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Making new friends on the Inca Trail - Inca Trail Adventure, Peru
Making new friends on the Inca Trail  | Bette Andrews
Breathtaking colours over the vibrant Machu Picchu - Inca Trail Adventure, Peru
Breathtaking colours over the vibrant Machu Picchu  | Richard I'Anson
Rocky trail views as we trek the Inca Trail - Inca Trail Adventure, Peru
Rocky trail views as we trek the Inca Trail
Mealtime by local chefs with local food - Inca Trail Adventure, Peru
Mealtime by local chefs with local food
Hiking the Inca Trail - Inca Trail Adventure, Peru
Hiking the Inca Trail  | Michael Croft
Explore the impressive ruins of Machu Picchu - Inca Trail Adventure, Peru
Explore the impressive ruins of Machu Picchu  | Rene Flores

Inca Trail Adventure

Discover the Sacred Valley before trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Peru
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 15 reviews

7 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: IJS
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 7 Days
Activities
  • 4 day trek
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 3 nights camping
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

45kg of CO2-e PP per day

(270kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Walk the classic Inca Trail through cloud forest, mountain passes, and ancient ruins
  • Begin at the quieter Km 88 trailhead with carefully selected campsites
  • Arrive at Machu Picchu on foot via the Sun Gate
  • Return the following day for a guided visit to Machu Picchu
  • Explore Pisac Market and cultural sites of the Sacred Valley

Overview

This classic Inca Trail adventure follows ancient stone pathways through cloud forest, high passes, and remarkable archaeological sites on the journey to Machu Picchu. Beginning at the quieter Km 88 trailhead, the route is carefully paced with hand-picked campsites that offer better views and fewer trekkers at key points. Over four days on the trail, you’ll explore Inca ruins, cross dramatic mountain passes, and arrive on foot at the Sun Gate for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu. A second visit the following day allows time to return rested and gain deeper insight into this extraordinary site with a knowledgeable local guide.

Itinerary

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Leaving Cusco, you descend into the Sacred Valley, where the landscape softens into agricultural terraces and river valleys. At Pisac, the ruins sit high above the valley floor, offering wide views across the surrounding mountains. Walking through these ancient terraces, the scale of Inca engineering becomes clear before descending into the village. Here, the market brings together local communities, with stalls of textiles, produce and handmade goods. Continuing onward, you arrive in Ollantaytambo, where Inca streets and water channels remain part of daily life. Accommodation: Sol Naturaa Hotel or similar * Please note that the trip breifng will be held the day before at 7pm at a local resuatrant.

Meals: Nil

Today offers a deeper connection to the people and traditions of the Sacred Valley. Visiting archaeological sites and the Inkariy Museum provides insight into Peru’s ancient civilisations and their legacy. Time spent within a local community adds another layer to the experience, where traditional farming, food preparation and daily routines continue much as they have for generations. It is a quieter day, allowing space to prepare for the Inca Trail trek ahead. Accommodation: Sol Naturaa Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

The journey on the Inca Trail begins at the quieter Km 88 trailhead, away from the main crowds. The path follows a gentle route through open countryside, offering an introduction to the landscapes of the Andes. Along the way, lesser-visited archaeological remains emerge, hinting at the history woven through the trail. By evening, you arrive at Chamana campsite, where the mountains begin to close in and the rhythm of trekking settles in. Accommodation: 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

The trail climbs steadily through the Cusichaca Valley, passing small settlements and cultivated land before entering more rugged terrain. As altitude increases, the landscape becomes more expansive, with views stretching back across the valleys below. Entering cloud forest, the air cools and vegetation thickens. Camp at Llulluchapampa sits beneath the first major pass, surrounded by high peaks and the quiet of the mountains. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Today is the most demanding stage of the Inca Trail trek. The ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass brings a steady climb to the highest point, where the scale of the Andes becomes fully apparent. Descending into the Pacaymayo Valley, the trail rises again, linking a series of Inca sites along original stone pathways. By the time you reach Phuyupatamarca, the campsite sits high above the valleys, often surrounded by drifting cloud, giving a sense of the trail’s elevation and remoteness. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

The trail continues through cloud forest, passing the well-preserved site of Wiñay Wayna, where terraces cling to the mountainside. Following the original stone path, you approach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Here, your first view of Machu Picchu appears, set among steep ridgelines above the Urubamba River. Descending toward the site, the journey transitions from trail to village as you continue to Aguas Calientes for the night. Accommodation: El Mapi Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Return to Machu Picchu for a guided visit, allowing time to explore different sections of the site at a relaxed pace. Learn more about Inca engineering, astronomy, and daily life as you wander the ruins in the quieter morning hours. Later, travel by train and road back to Cusco, where the trip concludes on arrival at your chosen post tour hotel. Given our late arrival back to Cusco, a night here is needed. We can assist in arranging this for you. *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. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. 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. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience. 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), contact us if interested.

