Cooking Class in Cusco / Free Afternoon

At 8:30 am, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and return to Cusco. Walk 10 minutes to the restaurant for Peruvian Cooking class arriving by 11:30 am. Class will end at 1:30 pm. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the city on your own. Overnight hotel Cusco. (B, L)

Mo 1 July 2024 Day 4:

4-Day Hikers: Inca Trail Day 2

This will be the most challenging day, because you will walk over two passes. The hike starts with gradual ascent to the highest point of the Inca Trail (Dead Woman’s Pass). Along the way, you will pass through several ecological zones and be able to notice the different microclimates. The pass reaches 4,200 meters/13,780 feet above sea level. Your descent will eventually take you to the campsite Pacaymayo, where you will have a well-deserved hot lunch. Climb 1 hr 45 minutes up to the second pass on the Inca Trail (3,950 meters/12,959 feet above sea level) and finally descend to the campsite Chaquicocha where we will overnight.

Hiking distance 15 Km/ 9.5 miles Camp altitude 12,000 feet

Non-Hikers: Cusco Historical Outskirts Hike (By car 3-4 hours or on foot 4-5 hours)

8:30AM. Guide and driver pickup from hotel to begin 15 min drive to the ruins of Tambomachay, where you enjoy short walk to see the ancient Inca royal baths. Also stop at Pukapukara, then continue to the ruins of Qenqo, a site of mysterious caves and an altar where it is believed the Incas mummified their dead. And finally, you drive (or walk) to Sacsayhuaman, one of the most significant archaeological legacies of the Incas. Due to the complexity of the layout of the massive blocks of stone, some bigger than a car, it is said that the construction of Sacsayhuaman lasted more than 50 years and employed over 20,000 men in the construction This tour can be done on foot or by car, (the whole group must choose one or the other) The hiking distance is roughly 7 kilometers mostly downhill back to your hotel. This tour offers amazing views of Cusco and can be done at your pace. Please bring: water, hat for the sun, rain jacket, day pack, and snacks. Overnight Hotel Cusco.

Tu 2 July 2024 Day 5:

4-Day Hikers: Inca Trail Day 3

This is the shortest day and perhaps the most beautiful day of your hike because you will be hiking on authentic Inca trails that are older than 600 years! Along the way you will visit different Inca sites including Phuyupatamarka, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna, where you will camp for the night.

Hiking distance 7 km/ 4.4 miles Camp altitude 8,500 feet

Non-Hikers: Sacred Valley – Chinchero / Moray / Maras

8:30AM Guide and driver pickup from hotel and drive 30 minutes to the Chinchero weavers’ village where local Quechuan women will give you a live demonstration of ancient Incan weaving and dyeing techniques. Continue to Moray where the Inca shaped unusual geologic sink-holes into concentric terraces to create a landscape masterpiece. Its purpose has been debated for decades since it was rediscovered from the air in 1931. Maras is the setting for terraced salt ponds – a cascade of pink-hued salt crystals from an actively flowing underground stream which has evaporated and pooled on the surface. Each pond is owned and harvested by a local family. Finally arrive at your hotel in Ollantaytambo where you repack into a small overnight bag for the trip to Machu Picchu the next day. Store excess luggage at the hotel. Overnight Hotel Ollantaytambo.

We 3 July 2024 Day 6:

4-Day Hikers: Inca Trail Day 4: Finish trek and transfer to Aguas Calientes Hotel

Your last day will start early. Porters will wake you with a hearty breakfast so you can get to the gate for the last checkpoint on the Inca Trail. The hike is an average of 3 hours depending on your pace and the campground to which you are assigned. It is about 2 hours to the Sun Gate and from there will be only one hour to Machu Picchu (arriving approximately 07:00-7:30 am). After taking photos you will exit the park and board the shuttle bus for 30-minute ride to the village of Aguas Calientes. Then walk to your hotel to meet up with other members of your group who arrive by train. Overnight hotel- Aqua Caliente.

