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 completed the Inca Trail Hike with Juan Carlos as our guide and cannot say enough great things. The trip was so well-organized with every detail accounted for. Juan Carlos was the perfect guide. He was so knowledgeable, adaptable to the needs and requests of the group, and always ensured we were safe and enjoying our time. He truly made the trip so successful! The ultimate highlight of the trip was having such an amazing group of people to connect with. Cannot wait for my next u30x trip!" -McKayle B.
"I just completed my second u30X trip, this one to hike the Inca Trail in Peru. It was an absolutely wonderful experience. The trip leaders were super helpful and knowledgeable about the country and everything on the hike was incredibly well organized. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life and having the logistics handled so well by u30x really helped me to focus on the fun of the trip." -Nick G.
"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.