-
STARTING AT $3695 per person
May 29-June 5, 2027
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
-
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
Choose your way to Machu Picchu: the Classic Inca Trail, Vilcabamba Route or non-hiking itinerary
Explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley through local guides, Quechua culture and ancient Andean history
Connect with local communities through textile traditions, ancestral language and cultural education
Share a traditional pachamanca feast and experience Andean food and cooking traditions
Go beyond the iconic sites with local markets, archaeological sites and lesser-known cultural experiences
There’s more than one way to get to Machu Picchu. On this 9-day journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the Andes, you can choose the experience that best fits the way you want journey to one of Peru’s most iconic sites: trek the Classic Inca Trail, take the less-traveled Vilcabamba Route, or explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without a multi-day trek. Whichever route you choose, the journey begins together in Cusco, where you'll explore ancient sites, local markets and contemporary Andean life with a knowledgeable local guide.
From there, each itinerary takes a different path through the Andes. The Classic Inca Trail follows the historic route toward Machu Picchu, passing through high mountain landscapes and remarkable archaeological sites before entering through the Sun Gate. The Vilcabamba Route takes you farther from the traditional trail, following ancient sections of the Qapaq Ñan through remote mountain landscapes to the Vilcabamba archaeological site before continuing toward Machu Picchu. And on the non-hiking itinerary, you'll have more time to explore the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Moray, Salineras and local communities, with shorter walks and cultural experiences woven throughout.
Whichever path you take, the focus isn't simply on seeing Machu Picchu. You'll build a deeper understanding of Andean history, Quechua culture and the communities that continue to carry these traditions forward. You'll meet local families, see alpaca breeding and textile production, learn about a school working to preserve the Quechua language, and share a traditional pachamanca feast in Ollantaytambo.
Book our 9-day Cusco & Machu Picchu group trip or select Peru Custom Dates March through November, with your choice of the Classic Inca Trail, Vilcabamba Route or non-hiking itinerary. Starting at $3695 per person. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop-downs below.
You can also add our Rainbow Mountain hiking add-on for incredible views of the painted hills at 17,060 feet / 5,200 meters.
why this trip?
Three ways to experience Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu may be the destination, but how you get there changes the experience. We've designed three distinct itineraries so you can choose between a classic trek, a more remote route, or a non-hiking journey through the Sacred Valley - without sacrificing the cultural experiences and local connections that define the trip.
Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are famous for a reason, but there's much more to the region than its headline attractions. You'll explore local markets, archaeological sites and living communities, while learning how Andean traditions continue to shape daily life. A visit with a local family introduces you to alpaca breeding and traditional textile production, while time with Casa Kuska and Kuska School offers insight into efforts to preserve the Quechua language and Andean cultural heritage.
Throughout the journey, your local guides provide the historical and cultural context that turns ancient stones and spectacular landscapes into something more meaningful. You'll learn about Quechua history, agriculture, architecture, food and traditions while also having time to simply enjoy the remarkable landscapes around you.
And then there is the food. From local market specialties to a traditional pachamanca feast, food is another way into the culture of the Andes.
Travel solo or with companions, and choose the way to Machu Picchu that feels right for you. You’ll begin the journey together in Cusco, take your own path through the Andes, and reunite along the way to share the places, stories, and experiences that make the journey memorable.
Travel with purpose. Every Traverse Journeys departure includes a contribution to a carefully selected Community Partner, supporting organizations creating meaningful impact in the destinations we visit. Your Peru journey supports Casa Kuska and Kuska School, whose work helps preserve the Quechua language and integrate Andean culture into education for younger generations.
Classic Cusco & Sacred Valley Non-Hiking
Best for travelers who want cultural depth | Shorter hikes | More time in the Sacred Valley
You don't have to trek for four days to experience Machu Picchu or the Andes deeply. The non-hiking itinerary gives you more time to explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley at a slower pace, with shorter walks and excursions to some of the region's most fascinating sites. Visit the ancient terraces of Pisac and Moray, explore the remarkable salt pools of Salineras, spend time with a local family learning about alpaca breeding and traditional weaving, and discover the living Inca village of Ollantaytambo. You'll still have a guided visit to Machu Picchu, but the journey puts greater emphasis on cultural encounters, archaeological sites, local communities and time to explore at your own pace. If you want to experience the Andes without committing to a multi-day high-altitude trek, this is the route for you.
