Upon arrival in Lima, proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport where a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Check in starts at 3 pm.

Free day to explore Lima. Dinner this evening at Astrid & Gaston (paid on own) which is walking distance from the hotel.

Return to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival into Cusco you will be transferred to Moray. En route receive an orientation on the Inca and the Sacred Valley. Have a lunch in a local restaurant. Visit to Ollantaytambo ruins. Ollantaytambo is a town with original buildings of Inca construction where the Inca retreated to make their last stand in the highlands against the Spanish. Running water still flows through the town in aqueducts. The terraces above the town still are farmed. The pinnacle above the town is a small burial ground. Elevation is about 9100 ft. and the walk takes about 1.5 hours. After check-in at the hotel attend a presentation to go over initial preparations for the Inca Trail. Dinner at the hotel.

Visit the town of Pisac for an acclimatizing walk in the vicinity of the Pisac ruins at approximately 11000 ft. The walk is on paved walkways intermittent and sloping dirt paths, some sections uneven, steep, narrow. Walking the ruins takes approximately 2 hours. After a boxed lunch at the ruins visit the Pisac Market. Before dinner attend a final briefing session on the Inca Trail to prepare for tomorrows journey. Please keep in mind, each person is only allowed 8.8 lbs (4kg) of personal luggage on the Inca Trail. A list of provided equipment not included in this allowance will be provided to you prior to the trip.

This morning after a brief stop for last minute purchases, transfer to Pisacucho (or Km 82) where porters will meet the group. Formal registration procedures are required at this time at the official control point at the start of the Inca Trail. Upon completion of registration, cross a footbridge over the Urubamba River and start Inca Trail hike. This initial hike will take approximately 1:30 minutes before the first rest stop. Stop for a 20 minute snack and rest break. Arrive at the Patallaqta viewpoint. These classic Inca ruins at the intersection of three valleys with wonderful photo opportunities. Enjoy a sit down lunch at Tarayoq and then continue walking for 1:45minutes to the first campsite. Max altitude today is 9842 ft.

Early morning wake-up call with a hot beverage and breakfast. The first portion of this morning's hike will take approximately 1:30 minutes. The first stop will be at Avapata. Take the opportunity to rest, use the local toilet facilities, and/or rehydrate. Water and energy drinks will be available. Breakfast at the camp. Continue walking on ascending stairs for 2:30 minutes. After lunch at Llulluchapampa begin your 2-hour walk to Abra Warmiwañuska. The first pass, Abra Warmiwañuska, is at an elevation of approximately 13,776 ft. Descend to the second campsite at Pacaymayo (11,580 ft.).

Early morning wake-up call with a hot beverage. Begin the approximately 1-hour hike to the Runkuracay archaeological site overlooking the Pacaymayo Valley. Enjoy a site lecture The following 20 minutes will be spent hiking to the Runkurakay Pass (12,960 ft.)--the second pass on the trail. After reaching the pass, continue downhill for approximately 1 hour before arriving at the narrow staircase that will take you into Sayacmarca ("Inaccessible Town"). Enjoy a site lecture. The ruins of Sayacmarca are the remnants of a fortress or travelers' lodge used by the Inca. Sayacmarca was built on a narrow mountain ridge with only one entrance probably planned as a means of defense. The thatched roofs are long gone, but an observatory, small plaza, ritual baths, housing complex, and other constructions remain. The lack of agricultural terraces and farmland point to a dependence on outside suppliers--a big weakness in times of war. In its heyday, Sayacmarca is thought to have housed as many as 200 people. Leave the ruins and hike for another 20 minutes before breaking for lunch at Chaquicocha. After lunch, continue walking for another 1:45 minutes to the last campsite at Phuyupatamarka (10,695 ft.). Once at the camp, reward your day's efforts with a tea break and free time before dinner.

Early wake-up call to witness the spectacular sunrise. Enjoy a final breakfast at camp and begin walking to the Phuyupatamarka archaeological ruins, located approximately 15 minutes from the camp. The ruins of Phuyupatamarka (Cloud Level Town) include many terraces and a series of ceremonial baths. A large platform on the highest part of the site once served as an open-air temple--the Temple of the Sun. Continue walking for another 3:30 hours and arrive at Wiñay Wayna in time for lunch. After lunch resume walking. This final stretch of the Inca Trail will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. Once at Intipunku (Sun Gate) begin the descent into Machu Picchu, just as the late afternoon shadows begin to accentuate the mysterious citadel. After a quick walk through the ruins, board the bus to Aguas Calientes and check-in at your hotel. Enjoy a hot shower and commemorate the end of your exciting hiking adventure during dinner. Get a good night's rest in preparation for the next morning's activities in Machu Picchu. Hiking up to 3.11 miles today for approximately 3 hours; mix of flat paths, uneven steps including approximately 2,000 Inca steps down; altitude point 11,811 feet.

Early breakfast at hotel and then board a bus to the Machu Picchu ruins. Spend the morning in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the most fascinating features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. Some might want to take the optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an amazing overview of the site, while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu's many hidden architectural treasures. At lunch time return to Aguas Calientes. After eating lunch board the train and return to Ollantaytambo Station. Once at Ollantaytambo board a bus and return to Cusco. Have a late dinner at Cicciolina Restaurant. NOTE: Luggage restrictions for PeruRail: 1 backpack or carry-on bag weight: 8 kg (17.64 lb).

After breakfast visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman and then return to Cusco for a walking city tour. Walking up to 2 miles; undulating paths, grass terrain, cobblestones, some steps. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival stay in the airport to connect with your flight home.

Arrive US.