7 days
Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Magical mountains and iconic Incan ruins
Prices from
£787was £1,049
deposit
£350
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Trip Highlights
- Take the Inca Trail or the Lares Trek through misty mountains, Incan ruins, and traditional villages
- Arrive at the Sun Gate in time to watch the sun rise over the one-and-only Machu Picchu
- Walk in the footsteps of Incas with a guided tour of the ancient citadel
- Take a guided tour of the stunning Sacred Valley, including a visit to community craft projects, and a local restaurant
- Explore Cusco’s colourful markets, colonial buildings, Incan ruins, and vibrant street life
Trip Overview
Nothing says ‘bucket list’ like the Inca Trail. Kick off this incredible 7-day group tour in cloud-skimming Cusco before heading into the Andes for the most iconic trek in the world. Discover the sweeping landscapes of the Sacred Valley, visit traditional rural villages, hike through misty cloud forest, take on soaring mountain passes, and spend your nights stargazing round the campfire with your new mates. The trail ends at Machu Picchu where we’ll gaze in awe as the sun comes up over the legendary Incan city. We arrange your Inca Trail pass, supply camping equipment, and provide an experienced team of porters, cooks, and local guides. There’s no better way to experience this world wonder.
Please note: The Inca Trail is Machu Picchu’s best-known hike, but the Lares Trek features similar mountain views, traditional villages, and an even higher elevation, as well as natural hot springs, and fewer hikers. Speak to your travel advisor for more information on the Lares Trek as an alternative.
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- 6 nights’ accommodation
- 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners
- Tour guide, porters & cooks
- All on-trip transport
- Inca trail pass
- Guided tour of the Sacred Valley
- Women's weaving project
- Community restaurant lunch
- Pottery demonstration
- 4-day Inca Trail hike
- Sunrise at the Sun Gate
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- Handmade biodegradable soap products
- 24-hour emergency support
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Some meals
- Airport transfers
- Tips for your guides and porters
- Walking canes
- Sleeping bags & mattresses
Accommodation
6 nights of twin share accommodation are included on this trip with 3 nights in hotels and 3 nights of camping. All camping equipment is included apart from sleeping bags and mattresses. We recommend you either bring your own compact three-season sleeping bag or rent one once you arrive.
Meals
During your Inca Trail trek, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners will be included, all cooked by your travelling chef.
Please note: Hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes).
Day 1: Cusco
Arrive in Cusco and spend the rest of the day adjusting to the altitude in the cloud skimming city. Take a tour of the main sights or check out Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park or the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Get to know the rest of the gang at a welcome meeting this evening, before heading out for a few pisco sours.
Day 2: The Sacred Valley
Take a guided tour of the Sacred Valley today, including a visit to a women's local weaving project*, lunch at a community restaurant, * and a stop in the rural village of Cuyo Chico where we'll watch a pottery making demonstration. There's also an optional hike to the Pinkuylluna Incan storehouses. We'll spend tonight in picturesque Ollantaytambo.
Day 3: Inca Trail
Head to Km82 and prepare to follow in the footsteps of the Incas! We'll do around 5 - 6 hours' easy hiking today, taking in views of misty mountains, traditional villages, and smaller Incan ruins such as Llactapata, as well as stopping at a local business* that produces biodegradable soaps. Tonight, we camp out under a canopy of stars.
Day 4: Inca Trail
We're up early today for the steep hike to Warmiwañusca (AKA Dead Woman's Pass). We'll walk for 6 - 7 hours through cloud forest, and high-altitude terrains, passing Incan ruins as we approach the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Rest your muscles before another night round the campfire with your travel buddies.
Day 5: Inca Trail
With 9 hours of walking, today is the longest hike yet. Climb to Runquraqay pass at 3,950m (13,113 ft) for stunning views of snow-capped peaks. The second pass of the day is reached through cloud forest and sits at a lofty 3,700m (12,136ft). The next major site is Phuyupatamarca, one of the best-preserved sites on the trail at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet). Camp here or continue walking for another 1.5 hours to the Wiñay Wayna ruins, one of the most beautiful sites on the Trail at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Day 6: Machu Picchu
Today's the bucket list big one as we rise early to walk the final 2 - 3 hour stretch towards Machu Picchu. Feel your anticipation rising as we approach the Sun Gate in time for sunrise. The awe and wonder you'll feel as the first rays of sunshine illuminate Machu Picchu in all its splendour is hard to put into words. You'll have a guided tour of the ruins and plenty of free time to explore and soak in the ancient citadel's energy. After the most incredible day of your life, hop on the train arriving back in Cusco in time for one last night out with the gang.
Day 7: Cusco and trip end
Pack your bags and say your goodbyes before heading home or staying on for a few more days in lively Cusco.
Inca Trail Permit Availability
Please note: To hike the Inca Trail, you'll need a trail permit, which we will organise for you. A restricted number of permits are issued so we recommend you book as far in advance as possible.
Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Options Payment plans available
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Please note: we require a copy or photo of the passport you will travel on in order to confirm the your Inca Trail permit. Please email this to us as soon as possible after you book.
Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]
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Arrival Information:
Arriving into Velasco Astete International Airport in Cuzco, you’ll be around 15 minutes from the centre of the city and your joining hotel. An airport transfer is not included. With a day free to enjoy the city, you’ll have a first meeting with your tour group and guides at around 5 or 6pm, and will find the details of this in the hotel upon your arrival.
Please note, we can also arrange a private transfer for you when you arrive. Please contact a Travel Advisor for more information.
You will then spend Day 2 adjusting to the altitude and Peruvian life in Cuzco before beginning your Inca trail hike on Day 3!
Transportation back to Cuzco from Machu Picchu is included once you have competed your trek. If you would like, a flight to Lima can be arranged after your trip is over. This is not included as a part of your trip costs.
Age & Eligibility:
This fantastic trip is an open-aged experience that caters for a mix of younger and older travellers but the minimum age to trek the Inca Trail is 18. You may travel with people who are outside your own age group. We find that the mix of ages really enhances the travel experience, as you get to know a range of people with different stories to tell!
A good level of fitness is required to complete the Inca Trail hike. Making room for a few practice hikes is a good way to ensure you make the most of your trip! When arriving for your first few days in Sacred Valley/ Ollantaytambo, we recommend you take things easy so that you quickly adjust to the altitude and are fit and ready to begin your trek on day 3.
Inca Trail Passes
To hike the Inca Trail, you’ll need a trail permit, which we will organise for you. A restricted number of permits are issued annually to help preserve the world-famous site from excessive visitation. Because of this and the trip’s popularity, we recommend you book as far in advance as possible. In order to reserve your trail permit, when booking we’ll need to take a number of details, including:
- Your full name as it appears in your passport
- Your passport number and expiry date
- Your date of birth and gender
- Your nationality
This is necessary as trail permits need to correspond exactly with your passport and will be rigorously checked once you embark on the trail. For this reason, if you intend to renew your passport before you travel (you should always ensure you have at least six months’ validity on your passport during trips away) then you should do this before booking this trip, as trail permits are non refundable, and having incorrect information could cause the trail officials to reject your passport and permit. You’ll also need to remember to bring your passport with you along the trail.
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