Discover the ancient civilisations of Peru on the Inca Trail
Travel to Peru to retrace the steps of the Incas – Peru’s fascinating ancient civilisation. Travel from Cusco, through the fertile heartland of the Sacred Valley and to the magnificent Ollantaytambo ruins before the ultimate destination – Machu Picchu, one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World. This week-long trip is a choose-your-own-adventure type of deal – you can hike the Inca Trail, the Quarry Trail, or take it easy in Cusco and take the train to Machu Picchu. Allowing travellers of all abilities the opportunity to see this wonder first-hand, this trip is a perfect way to see Peru’s highlights when you don’t have more than a week.
Why you'll love this trip
Meals
- There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
- Cusco – Leader-led orientation walk
Optional activities
- Cusco – Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) – PEN135
- Cusco – Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) – PEN75
- Cusco – Cathedral Entrance Fee – PEN40
- Cusco – Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) – PEN20
- Cusco – Pisco Making Urban Adventure – USD35
- Cusco – Pre-Colombian Museum – PEN20
- Cusco – Inca Museum (entrance fee) – PEN10
- Cusco – Cusco Eat Street (Price based on 4 participants) – USD50
- Cusco – Cusco Cooking Class – USD70
- Cusco – 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) – USD40
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This trip forms part of a few longer combo trips. Some of your fellow travellers may have started earlier in Lima or elsewhere or be travelling further after Peru. Some will be doing different routes to Machu Picchu.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Included activities
- Sacred Valley – Community visit & lunch
- Sacred Valley – Snack & drink at AMA Restaurant social enterprise
Optional activities
- Ollantaytambo – Archaeological site – PEN70
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4hours.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Included activities
- 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail) guided hike(s) with porters’ support. Or guided Cusco stay (Machu Picchu by train)
Special information
Route 1 Inca Trail (starting elevation 2688m) – Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 412m and a descent of 68m
Route 2 Quarry Trail (starting elevation 3220m) – Your trekking time today will be approximately 6.5 hours or 7 km, with an elevation gain of 480m and a descent of 0m
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.
The Inca Trail is within the ability of anyone with a moderate level of fitness. The trail is 45 km long and often steep. Each day’s journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and self-inflating camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
The Quarry Trail is within the ability of anyone with a moderate level of fitness. The hike is 31 km long and its highest pass is at 4450 m above sea level. Horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping, and the third night you’ll stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and self-inflating camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special information
Route 1 Inca Trail – Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 1127m and a descent of 627m
Route 2 Quarry Trail – Your trekking time today will be approximately 7.5 hours or 14 km, with an elevation gain of 750m and a descent of 700m
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special information
Route 1 Inca Trail – Your trekking time today will be approximately 10 hours or 15 km, with an elevation gain of 400m and a descent of 1350m
Route 2 Quarry Trail – Your trekking time today will be approximately 4.5 hours or 10 km, with an elevation gain of 0m and a descent of 950m
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the Inca Trail trekking option only. There is an included lunch for travellers on the Quarry Trail trekking option.
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Machu Picchu – Guided tour
Special information
Route 1 Inca Trail – Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km, with an elevation gain of 81m and a descent of 331m
Due to safety reasons the final checkpoint for all trekkers opens at 5 am. The estimated arrival time at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate for Inca Trail trekkers is approximately 7.30 am. For Quarry Trail trekkers and train travellers, the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 6.00 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6.30 to 7.00 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, so it’s not possible to be there in time for sunrise.
Due to Intrepid’s internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
Your trip comes to an end today, and there are no activities planned. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. You may want to consider purchasing a Boleto Turistico (tourism ticket) It gains access to the many fascinating museums here, such as the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum and Qosqo Native Art Museum. Please speak with your tour leader about this for more details
Meals
- Breakfast
Optional activities
- Cusco – Pisco Making Urban Adventure – USD35
- Sacred Valley – Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) – USD170
- Cusco – Cusco Cooking Class – USD70
- Cusco – Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) – USD130
- Cusco – Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline – USD95
- Cusco – Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) – USD85
- Cusco – 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) – USD40