Hiking distance 5 km/ 3.1 miles

Non-Hikers: Train to Aguas Calientes Hotel & Reunite with Inca Trail Hikers

Walk about 5 minutes to station on your own where you board the morning train to ride about 2 hours through the picturesque Urubamba Valley to the end of the line at Aguas Calientes. You can bring a small packed bag on the train and leave your excess luggage at the hotel in Ollantaytambo. Walk a short distance to your hotel for check in then enjoy the market, cafes and restaurants for the afternoon until the hikers arrive and meet up with you at the hotel. Overnight hotel- Aqua Caliente

1-Day Inca Trail Trekkers-

From our hotel in Ollantaytambo, we will head to the nearby train station where we will board the train for our 1- hour ride through the mountains and cloud forests with breathtaking scenery. The train stops at Km 104, and the adventure begins.  We will jump off the train and cross the Urubamba River on a footbridge. Then, after checking in with park rangers at the control point and staging area, our hike begins with a quick stop at the archaeological site of Chachabamba at an elevation of 2150m/7054ft.  From here, we ascend the canyon diagonally for about 2 hours until we reach a beautiful, secluded waterfall. From there we hike a few more minutes, until we arrive at the fascinating archaeological site of Wiñaywayna (meaning “Forever Young.”) 2650 m/8,694.23 ft.  After we explore the ancient ruins, we continue to hike a little up and a little down through the semitropical cloud forest area, until you cross over the mountain through Intipunku (The Sun Gate) to get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After a short 40-minute hike down, we enjoy the afternoon view from the guard shack and the upper terraces before exiting the park to descend 30-minutes by bus to Aguas Calientes for a comfortable night in our hotel.

Th 4 July 2024 Day 7:

Machu Picchu- Huayna Picchu Hike (optional)/ Return to Cusco

After an early breakfast, the guide will accompany you on the shuttle bus to the entry of Machu Picchu for a private, guided tour of the citadel followed by the (optional) hike to Huayna Picchu. Only 1 entry to Machu Picchu is permitted. There is no allowance to exit to use the restroom, then re-enter. After exiting, you take the shuttle bus to the village for lunch if time permits. Then retrieve overnight bags from your hotel and make your way to the train station for your ride back to Ollantaytambo. The driver will be waiting to take you 2H by van to your hotel in Cusco, arriving approximately between 6 & 7 pm. Overnight Cusco.

Fr 5 July 2024 Day 8: Depart  or continue with optional Rainbow Mountain  Add On

Rainbow Mountain  

For those departing today, check out time is up until 9 am. After check out, head to the airport 2 hours prior to your flight from Cusco. Please schedule your flight from Cusco no sooner than 3PM to allow for time to receive your test results. Hotel reception will assist you with taxi service to the airport (at your expense) at least 2-hours prior to scheduled departure. You may store your luggage at the hotel after check out until your taxi ride (at your expense) to the airport.

Rainbow Mountain Participants: 5AM. Pickup from hotel by driver and guide. Ask your hotel to provide box breakfast. We include box lunch and snacks with water to refill your own personal drinking bottle. The drive time is average of 4-hour with restroom stops as needed on the way. The hike is an average of 2-hour to go up, about 30 minutes at the vista, and 1H hike to go down. Return by van about 4H to Cusco arriving by 4-5PM. Due to extreme high altitude 16,500 ft., it is important to wear warm layers, sturdy boots and socks, hats and gloves. Overnight Cusco (B)

Sa 6 July 2024 Day 9: Depart Cusco for the Rainbow Mountain Participants 

Departure Day: Morning pack up, and check out hotel. You may also add an additional tour on this day and add an additional night in Cusco. For those not extending their stay, checkout time 9AM.  You can store luggage at the hotel and explore the city on your own or add an additional tour. Hotel reception will assist you with taxi service to the airport (at your expense) at least 2-hours prior to scheduled departure.

Arrive early or depart later and schedule a variety of tours:

If you would like to stay an additional day, additional tours/activities can be scheduled.

