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Inca Trail Express Overview

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Travel to Peru and discover ancient civilisations on the Inca Trail

Travel to Peru to retrace the steps of the Inca, Peru's fascinating ancient civilisation. Follow the Inca traditions from Cuzco, through the fertile heartland of the Sacred Valley and to the magnificent Ollantaytambo ruins, before the ultimate adventure - trekking Machu Picchu. This action-filled express Peruvian tour gets you closer to the secrets of this elusive civilisation on a breathtaking adventure along the Inca Trail.

  • See the sun rise over Machu Picchu
  • Peruse Peru’s colonial and Incan architecture
  • Speak Quechua with the Sacred Valley locals
  • Explore Cuzco's historic centre
  • Trek the Inca Trail, which once linked this ancient empire

Inca Trail Express Summary

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Day 1 Cuzco

Welcome to Peru! Get acquainted with the intriguing blend of Inca and Spanish cultures and discover some of Cuzco's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour. Take the opportunity to taste unique mate de coca (coca tea).

Day 2 Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo

Travel through the lush Sacred Valley and visit a local community. Learn about their traditional lifestyle, browse handicrafts and pick up a few words of the Quechua language. Look out for the maize crops alongside the river and covering the terraces that stretch high up the valley walls. Spend the night exploring the Ollantaytambo ruins - a magnificent example of Inca urban planning.

Days 3-6 Inca Trail/Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Trek the Inca Trail, which once linked this ancient Peruvian Empire. The paths wind around mountains, across high, rocky plateaus, through dense cloud forest and past crumbling temple ruins. Climb over challenging mountain peaks - including the 4,198 m high Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's Pass) - and camp out in the evenings. On the final morning, climb the steps to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, and see mystical Machu Picchu appearing through the mist. Rest for a moment to take it all in before descending to the famous site to spend the day uncovering the mystery of these amazing Inca ruins before returning to Cuzco.

Day 7 Cuzco

Still seeking adventure? An optional trip from Cuzco to the Urubamba River provides whitewater rafting or mountain-biking thrills. For those with weary legs, have lunch at the Aldea Yanapay Cafe, part of a self-sustainable organisation that provides the underprivileged kids of Cuzco with health and education facilities.
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What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Cuzco, Peru

  • Finish:

    Cuzco, Peru

  • Group size:

    Min 1 , Max 16

  • Ages:

    Min 12

  • Meals:

    6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

  • Accommodation:

    Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nts), Hotel (3 nts)

  • Transport:

    Minibus

  • Included activities:

    4-day Inca Trail trek and Machu Picchu guided tour, Leader-led walking tour

  • Carbon emissions offset:

    407kg pp per trip

  • Notes:

    A single supplement is available on this trip. On the following nights the single supplement is not available:

    Days 3-5 Inca Trail

    Inca Trail permits are sold on request basis only. Once deposit is paid and passport details 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 Inca Quarry Trail instead.

    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 Inca Quarry Trail.

    Should you choose not to hike at all, please let us know in writing at the time of booking so alternative arrangements can be made. Without this prior warning, local fees may apply.

    Important information regarding new regulations and booking procedures for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
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About Peru

    • 7
    • GGTA
    • 4.73 out of 5
    • Contact us Discontinued trips tool tip
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    • Explorer
    • Original
Contact us

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