Photo: Todd Adams
CuscoCusco is South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the continent's travel network. The city attracts travelers who come not just to visit a unique destination, but to experience an age-old culture and get disconnected from the 21st century way of life.

Photo: Todd Adams
Sacred ValleyOne could easily spend a week just in and around the city, but with the help of TripAtlas and Gap Adventures you'll tour Cusco before heading through the Sacred Valley and along the footsteps of the Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu. Traveler tip: book early, as much as six months early, and plan to spend an extra day or two in Cusco to acclimatize with the altitude.

Photo: Kim MacQuarrie / LastDaysOfTheIncas.com
Inca TrailAfter departing Cusco, and located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering.

Photo: Todd Adams
Machu PicchuThe 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is physically challenging but worthwhile, and the excursion is within the ability of most reasonably fit. It is a 40-km (25 mile) hike, with three high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4,200m (13,776 ft). The trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. The temperatures at night may fall below zero, so it is important to come prepared.

The local crew of porters, cook and guide look after you for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear for the hike, so those passengers doing the hike only carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. As you walk the trail that linked this ancient empire, admire breathtaking views at every step as we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest.

On the final day of the hike you climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. When the morning is clear, there is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu - as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous site appears in front of you.

Read more about planning this trip here, via TripAtlas and Gap Adventures.