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Classic Inca Trail

Trek the ancient Inca Trail through high passes and cloud forest to Machu Picchu

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34 reviews

11 Days from

$2740 USD

Trip Code: IJR

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement Tent Only - Inca Trail

$38 USD

Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain - additional permit cost

$90 USD

Single Supplement

$430 USD

Duration

11 Days

Activities

4 day trek

Accommodation

3 nights camping
7 nights hotel

Meals

4 Dinners
6 Lunches
10 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint

41kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(405kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Classic Inca Trail trek Trip highlights

Trek the legendary Inca Trail and arrive on foot at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
Enjoy two visits to Machu Picchu for deeper insight and a more relaxed experience
Acclimatise gradually while exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Camp at quieter, scenic sites with fewer crowds and outstanding mountain views
Travel by scenic rail from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo after the trek

Overview

This immersive journey combines cultural exploration, gradual acclimatisation and one of the world’s great high-altitude treks. After time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail leads through cloud forest, stone-paved pathways, alpine passes and remarkably preserved Inca ruins.

The route culminates with a memorable arrival at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, followed by a second guided visit the next morning for deeper appreciation.

With scenic camps, expert guidance and a carefully paced itinerary, this is a complete and rewarding way to experience the Inca Trail.

Itinerary

Primary Itinerary
Alternate Trek when Inca Trail Permits are unavailable

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Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel in the coastal district of Miraflores, a lively area known for galleries, cafés and ocean views. The remainder of the day is free to rest after your journey or explore the neighbourhood at your own pace. This evening is at leisure, allowing you to ease into Peru before the adventure ahead. Overnight: Hotel Dazzler Miraflores or similar

Meals: Nil

Transfer to Lima airport in the early morning and fly to Cusco (if you organise your own flights, please ask us for the group flight details before you book flights, otherwise additional airport transfer costs will apply). Try to get a seat on the left side for of the aircraft for the best views of stunning snow peaks. After your transfer to your hotel located in the historic centre you have afternoon free to allow for rest and gentle acclimatisation to the altitude. Short walks, cafés and nearby plazas provide an easy introduction to this former Inca capital. Accommodation: Hotel Abittare or similar.

Meals: B

Enjoy a guided tour of Cusco, once the heart of the Inca Empire, beginning with Coricancha and the Cathedral on the main square. Continue to the impressive hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman and nearby ceremonial sites, learning how the Incas shaped this landscape. Return to the city in the afternoon with time to explore markets and artisan shops independently. Accommodation: Hotel Abbitare or similar.

Meals: B

Travel into the Sacred Valley and visit the remarkable ruins of Pisac, perched high above the valley floor. Walk among ancient agricultural terraces before descending to the village to explore its colourful open-air market. Continue through the valley to Ollantaytambo, where original Inca streets and water channels remain in use today. Accommodation: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,L

Spend the day discovering Peru’s ancient cultures and contemporary rural life in the Sacred Valley. Visit archaeological sites, the Inkariy Museum, and a welcoming local community to learn about traditional farming, crafts and food production. These encounters offer a deeper cultural understanding before the trek begins. Accommodation Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar.

Meals: B

Begin your Inca Trail trek at the quieter Km 88 trailhead, following a gentler introduction to the route. Walk through open countryside to the Llaqtapata area, visiting little-seen archaeological remains along the way. Camp at a scenic private campsite where your crew prepares a warm meal beneath the Andean sky. Accommodation: Chamana campsite *Important: Please be aware that, because of the Peruvian authorities' rules on the Inca Trail, there may be changes in the actual trek itinerary and the campsites we use.

Meals: B,L,D

Climb steadily through the Cusichaca Valley, passing small farming communities and gaining altitude gradually. The trail steepens as it enters cloud forest, with sweeping views back across the Urubamba Valley. Camp below the first major pass, surrounded by high peaks and rare Andean vegetation. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Today is the most demanding day as you cross Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the trek. Descend to the Pacaymayo Valley before climbing again to the second pass and passing several remarkable Inca ruins. Arrive at the dramatic campsite of Phuyupatamarca, perched high above the valleys below. Accommodation: Camping (Phuyupatamarca campsite)

Meals: B,L,D

Walk through misty cloud forest past the beautifully preserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Continue along original stone pathways toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where your first view of Machu Picchu unfolds below. Descend to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned rest and hot shower. Accommodation: Hotel (El Mapi or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

Return early to Machu Picchu for a guided visit allowing a deeper appreciation of the citadel’s layout and history. Explore additional areas not seen the previous day, with time to absorb the atmosphere at a gentler pace. Travel by scenic train back to Cusco in the afternoon or evening. Accommodation: Hotel Abittare or similar NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. *Ask us about the optional Huayna Picchu climb, or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (additional cost, permits required). *Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide.

