TRIP OVERVIEW
Join us for The Ultimate Inca Trail journey in Peru.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in the world!
This itinerary has been created to quench your thirst for adventure, introduce you to the local flavors in the Culinary Capital of South America and to take you to the heart of the ancient Inca Empire as you traverse from valleys to cloud forest and high altitude mountains.
Explore Cusco city via its cobblestone streets, visit its famous Plaza de Armas and enjoy the local markets. Get introduced to a local community and learn about their traditions in the Sacred Valley. Then meet your trekking team that will make your Inca Trail trekking a memory of a lifetime. After a few challenging, but rewarding days, hike to the Sun Gate to watch the sunrise over the majestic Machu Picchu.
SAVE YOUR SPACE WITH A 20% DEPOSIT
9 days
Lima to Cusco
USD 1,959.00
or ZAR 36,250.00
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Lima
-
Cusco
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15
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4 - 16
Day 1: LIMA, WELCOME TOUR PERU
Arrival day.
Transfer from the airport to your Lima hotel is included.
Your adventure starts today, feel free to explore the city but make sure that you are back in time for the group welcome meeting at 14:00.
After the meeting head out for a walking tour of the area led by your knowledgeable tour leader.
In the evening optional group dinner.
Optionals:
- Lima City Tour – Kings and Queens Tour (day 1 at 9:00am, requires a pre-night):
$40.00pp, approx. 3.5 hours
Delve into the history of Lima and discover the best the city has to offer during this walking tour. Explore the historical center, visit sights such as the Main Square, the impressive underground catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery and more! - Larco Museum entrance fee: S/.40.00
Day 2: Lima to Cusco
Lima is the Culinary Capital of South America and your visit is not complete without tasting what this city has to offer.
Free evening to explore the local restaurants and Cusco by night.
Day 3: Cusco
A day to explore the ancient city of Cusco, first with our Local Tour Leader and later on your own.
Optionals:
- ChocoMuseo visit (1 hour): FREE
Uncover all the cocoa secrets while you taste the best artisanal chocolate made with the best organic Peruvian beans. Try the chocolate delights in the cafeteria. - Chocolate Making Class: S/99.00 pp
Take this chocolate-lovers workshop and learn how to make your very own chocolate from start to finish. Learn about the chocolate-making process with this hands-on experience beginning with the cocoa tree and finishing with your very own chocolate creations. Discover the history of cocoa in Peru and learn why it is one of the top chocolate producers in the world. - Panoramic bus tour (2 hours): S/40.00 pp
Take the panoramic bus with an open roof to see the city in a different way. Relax and enjoy the best views of the city and learn about the sights in a safe, practical and economic way. - Walk around the artisan neighbourhood of San Blas: FREE
San Blas neighbourhood is often referred to as the cultural and artistic district characterised by narrow and steep streets, colonial houses built with walls of Incan stone, here you will find famous artisans, coffee shops and art galleries.
Day 4: Cusco to Sacred Valley
After breakfast at the hotel head out for a full day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas driving through beautiful mountain and valley scenery.
First stop at a textile center to learn about the ancient traditions of weaving in the community of Chinchero, afterwards continue to the farmlands of Maras and visit the unique Maras salt mines.
Later on enjoy a tasty lunch with impressive views of the Andes.
In the afternoon continue to the nearby town of Ollantaytambo where we will spend the night in preparation for the Inca Trail. Check out the Ollantaytambo ruins at sunset, go for a hike to explore the mountain nearby or stroll this little town that seems to be stuck in ancient times.
Optionals:
- Hike to Pinkuylluna mountain (visit the ancient Inca granaries/store houses and enjoy the amazing views): FREE
Day 5: Inca Trail (day 1) Km82 to Wayllabamba
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where we will begin our trek.
The pace of the day will be an acclimatization rhythm and soon we will stop at our first archaeological site called Llactapata located at 2,550 masl. After free time we visited this archaeological site, before continuing our walk to Wayllabamba where we will camp.
Ease into the adventure admiring the changing scenery, the streams of water and the Inca sites we will pass by.
We got this! Meet our expert team
Our Inca Trail crew (porters, cooks and guides) will take over the organization of the hike during the following days and they will carry the luggage as well, you will only need to carry a small daypack with water, snacks, rain gear, your camera, etc.
