Peru Hiking & Walking Tour
7 days
6 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Luxury Hotels
2026: Aug-Dec 2027: Mar-Dec
Sacred Valley, Cusco & Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu has a certain gravity. It pulls you onward at every step. But as you hike between lacy salt springs, through fields of quinoa and along terraced mountainsides, you realize: it was always about the journey.
Highlights
- Hike a section of the renowned Inca Trail, entering Machu Picchu for the first time through the ancient Sun Gate
- Sink into luxury at our extraordinary retreats—from a serene garden resort in the Sacred Valley, to exquisite Andean-style casitas tucked in the cloud forest, to a regal former palace in the heart of Cusco
- Our knowledgeable local guide brings each kilometer to life with fascinating history and insider stories
- Explore the citadel of Sacsayhuamán, the fortress of Ollantaytambo and more spectacular Inca sites
- Savor Peru’s modern culture and cuisine in cooking lessons, intimate village visits and more
Start/End Cusco
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Enjoy a private farm-to-table lunch in a local family home on the Maras plateau • Explore the beautiful white honeycomb of Inca salt pans above the Urubamba River Valley • Discover a traditional weaving community tucked in the hills • In peaceful Ollantaytambo, visit an Inca archaeological site and hike up a terraced valley • Shop for ceramics crafted using pre-Inca techniques at the Ceramicas Seminario studio in Urubamba • Enjoy an exclusive cooking demonstration with a local chef.
Nights 1-2
Luxury Hotel
"An unpretentious but impeccably maintained lodge set in a wonderful garden surrounded by mountains," according to the Hideaway Report. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 3-4
Experience the 15th-century Inca retreat of Machu Picchu with its intricate stonework and mysterious religious designs • Hike the Inca Trail, lined with ancient stones and stairs, to reach the Sun Gate and your first view of Machu Picchu • Spend a second day exploring the incredible site with a local expert • Walk the grounds of our hotel with a naturalist to learn more about the area’s flora and fauna.
Nights 3-4
Luxury Hotel
This eco-lodge's exclusive location, tucked into gardens and cloud forest at the edge of Aguas Calientes village, makes it the best digs in town as a base camp for Machu Picchu (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 5-7
Join a local guide on a walking tour of Cusco’s historic center to learn how it was the heart of the pre-Columbian Inca Empire • Following narrow streets lined with centuries-old walls, discover the grand main cathedral • A trail leads us among the hills surrounding Cusco to one of South America’s most impressive sites, Sacsayhuamán • Sip a pisco sour, Peru’s famous national drink • Enjoy some people-watching at buzzing Plaza de Armas.
Nights 5-6
Luxury Hotel
"An outstanding property housed within a converted 16th-century monastery situated just a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas," says Andrew Harper. Travel + Leisure World's Best.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Some of our activities require trail permits which Backroads will obtain on your behalf. Booking your trip a minimum of 6 months prior to departure will give you the best chance of securing all necessary permits. Your Trip Consultant will reach out if there are any issues; unless this happens, you can assume we secured your permits successfully.
Trail permits are linked to the traveler's passport information. For this reason, your passport information will be collected at the time of booking. If your passport information changes between then and your departure, it's essential that you let us know as soon as possible.
Many of our hikes through the Andes are remote and do not intersect with roads, so we won't see support vans along the route. Instead, you'll be provided with water, snacks and encouragement out on the trail.
Due to trail permit restrictions, there is also a small chance that your Backroads leaders may not be able to accompany you on certain sections of our routes. You'll be fully supported on these short sections by our trusted Peruvian team, many of whom have worked with Backroads for years.
In most Backroads destinations we encourage you to hike at your own pace, even if that means you don't have a leader in sight. Peru is a bit different: due to unmarked rustic trails that can change with the seasons, you'll spend most of your time hiking in the company of a Backroads leader or one of our local support staff. And on the few days when we're in national parks, staying with our certified park guides is mandatory. We'll still accommodate everyone's pace, offering a slightly different version of our dynamic trail support.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a Premiere Hotel. While it offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that it is not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates to see pricing, hotel or itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy, in USD.
Solo Room Savings
Solo Room Savings
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