Bring a valid passport. We recommend that your passport remain valid for at least six months after your departure date. Visas are not required for US or Canadian citizens.

Lodge to Lodge on the Inca Trail
Lodge to Lodge on the Inca Trail
Amid Andean peaks and cloud forests, hike in the footsteps of the Inca and cross paths with indigenous people in this physically active and culturally rewarding experience! Featuring spectacular scenery, archaeological wonders, deluxe mountain lodges and physical challenge, Lodge to Lodge on the Inca Trail reveals the majesty of Machu Picchu and the adventurer within.
Daily Itinerary
Lodge to Lodge on the Inca Trail Itinerary

- Day1
Depart / Lima, Peru
Board your independent flight to Peru. Arrive in Lima late this evening and walk a short distance to the Costa del Sol Airport Hotel across the terminal for overnight. (No meals included).
- Day2
Lima / Cusco / Urubamba Valley
Gather for breakfast before transferring to the airport for your short flight to Cusco. Head into the Urubamba Valley, also known as the “Sacred Valley of the Incas.” Enjoy a boxed lunch in Chinchero, then hike down to Urquillos before transferring Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas (August 14 departure) or Del Pilar Ollantaytambo (September 12 departure). The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure and to adjust to the high altitude. This evening gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail party and dinner. (B,L,D) Hike: Approx. length 6 miles 2,770 ft descent.
- Day3
Urubamba Valley / Lamay / Pisaq / Viacha
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride from Lamay to Pisaq this morning. Your route follows the Urubamba River along a well-maintained dirt road that is mostly flat.
After this, gather in the small mountain village of Viacha to learn about potato cultivation and enjoy a lunch of “pachamanca” a traditional Peruvian meal cooked in an earthen pit with hot stones. This afternoon join a guided tour of the Pisac National Archaeological Park, its centerpiece is the fascinating Temple of the Sun, which was used by the Incas as an astronomical observatory. Wander among the remains of palaces, temples, plazas, temples, pools, terraces and irrigation system that were constructed between the 10th and 11th centuries AD. The city was strategically built overlooking the Urubamba Valley and views of the terraced countryside are simply spectacular. As the sun begins to set, return to the small town of Lamay and check in to the Lamay Lodge. (B,L,D) Bike: Approx. length 8 miles no significant ascent/descent.
- Day4
Lamay / Lares Valley / Huacahuasi
Discover the celebrated “Inca Weaver’s Trail” where the Quechua people maintain their ancient way of life, farming, herding alpacas and llamas, and weaving superb textiles. As you travel through the Lares Valley, you may encounter traditional villages where the colorful ponchos of the men vie for attention with the exquisite “manta” shoulder garments of the women. Make a stop at the archaeological site of Ancasmarca, an ancient Incan citadel that was used for storage and as a trading post. This afternoon, choose to visit a traditional weaver’s village. Or choose one of two hikes amidst turquoise lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi. Check in to the Huacahuasi Lodge for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Hike 1: Approx. length 2 miles 941 ft ascent, 278 ft descent. / Hike 2: Approx. length 5 miles, 1,437 ft ascent, 1,240 ft descent.
- Day5
Huacahuasi / Urubamba Valley
Spend the morning hiking along the Inca Trail from Lares Pass to the village of Totora. Or choose to explore Huacahuasi where you may observe daily life in this small, indigenous community. Mingle with locals at the colorful farmer’s market and visit a museum with informative displays describing Inca and pre-Inca culture. Both groups will meet at K’uychi Rumi Lodge for a delightful barbeque lunch. After this, set off on an afternoon bike ride, winding your way through agricultural fields dotted with small villages. Or, choose to explore the town of Ollantaytambo on your own. Return to the K’uychi Rumi Lodge for dinner and overnight (B,L,D) Hike: Approx. length 4 miles 1,810 ft descent. Bike: Approx. length 8.5 miles 300 ft ascent, 400 ft descent.
- Day6
Urubamba Valley / Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes
This morning explore the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, one of the best surviving examples of Incan city planning. Travel back in time as you wander the maze of narrow byways, past stone buildings and babbling irrigation channels. After this, board the train to the village of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Check in to the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore this pedestrian-friendly town on your own, relax at our exquisite 12-acre hotel, or join an optional guided hike. (B,L,D)
- Day7
Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Ollantaytambo / Cusco
Rise early and make the short trip to Machu Picchu to appreciate the full majesty of this remarkable site is during the morning hours, taking advantage of the soft light for dramatic photo opportunities. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the center of the site, recapping Machu Picchu's rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and explaining the current theories regarding the purpose and significance of the city. Those who wish may take a challenging hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that soars above the city. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, located at the entrance of Machu Picchu. After lunch, board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue to Cusco. Check in to Casa Andina Premium Cusco for an evening at leisure. (B,L,D)
- Day8
Cusco
This morning visit Sacsayhuaman ruins, located on a hill overlooking the town, then walk back to Cusco proper via the San Blas district. Observe local artisans along the way, then visit the Cathedral and Koricancha (Temple of Sun). Lunch is on your own with the afternoon free to pursue your interests. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. Spend tonight at Casa Andina Premium Hotel. (B,D) Hike: Approx. length 1-2 miles 900 ft descent.
- Day9
Cusco / Lima / Home
The morning is at leisure to explore on your own and enjoy some last-minute shopping. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Lima and connect with your independent homeward flight. (B,L, Meals Aloft)
Things to Know
What kind of visas are required for travel to Peru?
What are the physical expectations of this program?
You will be hiking and biking during this journey. General good health and an active lifestyle are necessary prerequisites to fully enjoy this program. Pre-trip fitness planning and well-worn hiking boots will help ensure the best experience possible while in Peru.
Should I consider purchasing travel protection?
In order to join this trip, you are required to show proof of travel and evacuation insurance. We also strongly suggest you purchase insurance to cover 100% of your vacation cost as there are no exceptions to the cancellation penalties. Travel protection plans are available from various insurance providers. International Expeditions offers the Travel Protection Plan Deluxe. For information regarding the plan, you can visit the Travel Guard website or request a quote from your Travel Planner.
Accommodations