● Overnight: Wayllabamba Campsite
● Distance of the day: 10 km / 5359 mi
● Hiking time: 5/6 hours
● Activity Level: 3 – Moderate
● Minimum elevation: 2,700 masl / 8,858 ft
● Maximum elevation: 3,000 masl / 9,842 ft
● Basecamp elevation: 3,000 masl / 9,842 ft
Day 6: Inca Trail (day 2) Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo
After breakfast we will begin our walk through the Valley of Wayllabamba on our journey we will be able to observe nature and the ecological change of the area until we arrive to Yunca Chipana from where we will climb to Llulluchapampa at 3750 masl / 2330 ft.
Trek progressively the steep terrain, enjoy the magnificent views of the valley of Huayanay, continue to our highest point of the hike located at 4,200 masl / 2610 ft. Warmiwañusca or “Dead Woman’s” pass.
Most hikers arrive at the campsite in the early afternoon with plenty of time for a long rest and relaxing evening.
● Overnight: Pacaymayo Campsite
● Distance of the day: 16 km / 9359 mi
● Hiking time: 9/10 hours
● Activity Level: 3 – Moderate to 4 – Demanding
● Minimum elevation: 2,700 masl / 8,858 ft
● Maximum elevation: 4,200 masl / 13,780 ft
● Basecamp elevation: 3,600 masl / 11,811 ft
Day 7: Inca Trail (day 3) Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna
After breakfast we will begin our walk through the Valley of Wayllabamba on our journey we will be able to observe nature and the ecological change of the area until we arrive to Yunca Chipana from where we will climb to Llulluchapampa at 3750 masl / 2330 ft.After breakfast, we will ascend to Runkurakay pass at 3860 masl / 2,389 ft.
This is a beautiful day filled with amazing views, a longer day but totally worth it. We will visit another small Inca site, Sayacmarca and appreciate the valleys and snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba. Trek through the cloud forest, we will stop to visit the archeological site of Phuyupatamarca or the “town above the clouds”.
Then descend 3 kilometers until we arrive at a place called Winawayna “forever young”, visit this beautiful Inca site and finally at Intipata where we will camp.
● Overnight: Wiñaywayna Campsitesite
● Distance of the day: 16 km / 9359 mi i
● Hiking time: 7/8 hours
● Activity Level: 3 – Moderate to 4 – Demanding
● Minimum elevation: 2,600 masl / 8,350 ft
● Maximum elevation: 3,650 masl / 11,975 ft
● Basecamp elevation: 2,600 masl / 8,350 ft
Day 8: Inca Trail (day 4) Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu
Rise in the early morning as we will reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the impressive Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu.
Take the bus down to Machu Picchu Town, explore and in the afternoon take the return train back to Ollantaytambo and a transfer will wait for you to transport to your hotel in Cusco.
● Activity Level: 3 – Moderate
● Distance of the day: 5 km / 3.11 mi
● Hiking time: 2/3 hours
● Minimum elevation: 2,430 masl / 7,972 ft
● Maximum elevation: 2,720 m/ 8,924 ft
Optional:
- Farewell dinner show (traditional music and dancing show): $40.00pp
Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Cusco surrounded by local musicians and dancers while enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner. You won’t be dissapointed.
Day 9: Departure day
Depart at any time.
Your trip comes to an end today, and there are no activities planned today.
You can choose to stay longer in Cusco, opt to continue your trip to the Amazon Jungle or catch a flight to go back home. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your travel consultant.
INCLUDED FOR THIS TRIP:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- This trip reaches places of high altitude:
When at altitude you might experience Altitude Sickness regardless of your age, gender or fitness level. Please consult your doctor for professional advice about traveling to a high altitude area if you have a health condition. - This trip is recommended for those with a good level of fitness.
- Good and comfortable hiking shoes are highly recommended as part of the packing list.
- According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a predetermined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist in the maximum 500 people / permits on the trail per day rule. Therefore, to guarantee your place on the Inca Trail you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit of USD300.00.
- Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of passport number change this information must be relayed to us or you will lose your booking.
