You're out of breath. But that's okay. It gives you an excuse to stop and gaze. At the stunning views. At the incredible Inca stonework. At the kids enraptured. Not that you need an excuse. It's only human to pause in the presence of natural beauty, of engineering genius, of youthful wonderment. You'd better get used to it. It'll happen time and again this week. From Sacsayhuamán to the Inca salt pans, from Cusco's market to Ollantaytambo's school. All the way to magical Machu Picchu it'll happen. Long after you're used to the altitude.
Permits to hike the Inca Trail are extremely limited. We recommend booking a minimum of 4-6 months prior to departure in order to significantly increase your chance of securing a permit. If permits are unavailable during some seasons, you will take a train to Aguas Calientes, bus to the entrance and hike into Machu Picchu.
Days 1-2 Local guides share deep insight into Peru's culture and ancient civilizations
Visit Cusco - once the center of the pre-Columbian Inca Empire Visit Coricancha, a Spanish Colonial church built atop the ruins of an Inca temple 
Hike to the archaeological sites of Tambo Machay, Sacsayhuamán and Temple of the Moon.
Days 3-4 Las Salineras, a stunningly beautiful honeycomb of tiered pools,
where salt has been raked and gathered by families for generations In Moray, learn how the Inca ingeniously farmed using high-altitude terraces Engage with Quechua culture in a weaving community well off the beaten path where master weavers work While grown-ups explore Ollantaytambo, youngsters visit a school and its students and later learn to make traditional masks.
Days 5-6 The ruins of Pisac offer a sweeping vista
of the Sacred Valley Explore Pisac's lively market, where kids can take part in a fun market challenge Catch the Peru Rail train to Aguas Calientes - also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo Hike to the Gate of the Sun and take in the miraculous view of Machu Picchu.
Days 7-8 Explore Machu Picchu: the incredible "Lost City of the Incas"
Spend a second full day exploring the "Lost City," contemplating its exquisite stonework and mysterious astrological designs Join a local expert who provides insight into the designs, stonework, and other structures at this sacred site Explore the grounds of the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel with a local naturalist to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
Trip Highlights
- A local guide, shares deep insight into Peru's culture and ancient civilizations
- Machu Picchu: the incredible "Lost City of the Incas"
- Interact with school children and visit a weaving community off the beaten track
- Hike to impressive ruins: Tambo Machay, Temple of the Moon and others
Premiere Inns
Hotel Monasterio (2 nights): "An outstanding Orient-Express property housed within a converted 16th-century monastery situated just a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas," says Andrew Harper of this Condé Nast Traveler Gold List winner.
Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa (3 nights): "An unpretentious but impeccably maintained lodge set in a wonderful garden surrounded by mountains," according to Hideaway Report. (pool, spa)
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (2 nights): Earning a Travel + Leisure World's Best Award, this hotel with "sustainability-focused Andean-style casitas" is just minutes from the ruins of Machu Picchu. (pool, spa)
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 3.5 hours
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.4, 5, 5.6 miles
- 450 - 550 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 6, 11, 14, 20 miles
- 100 - 650 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hiking 2.2 miles
Day 4
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1.9, 2.8, 4 miles
- 500 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 5 Route Options Available
- Biking 11, 15, 19, 27 miles
- 100 - 300 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 1.6 miles
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2.2, 5.5, 6.8 miles
- 770 - 2150 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 2 miles
- 820 feet elevation gain and loss
- Guided Walk 3 Hours
Day 8
- Conclusion of Trip
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests
and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the
next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours.
So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly
what and how much you want to do.| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
FAMILY TRIPS
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
- Recommended minimum age for the trip: 12 years
- Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 9 years
- No Burleys or Piccolos available on this trip
General Info on Minimum Ages:
We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:- 12+ amount of cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities, routes
- 9+ difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions, routes
- 6+ several longer dinners; routes are difficult for pulling a Burley and therefore not appropriate for younger children; difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions
Guest Trip Reviews
This trip was simply exceptional: Great Backroads leaders, ideal itinerary, exceptional local guide with good logistics support and excellent accommodations. Combine that with the natural beauty and historic significance of the area, and this seems like it will be hard to beat - but we felt that way after biking in the Canadian Rockies. Backroads has outdone itself. The itinerary was very well thought out and ideal as set up. What made it even nicer is that I felt that the itinerary as followed was adapted just for me. I was able to do more or less as desired and the leaders made the changes on the fly (and apparently effortlessly, although I know better) based on what I requested and what everyone else requested.- Houston, TX
I have been on several trips, and this was the best so far. I think it was the combination of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. When people call and say, "which trip should I go on with Backroads?" you should say "They are all great, but have you thought of Peru?!"- Atlanta, GA
Everyone who is thinking about a Backroads trip should definitely go! You can’t go wrong with Backroads!
Michael Cartier - Portage, MI