The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour is a classic for lovers of hiking and landscaping. This route offers you the best experience, from the first day you will take your tour you will witness the best preserved natural and archaeological wonder of the powerful empire of the Incas. Andean Great Treks has been working on this route to Machu Picchu for more than 15 years. Thus, we offer different routes with connection to the Inca trail.
The classic 4-day Inca trail that was one of the first trails to be visited by tourists in the 60s. It continues to captivate with its landscape and archaeological charms, it is a 45 km trail, which in its 4 days offers you the best ecosystem ranging from the inter-Andean valley, subtropical mountainous forest, and the cloud forest jungle. Where the largest amount of natural flora and fauna reserves in Cusco are located. Its historical attractions in themselves describe a past full of power and magnificence, which this road represented in the Inca era. That is why you will have the opportunity to explore its religious, urban, agricultural and magical centers throughout its total area. Every day you will visit a different landscape with your route guide, who will explain and answer all your questions about this Wonder. And to finish the tour you will have the advantage of seeing the citadel of Machu Picchu from the famous Puerta del Sol.
The short Inca trail tour is designed for people who are not very used to taking long walks, however this small route will delight you with its exclusive natural attraction of beautiful orchids, waterfalls, viewpoints, and the imposing palace of Wiñaywayna, which belonged to the most famous emperor of the Incas Pachacutec. From where you can see how it has an exquisite contrast with the mountains and the Verónica snow-capped mountain. On both tours you will visit the sacred city of Machu Picchu, you will see all the most important sectors, such as the temple of the three windows, royal palace, temple of the sun, sacred rock, houses of the nobles, granaries and terraces. For all of the above, you should visit Peru, a country full of wonderful places, and the best culinary destination in South America.
Andean Great Treks is a trekking operator in the city of Cusco. We organize high mountain tours and treks to the best mountain destinations, where you can enjoy the best landscapes surrounded by beautiful lakes, turquoise color, and an intense blue sky. Our mission is to make you know the greatest natural paradises such as the great Ausangate circuit, where we offer you the best trekking experience, lakes of glacial origin, of different colors, likewise you will visit the mountain of colors before any traveler manages to arrive and contemplate a sunrise just for you.
Another highly recommended destination is the Lares Trek circuit, where you will directly appreciate the craft and textile traditions of the people of Lares, Wacawasi, and Cancha Cancha, they are considered the last descendants of the Incas, due to their wide wisdom in all fields of Andean science, such as natural medicine, organic agriculture, and constructive technology of agricultural terraces.
The Inca Quarry tour is very special for its attractive landscape, in this trek you will enjoy varied landscapes such as the Veronica snow-capped mountain, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and a direct contact with mother earth, highly respected by the Incas.
And finally we cannot miss the other major archaeological attraction of Cusco, the fabulous Choquequirao, this jewel of the Incas, is considered one of the best trekking circuits by the National Geografic magazine, which you must visit at least once in your life. This is due to the incredible landscape where this ancient Inca city has been built. Precisely you reach Choquequirao going down the canyon of the Apurimac river, and then an ascent to the cloud forest, and once there you will enjoy the best experience, since this adventure will be worth it, there is no other similar place like this Inca palace.
To all these tourist attractions, our company organizes expeditions, in small groups, and an assistance service with the best quality standards, with the best route guides, highly experienced cooks, and the best trekking equipment for your maximum enjoyment. Decide your next adventure today, and get to know these unique and mysterious beautiful places.
Located on top of a mountain in the middle of a tropical forest, it is considered the best tourist attraction in Peru. The historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a place that captivates tourists not only because of its dazzling architectural beauty, but also because of its important historical-cultural legacy, which has led it to be recognized and admired throughout the world.
This ancient Inca city is one of Peru's most precious treasures. It was built in the mid-15th century and it is believed that it was one of the residences of the ninth Inca of Tahuantinsuyo, Pachacútec, although there are also the remains of a sanctuary. Its name means old mountain, and refers to the place where it is located, at about 2,453 meters above sea level, on a rocky premonitory between Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
Currently, this Inca jewel is one of the tourist centers of the country. Travelers go to Aguas Calientes to start the Inca route that Hiram Bingham, of Yale professor, popularized at the beginning of the 20th century. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven new wonders of the modern world and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983. It is probably the most amazing architectural construction of the Inca Empire. This citadel is made up of temples, palaces, terraces, monuments, ensembles and walls; In addition to water channels, built with large blocks of stone, without any type of amalgam, proof of the great wisdom of the Inca civilization.
The flora and fauna of Machu Picchu are of great importance not only for their natural beauty, but also for their ecological and cultural value. The rich biodiversity present in the area is essential to maintain the ecological balance and sustainability of the region. The flora and fauna of the Machu Picchu area have been used for centuries by local inhabitants, both for food and for traditional medicine. The flora of Machu Picchu is varied, with more than 2,000 species of plants identified in the area. Among the most common plants are orchids, bromeliads, ferns, mosses and lichens. There is also a wide variety of trees, such as alder, cedar, cinchona and molle, growing throughout the valley.
The fauna of Machu Picchu is equally impressive and varied, with more than 400 species of birds identified in the region. Among the most common birds are the hummingbird, the quetzal and the cock-of-the-rock. You can also find a wide variety of mammals, such as the spectacled bear, the llama, the puma. Reptiles and amphibians are also present in the area. Among the most common mammals in Machu Picchu are spectacled bears, who "usually feed on fruits, leaves, insects and small mammals." These animals are crucial to the area's ecosystem.
There is something magical about artisanal farming in the Andes. The rich soils and unique climate give products an otherwise unattainable flavor. Our chefs serve local and international food. With unparalleled views of the fabulous Andean Mountains, amid the highland forests from your table, you’ll enjoy delicious gourmet food and new spins on classic Peruvian favorites. We use only local produce and fresh ingredients.
OUR PASSIONATE TOUR GUIDES
Unlock the secrets of Peru’s most iconic adventure destination. Our team is passionate about making sure your experiences are unique —some thrilling, some relaxing, all awe-inspiring. Our private guides will let you explore the Andes and rainforest at your own pace, stopping for a snack if you’re hungry, or racing to the top of a hill if you’re up to it.
YOUR SAFETY OUR PRIORITY
We work with certified guides, the latest high-tech equipment and satellite communication, to guarantee your safety every step on the trail. Each year we do the course of rescue and first aid with all our hiking team (guides, cooks, horsemen, drivers). The course is comprehensive and practical, including all of the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY
We have deep love and respect for our Mother Earth or Pachamama since we are a 100% Cusco company. We know the importance of our Andean culture, and like good children of the earth, we do everything possible to avoid contamination.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT
It’s essential to have the best equipment when you’re walking in the mountains. Due to the constant climate changes in the region, we use tents suitable for all four seasons.
SMALL GROUPS & BIG ADVENTURES
With a maximum group size is 8 on most tours, it feels more like traveling with friends than being on an organized tour. You'll meet like-minded people where everyone is guaranteed to share a passion for travel.