Unrivaled beauty. Witness the glory of Machu Picchu.
Classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu 4D/3N(Group Service)
Duration
07 Feb 2026
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous trek, a scenic train ride, or a luxurious guided experience, our variety of excursion packages cater to all types of travelers.
For the Classic Inca Trail, check availability and permits before booking. Contact us at info@machupicchuhikingperu.com for single trekker options. No permits are needed for alternative treks.
For the Classic Inca Trail, check availability and permits before booking. Contact us at info@machupicchuhikingperu.com for single trekker options. No permits are needed for alternative treks.
Send Your Deposit
The deposit for treks without hotels is $250 per person, while tours with hotels require a $316 deposit. Payments can be made via PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Diners Club, IZIPAY.
$619 / Person
Package Overview
The Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is famous for being one of the world’s ten best hikes! Walk in the footsteps of the Inca as you discover astonishing ecological diversity and a wealth of archeological treasures. The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary covers 32,952 acres and is home to a network of Inca trails, scores of archeological sites, 10 ecological zones (from glacial peaks to tropical forests), over 450 species of birds and 200 species of orchids, as well as the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu!
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel (Cusco only)
- Briefing at our office. This will be done the night before your trek at 6:00pm
- Hotel pick up the first morning of the trek
- Private transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho (in our company van)
- Extra porter for your belongings (you will need only a day backpack to carry what you will need during day)!
- 4 season Eureka Timberline Tents, (large & comfortable) please see equipment
- Comfortable foam mattresses and pillow
- Professional English speaking guide who is highly experienced in trekking
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional: vegetarian or other dietary needs upon request)bed for camping
- First-aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank
- Porters to carry tents, food and cooking equipment
- Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback (your chef will provide clean water after each meal)
- Hot water for washing purposes
- Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transportation to Cusco (in our company van)
- Permit to the Classic Inca Trail & entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
- Private toilet tent, with a normal toilet seat – this is only for our group
- Two hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Modern trekking and camping equipment.
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Rain ponchos and day pack rain covers
- Taxes (18%)
- Wayna Picchu: $75 USD and Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD – This needs to be booked in advance, if you would like to add an extra hike. These hikes sell out. Please let us know at the time of booking.
- First breakfast and last lunch – We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and have the last lunch at Aguas Calientes after the tour of Machu Picchu.
- VISTADOME Train – $67 USD per person extra. (Return only)
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of MACHUPICCHU HIKING PERU
Itenary
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Day 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – HATUNCHACA – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA
Today begins your adventure of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail! Your guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel in our private van at 4:30am. From there, we travel to Piskacucho, which is known as Kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins. Along the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at about 6:30-7:00 to load up on energy for our first big day. (Breakfast is not included)
Arriving at KM82 (8:30am), we will have some time to organize ourselves, use the restrooms, apply sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. Here you will give your duffel bag to the porters, keeping only a small daypack with the essentials you need during the hike. Check our packing list for more information. Once at the Inca Trail checkpoint, be ready to show your passports and your student ID card, if you booked as a student. Your guide will have all of your permits and tickets.
At the start of the trail (2,720m/8,923ft) you will cross the Vilcanota River and follow its scenic route. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up along the rolling ‘Inca flat’ terrain. There are great views of the Inca Fortress of Huillca Raccay, the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, (also called Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes Mountains, and the beautiful snow-capped peak of Veronica (5,860m/19,225ft), also known as W’akay Willca. You stop for your first gourmet lunch at Hatunchaca, after which you only have about three hours of walking to camp.
Our first campsite is about 2 hours past the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) located in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night can be as low as 5ºC, depending on the season. It is generally colder in the dry season from May to September.
When you arrive at camp, your afternoon tea and appetizers will be ready for you. Enjoy a hot drink and settle into your tents, which will already be set up for you.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 12kms/7.5mls (about 6 hours hiking)
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Important INFO
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (These are professional poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD – (Please request when you book your trek)
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes – from $60 USD (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade – $67 USD per person (Return only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport by one of our team and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to your arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange board Machupicchu Hiking Perú at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal, in order, to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Pavitos 527.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack what you will need for the trek!
HOW TO BOOK THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL?
FIRST, to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
*** We require copies of every participant’s passport, in order, to book Inca Trail permits!
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person, in order, to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address info@machupicchuhikingperu.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once permits have been bought, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any date after the permit has been bought. If you must change the date of your trek, the fee is $100 because we have to buy you a new permit. Permits are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. Machupicchu Hiking Perú specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters will depend on the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you will need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad (foam or air). This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes within the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is at (4,217m/13,907ft). On the second day of the trek, we will climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE TRAIL?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Machupicchu Hiking Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, Machupicchu Hiking Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey towards Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 14:55 or 15:20, depending on availability.
HOW MUCH IS IT THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Machupicchu Hiking Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions asked by tourists interested in the Inca Trail. Send us your questions to info@machupicchuhikingperu.com.
1) Can the tour be cancelled after purchase?
No. The Peruvian authorities in charge of administering the Inca Trail do not allow cancellations after the purchase.
2) Can I change the date of the tour after the purchase?
No. Date changes are not available by order of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
3) Are there age limits?
Although there is no age limit to do the Inca Trail, it is recommended for people between 8 to 65 years old.