Cusco Historical Outskirts hike (about 4-5 hours) (min 2-$85 per person) (This is included in the Train Itinerary)

8:30AM. Guide and driver pickup from hotel to begin 15 min drive to the ruins of Tambomachay, where you enjoy a short walk to see the ancient Inca royal baths. Also walk 10 minutes to Pukapukara, then continue on foot about 30 minutes through farmland to the ruins of Qenqo, a site of mysterious caves and an altar where it is believed the Incas mummified their dead. And finally, you walk 15 minutes to Sacsayhuaman, one of the most significant archaeological legacies of the Incas. Due to the complexity of the layout of the massive blocks of stone, some bigger than a car, it is said that the construction of Sacsayhuaman lasted more than 50 years and employed over 20,000 men in the construction This tour can be done on foot or by car, (the whole group must choose one or the other) The hiking distance is roughly 7 kilometers mostly downhill back to your hotel. This tour offers amazing views of Cusco and can be done at your pace. Please bring: water, hat for the sun, rain jacket, day pack, and snacks.

Includes: transport to the drop off site, English-speaking guide and entry tickets

Peruvian Cooking Class (min 2- $65.00 per person) Includes Lunch  (This is included in the Train Itinerary)

11:15AM. Walk 10 minutes to the restaurant for a private Peruvian Cooking class arriving by 11:30 am. Class will end at 1:30 pm. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the city on your own. (let us know in advance if you need special diet, like vegetarian or gluten-free or alcohol-free)

Includes: private instruction and ingredients for preparing 1 meal + 1 beverage of your choice

Notes about the Inca Trail Trek:

• Daily distances for the Inca Trail hike are averaged and subject to change depending on campground assignments. The total hiking distance remains the same 26 mi/ 41 km
• People who choose to hike 4-day Inca Trail then decide to change to the train, either before they travel, or after arriving in Cusco, cannot get a refund for any portion of the hike, and will be charged an additional fees per person to cover the cost of 3 days of activities, hotels, additional train ticket & new entry ticket to Machu Picchu. (while the Inca Trail permit grants access to Machu Picchu, if you don’t hike in, you can only use the entry ticket on the 4th day of the hike, which does not synchronize with the guided tour with the group on the day after the hike. Unless you bought Huayna Picchu ticket which does include entry to Machu Picchu on the day of the guided tour of the ruins.)

Itinerary subject to change without notice.

$3299 per person double occupancy

Rainbow Mountain: Add $250 pp/double occupancy Includes: Round trip ground transportation via private vehicle with private English-speaking guide, box lunch, snacks, use of trekking poles, 1-night in Cusco hotel & breakfast. Single add $50.00 USD

Single Supplement Trek: $271 per person Single supplement may not be guaranteed for the Inca Trail Trek

Single Supplement Train: $525 per person 

• All land transportation – private van, train, shuttle buses – 1 RT
• All accommodations in 3* hotel with private bath – breakfast
• 1-way Cusco airport transfer (upon arrival)
• Inca Trail permits
• Entry fees to Machu Picchu
• Full-time, English-speaking guide
• Private Guide, porters, 3-person tents for 2 people, dining gear
• Meals on the Inca Trail-3 Breakfast, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Not included:

• Flights
• Meals as noted
• Sleeping bag rental -add $20 USD pp (please provide your own bag liner)
• 1 Way Cusco airport transfer upon departure
• Huayna Picchu hike – add $80 USD pp
• Personal backpacks (up to 28L women / 28L men)
• Personal reusable water bottles
• Transaction Fees
• Tips

Reservation & Cancellation Policy:

Group size 8 or more participants.

Reservation & Cancellation Policy: The deposit and payment policy is as follows: $1500 non-refundable deposit payment is required to confirm your reservation once permits are released for sale and purchased. Must be paid via electronic bank transfer,  Zelle, or cashiers check. The final balance is due in full no later than 120 days prior to the trip. Reservations made within 120 day of the trip must be paid in full at the time of booking. Failure to remit final payment within 120 days of the first day of your trip may result in cancellation of your reservation with no refund for deposits or payments already made. There will be no refunds within 120 days prior to the start of the trip.  Trip insurance including medical, trip interruption and cancellation is required.

