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Independent Inca Discovery

7 days, Cusco to Cusco

Exploring Machu Picchu.
Map of the route for Independent Inca Discovery
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Relax and explore the fascinating city of Cusco.

Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

Arrival Day

Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.

Arrival Transfer
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport – Cusco15m8km

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Meet and Greet Hotel Welcome Meeting

On Day 1 of the tour, a G Adventures representative will meet you at the hotel to go over the details of the tour, providing a schedule, documentation/vouchers, and pick-up times for all included activities. The representative can also answer any questions about the tour or the general area.

Day 2Cusco

Free day to explore Cusco or relax. Take an optional Sacred Valley tour or indulge in active options like whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.

Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Your Discover Moment
Cusco Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Cusco, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting Museo Inka, Museo de Historia Regional, and whitewater rafting. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Horseback Riding
Cusco – Cuzco

Get in the saddle and discover the area on horseback. Ride to archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay or Puca Pucara and explore.

Whitewater Rafting Urubamba
Urubamba
69USD per person

Rise for an early morning pick up and drive to Chuquicahuana for a safety briefing. Enjoy a full day of rafting on the Upper Vilcanota River (about 2.5 hrs on the water). Be thrilled by fast rapids that are a constant Class III and IV for around 11km (9 mi), and don’t forget to take in the gorgeous scenery. Rehash all the excitement afterward over a riverside picnic lunch.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Inca Trail

Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.

Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.

A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.

Private Vehicle
Ollantaytambo – Inca Trail45m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Inca Trail Hike
Inca Trail KM 82 – Wayllabamba Camp5h-6h 11km

Get your blood pumping on this first day of hiking the Inca trail. The trekking is fairly easy and serves as good training for the next few days. Pass rambling rivers and a small village, and enjoy scenic mountain views; it’s just a taste of what’s to come.

Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products

Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products, for use on our treks. This G Adventures for Good project empowered local Cusqueña women to start their own business in order to reduce the environmental impact of treks in the region. Planeterra provided $10,000 of seed funding for two young entrepreneurs to register their biodegradable products in order to sell them to the tourism industry. "Esencia Andina" is now a successful business that produces biodegradable soaps, detergents, and natural products for travellers, guides, porters, and cooks on our treks.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Inca Trail

Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.

Inca Trail Hike
Wayllabamba Camp – Paqaymayo Camp6h-7h 12km

Trek over progressively spectacular and steeper terrain on your way to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769ft). Be prepared to face strong Andean weather (blazing sun or cold winds) around the pass. Take the hike slow, and drink lots of water along the way – amazing views are waiting as a reward. Enjoy some ample time to rest and relax after reaching the camp; most campers arrive around early afternoon.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Inca Trail

Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).

Inca Trail Hike
Paqaymayo Camp – Wiñaywayna9h 16km

Cross two passes and more ruins along the Inca Trail on the last full day of hiking. Traverse Runquraway at 3,950m (13,113 ft), and then reach the second pass at 3,700m (12,136 ft). Spot the gorgeous Cordillera Vilcabamba and the Urubamba Valley in the distance on a clear day. Camp at either the Phuyupatamarca ruins or the Wiñay Wayna ruins.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Machu Picchu/Cusco

The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before your train back towards Cusco.

Inca Trail Hike
Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu2h-3h 6km

Wake around 03:30 to reach the Sun Gate as early as possible. Head to the checkpoint and join the lineup to wait for the gate to open. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu (fingers crossed for a clear day). Hike down to Machu Picchu (about 45 mins) for a 1.5 hr guided tour of the site, and free time to explore.

Catch the bus outside the Machu Picchu gate after your visit for a 25-min downhill ride to Aguas Calientes. Eat and relax before the train ride back to Cusco this evening.

Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Machu Picchu1h30m-2h Morning

Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.

Train
Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo1h30m-1h45m31km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Private Vehicle
Ollantaytambo – Cusco1h30m-1h45m60km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Cusco

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Independent Inca Discovery

| 7 days - Cusco to Cusco - Sold Out