Peru (Hiking to Machu Picchu) | travelworldculture

DATES AND PRICING

May 30-June 6, 2027
- Travelers may need to depart from their home airport on one day before the trip begins.
- The cost of this trip package is $3,399 (USD), but the first 8 people who sign up will get an automatic $200 discount, making their package cost $3,199.
- Only a deposit of $399 will be needed to sign up. The rest can be paid in full or via a monthly payment plan. Repeat travelers, don't forget that you get an additional discount!
- This trip has been planned for travelers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
- 3 of 8 early-bird spots are currently available. 11 of 16 total spots are currently available.

There is nothing quite like the way TWC travels to Peru. This trip combines the historical gems of Peru’s Incan history with some of the most famous hikes in the world. The trip begins in Cusco, the center of both the Incan Empire and the starting point for all hikes to Machu Picchu. You’ll be staying just steps from the historic city center, Plaza de Armas, and will enjoy a walking tour of the city that takes you to hidden and mysterious Incan sites and other ‘off the beaten track’ locations. You’ll be taken on a tour of the Inca’s Sacred Valley, including Moray, a set of circular terraces used as an agricultural laboratory since the time of the Incas and the Maras salt mines carved into the side of the mountain. Instead of the standard Sacred Valley day trips that go to buffets, our group eats lunch at the property of our friend and local guide, which overlooks the mountains and is home to his pet alpacas and llamas. A chef will be there to prepare a traditional pachamanca meal made underground. The next day is yours to choose your adventure: hop on an optional day trip, take a spa and shopping afternoon around the city, learn how to make Peruvian dishes with fresh ingredients from the Andes in a cooking class, or visit many of the temples surrounding Cusco.

From Cusco, your once-in-a-lifetime hike to Machu Picchu will begin, taking you through sacred Incan sites, snow-capped mountain passes, and rainforests. The first two days of hiking will take place in Peru’s Salkantay region, where you’ll see turquoise glacier lakes and stay in domes with private toilets and glass ceilings perfect for star gazing at night. Each meal during the trek is prepared by a chef, even in the remote mountains. After the Salkantay region, the group will head to Ollantaytambo, a fun city home to a massive Incan fortress set into the hillside. This is where the group will begin one of the most scenic train rides in the world to the start of the Inca Trail portion of the hike that takes hikers along the actual route the Incas used to travel for thousands of years, ending at Machu Picchu. The first day on the Inca Trail will take you through the Wiñay Wayna ruins to the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first stunning view of the “lost city” of Machu Picchu. On your second day on the Inca Trail, you’ll be taken on a guided tour through the actual city of Machu Picchu. The trip will finish with another breathtaking train ride through the valley back to Cusco.

TWC works with local hiking guides during all hiking days and ensures that we only partner with companies that ensure the fair treatment of their porters and the quality of food and equipment.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

7 nights in accommodations
- Accommodations are double occupancy. Roommates will exclusively be people in the TWC group, but fully private room upgrades are available. Travelers can request roommates during the booking process.
- There is no camping on this trip. Hotels are 3-star hotels, but night 4 is an exception, as the rustic domes the group stays in for that night have glass ceilings for star gazing and could be classified as glamping with beds and private toilets.
Private transportation between cities
- The exception to private transportation is a round-trip train ride between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, the city below Machu Pichhu. This train ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with amazing views through Peru's Sacred Valley, home to many historic sites you can see from the train.
Airport transfer service to and from the airport in Cusco
14 meals
- 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
A TWC group leader, Marie!
A local Peruvian guide to accompany the group on the Cusco city tour, the Sacred Valley tour, and the 4 days of hiking, including the day at Machu Picchu.
- Get to know some of our favorite local guides and friends!
Permits for 4 days on some of the most famous trails in the world
Several fun activities
- Including a tour of the Sacred Valley, a 4-day guided hike including Machu Picchu, entrance into and a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and a walking tour of Cusco.
Individual TWC Traveler Account and access to a private group Facebook for the trip
Q&A leading up to and during the trip for travel advice and to answer questions

Important notes:

1. The activity level of this trip is high. There are 3 days of hiking, and there will be a lot of walking involved on most other days. The terrain on the hiking days is strenuous, steep, and at a high-altitude. These trails are generally considered accessible to most healthy and active travelers with the proper preparation.

