Incan Footsteps
A 10-day Peru journey combining the legendary Inca Trail hike with a privately guided visit to Machu Picchu and time in the Sacred Valley and Cusco.
10 Days
Lima / Lima
Custom
Challenging
April – October
A Classic Trek Through the Inca Heartland
Incan Footsteps is a thoughtfully structured journey through Peru that blends culture, cuisine, and one of the world’s most iconic treks. After time to acclimate in the Sacred Valley, travelers step onto the legendary Inca Trail, following ancient stone pathways through high Andean passes, cloud forest, and remote archaeological sites.
The experience culminates with arrival at Machu Picchu on foot, where a private guided visit brings the history and symbolism of the citadel to life. The journey concludes in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, offering a deeper look at the region’s layered Inca and colonial heritage.
Trip Highlights
What This Journey Typically Costs
Because every Incan Footsteps itinerary is fully custom, pricing varies based on travel dates, accommodations, Inca Trail permit availability, and the overall rhythm of the journey.
As a general guideline
Travelers combining a classic trekking experience with curated hotel stays can expect a wide range depending on comfort level, seasonality, and the quality of trekking support logistics.
Quotes typically include internal flights, Inca Trail permits and guiding, ground transportation, and carefully selected accommodations. International airfare is generally quoted separately.
We’ll walk travelers through the options transparently and recommend what makes the most sense for their trip.
Daily Itinerary
Welcome to Lima
Arrive in Peru’s coastal capital and transfer to your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city with time to rest, stroll along the cliffs, or explore nearby cafés and neighborhoods.
Highlights
- Airport arrival and hotel transfer
- Time to settle in
Historic Lima & Optional Culinary Tastes
Explore Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic center, visiting grand plazas, colonial streets, and landmark churches. An optional food-focused experience can be added for travelers interested in Peru’s diverse culinary traditions.
Highlights
- Historic center walking tour
- Optional culinary experience
Into the Andes: Cusco Arrival & Sacred Valley Acclimation
Fly to Cusco in the morning and continue into the Sacred Valley, where lower elevations make for a more comfortable introduction to the Andes. As the scenery shifts from high plains to fertile valley landscapes, enjoy a traditional hacienda-style lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure to rest and acclimate.
Highlights
- Flight to Cusco
- Sacred Valley acclimation
Sacred Valley Highlights
Spend the day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, the shimmering salt pans of Maras, and the fortress town of Ollantaytambo, with its massive stone walls and living Inca streets. Together, these sites reveal the sophistication of Inca engineering, agriculture, and daily life, set against dramatic Andean mountain scenery.
Highlights
- Sacred Valley sites
- Ollantaytambo
Inca Trail Day 1: Trailhead to Wayllabamba
Begin early with a transfer to the trailhead at Piscacucho (Km 82), with a brief stop in Ollantaytambo for last-minute supplies. Start hiking along the Urubamba Valley on original Inca stone pathways beneath snow-capped Andean peaks, including views of Mount Verónica. Pass small rural communities and early archaeological sites such as Patallacta and Willkarakay before reaching camp near Wayllabamba.
Highlights
- Trailhead at Km 82
- Patallacta and valley views
- Camp near Wayllabamba
Inca Trail Day 2: Dead Woman’s Pass
Ascend through high Andean terrain to Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the Inca Trail at over 13,700 feet. Enjoy expansive mountain views before descending into the Pacaymayo Valley, where camp is set and time is reserved for rest and recovery.
Highlights
- Warmiwañusca Pass
- Pacaymayo Valley camp
Inca Trail Day 3: Cloud Forest & Wiñay Wayna
Continue along a section of trail rich in archaeological sites and changing ecosystems. Visit impressive ruins such as Runkurakay and Sayacmarca, then climb toward Phuyupatamarca before descending through lush cloud forest along stone stairways to the final campsite near Wiñay Wayna. Note that designated camps may vary, as they are assigned by Peru’s Ministry of Culture.
Highlights
- Runkurakay and Sayacmarca
- Cloud forest descent
- Camp near Wiñay Wayna
Inca Trail Day 4: Sun Gate & Machu Picchu (Private Guide)
Begin early with the final hike to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) for a first view of Machu Picchu from above. Descend to the citadel for a private guided visit, exploring its temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces with deeper historical context. Continue onward to Aguas Calientes before traveling by train and road to Cusco.
Highlights
- Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
- Private guided visit at Machu Picchu
- Return to Cusco
Cusco City Tour
Explore Cusco’s layered history on a guided city tour, from Inca foundations to Spanish colonial landmarks. Highlights typically include the Cusco Cathedral, Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), and the fortress complex of Sacsayhuamán.
Highlights
- Cusco Cathedral
- Korikancha
- Sacsayhuamán
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima and onward international departure, concluding your journey through Peru’s coast, Andes, and Inca heartland.
Highlights
- Airport transfer
- International departure
What’s Included
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Traveler Stories
"The trip was completely seamless. We had a group of 7 of us, people coming in and out of the trip on different days, but everything went so smoothly!"
— Brittany Lombardo · Verified Review
"Max provided highly competent and professional service arranging our trips to Costa Rica (and previously Peru) as well as following up on the numerous details and changes we requested. The trips exceeded my expectations."
— Deb Dickerson · Verified Review
"Max planned a wonderful week to Cusco and Machu Picchu. The whole experience was delightful, and I would use Mindful Travel again for future trips."
— Lynn Stevens, Peru · Verified Review
Frequently Asked Questions
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