Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - 7 days
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - 7 days
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Tour Overview
Embark on a breathtaking 7-day adventure along the iconic Inca Trail to the legendary Machu Picchu. This small group tour begins in the historic city of Cusco, where you can explore the ancient capital of the Inca Empire at your leisure. The journey continues with a four-day trek through stunning Andean landscapes, crossing high passes and visiting ancient archaeological sites like Winay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca. Experience the thrill of reaching the Sun Gate at dawn, witnessing the first light over the majestic Machu Picchu. Enjoy guided tours, comfortable camping, and delicious meals prepared by a dedicated team. With airport transfers, a bilingual guide, and all necessary permits included, this unforgettable trek offers a perfect blend of adventure and cultural discovery in the heart of Peru. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Upon our arrival in Cusco, you'll be transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the historic capital of the Inca Empire, nestled in the breath-taking Andes Mountains. Stroll around the cobbled streets, discover Spanish churches and mansions that sit alongside Inca remains and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. The city also offers a wonderful range of restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine. ...more ...less
Day 2: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast the day is free for you to explore Cusco at you own pace. Known as the heart of the Inca Empire and holding the title of the foremost archaeological capital in the Americas, it's also the oldest inhabited city on the continent.
Day 3: Inca Trail
Location: Inca Trail
Accommodation Name: Inca Trail (camping)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Today our four-day Inca Trail adventure begins! It's an early start for our transfer to KM82 where the trail begins. After completing entry formalities, the hike begins at 2,720 m (8,923 ft), crossing the Vilcanota River and entering the cloud forest. Along the way, we see the Inca fortress Huillca Raccay and the vast Patallacta ruins, where lunch is served.Our trek continues through stunning Andean scenery, with views of the Urubamba mountain range and the snow-capped peak W'akay Willca (Veronica). After six to seven hours of hiking, we camp near the village of Wayllabamba, where we camp at 3,000 m (9,842 ft), enjoy dinner, and rest for the night. Temperatures can drop to around 5°C, but sleeping bags provide warmth for a good night's sleep.
Day 4: Inca Trail
Location: Inca Trail
Accommodation Name: Inca Trail (camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start early at 5:30 a.m. with a hearty breakfast, preparing for what is known as the toughest day of the Inca Trail. Our trek today starts with a steep ascent toward the sacred Apus, where the mountain spirits dwell. After a few hours, we reach the highest point, Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,200 m (13,779 ft), a challenging but rewarding trek. After resting and taking in the stunning views, we descend to Pacaymayu at 3,550 m (11,646 ft) for lunch, spotting hummingbirds and native plants along the way. In the afternoon, we hike another steep ascent to Runkurakay pass (4,000 m), where we set up camp for the night, feeling tired but accomplished.
Day 5: Inca Trail
Location: Inca Trail
Accommodation Name: Inca Trail (camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we begin a gentle uphill trek to Phuyupatamarca, "The City Above the Clouds," at 3,680 m, where we admire its terraced slopes and stone baths, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Salkantay and Veronica. We continue along a series of over 1,000 Inca steps, descending through the cloud forest to the agricultural site of Intipata. After 4-5 hours of trekking, we reach our campsite at Winay Wayna by lunchtime. After lunch, we explore the Winay Wayna ruins, known for their terraces and baths, before resting at camp in preparation for the final day at Machu Picchu.
Day 6: Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
The final day of our Inca Trail adventure begins early at 4:30 a.m., as we set off in the dark for the last stretch of the trail. After a 1.5-hour hike, we arrive at Intipunku (the "Sun Gate") just in time to witness the sun’s first rays slowly illuminate the breathtaking Machu Picchu. It’s a magical moment as the ancient city is revealed before us! We then head to Machu Picchu for a fascinating 2-hour guided tour of the magnificent citadel. Finally, we descend to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved lunch before taking the train back to Cusco, celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey!
Optional Activity: Wayna Picchu There is time for those with enough energy to climb Wayna (Huayna) Picchu (at your own expense). Wayna Picchu is the mountain behind Machu Picchu. The climb itself is interesting as you will see how the Inca cut some steps out of the rocks and as you wind around the side of a mountain will see Machu Picchu from different angles. Please note that this option depends on permit availability and should be arranged at the time of booking.
Day 7: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our incredible adventure comes to an end and you'll be transferred to Cusco airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day are included. Vegetarian and special diet options are available upon request.
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Accommodation
3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Cusco and 3 nights camping on the Inca trail trek in 2-man tents are included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers on day 1 and day 7 are included.
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Inca Trail Trek
The 4-day Inca Trail Trek is included, with all camping and cooking equipment provided, except for the sleeping bag which can be hired locally.
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Guides
The trek is escorted by a bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) specialist local guide, with an assistant guide for groups of 9 or more.
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Permits and Entrance
Inca Trail Trek Permit and entrance to Machu Picchu are included.
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Support Staff
A chef, assistant cook, and porters are provided on the trek.
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Guided Tour
A guided tour of Machu Picchu with a bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) local guide is included.
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Transportation
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Caliente and expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo are included.
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Transfers and Transportation
All relevant transfers and transportation are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included. Refer to the Tipping paragraph in the Trip Notes for further information.
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Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is not included but can be hired locally.
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Evacuation
In the event of a serious medical injury, evacuation is not included but will be coordinated with your travel insurance company.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes airport transfers on day 1 and day 7, a bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, and an expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, ensuring seamless travel throughout your journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Cusco and 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail in 2-man tents, providing a blend of comfort and adventure.
Age Policy
Minimum age is 7 years old but not recommended for under 10s.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are provided during the Inca Trail trek?
During the Inca Trail trek, you will be provided with 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners, and various snacks throughout the day. If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, such as vegetarian food, you should inform the tour operator in advance.
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What type of accommodation is included in the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Cusco and 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail in 2-man tents.
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Is there a guide provided during the trek?
Yes, the trek is escorted by a bilingual (English and Spanish speaking) specialist local guide. For groups of 9 or more, an assistant guide is also provided.
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What equipment is provided for the Inca Trail trek?
All camping and cooking equipment is provided for the Inca Trail trek, except for your sleeping bag, which can be hired locally.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport transfers are included on day 1 and day 7 of the tour.
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What is the highest point reached during the Inca Trail trek?
The highest point reached during the Inca Trail trek is Dead Woman's Pass, at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet).
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Is there an option to climb Wayna Picchu during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional activity to climb Wayna Picchu, the mountain behind Machu Picchu. This option depends on permit availability and should be arranged at the time of booking.
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What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 7 years old, but it is not recommended for children under 10.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - 7 days
7 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
7-
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Camping, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking