The best way to start your Cusco trip. Instead of a bus tour, walk downhill on original Inca paths between four temples above the city, meet alpacas among the ruins, and finish on foot in San Blas. Gentle, beautiful, and the perfect way to acclimatize before your trek.
Trip highlights
- Original Inca paths above Cusco
- Tambomachay and Puka Pukara
- Q'enqo carved temple
- Sacsayhuamán walls
- Alpacas and llamas
Why book direct with a local operator
Our own crew
Guides, chefs and crew are our team in Cusco — no middlemen, no resold departures.
Fair pay
Porters and horsemen are paid fairly, carry legal weights and get proper gear and meals.
Best trail food
Our trail chefs cook fresh Andean dishes three times a day.
Low-impact trekking
Leave No Trace camps, waste carried out, community projects supported.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Tambomachay → Puka Pukara → Q'enqo → Sacsayhuamán → San Blas
Walking time
4–5 h
Distance
9 km
Climb
+100 m
Descent
−450 m
Highest point
3,800 m
We drive up to Tambomachay, where Inca fountains still run, and from there it's downhill all the way on old Inca paths. Meet alpacas and llamas grazing among the ruins, crawl through the carved rock of Q'enqo, and stand inside the giant zig-zag walls of Sacsayhuamán. The city opens below you as you walk down the stone steps into San Blas for coffee — your first Inca trail, done.
Departure dates
November 2026
Daily departures all year, no permit needed — book up to 3 days before. Tap a green date to book it.
What's included
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco
- Professional bilingual guide
- Cusco tourist ticket (ruins entrance)
- Snack and water
Not included
- Lunch
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Trail chefs and the people behind your trek
Our chefs cook three hot meals a day — quinoa soup, lomo saltado, fresh trout, Andean herbal teas — with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Our crew are Quechua men and women from the communities around Cusco. We pay them fairly, respect legal load limits and support their families through our community program.
How hard is it? Level 1 of 5 — Easy
Easy. Mostly downhill, at Cusco's altitude, with plenty of stops. Suitable for almost everyone, including on your first day.
Our difficulty scale
Every trek we run is rated from 1 (easy) to 5 (hard). This one is a 1.
- 1Easy
Gentle walks of 2–4 hours, little climbing. Anyone in normal health.
Unique City Tour: Inca Trail, Alpacas & Ruins
- 2Moderate
4–6 hours a day with some climbs, mostly below 3,500 m. Regular walkers.
Short Inca Trail (Express) · Inca Jungle Trek
- 3Active
5–7 hours a day, steady climbs and passes up to around 4,000 m. Good basic fitness.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu · Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu · Rainbow Mountain Trek · Salkantay & Humantay
- 4Challenging
6–8 hours a day on steep stone steps, one or more passes above 4,000 m. Fit hikers who train beforehand.
Classic Inca Trail · Lares Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- 5Hard
Long, remote days, big daily climbs and high passes near 5,000 m. Experienced, very fit trekkers.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu · Ausangate Trek
Best time to go
Open all year. In the rainy months we start early to enjoy the dry mornings.
- Jan
- Rainy season: muddy trails and cloud on the passes, but lush valleys and quiet campsites.
- Feb
- Wettest month, yet open — the Inca Trail closes, so this route is the way to walk to Machu Picchu. Good rain gear is a must.
- Mar
- Rain eases toward the end of the month. Waterfalls at their fullest.
- Apr
- Rains fade, everything is green. A great shoulder month.
- May
- Dry season begins. Clear views of the glaciers — one of the very best months.
- Jun
- Dry and sunny, cold nights at the high camp. Inti Raymi in Cusco on 24 June.
- Jul
- Peak season: the most reliable weather and the clearest mountain views.
- Aug
- Dry, clear and lively on the trail. Book early for Machu Picchu tickets.
- Sep
- Still dry, warmer nights and fewer hikers.
- Oct
- Mostly dry with the first afternoon showers. Good value.
- Nov
- Mixed weather — sunny mornings, some afternoon rain.
- Dec
- Rainy season returns. Fewer hikers and festive Cusco.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a good first activity in Cusco?
Yes — it's designed for your first or second day: gentle walking at Cusco's altitude, which helps you acclimatize for a bigger trek.
Do we walk on a real Inca trail?
Yes. You follow original Inca paths that linked the temples above Cusco, the same network that leads to Machu Picchu.
Which ruins do we visit?
Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Q'enqo and Sacsayhuamán, finishing on foot in the San Blas neighbourhood.
How late can I book the City Tour hike?
Up to 3 days before departure. It needs no Inca Trail permit, so it leaves every day of the year.
How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before the trek, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol the first days and walk slowly. Our guides carry emergency oxygen and a first aid kit.
Who carries my things?
You only carry a light day pack. Our crew (porters on the Inca Trail, horsemen and mules on Salkantay and Lares) carries the tents, kitchen, food and up to 5–7 kg of your personal gear.
What food is served?
Three hot meals a day plus snacks and tea, cooked fresh by our trail chefs. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are available on request.
Is drinking water provided?
Yes, boiled and filtered water from the first lunch onwards. Bring a 1–2 litre bottle.
What should I pack?
Broken-in hiking boots, rain jacket, warm layers, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, headlamp, water bottle, personal medication, passport and some cash.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. It must cover hiking at altitude, medical evacuation and trip cancellation.
How much should I tip the crew?
Tips are optional but appreciated. Many hikers give around 40–80 USD per person in total, shared between the crew.
What age range joins your treks?
Most of our hikers are between 25 and 60. Fit hikers older than that walk with us every month — pace matters more than age.
Can I extend my stay or add Huayna Picchu?
Yes. Ask us when booking and we'll add the ticket or move your return train.
Why book with a local operator?
We are based in Cusco and run every trek with our own guides, chefs and crew. No middlemen: your money goes to the people who make your trip.