Meals: B,L

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Travel from Cusco into the Sacred Valley, stopping first at the hillside ruins above Pisac for sweeping views across terraced slopes and surrounding Apus. Descend to Pisac village to explore its vibrant open-air market, where colourful textiles, ceramics and local produce fill the stalls. Continue west through the valley to Ollantaytambo, with time to wander its stone streets and see ancient drainage channels still in use today. The day offers an excellent introduction to Andean culture and landscape before the trek begins. Accommodation: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

Spend the day discovering Peru’s ancient cultures through a blend of walking, archaeology and community visits. Walk through agricultural terraces near Urco and visit the Urco Archaeological Site, where stone features reveal sophisticated Inca agricultural knowledge. Continue to the Inkariy Museum for a chronological journey through 5,000 years of Peruvian civilisation, before visiting the village of Lamay to learn about daily life, traditional baking and chicha brewing. This immersive day provides valuable cultural context ahead of the trek. Accommodation: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Drive north to Huarocondo before descending into the Pachar Gorge to begin the trek at the Parpishu footbridge above the Urubamba River at 2,900m / 9,514ft. Climb steadily toward Watuq’asa Pass at 3,800m / 12,467ft, passing remnants of ancient Inca infrastructure including stone walls and a historic tambo. After lunch with expansive mountain views, descend into a quiet highland valley to reach the remote community of Chilipahua at 3,840m / 12,598ft. Camp beneath open skies in this peaceful Andean setting. Accommodation: Campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

Climb through misty highlands toward Chi Chusqasa Pass at 4,500m / 14,763ft, one of the highest points of the trek. The landscape becomes increasingly wild as you descend into the Silque River gully, surrounded by raw alpine terrain. Continue to the windswept Ancascocha valley, where glaciers spill from surrounding peaks. Camp beneath the Huayanay Glacier with dramatic mountain views in every direction. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Follow the Silque River downstream through lush terrain alive with orchids and dense vegetation. Cross a series of footbridges as the trail gradually descends toward lower elevations and warmer air. Arrive at the community of Camicancha at 2,800m / 9,186ft, set beneath the imposing peak of Huacayhuilque (La Veronica). Camp in a striking landscape shaped by volcanic rock and snow-capped mountains. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Travel to Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Km 104, where today’s walk begins. Cross a suspension bridge to visit Chachabamba, then climb steadily to the magnificent ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Continue along the ridge to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu spread out below. Descend by bus to the village of Machu Picchu for the night. Accommodation: El Mapi Hotel or similar *Please note: If no KM 104 Inca permits are available the below will be substituted: After breakfast, we will meet our private transportation, our path leads us to Pallata, where a new day of adventuring begins. As we ascend, the trail unfolds amid lush landscapes, passing local villagers whose lives unfold against the backdrop of this timeless place. The trail winds upward, revealing Pumamarca—an ancient Incan site perched high above the Patacancha Valley, where the view stretches across the land, a perfect vantage point where two rivers merge far below. The archaeological remains of Pumamarca tell a story of ancient ingenuity—stone steps worn by centuries of footsteps, ceremonial structures, and storage areas, all crafted with the precision of Incan stonework. After time to immerse ourselves in this sacred place, we continue our trek through the terraced fields of Musqa Pukyo. The landscape unfurls with every step, offering panoramic views of the Andean mountains, the valleys, and the intricately carved terraces below. As we descend through this living history of agricultural terraces, we'll arrive in the village of Ollantaytambo.. Once we reach Ollantaytambo we will catch the afternoon train across to Aguas Calientes. Overnight: El Mapi or similar Walking: Approx. 7.6 km, 4.5 hours, max elevation 4,228m.

Meals: B,L,D

Rise early to experience Machu Picchu in the soft morning light, exploring the site with a guided visit that brings its history and design to life. Enjoy time to absorb the atmosphere before descending to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo and continue by road to Cusco, where the journey concludes. *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. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. 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. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience 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

Ready to start your adventure?

13 scheduled departures between 10 Nov 2026 and 7 Dec 2027.

  • Departs 10 Nov 2026 – ends 16 Nov 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 30 Nov 2026 – ends 6 Dec 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 15 Dec 2026 – ends 21 Dec 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 16 Mar 2027 – ends 22 Mar 2027 (7 days)
  • Departs 13 Apr 2027 – ends 19 Apr 2027 (7 days)
  • Departs 11 May 2027 – ends 17 May 2027 (7 days)
  • … and 7 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Inca Trail Permit to the value of US$255
  • Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed including Machu Picchu entrance fee
  • Acommodation in a comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley
  • Fully serviced wilderness campsites
  • Train from Mapi to Ollanta
  • Private internal transportation
  • Expert bilingual guide for each section
  • 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
  • Filtered drinking water
  • Group medical kit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Visa fees
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included

About your guide

Our guides are bilingual and our treks are conducted in English.

