The Inca Trail

Degree of difficulty

• Considered a moderately difficult challenge, the Inca Trail requires multiple days of consecutive hiking.
• Altitude plays a significant part in the difficulty of this challenge, reaching heights as high as 4200m above sea level. 
• This is a non-technical trek, and should be achievable by anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness.

Accommodation on the Inca Trail

• Accommodation in Cuzco is in a comfortable hotel in the city. 
• During the trek, accommodation will be in the form of camping using high-altitude mountain tents. 
• Meals are taken in a separate mess tent, which can be used as a communal area in the evenings. 

Eating and drinking

• Special menus have been designed to ensure that the demands of trekking at altitude are covered by appealing, healthy meals with ample provision for energy.
• Breakfast is a hearty affair, with ample offerings and tea and coffee.
• A hot lunch is prepared freshly each day
• Following each day of trekking, afternoon tea is served with snacks and hot drinks to replenish calories.
• Evening meals consist of three courses, offering hearty starters and a main course with fresh vegetables and carbs such as rice, pasta or potatoes. 
• Water is boiled and filtered each morning to fill bottles for hiking. It's a good idea to bring purification tablets, but this isn't essential.
• Coca tea is available on the trek, which is commonly drunk to alleviate the effects of altitude sickness. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ)
Av. Velasco Astete
Cusco
08006
Peru

Getting to Cuzco

• Fly to Cuzco International Airport in Peru (CUZ)
• It is usual that flights from Europe will need to connect through Lima. Lima is serviced by KLM, BA and Iberia from UK Airports, with connections in Amsterdam with KLM or Madrid with Iberia. 
• From Lima, domestic flights to Cuzco are provided by LATAM, Avianca, Star Peru or Peruvian Air. LATAM are the preferred option due to the capability of their planes to land in foggy conditions. 

The Inca Trail Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Cuzco

  Fly to Cuzco International Airport. Take a transfer to the hotel.

• Day 2 | Acclimatisation in Cuzco

  Spend the day in Cuzco to assist with acclimatisation. Take a half-day walking tour of the city in the morning with the afternoon free to relax or explore independently. Pre-trek briefing in the evening. 

• Day 3 | Cuzco to Wayllabamba

  Leave early in the morning by private bus to arrive at the Inca Trail start point at KM82 Meet with the crew for registration. Embark on the trail, a gentle day of hiking to get used to altitude trekking, passing the archaeological site of Llactapata before reaching Tarayoc. From here, continue to Wayllabamba to camp for the night.

• Day 4 | Wayllabamba to Pacamayo

  Departing early in the morning, passing through the Valley of Llulluchapampa, steep climbing on the path to arrive at the Warmihuañusca Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4200m, which involves the most challenging ascent of the trip. Continue down a steep descent to the Pacamayo River to camp overnight.

• Day 5 | Pacayo to Winay Wayna

  A morning climb to the ruins of Runkurakay, continuing to the Runkurakey Pass at 3900m to discover superb views of the Vilcabamba range. A strenuous climb to Phuyupatamarka, the 'Town in the clouds' before descending into the cloud forest to visit Intipata, the Terraces of the Sun, before finding the Wiñay Wayna campsite to overnight. 

• Day 6 | Winay Wayna to Machu Picchu

  An early start, taking breakfast around 0430, before hitting the trail. Hike along the final section of the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate, Inti Punku, which offers the first views of the lost city of Machu Picchu. take a guided tour of the site, with an option to climb Huayna Picchu, the famous mountain behind the ruins. In the afternoon, take a train from Agua Calientes to Ollantaytambo to catch a transfer to the hotel in Cuzco.

• Day 7 | Departure

  Take a transfer to the airport to begin the journey home. 

Included

• Airport transfers
• Your hotel stay for the nights before and after the trek
• Transfer to and from the trek start point
• Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entry and camping fees
• A fully supported trek
• All meals and drinking water on the trek
• A private portable toilet
• High quality mess and sleeping tents with a comfortable insulated sleeping mat
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit

What's Not Included

• Flights
• Visa
• Tips for your guides and crew
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (you must be insured specifically for treks up to 4500m)
• Your personal trekking gear
• Your personal medicines or prescriptions
• Snacks on the trek
• Meals and drinks not on the trek

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

We had such a wonderful experience even though it was, hands down, the hardest thing we’ve ever attempted. There were 3 of us that joined others to form a group of 9. I absolutely loved having the big group because it allowed for many dynamics to be created, day to day or moment to moment! The guides were beyond top notch! They were so supportive and with 4 of them, a lead and 3 assistants, it allowed for a couple of individuals to have 1 on 1 support when needed. They were so knowledgeable about the mountain which was super helpful whether it was how our bodies were feeling, best way to traverse a particular area, what foods would be good to focus on as we climbed, educating us about the details and specifics of different plant life, etc etc! | Maureen

The trip to Machu Picchu with this company was more than great experience. There are no words how to express my huge satisfaction. Despite the aching legs the expedition was GORGEOUS! Fantastic team were taking care of as every minute with great diligence. Amazing tour guide Jose who become our friend was more than perfect. His great knowledge, interesting stories and a sense of humor made the expedition very pleasant. | Marcela