Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 4-day adventure through Peru's iconic Inca Trail, culminating in a visit to the breathtaking Machu Picchu. This journey offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, guided by local experts and supported by porters. Begin your trek from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and choose between the classic Inca Trail or the less-traveled Quarry Trail. Experience the thrill of reaching the Sun Gate, explore archaeological wonders like Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, and witness the stunning vistas from Warmiwanusca, or 'Dead Woman's Pass'. Enjoy camping under the stars with meals prepared by your cook, and travel comfortably with a mix of private vehicles, buses, and trains. This eco-conscious, small-group tour promises an enriching exploration of Peru's rich heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco/ Inca Trail
Location: Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay, Llactapata, Veronica Peak, Choquequilla, Qory Song'o, Perolniyoc Cascade, Q'orimarca
Accommodation Name: Campsite
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru.
IMPORTANT: It is mandatory to attend a pre-trek briefing the afternoon before the first day of the tour at Casa Intrepid at 5pm. See the joining instructions section of the essential trip information.
Your adventure starts bright and early this morning. Depending on the arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be either hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1) or hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2).
While away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will need to be stored at your hotel or at Casa Intrepid if storing your luggage at Casa Intrepid, it must be taken there by no later than 7pm the night before your trip starts, you will not be able to leave your luggage there the morning your trip starts. At your trek briefing you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group.
Route 1 Inca Trail
Today, travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, your cook and your guide. Your first day will include uphill trekking to the campsite, which sits at 3100 m above sea level. On the way, you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. From here, you’ll head to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill, where you’ll climb to the top for the incredible views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several sacred tombs in the area, protected by the locals, which you can explore with your leader and even see some of the original structures crafted from wood and leather. These remains have never been seen by travellers before, so you can be a part of this exclusive experience. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, where you can stop for some snacks and photos. Arrive at the campsite, 3700 m above sea level, around lunchtime. After, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Inca Trail
Location: Warmiwanusca, Pacaymayo Valley, Puccaqasa, Kuychicassa, Intipunku, Nevado Veronica
Accommodation Name: Campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the most challenging day of the trek, as you ascend a 5-hour long steep path to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 m.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A 3-hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa, about 4370 m high. After enjoying the picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. After, make the 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4450 m. From here, descend to the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away and at 3600 m.
Day 3: Inca Trail
Location: Pacaymayo Valley, Runkuracay Pass, Cordillera Vilcabamba, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Winay Wayna, Kachiqata Quarry, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: Campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route 1 Inca Trail
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass at 3980 m. Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 3850 m, also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo when you finish your trek. This is where you’ll meet with the travellers in your group who didn't hike, before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Inca Trail / Cusco
Location: Intipunku (Sun Gate), Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo, Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu – one of the famed Wonders of the World. The day starts before dawn, with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, you’ll begin the final 2.5 hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Route 2 Machu Picchu to Cusco
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 6.00 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. This is a day to remember!
For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening at approximately 7 pm where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Route 1 - Inca Trail: Camping with basic facilities (3 nights). Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Camping with basic facilities (2 nights), Hotel (1 night). -
Meals
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners -
3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail) guided hike(s) with porters' support
The tour includes a guided hike on the Inca Trail or Inca Quarry Trail with the support of porters.
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Machu Picchu - Guided tour
A guided tour of Machu Picchu is included in the itinerary.
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Transport
Private vehicle, bus, and train transport are included during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Inca Trail Permits
Inca Trail permits are sold on a request basis and are not guaranteed with the booking.
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Luggage Storage
Luggage storage at Casa Intrepid or the hotel is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Pre and Post Accommodation
Accommodation before the start and after the end of the tour in Cusco is not included.
Transport
- Private vehicle , Bus , Train
Accommodation
- PERU
- Due to local energy supply and infrastructure issues, please be prepared for some cold showers while travelling in Peru.
- CAMPING
- On camping nights we stay in twin share tents, set up by our porters. If you have booked a single supplement, a single tent will be provided. Foam camping mats are supplied but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. See the 'Packing' section for more information.
Important Information
- 1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This will be used to apply for your Inca permit and if any info doesn’t match your passport, the Inca authorities will refuse your entry. Delays in providing this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
- 2.This trip starts early on Day 1. We very strongly recommend that travellers arrive in Cusco 2 days prior to your trip starting to acclimitise to the high altitude. It is mandatory to attend a pre-trek briefing the afternoon before the first day of the tour at Casa Intrepid at 5pm. This trip finishes on arrival back to Cusco on day 4 (approx 7pm). Pre and post accommodation in Cusco can be booked subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 4. At the time of booking, please advise whether you would like to hike the classic Inca Trail or Quarry Trail. When available, the Inca Trail will be booked as the default option. Fees may apply to changes made after the time of booking, and availability on other options cannot be guaranteed.
- 5. Inca Trail permits are sold on a request basis only. Once a deposit is paid and passport details are provided, Intrepid will endeavour to secure a permit for you. If Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book, you can opt to hike the Quarry Trail instead https://www.intrepidtravel.com/machu-picchu-peru/quarry-trail.
- 6.The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works. If the trek portion of your trip starts in February, you will be automatically booked to hike the Quarry Trail.
- 7. As you can choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail or Quarry Trail), you may be joined by other Intrepid and/or non-Intrepid travellers. There is also a small chance you may be the only traveller from your group on your selected option.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Peru using a combination of private vehicles, buses, and trains, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey to and from the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Accommodation
Experience camping in twin share tents set up by porters, with foam camping mats provided. Single tents are available for those who book a supplement. Please bring your own sleeping bag and be prepared for some cold showers due to local energy supply issues.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?
During the trek, you will experience camping in twin share tents set up by porters, with foam camping mats provided. Single tents are available for those who book a supplement. Please bring your own sleeping bag and be prepared for some cold showers due to local energy supply issues. ...more ...less
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What should I bring for the trek?
You should bring your own sleeping bag for the trek. Additionally, you will receive a small duffle bag at your trek briefing to carry your clothes for the next four days, with a maximum weight of 5 kg. Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, along with the food and equipment for the trail. ...more ...less
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What happens if Inca Trail permits are unavailable?
If Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book, you can opt to hike the Quarry Trail instead. The Inca Trail closes in February for cleaning and restoration, so if your trek starts in February, you will automatically be booked to hike the Quarry Trail.
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Is there a pre-trek briefing before the tour starts?
Yes, it is mandatory to attend a pre-trek briefing the afternoon before the first day of the tour at Casa Intrepid at 5pm. This briefing is important for preparing for the trek.
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What is the highest point reached on the Inca Trail?
The highest point reached on the Inca Trail is Warmiwanusca, also known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', which sits at a height of 4200 meters above sea level.
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What is the transport arrangement for the tour?
The tour includes travel through Peru using a combination of private vehicles, buses, and trains, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey to and from the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
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What is the final destination of the trek?
The final destination of the trek is Machu Picchu, where you will enter through the Sun Gate, weather permitting, to enjoy unforgettable views over the 'Lost City of the Incas'.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Peru: Trek the Inca Trail 4 Days
4 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay, Llactapata, Veronica Peak, Choquequilla, Qory Song'o, Perolniyoc Cascade, Q'orimarca, Warmiwanusca, Pacaymayo Valley, Puccaqasa, Kuychicassa, Intipunku, Nevado Veronica, Runkuracay Pass, Cordillera Vilcabamba, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Winay Wayna, Kachiqata Quarry, Aguas Calientes, Intipunku (Sun Gate), Machu Picchu ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GGXI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99