Reviews (15)

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The Inca Trail Adventure was the best vacation I've ever been on. I liked how we had a few days before trekking to Machu Picchu to acclimate to the high altitude, learn about the different ancient cultures of Peru, and even got to do some light hiking, explore ruins, and visit a small town where we saw a guinea pig farm, visited the town's only stove, and learned how to make Peruvian corn beer. We had 2 separate guided the first 2 days and they were wonderful. The trekking portion on the Ancascocha Trail was so special and unbelievable. We were the only hikers on the trail. We felt well supported with 7 horses/donkeys, 2 cooks, and 2 horsemen. Our guide Carlos was amazing. He did a wonderful job showing us the lay of the land, guiding us through the local's farmlands and mountains. We hiked fast so Carlos decided to do 2 days of hiking in 1 and we were rewarded with good hiking and a nicer place to stay for 2 nights instead of 1. We did a bonus hike and one of the cooks who lived there used a machete up a mountain so we can get amazing views. The food and the sights of this trip were top notch.

Whitney|Michigan United States
26 Jun 2025
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The guide (Fisher) was fabulous as he dealt with every situation calmly and the coordinator (Diana) of the tour in Cusco was a dream and kept us up to date and answered all my questions promptly.

Helen|VIC Australia
29 Apr 2025
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Overall pretty good. The calendar was helpful in scheduling the trip.

Christian Schrader|Waltham, NSW
17 Jun 2022
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Rudy was an absolutely incredible tour guide. He was incredible helpful and informative and extremely passionate about the history and culture of the Andean people. He made our trek a fantastic experience and made sure our needs were met every step of the way.

Jason Kiesling|Littleton, CO
14 Jun 2022
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Fantastic trip with a group of friends. Henry our guide was outstanding with a real passion for the history of the Incas and the Inca Trail. The porters were terrific and the food was incredible. Our arrival at Machu Picchu was magical and you really have to go to see how awesome it is.

L. Bergin|Wellington, New Zealand
21 Jan 2020
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Our leader Roger was exceptional! His enthusiasm and knowledge of the Inca trail, history, folklore, customs and daily lives of the people of Peru (past and present) surpassed my expectations. I saw no other group with our good fortune with roger and, in fact, others would listen in! Roger, thank you for taking such care of us and showing what a beautiful country Peru is, I’m now recommending the same trip to my friends, family and clients!

K. Spencer|Gonic, NH, USA
25 Jul 2019
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My guide Roger was knowledgeable, helpful and was truly a member of the culture he was describing, so it gave the trip a great deal of authenticity.

R. Guberek|CA, USA
4 Dec 2018
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We enjoyed the trek immensely - it was absolutely extraordinary - the wonderful guide, the incredible meals, the trekking, the camping & the views/sites surpassed our every expectation. It was such a great experience, that we're keen to do another one next year!

N. Barclay|Hawthorne, QLD
22 Sep 2017
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A great trip. The guide and porters were fantastic – a very hard working and friendly bunch of people.

J Strowger|Auckland, New Zealand

Extra trip info

AccommodationInca Trail PermitsWill My Trip Run?FAQsWhy Book With Us
A meal with a view, spectacular views surround our campsite dining tent | Mark Tipple

Camping in Peru - Meals

Breakfast and dinner are served in our communal mess tent with folding chairs, tables and a solar light. Lunch is usually picnic style and is prepared by one of the cooks who accompany us. We provide three hearty meals on all our treks in Peru. The mess tent is also available for communal use in the afternoon and evening.

Camping on the Inca on the Inca Trail

Camping in Peru - Equipment

Our camping equipment is of proven quality and designed for the conditions you will experience in Peru. We provide tents on a twin share basis with plenty of personal space and storage for your luggage. A number of these tents are available as single tents at a supplementary charge. A private toilet tent will be erected at each campsite, however if campsites have ablution blocks, we use them instead. We also provide a kit bag including a sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping mat, fibre filled jacket and a head torch.

Making new friends on the Inca Trail | Bette Andrews

Permits are required to walk the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and numbers are strictly limited by the Peruvian authorities. Only licensed tour operators can secure them, and once permits sell out, no additional places are released.

Permits for the following year usually go on sale in October, with peak season departures often selling out quickly. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred dates, especially for travel between May and August.

Permits are issued against your passport details and cannot be changed, transferred or refunded once confirmed. We recommend booking early so our team can secure permits on your behalf, and having your passport details ready at the time of booking.

For more information, read our Inca Trail Permits: Everything You Need to Know article or speak with our team.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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Previous trekking experience is helpful, but a good level of fitness and preparation is most important.

The trail includes long days and high passes, but it is achievable for fit walkers with steady pacing.

This is a fully guided trek with experienced local guides, cooks, and porters.

Accommodation is in well-established wilderness campsites with full support while on the trail.

Inca Trail permits are limited and should be booked as early as possible.

An alternate trek itinerary is offered when permits cannot be secured.

  • Experienced local guides, cooks, and porters providing expert support throughout
  • Carefully chosen campsites for better views, pacing, and reduced crowding
  • Freshly prepared meals and treated drinking water on trek
  • Included trek pack with sleeping bag, thermarest, and fibre-filled jacket
  • Long-standing commitment to responsible travel and sustainable trekking practices

Guaranteeing A Great Peru Trip

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