Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hike to Machu Picchu through the Sacred Valley
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Group Size: Max 16, Avg 12
Trip code: SPIT
Duration: 7 days
Spend 7 days in beautiful Peru on this amazing Andean adventure and hike the legendary Inca Trail! Chill out in the cloud-skimming city of Cusco and discover the charms of Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo ruins on a guided day tour. Follow in the footsteps of the Incas on a 4-day Inca Trail trek, hiking through amazing mountains and cloud forest, seeing spectacular South American scenery and camping under the stars. End up in the magical lost city of Machu Picchu and take a guided tour of this unique site. Challenge yourself on this epic Incan hiking experience in Peru!
Please note: This is an open-aged trip.
Trip highlights
- Start your Peruvian adventure in the sky-high city of Cusco, explore the stunning Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo ruins, visit a women's weaving project and have lunch in an indigenous village
- Hike along the ancient and historical heights and hilltops of the Inca trail, admiring the breathtaking views across the Andes and climbing to great heights
- Camp overnight in stunning South American scenery and feel on top of the world!
- End the Inca Trail at the magical lost city ruins of Machu Picchu and glimpse the iconic Incan ruins from the incredible Gate of the Sun
- Get a real sense of achievement as you conquer this iconic hiking route!
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- Your Inca trail pass
- Transportation on buses, trains and hiking
- 6 nights of accommodation
- Guided tour of the Sacred Valley
- Visit to a women's weaving project and lunch in an indigenous village
- Local pottery making demonstration
- Your 4 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu
- A guided tour of the Machu Picchu site
- The services of your tour guide, porters & cooks (Porters will carry your gear as long as it is a maximum 6kg or less!)
- Handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Inca Trail
- 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners (allow USD 80-120 for additional food)
- Return transport to Cuzco, via bus/train from Machu Picchu (after your trek)
- 24 hour emergency support
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Some meals
- Airport transfers from Cuzco airport to your pre-trek accommodation (we can organise this for you)
- Tips for your guides and porters (we recommend giving around USD 6-8 per day)
- Walking canes, sleeping bags (these can be rented once you arrive)
On this iconic 7-day trip from Cusco, you’ll adventure through the Andes to discover the remains of the infamous Incan ruins at Machu Picchu on a 4-day trek along the legendary Inca Trail.
Day 1: Cusco
Arrive at any time in the sky-high Peruvian city of Cusco.
Day 2: Cusco/Ollantaytambo (1B, 1L)
Today you will enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley and the amazing Ollantaytambo ruins. visit a women's weaving project and watch a pottery demonstration, before stopping for lunch at a community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. Opt to take a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses or explore the local area.
Day 3: Ollantaytambo/Wayllabamba Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)
Leave Ollantaytambo and travel by van to km 82 of the trail, where your epic hike begins!
Day 4: Wayllabamba Camp/Paqaymayo Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)
An early start sees you climbing the long, steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass, and which is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). You can expect to arrive at camp in the early afternoon, where you can switch off and relax in stunning surroundings.
Day 5: Paqaymayo Camp/Wiñaywayna (1B, 1L, 1D)
Two more passes are on the agenda today, plus more incredible Incan ruins. Your first pass to conquer is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where on a clear day you can see the spectacular, snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike gently through cloud forest to your second pass of the day, past Incan ruins and up to a height of 3,700m (12,136 ft) for sensational views of the Urubamba Valley.
At 3,650m (11,972 ft) you reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "Town Above the Clouds." Camp either here or 1.5 hrs further along, near the Wiñay Wayna ruins (Forever Young) located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Day 6: Wiñaywayna/Cusco (1B)
Wake early, at around 3.30a.m for a pre-dawn hike to the stunning Sun Gate, where you can watch the sunrise. On a clear day you can catch your first glimpse of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu and you'll then hike on to the ancient ruined city of Machu Picchu for a guided tour and free time to explore. If time permits, you can also opt to visit the Inca Bridge.
Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet your guide and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Day 7: Cusco (1B)
Your epic hiking adventure ends today back in Cusco and you can depart at any time.
Please note: Due to sustainable tourism regulations on the Inca Trail there is a cap on the number of people allowed to walk the trail on any one day. This may mean that on certain dates the trek permits have sold out and you will not be able to trek the Inca Trail. In this unlikely event you will take an alternate route to Machu Picchu. Speak to us for more information.
