How to Plan Your Cusco: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Small Group Trek 4-Day Tour

If you are planning a trip to Cusco, Peru, and want to experience the stunning Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu, then the Cusco: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Small Group Trek 4-Day Tour is for you. This tour offers a unique opportunity to hike in the footsteps of the ancient Incas, exploring historical and archaeological sites along the way, with expert local indigenous guides to enlighten you with their Inca culture.

Experience

This Inca Trail trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to walk through the historic Inca Trail leading to the famous Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. You will get to hike through magnificent landscapes and stunning views of the Andes Mountains. Along the way, you will visit many fascinating Inca archeological sites, which will give you a glimpse of how the ancient civilization lived. Experience camping under the starry sky in spacious tents, with all meals, entrance fees, and transfers included, allowing you to focus on your trek and enjoy the experience.

Highlights

• Walk the historic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Expert local indigenous guides to bring the Inca culture to life
• Visit fascinating Inca archeological sites along the way
• Camp under the stars in spacious tents
• All meals, entrance fees, and transfers included

Itinerary

Day 1: Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am. We will drive another hour to the trailhead located in Piscacucho or Km 82. Upon arrival at Kilometer 82, you will have some time to organize and get ready for the hike. We will start our journey along the ancient path of Incas until we reach Llactapata, our first Inca site. From here, we will hike for another 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot, where our team of porters and trekking chefs will have the campsite ready for us to enjoy a hot lunch. After some rest, we will continue for about 2 hours.

Day 2: We will start our day with a delicious breakfast and hike for approximately 6 hours. During the trek, you will experience a breathtaking view of the ruins of Runkuracay and Sayacmarca. We will then hike through the cloud forest to our second campsite, Chaquicocha.

Day 3: After breakfast, we will hike uphill towards the Phuyupatamarca ruins. We will then descend into the lush cloud forest and finally arrive at Wiñay Wayna, where we will camp for the night.

Day 4: On the final day, we’ll wake up very early and hike for two hours to arrive at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. There, we’ll witness stunning views of Machu Picchu and take a guided tour of the site. Afterward, we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes and enjoy a delicious lunch before taking the train back to Cusco.

Booking the Tour

If you want to book the Cusco: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Small Group Trek 4-Day Tour, visit the booking page, where you can see available dates and rates. Once you have made your payment, you will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details about your tour, including what to bring and where to meet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cusco: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Small Group Trek 4-Day Tour is an excellent opportunity to experience the historic Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu, with all of your meals, entrance fees, and transfers included. With expert local indigenous guides, you will explore fascinating Inca archeological sites and learn about their interesting culture. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

An Insider’s Guide to the Hidden Gems of Cusco

If you’re planning a trip to Cusco, Peru, you’re in for a treat. This vibrant city in the Andes Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former capital of the Inca Empire. While many tourists come to marvel at Machu Picchu, there is so much more to discover in this magical destination. As a local, I’m excited to share with you some of the lesser-known gems that are worth checking out during your visit.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

Although Cusco is packed with plenty of famous attractions like Sacsayhuaman or the Qorikancha, there are various lesser-known gems worth a visit. For those who desire spiritual and peaceful places, head to San Pedro Market. Here, you’ll discover vendors selling medicinal plants, fresh produce, and even coca leaves for altitude sickness. Additionally, you discover Choco Museum, it’s an interactive museum where you can learn everything about the manufacturing process of the coveted delicacies.

If you’re open to some adventure, take a look inside the Cusco Planetarium, located just outside the city limits. The night sky in the Andes is incredible, and the guides there will tell you myths and legends about the stars and constellations that you won’t find in any guidebook.

If you’re looking for a view of the city from above, make your way up to Pukamoqo. A stunning viewpoint, it is a humble hill located on the favorite Miraflores Park that offers a panoramic view of the city.

Dining Spots: The Cultural Delicacies

Peruvian cuisine is a fusion of Indigenous, European and Asian influences, making for an amazing gastronomic experience. While many tourists are familiar with classic dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado, there are many other unique culinary delights that locals enjoy.

For a filling breakfast, try a warm bowl of quinoa porridge with fresh fruit and cream cheese, sold in many cafes and bakeries around Cusco. For other snacking options of Peruvian food riches, stop by the food court in San Blas Square, and delight yourself in guinea pig croquettes or stuffed frog legs.

And no trip to Cusco is complete without trying chicha, a fermented corn drink that has been enjoyed in South America for centuries. A traditional way of preparing this drink is by brewing it underground, in vessels called qullas, and it is said to have several medicinal properties.

Cultural Experiences: The Local Traditions

Cusco is a city with a rich cultural heritage and many yearly events and festivals, such as Carnival and Qoyllur Riti festival, which attracts thousands of travelers every year. During these events, it feels like the whole city comes alive, and you can experience firsthand the vibrant music and dance traditions. We also have the typical “Peña”, parties located around the city that offers Peruvian folklore, Andean music and Comtemporary music R&B, Soul and Jazz.

For a more solemn cultural experience, many locals practice the traditional Andean ceremony known as a despacho. It’s a ritualistic offering to Pachamama, the goddess of the Earth, and the Andean spirits, with offerings such as flowers, cocoa leaves and sugar.

Local History: Captivating Stories

Cusco is a city with a robust history dating back to the pre-Colombian era. As a result, there are several fascinating stories that make this city unique. One such anecdote is the tale of the twelve-sided stone. This ancient relic is located in one of the city’s street walls and is said to have been crafted by the Incas with such precision that it has stood the test of time.

Another captivating story from Cusco’s past is that of the Inca emperor Pachacutec. He is credited with the city’s impressive architecture and urban planning. It is said that each stone or wall in the city owes its position to a cosmic alignment and its proximity to the emperor’s eyes.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique Experiences

Finally, suppose you’re looking for something truly unique and off the beaten path. In that case, I’d recommend taking a trip to the nearby Rainbow Mountain or the Red Valley trek. These geological wonders are relatively unknown to most tourists and offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Additionally, you can learn about traditional weaving techniques and visit a weaving village in Chinchero. Here you can discover how locals make clothing and textiles using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation.

In conclusion, Cusco is a city that truly has something for everyone. While many visitors come for the spectacle of Machu Picchu, the true magic of this destination lies in its hidden gems, culture, history, and unique experiences. I hope my insider’s guide has inspired you to explore some of the lesser-known aspects of this amazing city during your visit.