- This trip starts at 2pm on day 1 (arrival day). If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book an additional night at the start hotel.
- A single supplement is available if you would prefer not to share a room on this trip. A single supplement applies for all nights on the trip (except camping on the Inca Trail, day 5-6-7) and it is subject to availability. Speak to your travel consultant for more information.
- All times noted in the itinerary are approximate.
- Original passport that the booking was made with must be carried with you on the trail.
- Traveling at altitude: When at altitude you might experience Altitude Sickness regardless of your age, gender or fitness level. Please consult your doctor for professional advice about traveling to a high altitude area if you have a health condition.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- If at the time of booking Inca Trail permits are sold out and unavailable, you can opt to hike Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu. An alternative itinerary will be provided.
- If at the time of your booking the Inca Trail permits were sold out, the trip will run with al alternative route to reach Machu Picchu (Salkantay Trek), there is a small chance you may be the only traveler on this option.
EXTRA SERVICES THAT YOU CAN BOOK FOR THIS TRIP
- Pre-night hotel Lima:
ZAR 1,800.00 or USD 100.00 - Post-night hotel Lima:
ZAR 1,800.00 or USD 100.00 - Post-night hotel Cusco:
ZAR 1,350.00 or USD 75.00 - Departure transfer Cusco:
ZAR 380.00 or USD 20.00 (1-2 travelers) - Lima City Tour – Kings and Queens Tour (day 1 at 9:00am, requires a pre-night):
ZAR 760.00pp or USD 40.00pp - Chocolate Making Class Cusco (day 3):
ZAR 570.00pp or USD 30.00pp - Huayna Picchu entrance ticket:
ZAR 1850.00pp or USD 100.00pp - Departure transfer Lima:
ZAR 760.00 or USD 40.00 (for 1 or 2 travelers)
How to book?
We have a professional sale team, that will be happy to assist you in all the process for booking any service.
We will need from your personal passport information.
The first deposit payment confirmation is required in order to book any service. A non-refundable deposit of USD 300.00
Can I join as a solo traveler?
Absolutely! This is a group departure and solo travelers are welcome to join.
The trip will run with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 16 people. If you are traveling solo you will be placed with another solo traveler of the same sex and you will then share a room and a tent on the trip.
If you would like to more privacy you can book a single room package.
How difficult is to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The Inca Trail is adecuate for most healthy travelers, howerever in order for you to enjoy the hiking and the trip as a whole is important to do some training before the trip starts. It will allow you to make the most of everyday and feel comfortable.
The activity level per day changes and it is not the same everyday:
– We could say that the first day is a training day but not easy it will be from moderate to difficult,
– The second day is the challenge one because the high altitude that you will reach, you will find this experience challenge but worthy.
– The third day is not that hard but still quite demanding.
– The forth day is the easiest and it is topped up with the opportunity to visit Machupicchu archeological site, an amazing and unique experience.
What is the distance covered in the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail covers approximately 45km or 27.96 mi from the starting point to the finish point.
Is there electricity in the Inca Trail?
- There is no electricity at the campsites, so you will need to bring extra charger for your devices.
Do I need to bring extra cash for the trek?
It is recommended to get some extra cash; you will find in some portion of the trek some snacks and souvenirs so the local currency Soles will be helpful and in case you can’t continue with the hike (as an emergency) there will be extra cost involved on the transportation back and accommodation that it will be needed to be prepared.
How much should I tip the trekking team?
Tips are not included in the price package, nevertheless, it is customary to tip at the end of the service. Usually the group coordinates together to decide how much to tip for the whole trekking team.
ROOM DETAILS:
Please note, room options and availability differs for each trip.
Twin-room:
Share a room with someone you’re travelling with.
Single-room:
If you’re travelling solo, please book a single-share room, as this trip doesn’t allow you to share a room with other travellers.
2024 Princing
Selected departures and limited spaces. Contact us for further information.
2025 Pricing
SELECTED GROUP DEPARTURE: 19th to 27th of April 2025
Twin room occupancy (per person):
USD 1,959.00 or ZAR 36,250.00
Single room occupancy:
USD 2,119.00 or ZAR 39,210.0
FOR OTHER DATES IN 2025, CONTACT US
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