2. All travelers should also be aware of the high altitudes of many of the destinations on this trip. The itinerary's elevation starts at 11,200 feet/3,400 meters in Cusco and reaches a maximum of 4,630 meters/15,190 feet at Salkantay Pass. Optional excursions may be at even higher altitudes. Everyone reacts to altitude differently, regardless of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the event you are affected during the trip, please consult your physician.

3. Good shoes and proper clothing and outerwear for hiking will be needed, but travelers will not be required to bring any other hiking or camping equipment.

4. Your flights to and from Cusco are not included. We do however happily make suggestions and notify our travelers when great flight deals are available. Note: When searching for flights, it is often much more affordable to book a round-trip flight from the USA to Lima and then to book a round-trip flight from Lima to Cusco, which is only a 1 hour and 20-minute flight.

5. Each traveler will also have to purchase travel insurance of their choosing that fits specific requirements. This insurance starts at approximately $25.

6. Note that there is a 3% processing fee on payments made by credit card.

Day 0

Flight to Peru

Note: When searching for flights, it is often much more affordable to book a round-trip flight from the USA to Lima and then to book a round-trip flight from Lima to Cusco, which is only a 1 hour and 20-minute flight.

The day prior to the trip start date will technically be "Day 0" of the trip for many people. This is because flights to Peru often land in Peru's capital city airport, Lima, late at night. Some people will have only a short layover in Lima if their flight to Cusco is very early in the morning, so they may choose to just wait in the airport as a normal layover.

We can help travelers organize to stay at the hotel inside Lima's airport, which we have personally stayed in before and really like, if they have a long layover.

Day 1

Arrival in Cusco

Arrive in Cusco, the center of the Incan Empire and the starting point for all hikes to Machu Picchu. You'll get a professional airport transfer straight away to the accommodation. Our accommodation is a 5-minute walk from the city center, Plaza de Armas, where you can find amazing restaurants, cafes, and markets.

Join the group for an afternoon walking tour of the city that takes you to hidden and mysterious Incan sites and other ‘off the beaten track' locations. You will visit Cusco's famous cathedral, ancient Inca-built streets, Incan temples, and more. You will be able to compare and contrast the building methods of the Incan culture and Catholicism.

In the early evening, enjoy an included welcome dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant in the evening where you can try Peruvian dishes or familiar dishes and get to know your fellow travelers and hikers!

Dinner is included.

Day 2

Sacred Valley Day Trip

In the morning, the group will depart for a tour of the Inca’s Sacred Valley in a way that no other group does thanks to our friend and local guide, Yoel. Yoel will guide the group to several Incan and pre-Incan sites in the Sacred Valley, including to his hometown of Chinchero.

The day begins with a drive through the Urubamba Valley and pass the first snow-capped peaks of the trip!

Stop in Chinchero for a textile-making demonstration and to explore another important architectural site with ruins and mountain views known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow. The next stop will be at the mysterious terraces of Moray to learn about this agricultural laboratory. Continue to a nearby town to visit the Salt Mines of Maras, an impressive set of salt pits that are fixated on the mountainside.

The day ends with a lunch at his property overlooking the valley, where you'll meet his family and pet llamas and alpacas and learn traditional games. A traditional pachamanca, cooking underground, will be done by a chef with the group participating, and then the group will go on an exclusive hike in the neighboring Incan site with the llamas. This is something almost nobody else gets to do, so our group typically has the entire site to themselves, which is often a trip highlight.

The rest of the evening will be free time around Cusco.

A full list of optional activities, places to eat, and things to see around Cusco will be provided before the trip begins.

Breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 3

Free Day

Today you can choose your own adventure with help from TWC to plan it. Take a spa day to get a massage before the hiking begins, visit the San Pedro market, a lively spot for food, clothes, and gifts, take a cooking class using fresh ingredients from the market, or visit one of the many temples or ruins around Cusco. TWC provides a list of recommendations for food and activities in each destination.

For avid and experienced hikers, you can use this day to add additional hiking to your trip. Rainbow Mountain is a popular but extremely strenuous day trip that involves hiking up to around 17,000 feet/5,364 meters.

Breakfast is included.

Day 4

Salkantay Pass & Glass Domes

The group will depart from Cusco to begin a day of hiking in the Salkantay region.

Once we arrive at our glass dome accommodations, the group will enjoy breakfast made by a team of chefs.

After breakfast, your trekking adventure to Machu Picchu will begin. You will continue along gradually ascending terrain for approximately 2 hours until it's time to take a well-deserved break. The hike will continue for approximately 2 hours until reaching Salkantay Pass, located at just over 15,000 feet (4,600m). This place is cold (almost frozen depending on the time of year) but has the best views of Salkantay´s glacier peak.

Take in the breathtaking scenery before continuing down from the pass for about 1.5 hours to our lunch spot. Enjoy another chef-prepared lunch, complete with a tent and chairs, while sitting in the most stunning valley as horses graze near the tent and the glaciers sparkle in the distance. The rest of the downhill hike will take the afternoon.

Back at the domes, there will be time for resting, taking pictures, and playing cards until tea time before dinner. At tea time, enjoy snacks, tea, and tell wild stories from our Peruvian guides. Another amazing dinner made by a team of chefs is also included.

In the evening, check out the stars, as you'll be sleeping in cabins with windows on the ceiling meant for star gazing!

This day of hiking is approximately 9 miles and 2800 feet of elevation gain.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included,

Day 5

Laguna Humantay to Ollantaytambo

After a brisk early morning with amazing views of the surrounding glacier peaks, you will enjoy your breakfast and get ready for the Salkantay Trail day 2 hike.

After breakfast, the hike to Laguna Humantay will be approximately 1.5 hours and will take you to the skirts of Humantay Mountain, where the beautiful, crystalline-blue waters of the Humantay Lagoon lay at 13,779 feet (4200m).

A local shaman will join the group for a special ceremony to honor the sacred lake. After breathing in the beauty of such a magical place, the group will begin making their way back down to the starting point. Lunch will be back at the glass domes.

This day of hiking is approximately 4 miles and 1500 feet of elevation gain.

After lunch, the group will be transported to Ollantaytambo, a village in the Sacred Valley of south Peru, set on the Urubamba River amid snow-capped mountains. It's known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside.

Evening: Check into the hotel in Ollantaytambo. You'll have the rest of your night to grab dinner, explore the town, and rest.

Breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 6

Inca Trail to Aguas Calientes

Start the day with a picturesque train ride through the Sacred Valley along the way to the start of the Inca Trail at 2,000 meters/6,561 feet elevation. Snack bags will be given out.

The hike will start with a visit to the group's first Inca site. Then the hiking will begin with tremendous views of other surrounding Incan sites. After hiking for three hours, the group will reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2,600 meters/8,500 feet. Few people get the opportunity to see these elaborate water fountains, temples, and agricultural terraces. These provide a perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the Incas. The backdrop of this site is a dramatic cliff drop with beautiful mountains surrounding the area.

Next, you’ll be able to enjoy the lunch that has been cooked by the chefs. You’ll also get a chance to refill your water and get a little rest after you’ve eaten.

From Wiñay Wayna, the group will walk to the Sun Gate to see the picturesque landscape of the famous Machu Picchu. After taking in the once-in-a-lifetime views, the group will descend into Machu Picchu. After taking photos and exploring the area, the group will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and head to the hotel. Check into the hotel and then head to an included dinner.