Meals: B,L

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport where your trip concludes.

Meals: B

Expand all | Collapse all

Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel in the Miraflores district, an area known for galleries, cafés and coastal walks. The remainder of the day is free to rest after your flight or explore the neighbourhood independently. This evening is at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Dazzler Miraflores or similar

Meals: Nil

Transfer to Lima airport in the early morning and fly to Cusco (if you organise your own flights, please ask us for the group flight details before you book flights, otherwise additional airport transfer costs will apply). Try to get a seat on the left side of the aircraft for the best views of stunning snow peaks. After your transfer to your hotel located in the historic centre you will have some time to explore the city and also enjoy a few hours of rest, essential to initiate successful acclimatisation to the altitude. Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar.

Meals: B

Enjoy a guided tour of Cusco and its surrounding Inca sites, beginning at Coricancha and the Cathedral. Continue to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Puka Pukara, learning how the Incas shaped this dramatic landscape. Return to the city in the afternoon with time to browse local markets. Accommodation: Hotel Abittare or similar

Meals: B

Meals: B,L

Meals: B

Travel north to Huarocondo before beginning the trek near the Urubamba River. Ascend steadily to Watuq’asa Pass, known as the Viewpoint of Cusco, with wide-ranging mountain views. Descend into a quiet valley to camp near the remote community of Chilipahua. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Climb through high Andean terrain toward the Chi Chusqasa Pass, the highest point of the alternative trek. Cross the pass before descending into the rugged Silque River valley. Camp at Ancascocha beneath the Huayanay Glacier. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Follow the Silque River through lush terrain rich in orchids and birdlife. Cross a series of footbridges as the trail descends toward the Sacred Valley. Camp near the community of Camicancha with views of Huacayhuilque Peak. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, meet private transport and travel to Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Km 104. Cross a suspension bridge and visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba, believed to have been a ceremonial centre dedicated to water deities. Begin a steady uphill trek to the beautifully preserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna, dramatically set into the mountainside on the approach to the Sun Gate. Continue along the ridge to Inti Punku for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu, before descending to the village below for the night. Accommodation: Hotel El Mapi or similar Walking: Approx. 11.7 km, 6 hours, max elevation 4,228m. Please note: If no Inca Trail permits are available the below will be substituted: After breakfast, meet private transport and travel to Pallata, where today’s trek begins. Ascend through lush highland scenery, passing local villages before reaching the ancient Inca site of Pumamarca, dramatically positioned above the Patacancha Valley at the meeting point of two rivers. Explore its finely crafted stone terraces, ceremonial spaces and storage structures, a striking example of Inca engineering. Continue through the terraced fields of Musqa Pukyo before descending into the historic village of Ollantaytambo. At Ollantaytambo we will catch the afternoon train across to Aguas Calientes. Walking: 7.6 km / 4.7 mi, 4.5 hours, max elevation 4,228 m / 13,871 ft Overnight: El Mapi or similar

Meals: B,L

Return early to Machu Picchu for a guided visit, allowing a deeper appreciation of the citadel’s layout and history. Explore additional areas not seen the previous day, with time to absorb the atmosphere at a gentler pace. Travel by scenic train back to Cusco in the afternoon or evening. Accommodation: Hotel Abittare or similar NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. *Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. OPTIONAL HUAYNA PICCHU CLIMB OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB - For the adventurous, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (please enquire for costs). Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu, with its narrow trails, reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain, with a wider path, peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and a waiver form must be signed before purchase. Both permits are limited and sell out quickly, so please contact us if interested.

Meals: B,L

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport where your trip concludes.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners
Airport transfers if arriving/departing on days 1 and 11 only
Expert bilingual guide for each section
Inca Trail Permit (please check availability with us at the time of booking)
Comfortable and central hotels
Private internal transportation
Train from Mapi to Poroy (Cusco)
The use of a gear pack for the trek including sleeping bag, fibre filled jacket and thermarest
Porters to carry personal gear on the trek
Group camping equipment
Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed (including Machu Picchu entrance fee)
Group medical kit

Not included

International and domestic flights
Cost of laundry and alcoholic beverages
Excess baggage costs
Visa costs
Travel Insurance (compulsory)

About your guide

Our Inca Trail guides are bilingual and many of our Inca Trail Treks are conducted in English as well as Spanish.