Arrival airport: (CUZ) Cusco, Peru. Note: Most flights transfer in Lima, Peru where you will change planes after going through Customs. You must retrieve your luggage in Lima upon landing, pass through Customs and recheck it for your flight to Cusco. Your checked luggage will NOT transfer to your final destination of Cusco Peru. Failure to retrieve your luggage in Lima may result in missing all or part of your trek if you can not rent and/or purchase the necessary items for your trek.

Important Note Regarding Access to Emergency Medical Care while on the Inca Trail: The Inca Trail traverses remote mountainous terrain without access to emergency medical care, and includes hiking to high elevation. If you have an illness or condition that may require emergency medical response, you should discuss your medical condition with your physician and complete the medical questionnaire prior to registering. Examples include but are not limited to the following: uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe allergies or conditions requiring Epi-pen treatment, heart disease, conditions requiring refrigerated medications, conditions requiring use of narcotic pain medication, sleep apnea, asthma requiring use of inhalers, seizure disorders, pregnancy, balance issues, knee issues that do not allow you to hike up or down stairs, etc. All participants for the Inca Trail Trek are required to arrive fit for the trek so it is important to train properly. The event leader and/or lead local guide has the authority to disallow participants to start the trek if it is determined on the evaluation hike that said participant may pose a hazard to his/herself or others. You will be switched to the train itinerary so long as there are  permits & tickets available to make the accommodation.   In such cases, there are no refunds for the trek portion of the trip and participants must pay for any expenses incurred as a result.  Please be sure to train properly for this event. 

Required: Complete the medical questionnaire here.

Fitness and Training: It is recommended that first, that each participant consults the advice of a physician, get a physical and obtain medical clearance for this outing and prior to beginning any training program. It is also recommended that you seek the advice of a personal trainer, set up a consistent training plan that fits your individual needs and stick to it. Having a personal trainer adds to the mental training aspect by having the outside push to go beyond one’s comfort zone. A personal trainer can also evaluate your fitness goals and make modifications to your program as needed.
The best exercise to prepare for any hiking/trekking trip is hiking. Ideally it should be in the hills or mountains and training at elevation is even better. Try doing a google search of hiking groups in your local area to find people to hike with if you don’t have a group of hiking friends.
In addition to hiking, you can include swimming, running, cycling, core strength and spin classes.
If you can’t hike, hit the stairs of shopping malls, commercial buildings, etc. Be sure to progressively add time and distance to your hikes or stair workouts. Use trekking poles to reduce the compressive pressure on the knees on the downhill. Be sure to gradually break in the hiking boots you will use on the trek and use the day pack you will be using on your trek.
Progressively increase your pack weight until you are comfortable wearing the weighted pack throughout the workout.
Two weeks prior to the trip, begin to slow the workouts down so that your body can recover.

Vaccines and Medicines:

Participants are responsible for confirming any mandatory vaccinations required by the in country government as well as the US requirements for reentry to the US. These requirements may change after trip registration. Please monitor the CDC and State Department travel advisories for your destination and the US for international travelers.

Refer to the CDC recommendations for immunization requirements and discuss with your doctor to determine which vaccinations are right for you (ideally, 4-6 weeks).

• Get recommended vaccinations based on the advice of your physician
• Take antimalarial meds, based on CDC and your doctor recommendations depending on where you are traveling in Peru
• Eat and drink with safety in mind, drink bottled beverages or purify water prior to drinking. Avoid tap water for brushing teeth.
• Prevent bug bites
• Keep away from animals
• Reduce your exposure to germs
• Avoid sharing body fluids
• Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
• Ask your doctor about the use of Diamox for high altitude trekking

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/peru

All Travelers: You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. See your physician or travel doctor regarding all immunization and travel medications.

Packing list

Recommended packing list

Giving back

We collect back-packs, school supplies, hiking boots, gloves, hats, wool socks and rain-coats for donation. You are encouraged to bring donations of good quality new or used hiking equipment or clothing, especially rain ponchos or you may bring school supplies such as crayons, educational coloring books, pencils, notebooks, etc.