When to go
April – December
Price
From £2,945 pp (including flights)
Flight time
12hrs 53mins
Introduction
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous trails in all of South America. It measures 26 miles (42km) in distance and connects several Incan sites of archeological significance. These sites include Sayacmarca, Phuyuptamarca, Runcuracay, Wiñaywayna, and the iconic Machu Picchu ruins.
An Inca Trail Permit is required to walk on the Inca Trail. These permits are in high demand and limited supply, so we encourage you to apply for one at least six to eight months in advance. There are also alternate walking trails you can go on which do not require an Inca Trail Permit.
At a Glance
Duration
10 days & 9 nights
Guide price
Group: £2,945pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Cuzco – Sacred Valley Excursion – Inca Trail – Urubamba River – Huayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Runquracay Pass – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cuzco
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Age Range
16+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Koyllur Inn – Huayllabamba Camp – Pacaymayu Camp – Phuyupatamarca Camp – Hotel Inti Punku El Tambo – Koyllur Inn
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 4 people with a maximum of 16
Start/Finish
Cuzco – Cuzco
Highlights
Iconic 4-Day Inca Trail Adventure
On this exciting 4-day trek, you will travel from Cuzco to Huayllabamba, and then from Pacaymayu to Sayacmarca and finally to Machu Micchu, the highlight of the trip.
Marvel at Machu Picchu From the Sun Gate
Before you arrive at Machu Picchu, you must pass through the Sun Gate, which provides your first full sight of Machu Picchu. The dramatic entrance and breathtaking scenery makes it one of the most memorable moments in the whole trip.
Be Supported By Local Tour Guides, Cooks, and Porters
You won’t be alone during your Inca Trail adventure. You will be supported by friendly and welcoming tour guides, porters, and cooks. They will endeavor to make your journey as easy and comfortable as possible while ensuring that you see the best vantage points.
Recommended Hotels
Koyllur Inn – Huayllabamba Camp – Pacaymayu Camp – Phuyupatamarca Camp – Hotel Inti Punku El Tambo – Koyllur Inn
Sample Itinerary
Walk Through the Inca Trail
Discover everything that the Inca Trail has to offer in this sample itinerary. Walk along the Inca Trail and visit the many connected landmarks along the way, which include Hyayllabamba, Pacaymayu, and Sayacmarca, to name a few. This moderately challenging walk will include elements of climbing, taking you to incredible vantage points that are a treat for the eyes.
Day 1: Leave London
Take an overnight flight from London to Cuzco.
(N)
Day 2: Cuzco
Arrive in Cuzco, the seventh most populous city in Peru. The city is unique for its architecture, which is a fusion of Inca and Spanish colonial styles, as evident by the pre-Columbian era characteristics.
Arrive at your hotel and check the noticeboard at reception to know where to go for the welcoming meeting.
Spend 2 nights at the Koyllur Inn or similar.
(N)
Day 3: Free Leisure – Optional Visit to Sacred Valley
Enjoy a free day of leisure in the city of Cuzco. Areas of interest in the city include the Plaza de Armas, the Qorikancha (Sun Temple), and the Mercado San Pedro where you can sample and buy local produce and handicrafts.
You can also visit the Inca Ruins outside of the city; talk to your group leader and they will plan it for you. There are also more physical optional activities like paddleboarding, mountain biking, and zip lining at Sacred Valley.
Spend the evening preparing for the Inca Trail tomorrow. Make sure your bag is not too heavy and that you have your passport so that you can pass through the Inca Trail checkpoint.
(B)
Day 4: Start Inca Trail Trek – Urubamba River – Huayllabamba
Start your trek on the iconic Inca Trail. The trail is 26 miles in length and connects to several local landmarks, which you will visit many of during your trip.
Transfer to the Sacred Valley in the morning and follow the road to Pisacacucho. Meet your trekking grow and pass the checkpoint by showing your passport. Walk along the Vilcanota River, passing through cactus gardens and corn fields, until you reach the Llactapata ruins.
Stay overnight at Huayllabamba Camp.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu
This is considered the most challenging day of the trek. Climb through a cloud forest to reach Llulluchapampa and Warmihuañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass), which is the highest point of the trek at 13,829ft.
Descend to camp near Pacaymayu River. Stay overnight at Pacaymayu Camp.
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Runquracay Pass – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca
Climb past Runquracay ruins and over the pass. Then follow a clear path over flat boulders. Leave the Sayacmarca ruins and enter a rainforest.
Spend the night at Phuyupatamarca Camp.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu
Follow the Inca steps downhill to Vilcabamba range. Visit the Wiñay Wayna ruins and walk through a cloud forest to reach Inti Punk, otherwise known as the Sun Gate. Experience your first full sight of Machu Picchu.
Take some photos of Machi Picchu and take a bus to Aguas Calientes.
Stay overnight at Hotel Inti Punku El Tambo or similar.
(B, L)
Day 8: Machu Picchu – Cuzco
Rise early in the morning to visit Machu Picchu and beat the midday foot traffic. Explore one of the most magnificent archeological sites in the world and learn about its curious history as a formerly lost city, uncovered many centuries after its original construction.
Take a train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus to Cuzco.
Stay overnight at the Koyllur Inn or similar.
(B)
Day 9: Leave Cuzco
Enjoy breakfast and say farewell to your group and group leader. Head to Cuzco airport for a return flight to London.
(B)
Day 10: London
Arrive back in London in the afternoon.
(N)