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If you'd like to discuss availability or would like us to help you find a similar trip please contact us...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.
A total of 6 nights of twin share accommodation are included on this trip.
During your time on the trail, you’ll have all your camp equipment and rucksacks carried and moved from camp to camp by our porters. With a limit on 6kg of personal items, (please note your stuff will be weighed!) you’ll pack up your stuff before leaving Cuzco, and can store anything you don’t need to take at your Cuzco hotel. Wooden walking sticks (metal ones are not allowed on the trail) are available to rent and can help assist you on your hike. Regarding tipping, this will of course be at your personal discretion, but you’ll find many people like to tip their porters, and it always well appreciated! If you would like to, then we recommend giving around USD 6-8 per day.
All you’ll need to carry during your trek is a small day bag containing your water/ camera/ sunscreen etc, meaning you’ll be travelling light and free to enjoy the sights of the trail at your leisure!
Sleeping bags and mattresses are not included, so we recommend you either bring your own, (a compact three-season sleeping bag) or rent one once you arrive.
During your Inca Trail trek, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners will be included, all cooked by your travelling chef. You should allow USD 80-120 for food not included.
Please Note: Hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes) so we ask for your patience if you encounter this unavoidable problem at any time during your trip.
The minimum age to trek the Inca Trail is 18. This fantastic trip is an open-aged experience that caters for a mix of younger and older travellers. This means that you may travel with people who are outside your own age group. Such a mix of ages creates a great group dynamic and enhances the travel experience, as you get to know a range of people with different stories to tell!
British nationals visiting Peru will not require a visa. On arrival at the airport, you will be granted permission to remain in the country for up to 180 days. Visa rules and regulations are subject to change. Please check the relevant embassy websites for the most up to date visa information.
A good level of fitness is required to complete the Inca Trail hike. You should be prepared to embark on a few solid days of mountain trekking and hiking. 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. Helping to preserve this world famous site from excessive visitation, a restricted number of permits are issued annually. Because of this and the trip’s popularity, we recommend you book this trip 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. For these reasons you will also need to remember to bring your passport with you along the trail.
This trip is designed with your safety and wellbeing in mind. As a result of Covid-19, many of our suppliers and partners around the world are introducing new policies and procedures surrounding health and safety in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. As the state of travel is evolving these new safety measures will adapt over time, and will be different for each trip. Here are some of the changes you may see on your trip:
Arrival safety meetings
Most trips have an arrival meeting on the first day where the guide or local team will run through the trip, the safety protocols, and to answer any questions you may have. Now more than ever it is important you arrive in time for these meetings.
Proof of vaccination or negative covid test
For the safety of all travellers, at the start of some trips you may be required to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated (14 days after your second dose) and/or show evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the tour start date in order to join the programme.
Updated hygiene and safety procedures
Our suppliers and partners have health and safety procedures in place on all of our trips. These protocols will be updated and adapted as a response to the Coronavirus outbreak, dependent on local restrictions and laws.
Transport and accommodation choices
Our suppliers and partners choose the accommodation and transport on our trips very carefully, and you may see a change to what would normally be used as a response to the outbreak. This may involve such changes as enhanced use of private transport or quieter accommodation.
Trained and knowledgeable staff
Our staff in the UK are trained to help you with your trip before you depart and answer any questions you may have. In addition, the local team and guides on our trips are there to help with any health and safety concerns and to ensure our trips run safely and smoothly.
Reduced group sizes
Some trips will run with reduced group sizes to start with. You may find that trips are more intimate and chilled, whilst still being packed with fun and adventure.
Healthcare
Your guide or the local team will be on hand to help you seek medical attention should you require it during your trip. As medical facilities and standards can vary around the world, you should ensure you have adequate travel insurance in place before you depart to cover you for any medical emergencies.
24/7 emergency support
We operate an emergency phone line for our travellers abroad. This is operated by a UK based member of staff 24/7 if you have a genuine emergency or urgent matter that you need attending.
It is important that you take measures to make travelling safer for yourself and others around you. Ensure you frequently wash your hands, cover your face when you sneeze and cough, bring and use your own hand sanitiser and facial coverings/masks, and enable social distancing where necessary. You should also ensure you listen to the instructions and guidance of the local team at all times, and follow all local laws and restrictions.