This day of hiking is approximately 9 miles and 2300 feet of elevation gain with ups and downs along the way.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

Day 7

Machu Picchu

Catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. The highlight of the trip is finally here, the lost city of the Incas.

You’ll have a two-hour guided walking tour by your private English-speaking guide. After that, you’ll have time to explore Machu Picchu by yourself. After exploring you can either take a bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes to explore more of the town and local markets.

In the afternoon, the group will take another stunning train ride out of Aguas Calientes. Arrive back in Cusco to check back into the hotel. This is the last night that the group will be together, so a group dinner, cards, and going over our favorite memories will be on the agenda for sure!

Breakfast is included.

Day 8

Flight Home

Time for the final goodbyes! (Where will the reunion be?!) Enjoy one last cup of tea or take one last walk around town to grab some souvenirs or take photos.

Professional transportation from the accommodation to the Cusco airport is included.

Breakfast is included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can we do to prepare for the altitude? The itinerary's elevation starts at 11,200 feet/3,400 meters in Cusco and reaches a maximum of 4,630 meters/15,190 feet at Salkantay Pass. Optional excursions may be at higher altitudes. Each hiker will also be given information about how to prepare before (via the preparation list, packing list, and group video call) and during too. It is very important to take the altitude seriously, and all travelers can benefit from talking to their primary doctor about affordable generic prescriptions for altitude sickness. It's also helpful to stay hydrated, bring electrolytes, and avoid smoking and things that dehydrate you before and during the trip.

Is this trip doable if you’re afraid of heights? It's important to note that there will be steep sections and parts of the trail near drop offs, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to do with some fear of heights, although it will be an additional challenge to face during the hikes. This is ultimately a personal decision that only you can make for yourself. There will be local guides and a team of porters in addition to the TWC group leader, so there's a team there supporting each hiker with difficult sections of the trail.

What will the weather be like?/What is the ideal season to go? Since this trip is planned for June, we'll be visiting during the heart of the dry season, which is widely considered the best time to hike to Machu Picchu. We can expect some sunny days, clear skies, and visibility of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, but we each need to be packed and prepared for mountain weather regardless. However, the weather can never be predicted fully, so the packing list will prepare each hiker for the fact that rain, wind, clouds etc are very much still possible. Daytime temperatures in Cusco typically range from 64°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C), making it comfortable for sightseeing. Nights are much colder, with temperatures in town dropping to around 4°C (39°F). At the higher elevations in the Salkantay region, overnight temperatures commonly fall to -4°C and -2°C (24°F to 28°F), so warm layers are essential. While the daytime sun can feel quite warm, the high altitude means UV levels are very strong, making sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat important throughout the trip.

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions? TWC is happy to accommodate dietary requests to the best of our abilities. It's essential to us that everyone is comfortable, but please keep in mind that not every alternative will be available in the remote mountain terrain. A question during the signup process for each trip asks the traveler to note any dietary requests, allergies, etc. We can accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets on every trip. 3 out of 5 of our group leaders are vegetarian or vegan, so we always make sure to have good veggie options for all included meals and on our recommendation lists. If you have a serious allergy or restriction that requires avoiding cross-contamination, please reach out before signing up to inquire about options during the trek.

Are we required to pay additional gratuity in addition to the price? For this trip, tips to the local team are included in the trip cost. TWC tips the local guides, porters, drivers, etc on behalf of the whole group. However, travelers are always welcome to give additional tips to the local hiking guides (who are with the group for many days) and their horseman. Again, the expected amount is included in the trip package, some some travelers want to give more if they really liked the local guides. Additionally, travelers will be presented a method to tip their TWC group leader digitally at the end of the trip.

