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The Inca Trail is undoubtedly one of the highlights of South America: a stunning trek over the Peruvian Andes, through cloud forest and high rainforest, to reach one of the world’s most important archeological sites and one of the seven New Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu.

Note: Due to restrictions on the number of people allowed to trek the Inca Trail daily by the Peruvian Government, we recommend booking at least 3 months in advance (6 months for the May-September peak season) to ensure that you can trek your desired dates.

To get more of a taste of our tours around the Cusco and Machu Picchu area, check out our latest streaming video HERE.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Trek Prenight Brief.

Arrival into Cusco, a pre trek briefing will be held at approximately 7pm.
 
 
DAY 2: Inca Trail - Day 1

After an early morning pick up from your hotel you will be transferred by bus to Km 82. Arriving at mid-morning, you have a chance to meet the team that will join you during the trek including the porters, camp assistants and cooks. The first day’s walk is quite easy and the views of the snow-peaked Veronica Mountain above you and the Vilcanota River below you are spectacular. Lunch will be waiting for you when you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta. After re-energising, we begin the steady climb to Huayllabamba, where the first camp is set up. Meals Included: Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack and Dinner
 
 
DAY 3: Inca Trail - Day 2

After breakfast, we begin with a steep, three-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), at some 4200m (13,800ft) above sea level. Here you will enjoy incredible, panoramic views and relish the great sense of achievement at reaching this milestone. After lunch in Vizcachayoc, we will descend towards Pacaymayu (3500m/11,480ft) for dinner and camp. Meals Included: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack and Dinner.
 
 
DAY 4: Inca Trail - Day 3

After breakfast, the ascent will begin to the second highest pass on the Trail, more than 3900m (12,800ft) above sea level. On the way up, you can enjoy a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Runkurukay and, on the way down, the Inca Citadel of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,800ft). Lunch will be ready for you in Chaqquicocha. From here we continue walking towards Phuya Patamarka (Town in Clouds), another important archaeological monument. After a brief rest, we will continue walking to the spectacularly-located Archaeological Complex of Wiñay Huayna (Always Young). We have a guided visit of the complex before we have dinner and overnight in the nearby campsite. N.B. The above are our regular camp sites; however, these can be changed by the Machu Picchu Management Unit without previous warning. It will not affect the itinerary. Meals Included: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack and Dinner.
 
 
DAY 5: Inca Trail - Day 4

After an early breakfast, we will make the one-hour walk through high rainforest to Inti Punku (Gateway of the Sun), the well-known entrance to Machu Picchu, with its unparalleled panoramic view of the Inca Citadel. Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, including the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries. This is followed by free time to stroll around the Citadel, before meeting the rest of the group to be transferred by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, you take the train back to Cusco, where you will be transferred to your selected hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Snack. Please be aware that your tour of Machu Picchu does not include an entry permit to Huayna Picchu (the iconic hill behind the Machu Picchu ruins). If you want to climb Huayna Picchu then you need to pre-book your permit. Please contact your sales consultant if you would like to do this.
 
 
DAY 6: Cusco Trek Departure Day

Our services end after breakfast.

 

Reviews

Machu Picchu was a highlight but the inca trail was the best part of my trip: Neil

Great food on the trek and very good service. Delyth in Sydney was extremely good and responded very quickly to all queries: Elizabeth

Notes:

*Inca trail permits are strictly limited. It is important to book your trek well in advance to avoid disappointment. 

*There is now an $70 entry fee for everyone wanting to trek up Huayna Picchu in conjunction with the Inca trail. Please let us know when booking a trek if you would like to hike this mountain. Spaces are extremely limited, and first come - first served applies!

Recommended packing

  • Passport
  • Backpack,
  • Sleeping bag
  • Wet weather and wind protection,
  • Torch / flashlight
  • Water bottle or camelback
  • Water purification tablets
  • Sun screen
  • Insect repellent.

Inca Trail General Information

Please note that the trail is closed for the month of February for its annual clean-up.

Please be wary that the path involves high altitude trekking and an average fitness level or above is recommended.

We use modern equipment and local, specialist guides.

We advise arriving in Cusco at least 24 - 48 hours before your trek to acclimatise.

This is a camping tour, and all accommodation on the Trail is in twin share tents. 

Please note that all meals are provided on the Inca trail, and are prepared by support staff. Please notify us of any dietary requirements. 

You will be required to carry your personal belongings on the trail. Porters can be hired locally at an additional cost of US$ 20 per day.

Weather

Cusco has a temperate climate with year round temperatures fluctuating between 14º - 16ºC, with warm days and cold nights. Machu Picchu has a semi-tropical climate, with warm, humid days and cold nights. The rainy season in Machu Picchu and Cusco is from November to March.

Although you can trek all year round, the best months for visiting Machu Picchu are May to September. Treks are available all throughout the year except February but be prepared for a little rain from November to March.  

Camping sites and shower/ toilet facilities

Note that camping locations are determined by the Peruvian Government and are outside the control of all operators. It is generally uncertain which campsite will be provided until the day before departure. Toilets and shower facilities are generally basic and outside of Chimu Adventures' (or any other operator's) control.

Inca Trail not available? Why not do one of the alternative Inca Trails such as Salkantay or Lares which also end at Machu Picchu.

Want this tour plus more? Why not go for the Classic Cusco tour, which includes the Inca trail, airport transfers, 3 nights’ accommodation in Cusco, a Sacred Valley tour and Cusco City tour. Or check out the Andes and Amazon tour, which combines the Inca Trail with 4 nights in an Amazon Jungle lodge.

Looking for some other adventurous activities: Consider our range of rafting, mountain biking and horse riding tours in the Cusco area.

FROM USD 620

TRIP CODE
PETSINT
DEPARTURE
Daily
DURATION
6 Days
LOCATIONS
Cusco

 


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