Machu Picchu entry is limited and timed by the Peruvian government. We recommend securing your spot at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability and that the group can enter together.
Trip Snapshot
Duration: 9 Days
Trekking: Short day hikes and walks
Highest Elevation: Approximately 11,000+ ft / 3,400+ m depending on excursions
Difficulty: Low-Moderate
Classic Inca Trail
Most iconic | Archaeological sites | Challenging trek
The Classic Inca Trail is the quintessential way to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot. Over four days, you'll follow the historic trail through dramatically changing Andean landscapes, climbing from mountain valleys into high-altitude terrain before descending into the cloud forest. Along the way, you'll encounter archaeological sites including Runqurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñayhuayna, while your local guides provide insight into the people and civilization that built this extraordinary network of roads. The trek's biggest challenge comes on day two, when you'll climb to approximately 13,900 feet / 4,200 meters at Dead Woman's Pass, followed by a long descent. On the final morning, you'll rise before dawn and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, arriving on foot with your first view of the citadel below. If reaching Machu Picchu the historic way - and earning the journey along the way - is important to you, this is the classic choice.
The Classic Inca Trail is limited to 500 people per day, including guides and porters, and permits are controlled by the Peruvian government. As a result, this option typically books out months in advance. We recommend securing your spot at least 6 months ahead.
Trip Snapshot
Duration: 9 Days
Trekking: 4-day Classic Inca Trail
Highest Elevation: 13,900 ft / 4,200 m
Trekking Distance: Approximately 39 km / 24 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Vilcabamba Trek
Remote landscapes | Ancient Inca roads | Off-the-beaten-path adventure
For travelers looking for something beyond the traditional Inca Trail, the Vilcabamba Route offers a more remote and less-traveled journey through the Andes. The trek begins with a spectacular drive from Cusco into the province of La Convención, with the landscape shifting from high-altitude mountains toward lush jungle along the way. You'll hike sections of the ancient Qapaq Ñan, the vast Inca road network that once connected the Andes to the Amazon, crossing a high pass at more than 15,000 feet / 4,590 meters before descending toward the remote Vilcabamba archaeological site. Along the way, you'll pass through mountain communities, enjoy a visit to a family-run coffee farm, and experience dramatic changes in landscape and altitude. After exploring Vilcabamba, you'll continue to Cocalmayo's natural hot springs—a particularly welcome reward after several days on the trail—before continuing to Machu Picchu. If you're an experienced hiker who wants a more adventurous, remote and historically layered alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, Vilcabamba is the route for you.
The Vilcabamba Route is less traveled and does not have the same daily entry limit as the Classic Inca Trail. However, your Machu Picchu entry is still limited and timed by the Peruvian government. We recommend securing your spot at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability and that the group can enter together.
Trip Snapshot
Duration: 9 Days
Trekking: 4-day Vilcabamba Route
Highest Elevation: 15,062 ft / 4,591 m
Trekking Distance: Approximately 33 km / 20.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
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
-
8 nights in boutique, centrally located B&Bs
Hiking: 3 nights camping
-
Airport transfers on arrival/departure day
Private transit between Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and group excursions
Historic train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
-
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
-
Daily breakfast + Welcome & Farewell Dinner + 1 lunch
Healthy, nourishing meals using traditional ingredients and local sourcing
HIKING: Full-board meals during trek
-
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
-
Rainbow Mountain day trip
Extra nights in Cusco
Sleeping bag rental
Personal porter for hiking
-
International airfare
Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed
Tips to your local guide, Traverse guide, drivers, etc.
Alcohol, unless specified
Required travel insurance
-
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.
-
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.
-
+$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
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
