Inca Trail Backpacker: Machu Picchu, Peru is for the fitness loving, team-oriented adventurer seeking a Machu Picchu trip away from the crowds and off the beaten path. Vibrant Peruvian culture, ancient Inca ruins, and spectacular Andes mountain vistas highlight Sol’s Machu Picchu backpacking trips. Our exclusive Inca Trail trips include a variety of locales and activities – sparing you the hassle of coordinating international travel and logistics. What sets us apart is our ability to prepare, motivate, and assist you on your journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Trip Details

Sol’s Machu Picchu adventure combines authentic Peruvian hotel overnights with camping in the Andes Mountains. Our 8 Day/9 Night adventure includes all in-country travel, accommodations, and guide services. Hikers on our Inca Trail Guided Tours acclimate in the serenity of the Sacred Valley while visiting the engineering wonder, Ollantaytambo. We’ll explore the ancient royal Incan city of Cusco, with its markets and world-class Pre-Columbian history museums. Finally, fitness levels will be put to the challenge on a four-day trek to Machu Picchu.

Hiking the high altitude of the Andes is no joke. Travelers on our Machu Picchu trip need to be in good physical condition. That’s where our expertise as Personal Trainers comes in handy. Each guest will receive a customized workout plan based on current fitness levels to effectively train for the hike. The end result is an adventure that prevents injury, enhances connection to mind and body, and exceeds your wildest expectations.

About the Inca Trail

Over four hundred years ago, thousands of ancient Inca workers labored diligently to build hand-carved, stone steps high in the Andes Mountains. These stone pathways connect numerous ruins to one another, including the most famous, mystical Machu Picchu. Built approximately 550 years ago, Machu Picchu, its Temple of the Sun and hidden location remain shrouded in mystery and theory.

Hikers on Sol’s Machu Picchu adventure will encounter unique flora and fauna, discover mystical Inca ruins, and enjoy the companionship of expert local guides. Sol supports the Peruvian economy by contracting native Quechuan porters. These Machu Picchu backpacking guides will safely guide you up and down 45 km of the Inca Trail. Entering Machu Picchu Citadel becomes a rite of passage hikers earn – a moment to be treasured for a lifetime.

2010 Trip Dates: May – September

Private trips may be booked for parties of 3 or more from May through September.

Singles and small groups up to 10 sign up for the set trip dates below.

Click here to book your Inca Trail guided tour now.

Saturday May 22 – Saturday May 29

8 Days/7 Nights: $3,095.00/person     Deposit: $850.00

Single Room Supplement $380.00

2-Day Extension to Puno: May 29 – May 31

2 Days/2 Nights: $375.00

Single Room Supplement $40.00

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Lima and promptly catch a quick flight to Cuzco, royal capital of the Inca. You’ll drive through rolling fields to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and acclimate to prepare for your Machu Picchu backpacking trip.

Day 2 - Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the Inca prized the Sacred Valley for its beautiful location and climate. Visit Pisac Market, where you can shop for textiles and handcrafts. Explore Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, former estate of Emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region in the 15th century.

Day 3 - Today begins the EPIC journey you came for – four days and 3 nights on the Inca Trail. Today’s Machu Picchu trip travels the 5 – 7 miles from Piskacuchu to Wayllabamba. Hikers carry only a daypack stocked with water and personal items while local Quechuan porters demonstrate their superior stamina running past with the camping gear. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Veronica, at an elevation of 5,720 meters (18,700 ft). Along our hike we will visit the Llactapata archeological site. Tonight we’ll refuel in a tented three-course meal and learn the twinkling constellations of our Machu Picchu adventure.

Day 4 - The second day of the trek leads to the highest point on the Inca trail, Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman Pass), at 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). View various ecological zones and microclimates. Tonight’s camp will be at Pacaymayo, close to 10,000 feet.

Day 5 - Rise and shine to hike to the second highest pass on the trail at 3,850 meters (12,631 ft). Four ancient ruins and archeological sites are encountered today, including Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Winaywayna. The last dinner of the Inca Trail trips is marked by ceremony as humble Quechuan porters are thanked and ceremoniously tipped.

Day 6 - The final leg of our Machu Picchu adventure leads up the steep ‘Gringo Killer’ staircase to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the grand entrance to the lost city. This is a view the cheaters who took the train will never see: the panoramic view of the Machu Picchu Citadel. After a short hike to the ruin we’ll learn about the Lost City of the Incas on a 3-hour tour. Our weary legs will get a rest on the bus ride from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, where we catch the train back to Cuzco. At 3,300 meters (10,800 ft) in elevation, you’ll sleep like a baby in Cuzco.

Day 7 - Enjoy your first Cuzco morning on your own time exploring museums, markets, or the town square. The afternoon guided tour will explore Cuzco cultural sites: The Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Pucapucara, Tambomachay, and Koricancha temple. Tonight, sleep in the nicest Peruvian accomodations 10 minutes from the city square.

Day 8 - Departure – Today marks the last day of Sol’s 8 Days/9 Nights Machu Picchu trip and the beginning of the Puno/Lake Titicaca Extension. The departing group will board a flight back to Lima, the capital city of Peru. Day use of a Lima hotel is provided where you can rest up before the long flight home. A guided walking tour will explore 500 years of Peruvian history, culminating in a delicious culinary lunch in Chinatown.

2-Day Extension to Puno

Day 8 - Adventure-lovers extending their trip for 2 Days/2 Nights will explore the Peruvian countryside villages of Andahuavlillas, La Raya, Pucara, and Racchi on our way to Puno.

Day 9 - We’ll drive to Puno Port, where we set sail to Uros Island. Everything from the boats to the floating villages is built from the totora reed. Visit Taquile Island and the unique way of life that’s been preserved for centuries.

Day 10 - Visit Sillustani ruins. Used by the Collas and later the Incas, chulpas burial towers climb as high as 39 feet in the air. The adventure concludes with a flight from Puno to Lima (included), where we make our international connections.

We recommend planning your departure carefully in case you need to leave a few days in advance to arrive on time. Have questions? Email us at info@soladventure.com or call Sol Fitness Adventures at 805.722.4599.

Note on the Itinerary

The Peruvian Government has set strict usage restrictions on permits on Inca Trail trips. Permits are sold for specific dates, are non-refundable, non-transferable, and sell out up to 6 months in advance. City itineraries may change at any time depending on weather conditions and unpredicted local events. We recommend reviewing the Registration and Cancellation Policy carefully before signing up for this trip.