PERU

THE ULTIMATE INCA TRAIL

9 days: Explore the wonders of Peru and conquer the Inca Trail

Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Cusco

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

TRIP DETAILS

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.

Welcome meeting:
Meet your tour leader and the rest of the group, a perfect opportunity to get to know everyone better. 
Included activity: Walking tour of Miraflores
Miraflores is a hotspot in Lima known for its beautiful coast line, boasting restaurants, cafes and bars. Also a district with great nightlife.

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

Accommodation: 1 night hotel
Meals: No meals included on this day
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.

Included activity: Ultimate Peruvian Cooking Class + Local Market Tour (4 hours)
Learn about Peruvian ingredients, practice some culinary techniques, prepare classic Peruvian dishes and of course enjoy the lunch that you helped to create!
Giving back: 
By taking this cooking class (and enjoying the delicious food) you are contributing to Reciprocity NGO, an organisation that implements social projects which improve the quality of life for the communities living below the poverty line in Lima’s shanty towns.
In the afternoon, catch a flight to Cusco. One of the most picturesque flights you will ever take. Arrive to the capital of the Inca Empire, be charmed by the cobblestone streets and friendly faces.

Free evening to explore the local restaurants and Cusco by night.


Accommodation: 1 night hotel
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 3: Cusco

A day to explore the ancient city of Cusco, first with our Local Tour Leader and later on your own.

Included activity: Cusco Walking Tour (approx. 2.5 hrs)
Take a morning stroll, this is the perfect introduction to this magical city. Visit the local fresh market in Cusco, the famous “Mercado San Pedro”, walk around  the Plaza de Armas, learn about this important city from the insights of your local tour leader and taste some of the local delicacies.

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.

Accommodation: 1 night hotel
Meals: Breakfast
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.

Giving Back
Included activity: Textile Center Visit in Chinchero
Peru is well known for its colourful, bright and intricate textiles, they are a tradition passed down from generation to generation and a cultural expression of the different communities that preserve this tradition. In this visit you will learn about the stories, techniques and materials used to create these unique textiles. Be impressed by the skill and talent of these local artisans.
Included activity: Maras Salt Mines Tour
Your visit to the Sacred Valley is not complete without stopping at the impressive Maras Salt Mines, its utilisation is as old as the Inca Empire. Located in the slopes on a hill near Maras town, this site has captivated thousands of visitors for its stunning views and mystery around its origins.
Hidden Gem Experience:
Included activity: Wine & Cheese Picnic Experience + optional painting lesson
Connect with nature (and your artistic side) while enjoying a delicious picnic and picturesque surroundings of the Andean landscape, an invitation to soak in the natural beauty of the Andes in a special location; all while llamas graze in the background. 

Optionals:

  • Hike to Pinkuylluna mountain (visit the ancient Inca granaries/store houses and enjoy the amazing views): FREE

Accommodation: 1 night hotel
Meals: Breakfast | Picnic lunch
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


Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
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


Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
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 


Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
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. 

Included activity: Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Traverse down the last part of the Inca Trail, enjoy a guided tour of the citadel, walk through the sanctuary, learn about the history of Machu Picchu and follow the route with your guide and get those perfect pictures.

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.

Meals: Breakfast
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. 


Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED FOR THIS TRIP:

ARRIVAL TRANSFER:
Your Arrival Transfer is ALWAYS included with Inspired Routes (arrival to start hotel)
ACCOMMODATION:
5 nights hotels/lodges, 3 nights full service camping in twin share tents
MEALS:
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches,  3 dinners
ACTIVITIES:
Lima Walking Tour – Miraflores District
Cooking Class & Market Tour in Lima
Cusco Walking Tour
Giving Back: Sacred Valley Tour – Community visit & Textile Demonstration
Hidden Gem Experience: Wine & Cheese Picnic in the Andes – Mountain View Experience
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
INCA TRAIL:
Inca trail hiking and camping package with cooks and porters (4D/3N)
Camping tents for hikers, 2 people per tent
Foam mattress
Kitchen tent, dinning tent, tables, chairs
Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail
First-aid kit
Oxygen
Duffel bag
TRANSPORTATION:
Internal flight 
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Train
GUIDED ADVENTURE:
Local Tour Leader
Specialist trekking guides
Airport transfer:
ALWAYS INCLUDED
We take care of the stress of arriving to a new destination and not knowing where to go. A great first impression!
Trip Type:
GUIDED ADVENTURE

This trip is expertly guided by on of our Local Tour Leaders, a local based expert that will make sure your truly experience the destination in depth and offers support throughout the trip.
Service level:
STANDARD

Comfortable tourist-class accommodation with character, combination of private/shared transportation.
Group size:
SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE

Min 4, max 16
Physical Rating:
DEMANDING

Spend time hiking at high altitude, walking. Adequate for most healthy travelers.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.
  5. All times noted in the itinerary are approximate.
  6. Original passport that the booking was made with must be carried with you on the trail. 
  7. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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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+27 72 73 76 837, +27 84 58 73 966

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