Arrive in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, and take included transportation to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Begin to acclimate at 11,200 feet (3,400 meters) and take a warm-up hike through the San Cristobal neighborhood for a great view of the city. See Cusco's famous cathedrals and Plaza de Armas at night and feel like you've gone back in time.
Meet your certified Inca Trail guide and small group of fellow hikers during our welcome meeting. Get prepared for this 26 mile (42 kilometer) hike of a lifetime.
Depart Cusco for the Sacred Valley to a small indigenous village near Chinchero and participate in a community outreach project exclusive to Under30Experiences travelers.
This local sustainability project brings tourism to a rural area travelers would not normally visit on a trip to Peru and supports a humble community of indigineous people.
Learn how the native Quechua people live in the Andes and understand their spiritual connection to Pachamama or Mother Earth. This is an incredible cultural exchange with textile weavers and subsistence farmers who still embrace their traditional language and dress.
Tonight, try traditional Peruvian delicacies like alpaca, guinea pig, or ceviche for dinner.
Wake up early and be shuttled to Ollantaytambo to begin the four-day, three-night Inca Trail fromthe famous “kilometer 82” trailhead.
Meet our team of local porters, cooks, and guides who will be carrying your equipment on the 26 mile (42 kilometer) hike. Have your tent set up and three gourmet meals per day cooked for you along the trail.
Your biggest challenge will be carrying yourself along with your snacks and water for the day. Plan to exercise to prepare for this hike, but no prior trekking experience is necessary.
Follow in the footsteps of legendary explorer Hiram Bingham and settle into your campsite for the night. Not sure what to pack? Check our Inca Trail Packing Guide.
Begin your second day of hiking early with incredible views of the snow-capped Veronica Mountain.
Ascend to the top of the 13,779 foot (4,200 meter) Warmiwañusca or Dead Woman's Pass. This will be the journey's most challenging stretch of trail.
Sleep soundly in your tent set up for you after enjoying a well-cooked Peruvian meal.
Continue along the same trail the Incas traveled on pilgrimages to Machu Picchu hundreds of years before you.
Today, you will pass the glaciers of the Vilcabamba mountain range and see the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, “the city above the clouds.”.
After a downhill hike from the Winay Wayna Archeological Site, you will find your third and final campground. Relax with your group and take in your accomplishments thus far.
Depart camp before daybreak to be one of the first hikers through Intipunku, the famous Sun Gate.
As you arrive at the iconic overlook, soak in Machu Picchu and celebrate the journey you've worked hard to complete.
See history come alive as you wind through the paths of the archeological site. Your guide will explain the history and cultural significance of "The Lost City of the Incas."
After touring Machu Picchu, take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Spend your last night of the trip in Cusco.
Enjoy your final breakfast and say goodbye to your new hiking buddies.
As your trip comes to a close, we hope you keep in touch with our online and in-person community at home.
Camping not your thing? See our other Machu Picchu trip and arrive by train. You can also visit Machu Picchu and the Amazon with Under30Experiences.
"I did the Inca Trail Hike with U30X and it was a wonderful experience! It was my first time to South America and I was very pleased with how well this trip was organized and led. I felt less like a tourist and more like I was visiting friends who live in Peru! The under30 staff went out of their way to help me find a way home when my return flight was canceled due to hurricane Irma. I was also fortunate to have had a great group of people on the trail with me. I recommend this company to anyone!" -Melanie H.
"I recently did the Inca trail experience and it was amazing. Whether it was soaking in the surrounding culture or epic rap covers on the ukulele by the one and only, Jonno, it was a truly unforgettable experience. Oh, and you get to experience the amazing Machu Picchu and interact with glorious creatures like llamas and alpacas. So I guess that's cool. But really, if you're looking for a lifechanging experience, book a trip with this company now! You won't regret!!" -Shawn B.
"My Hike the Inca Trail trip was beyond amazing, and I couldn't have asked for anything more from a trip. Our leaders made us all feel instantly comfortable, and the group was fantastic. The trip was well planned and the hike was unforgettable. Memories to last a lifetime." -Audrey B.