How difficult are the hikes? The activity level of this trip is VERY HIGH. There are 3 days of hiking, and there will be a lot of walking every other day. The terrain on the hiking days is strenuous, steep, and at a high altitude. These trails are generally considered accessible to most healthy travelers but require preparation in order to make the experience feel as comfortable as possible. The high elevation can make the hike feel more difficult, so travelers are encouraged to discuss options with a physician, as there are prescription medications available that can assist with that aspect. All travelers get a detailed packing list, preparation PDF, access to the trip Facebook group, and an invite to the group video call Q&A, so there is plenty of opportunity to talk with others on the trip and encourage each other. Those who want to join this trip should either have prior hiking experience or be willing to prepare before the trip. Reach out to jessica@travelwc.com with additional questions.

What will we have to carry? During the hikes, you'll only have to carry your small backpack that you'll hike with for your water bottle, sunscreen, small stuff, etc. Your main luggage will either be in your room or stored for you during the hikes.

What should I do to prepare? The answer to that is going to look different for everyone. To start, I will always recommend getting as much time on trails as possible. Not everyone lives in a place where there are hikes like this with elevation, and that’s okay! Wherever you can get yourself walking and legs moving is great. Make a plan, go with a buddy, and have fun! If you don’t have access to any trails with elevation gain, the Stairmaster or treadmill on high incline in a gym is similar. During the trip, everyone will go at their own pace, and there will be local guides with the group. However, it’s important to put effort into preparing, and you will be so happy you did! Only you know your body, so I can only make generalized recommendations. We will chat more about how else to prepare during the group video call in the spring of 2027 (and in regular notes and posts via email and the Facebook group throughout the year until the trip).

Do I need a visa? US citizens do not need a visa to enter Peru. If you will be traveling with another passport, please send an email to jessica@travelwc.com if you have a question about if you'll need a visa.

Is it normal to come solo? Yes! One of the best things about TWC is that we prioritize community, and our groups get close quickly. We see a lot of roommates become great friends and entire groups reunite after the trip ends.

Do you offer payment plans? Yes! During the sign-up process, you can select to opt into a monthly payment plan interest-free. You will find the package cost under the "Pricing and Dates" section on the trip page. When signing up, you'll have the option to opt in for an interest-free payment plan. Only a deposit of $399 is due on the day of booking. The remaining balance can be paid in 7 monthly installments starting in late October and going through late April 2027. However, you'll have access to an account where you can log in anytime, see your payment plan details, make a partial or full payment anytime you want, and more.

Is there camping involved? No. Accommodations are double occupancy in hotels. There is no camping on this trip. Night 4 is an exception because the simple domes we stay in for that 1 night could be classified as glamping with beds and private toilets.

Do I need camping equipment? Good shoes and clothing for hiking will be needed, but travelers will not be required to bring any other equipment. Hiking poles are provided.

What city do we fly into? Cusco, Peru. However, when searching for flights, it is often more affordable to book a round-trip flight from your home city to Lima and then to book a separate round-trip flight from Lima to Cusco, which is only a 1 hour and 20-minute flight. There are pros and cons to that method, and it's also an option to just book round-trip from your home airport all the way to Cusco on one ticket. We are happy to discuss flight options with each traveler and look over flights.

What is due on the day of booking? The deposit of $399.

Is this trip only for Americans? The trip is open to everyone, regardless of nationality. We've had travelers from dozens of different countries and counting join us, and we wouldn't have it any other way. If you have any questions about whether or not you'll need a visa to visit a specific country, please make a note while signing up.

Is there an age limit? This trip has been planned for travelers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. We do also have select group trips for all travelers over 18 at other times of the year.

Is there a cancellation policy? There are cancellation conditions for each trip package. The cancellation conditions are as follows: The initial deposit is always non-refundable. If the cancellation is 180 days or more prior to the trip departure date, the initial deposit is still owed. If the cancellation is between 180 and 90 days prior to the trip departure date, 50% of the total trip cost is still owed. If the cancellation is 90 days or less prior to the trip departure date, 100% of the total cost of the trip is still owed. We have a cancellation policy in place because TWC has to reserve accommodations, activities, transfers, transportation, etc very far in advance, and our vendors have strict policies with TWC, as we work with top-rated accommodations, local guides, etc. This means that TWC starts to pay for each traveler's spot in advance.