Follow the spectacular road of history on this magnificent tour of the Inca Trail. You will savor the wealth of the ruins and the beauty of the Andes. The footsteps of the Inca traverse mountains, stretch along rivers, and wander through jungle. The ruins decorate the mountains above and the valleys below and the treasure of Machu Picchu stands waiting to be sought. Each step is a wonder, each view offers a panorama of majesty, and the Inca Trail brings you to such great heights.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima – The Lima Seaside
Arrive in Lima, considered to be the City of Kings. The grandeur of the city sits within its diversity as the neighborhoods stretch along the expanse of the ocean. The air smells of the sweet sea and citrus, while each neighborhood adds a rich layer to the city’s eclectic wonder. Wander through the city and experience the splendor first hand with a visit to the Church of San Francisco. The yellow façade looks like the sun shining bright against the open blue sky. The church bells peel through the air and give a singing quality to the city. Enter the church and find the exuberant tile lining the walls, streaks of white and red climbing into the archways and circling the dome. Follow a guide into the depths of the church where the lights flicker like torches giving you a sense of adventurous exploration. The catacombs are damp and heavy with the rich history within the city. The stones are cold to the touch. The sound of shoes against dirt paths lingers in the air. The various tombs run along the walls and a large tomb sits within the confines of a deep, wide well-like structure.
Continue your exploration of history with a visit to the trendy seaside neighborhood of Miraflores. The Calle de Pizza emanates the scent of baked dough and melted cheese. Meander along the outskirts and find the stunning remains of Huaca Pucllana. The adobe bricks are stacked and tiered, making the pyramid look like an optical illusion, winding up and around each brick into the sky and the ground simultaneously. Wander amongst the bricks where you can see the modern city of Lima rising in the background, a reminder of the modern city siting atop fantastic history. The night brings with it the gentle glow of the pyramid in the spotlights bringing the ancient wonders to golden life against the starry night and lulling waves.
What's Included:
Day 2
Inca Trail – Ascending to Great Heights
Day 3
Inca Trail – The Length of the Trees and the Receding Lush
Day 4
Inca Trail – Amongst the Clouded Trees
Day 5
Inca Trail – The Sun Lights the Gate
Day 6
Cusco – Found the City in the Sky
Day 7
Cusco – Such Great Heights
Trip Highlights
- Follow in the historic steps of the Inca along the Inca Trail
- Experience the unparalleled wonder of Machu Picchu
- Be one of the select few to hike Huayna Picchu
- Climb through the heights of the Andes
- Discover incredible forgotten ruins throughout the mountainside
- Witness the wonderful culture that remains in the Andean altitude
- Traverse the trails of the Sacred Valley
- Deep beneath the City of Kings into the catacombs of the Church of San Francisco
- Enjoy decadent meals beneath the stars
Detailed Description
Follow the trail to the wonders of the Andes on this 7-day customizable tour along the footsteps of the Incas. From majestic ruins to sensational landscapes, each step takes you across history and brings you closer to stunning Machu Picchu. Walk through the clouds, over the cobblestone roads, and through the magnificent ruins where you can look down on lingering treasures from sensational heights.
Arrive in Lima with the City of Kings beckoning to you. Standing against the coast and sprawling across the shores of the Pacific, explore the majesty of the city, in its Spanish remnants and beneath the Church of San Francisco where the catacombs lie. Venture to Cusco where the city shines along the Andean hills like a pearl, mixed with a colonial past and mountain culture. Begin your trekking excursion along the banks of the Urubamba River as you take your first steps along the trail. Ascend above the valley to the stunning ruins of Llaqtapata strewn along the valley floor on top of agricultural terraces.
Continue your journey through the mountains as you climb higher into the Andes, away from the sweeping valley, and through the dense and lush jungle. The water careens through the floor and orchids blossom as you climb higher above the canopy and into the open, arid altitude where the jungle recedes. You will descend over the pass and into Phuyupatamarca, magnificent ruins angled over the mountainside, before continuing on to the grand remains of Wiñaywayna. Over the trail steps and beyond the Sun Gate you will discover the grandeur of the Lost City of Machu Picchu, where you can wander and explore the stone steps of this Wonder of the World. Eventually you will return to Cusco and depart for home. The exceptional sights of ruins strewn across the mountainside and orchids blossoming beneath the jungle canopy will never be less than majestic. As you fly through the clouds, over the remnants of the Inca Trail, you will always remember that you climbed to such great heights.
Zicasso offers a variety of customized tours of Machu Picchu. You may want to browse reviews of Machu Picchu trips for additional ideas and to read traveler reviews of their Peru experiences.
Starting Price
$2,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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