4) Is there a vegetarian or vegan option on the tour?
Yes, if you want a vegetarian option you can request it to info@machupicchuhikingperu.com.
5) Are there restrooms during the Inca Trail?
Yes, there are toilets at each campsite along the Inca Trail.
6) Is the Inca Trail open all year round?
The Inca Trail is open all year round except for February (due to the constant rains).
7) When is the best time to do the tour?
According to tourism specialists, the dry season months are the best to do the Inca Trail (May, June, July and August).
8) Can I add a visit to Huayna Picchu Mountain to the tour?
Yes, for an extra cost of 20 dollars you can add the visit to Huayna Picchu during your tour of Machu Picchu.
9) Can I do the Inca Trail on my own?
No. The Inca Trail is a route protected by the Peruvian State, so it is only allowed to go with an all-inclusive tour.
10) Can I go on a private tour?
Yes, the tour also offers a private option. You can request more information at info@machupicchuhikingperu.com.
11) Are the camps always the same?
No. The camps may vary according to availability. It is recommended to purchase the tour online in advance. This way you will get the most recommended camps.
12) Will I be able to visit all the archaeological sites besides Machu Picchu?
The archaeological sites that all tourists visit are: Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and of course Machu Picchu. Optionally you can visit the archaeological sites of Phuyupatamarca or Wiñayhuayna. This varies according to the chosen campsites.
Packing List
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
- Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Machupicchu Hiking Perú)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs/15lbs including your sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp
- Wool hat and gloves
- Rain gear, poncho (provided by Machupicchu Hiking Perú)
- Fleece or warm layer
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Personal First Aid kit and personal medications
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Valuables
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Day 2: WAYLLABAMBA – DEAD WOMAN’S PASS – PACAYMAYU – CH’AQUI QQOCHA
Your guide will wake you up with a hot mug of tea or coffee at 5:30am. Enjoy your hot drink in your sleeping bag before getting up for a delicious and hearty breakfast. With your daypacks as light as possible, you start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, Abra de Warmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass at (4,200m/13,779ft). On this day, you will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top! After a well-deserved break for photos, you begin the descent towards your lunch spot, which is located at Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft).
On your way up towards the pass, you will see an array of hummingbirds and a variety of other species of birds. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and the Polylepis, or Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at (3,650m/11,972ft)!
After a gourmet lunch, you begin the second two-hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass (4,000m/13,123ft). You arrive at your campsite by 5 pm, where your afternoon tea and appetizers are waiting for you. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the night.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 16kms/10mls (about 9 hours hiking)
- Difficulty: Moderate/challenging
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Day 3: CH’AQUI QQOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA
This is the most impressive day so far, so keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! Your guide will wake you up at 6am with another hot mug of tea or coffee in your tent before you get up for breakfast. You start the day with a gentle climb towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, which means ‘Village in the Clouds’. Here, we reach the third highest point along the Inca trail (3,680m/12,073ft). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!
The extensive Inca site of Phuyupatamarca, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, you continue walking down 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive Inca site of Intipata. As you descend from the mountains, you will feel the temperature rise. You are approaching not only Machu Picchu, but also the beginning of the Amazon jungle! After taking some time to visit Intipata, you continue to your third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,792ft). Today, you will only walk about 4 to 5 hours. You will arrive at camp by lunchtime! Temperatures during the night are about 12º C.
A short walk from your campsite is the famous Inca site of Wiñay Wayna which means “Forever Young” in Quechua. It is named after a special orchid which grows abundantly in the area.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (about 5 hours hiking)
- Difficulty: Moderate
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Day 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
At around 4:00am, it is time to wake up with another hot drink and start day 4 on the Inca Trail. This is the final part of your journey, and you arrive by 6:00am at the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. At that point, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel will be in front of you with its mystic beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. At the Sun Gate, you will watch sunlight spreading down over the citadel like melting goal, as the sun rises behind you. Finally, we walk downhill towards Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400m/7,872 ft.). After walking about 40 minutes, we enter the citadel from the top through the “House of the Guardians”. From there, we proceed towards the control point, where we register and leave any large backpacks or walking poles. You are only allowed to take small bags into the citadel, such as camera bags. Walking poles are not allowed because they can damage the stones.
Your guide will give you the full tour, which takes about two hours. You will see all of the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, and the House of the Inca. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00.
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
Difficulty: EasyThe Huayna Picchu Hike the Machu Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability, please let us know if you want to add one of these extra hikes at the time of your booking.
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous trek, a scenic train ride, or a luxurious guided experience, our variety of excursion packages cater to all types of travelers.
For the Classic Inca Trail, check availability and permits before booking. Contact us at info@machupicchuhikingperu.com for single trekker options. No permits are needed for alternative treks.
For the Classic Inca Trail, check availability and permits before booking. Contact us at info@machupicchuhikingperu.com for single trekker options. No permits are needed for alternative treks.
Send Your Deposit
The deposit for treks without hotels is $250 per person, while tours with hotels require a $316 deposit. Payments can be made via PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Diners Club, IZIPAY.
Cusco’s Trusted Local
Tour Operator
Experience the majesty of the Lost City of the Incas. Our tailor-made itineraries offer an immersive look into Peruvian culture and breathtaking mountain landscapes.