Costa del Sol Airport Hotel
Linked directly to Jorge Chavéz International Airport and offering upscale amenities for discerning travellers, this airport hotel offers the ultimate in convenience and comfort. Amenities include a restaurant and bar, business center, 24-hour gym, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room.

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas
This 91-room hotel boasts a privileged location in the heart of the Sacred Valley and offers fabulous views of the Andes from every room. Locally inspired design with rustic touches make this hotel a cozy spot from which to contemplate the majestic grandeur that surrounds you. Amenities include a restaurant, free WiFi, sauna, spa, gym, and a planetarium where you can observe the Milky Way and the Southern Cross.

Del Pilar Ollantaytambo Hotel
Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cuzco, Peru, near the Plaza de Armas of Ollantaytambo, Cuzco this hotel is the perfect place to start your Peruvian adventure. Rooms are comfortable, beautifully decorated and include Wifi and air conditioning.

Lamay Lodge
Just at the edge of the quaint village of Lamay in the Sacred Valley, the Lamay Lodge blends traditional heritage with original contemporary design. The large garden on the grounds is the center of activities and an excellent place to soak in the Andean Mountain views (and perhaps meet with resident llamas). A large Jacuzzi is an ideal place to relax at the end of a long day of adventuring. The restaurant offers an inventive menu of International and Peruvian cuisine and all offerings are locally sourced—from organic coffee blends to healthy snacks.

Huacahuasi Lodge
Perched above the small town of Huacahuasi, this lovely 8-room lodge is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration. Each room has a private bathroom and terrace with seating and a (small) personal hot tub. The rest of the lodge is open plan and has a restaurant, bar and communal outdoor hot tub. The women working at the lodge are from the local Huacahuasi community and dress in traditional (and extremely colorful!) clothes.

K’uychi Rumi Lodge
Located just outside the town of Urubamba, K’uychi Rumi consists of seven luxurious, individually designed cottages, each with two levels, spacious bedrooms and living areas, kitchenette, fireplace, and balcony. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and native fruit orchards, the property is nestled at the foot of some of the most picturesque mountain peaks in all of Peru and is a short distance from the Urubamba River.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Our Machu Picchu tour accommodations are at the famed Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, nestled in an area of natural beauty spreading over 12 acres of streams, gushing waterfalls, plantations and wild forest interspersed by stone pathways, the hotel is composed 83 guest houses nestled in one or two-storey whitewash cottages. Each room features California long beds with alpaca bedspreads, hand-woven pima cotton sheets, private bathrooms, heaters, aromatherapy products and nightly turndown service. The bar, boutique and reception building are each decorated with Andean artifacts and fabrics. Charming attractions include a library, a display wall of pre-Columbian artifacts in the Mikhuna Wasi dining room, and the lounge's cozy fireplaces, as well as the Andean sauna: an igloo made of indigenous bamboo and fresh eucalyptus leaves.

Casa Andina Premium, Cusco
With 93 spacious rooms, a friendly, welcoming staff, and an ideal location just a few blocks from Cusco’s Main Square, Casa Andina is in the perfect home base for exploring all of Cusco’s main sights. The charming colonial-style courtyard is a wonderful place to relax after a busy day and the onsite restaurant offers tasty regional specialties. The hotel features personalized service and extras like buffet breakfast, free Wifi, restaurant and bar, concierge service, room service.