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STARTING AT $3695 per person
September 4-12, 2027
Fully guided 9-day Cusco & Machu Picchu group trip
Inca Trail Hiking, Vilcabamba trekking route & Non-Hiking Options
4-12 people
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STARTING AT $3995 per person
Fully guided 9-day Cusco & Machu Picchu itinerary
Inca Trail Hiking & Non-Hiking Option
Private transit
Minimum of 2 people
Trip Highlights
See iconic sites in a uniquely human-centered way with local insight
Choose from a hiking or non-hiking itinerary
Experience Andean traditions with a pachamanca feast and local community visit
Experience Quecha culture with our local guides & porters
Layer historical, societal and cultural knowledge throughout your journey
Are you looking to experience Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in a unique way that emphasizes ancient traditions and human connection? If so, then this 9-day Machu Picchu itinerary is for you! Choose to hike the classic Inca Trail (or the alternative Vilcabamaba route) or opt for the non-hiking version and explore the Sacred Valley with shorter day hikes, both culminating with a visit to Machu Picchu. We’ll start together in Cusco and learn about ancient Andean culture to start our journey. From there, hikers will take off on the classic 4-day Inca Trail and non-hikers will stay back and explore Moray, Salineras, Pisaq and other ancient sites. Both hikers and non-hikers will gain layers of knowledge and understanding of ancient Andean society before visiting the sacred site of Machu Picchu and some time to explore the nearby towns of Aguas Calientes. After, we’ll reconvene in the charming ancient village of Ollantaytambo for a pachamanca feast before heading back to Cusco for a final day and our last night of fabulous Peruvian cuisine.
Book our 9-day Cusco & Machu Picchu group trip or select Peru Custom Dates March through November! Both trips include options for either the 4-day Inca Trail hike (sells out 6-8 months in advance), 4-day Vilcabamba hike or 4-day non-hiking version with excursions in the Sacred Valley. Starting at $3695 per person. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop downs below.
You can also join our Rainbow Mountain hiking add-on for incredible views of the painted hills at 17,060 feet / 5200 meters.
why this trip?
Testimonials
About Your Traverse Host & Local Guide
Abel Santander was born in Cusco and graduated in tourism from Universidad Andina del Cusco. As a professional guide, Abel is passionate about the mountains and his cultural heritage as well as environmental preservation and sustainability. Abel has a Master’s degree in Sustainable Tourism and specializes in trekking, mountain biking and outdoor adventures.
Trip Inclusions
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8 nights in boutique, centrally located B&Bs
Hiking: 3 nights camping
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Airport transfers on arrival/departure day
Private transit between Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and group excursions
Historic train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
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ALL ITINERARIES:
Walking city tour of Cusco to learn about Incan society & culture
Boleto turistico with entry to more than 12 museums & archeological sites
Entry fee to Machu Picchu + guided tour of the archeological ruins
Traditional Andean pachamanca farm lunch
NON-HIKING:
Stay in Ollantaytambo
Patacancha community visit to learn about alpaca farming, weaving and textiles
Excursions & entry fees to the Moray, Salineras, and Pisaq
HIKING:
4 days/3 nights hiking the classic Inca trail or Vilcabamba trekking route (if Inca Trail permits are sold out)
Entry fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Healthy, nourishing meals prepared by our on-site cook
Clean, potable water throughout the hike
A team of local porters to carry provided tents, chairs, food, medical emergency kit and other equipment
Sleeping mat provided (you will carry)
Experienced local hiking guide
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Daily breakfast + Welcome & Farewell Dinner + 1 lunch
Healthy, nourishing meals using traditional ingredients and local sourcing
HIKING: Full-board meals during trek
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Visit to our community partner Kuska School to learn about Quechua preservation + donation to their organization
Dedicated Traverse host + local guides throughout your stay
Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
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Rainbow Mountain day trip
Extra nights in Cusco
Sleeping bag rental
Personal porter for hiking
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International airfare
Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed
Tips to your local guide, Traverse guide, drivers, etc.
Alcohol, unless specified
Required travel insurance
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You'll be paired with a roommate of your same gender unless you request your own room
STARTING at $3695 per person - based on double occupancy
+$895 'My own room' option
Select hiking or non-hiking on registration form. Note that Classic Inca Trail hiking spots sell out early, as much as 8 months prior. If the Classic Inca Trail permits are sold out, you can select the Vilcabamba route.
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Minimum 2 people.
STARTING at $3995 per person - based on double occupancy
+$895 'My own room' option or for odd numbers (3, 5, etc.)
Select hiking or non-hiking on registration form. Note that hiking spots sell out early, as much as 8 months prior.
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+$125 - Extra room night in Cusco, for 1 or 2 people
Cusco 4-star hotel boutique hotel upgrade - pricing on request
+$175 - Rainbow mountain excursion, depart from Cusco early (3:30 a.m.) to arrive for a sunrise hike up to the peak at 17,060 feet (5200 meters). The hike itself is 2.5 miles (4 km) and takes approximately 2-3 hours including photo and snack stops. We’ll stop for a meal at a family-owned restaurant on our way back to Cusco, returning in the late afternoon. Requires an extra room night on Day 9 with departure Day 10.
+$295 - Personal porter for hiking (max 12 kilo)
+$25 - Sleeping bag rental for hiking
+$20 Trekking pole rentals
Faqs
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There is limited availability on the Inca Trail, so if you’re planning to hike we typically recommend 6-8 months in advance to ensure that you can get a trail start date the day you want it. For non-hiking, you can book closer to the departure trip though for room availability booking within 6 months of departure is advised.
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Generally Cusco is quite safe for tourists with the right common sense precautions like watching your valuables and not going out late at night or early in the morning. You can also check out 7 Tips for Solo Female Travel in Peru
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Technically, you can't train for altitude. Instead, you want to acclimate slowly. That is why we start our trip with a bit of time to adjust before the hike. There are doctor-prescribed medications that help the transition as well as natural remedies including proper hydration and nutrition, agua de florida and coca leaves. Being in physically decent shape before you go (especially if trekking) will also help.
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The full Inca Trail is 45 km long, peaking at 14,000 feet with 6-7 hours of hiking each day. There are a lot of inclines and declines throughout the trail. Your fitness level doesn't have to be like an athlete; however, you should be able to hike for multiple hours at a time through diverse terrain.
Terms & Conditions
Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to hello@traversejourneys.com
Deposit
A $500 deposit per person per trip is required for each traveler to secure the booking. The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable unless otherwise indicated on booking with the exception of our 24-hour No Regrets policy. A booking is not final until you receive a final confirmation from us.
24-hour No Regrets Policy: If, within 24 hours of submitting your deposit, you decide to cancel your booking you may request a refund, which will be granted less transaction fees.
Payment
Payments can be made either by 1) Normal Payment terms of 50% due 30 days after booking and 50% due 90 days prior to departure or 2) Monthly terms of equal installments with a $10 per month fee. Payments options include ACH, wire, credit card or Zelle. Payee is responsible for all transaction or processing fees. Late payments are given a two-week grace period; after that a $10 per month late payment fee will be charged.
Cancellations Policy
Group Trips & Retreats: Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 120 days prior to the trip start date.
Custom and Self-Guided: All payments non-refundable. Requests for transfers may be considered in extenuating circumstances and may incur a change fee.
To cancel a booking, Traveler must submit a request to us in writing by email to hello@traversejourneys.com
Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.
Travel Insurance
The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $150,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance
Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations
Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.
