8 Days • 7 Nights
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The classic four-day Inca Trail trek
- Original Inca stone paths and cloud-forest ruins
- Crossing the Dead Woman's Pass
- Sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
- Acclimatising in Cusco and the Sacred Valley
- Expert guides, porters and camp cooks
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cusco, the ancient Inca capital. Take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude, with a welcome dinner and a trek briefing.
A guided tour of Cusco, Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman and the cathedral, at a gentle pace to aid acclimatisation before the trek.
You explore the Sacred Valley, the market of Pisac and the fortress of Ollantaytambo, staying in the valley to be well acclimatised and close to the trailhead.
You begin the classic Inca Trail, following original stone paths past Inca ruins and through beautiful Andean scenery, camping at your first campsite with full support from porters and cooks.
The toughest and most rewarding day, climbing to the Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 metres for breathtaking views, then descending to camp, a real Andean challenge.
A spectacular day passing cloud-forest ruins, tunnels and lush scenery along the original Inca path, camping near the Sun Gate ready for tomorrow's arrival.
A pre-dawn walk to the Sun Gate for that unforgettable first sunrise glimpse of Machu Picchu below, followed by a guided tour of the lost city, then the train back and transfer to Cusco.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, having conquered the Inca Trail.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board on the Inca Trail
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Domestic flights and the Machu Picchu train as specified
- National park, archaeological site and Machu Picchu entry fees as per itinerary
- a Cusco and Sacred Valley tour, the four-day Inca Trail trek with guides, porters, cooks, camping and permits, and a Machu Picchu guided visit
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 or 183 days on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Peruvian Sol; cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small vendors and rural areas. US Dollars in good condition are also accepted in many tourist places
- Altitude: Cusco (around 3,400 metres), Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon are high, so we build in acclimatisation, often starting in the lower Sacred Valley; ascend gradually, rest, stay hydrated, eat lightly and avoid alcohol at first
- Machu Picchu & permits: Entry to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail is by timed ticket and, for the trail, a permit that sells out months ahead; we book these for you well in advance, so early booking is recommended
- Best time to visit: The Andean dry season (May to September) is the most popular and reliable, with sunny days and cold nights, ideal for Machu Picchu and trekking; the wetter months are greener and quieter, though the Inca Trail closes each February
- Getting around: Peru is large and varied, so itineraries use domestic flights between Lima, Cusco, the Amazon and the south, plus the scenic train to Machu Picchu; these are arranged and included where specified
- Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for the Amazon; bring sun protection for the intense high-altitude sun, warm layers for cold Andean nights, and drink bottled or purified water. We advise on current requirements
- Culture & power: Peru has a rich living Andean and Amazonian culture; please ask before photographing people and respect local customs. Tipping around ten percent is customary. Power is 220V with type A and C plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be for the Inca Trail?
A good level of fitness is essential, as the trail involves four days of hiking at altitude, including the steep climb to the 4,215-metre Dead Woman's Pass. Prior hill-walking helps, and porters carry the camping gear. We advise on preparation, and offer shorter treks or the train for those who prefer.
Do you book the Inca Trail permits?
Yes — Inca Trail permits are strictly limited and sell out months ahead, so we book them for you as early as possible. Early booking is essential, and if permits are unavailable for your dates, we can arrange the alternative Salkantay or Lares treks.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner, a Sacred Valley lunch or full board at the Amazon lodge. Peru is a world-class culinary destination, so most other meals are left free with our recommendations.
Are the flights and Machu Picchu train included?
Yes — the domestic flights and the scenic train to Machu Picchu specified in your itinerary are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers and Machu Picchu entry, so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Peru?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 or 183 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
How do I manage the altitude?
Cusco and the highlands are high, so we build in acclimatisation, often starting in the lower Sacred Valley, and you should rest, hydrate, eat lightly and take it easy on arrival. Coca tea helps; we advise fully, and those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
The Andean dry season (May to September) is the most popular and reliable for Machu Picchu and trekking, with sunny days and cold nights. The wetter months are greener and quieter, though the Inca Trail closes each February for maintenance. We advise on timing.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon and the south, add the Inca Trail or Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, change the pace and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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