Hurry - Our once-a-year Cyber Sale ends December 4. Don't miss out on up to 20%* off. Book Now!

Six Days to Machu Picchu

6 Days | Get straight down to business and up the Inca Trail

5 out of 5 based on 13 reviews submitted.
18 to 29s
From
CAD $1,680
View dates and book
This trip is for the 18 to 29 year olds

Whether you're dreaming of walking the Inca Trail, seeing Machu Picchu or deep diving into the cultural wonders of Cusco, this trip has something special in store. You'll arrive in Cusco and waste no time in tackling your choice of trail to the ‘City in the Clouds’, or alternatively hang out in beautiful Cusco and Aguas Calientes before travelling by train on the penultimate day of the tour. The choice is yours! You can make this trip whatever you wish - just know whatever you choose, it's sure to be an incredible experience. We employ local guides and porters, so you can be sure your trek is benefitting the Andean community.

Trip overview

Map of Six Days To Machu Picchu including Peru
Start
Cusco, Peru
Finish
Cusco, Peru
Theme
18 to 29s
Destinations
Peru
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 29
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GGYM
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Responsible travel

You book, we donate to help support local communities


Why you'll love this trip
  • Choose your own adventure! Whether you pick the classic Inca Trail*, the Quarry Trail or take the train route, we are dedicated to making it unforgettable.
  • This trip is perfect for those who want to tackle the Inca Trail in just a few days and explore the beauty of Machu Picchu but don’t want to commit to a longer tour.
  • Don't worry, we won't hog all of your time. You'll have plenty of opportunity to bounce around Cusco, digging deep into the city's pockets of Inca history and cobblestone alleyways.
  • Machu Picchu itself is a true wonder, but trekkers also witness plenty of incredible scenery, smaller Inca ruins and archaeological sites along the way.
  • Your time is precious, so dive right in with a guided tour of downtown Cusco on the first day of your tour.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Part of the appeal of the Inca* or Quarry Trail is being among nature. You’ll be camping with very basic, shared facilities along the trail (where there are drop toilets and no showers).
  • While hiking the Inca Trail* or Day 3 of the Quarry Trail, you may be joined by some travellers over the age of 29.
  • We’ll be experiencing a mix of hot and cold climates, so pack accordingly and bring layers.
  • You don’t have to be an athlete to hike the Inca* (or Quarry) Trail. But (obviously) this trip involves a lot of hiking and walking, so a moderate level of fitness is required. Please see the Inca Trail* and Machu Picchu section on the website for detailed information on different rail options. You will need durable footwear suitable for hiking. See the ‘What to Take’ section of the trip notes for more information.
  • Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness. Some people aren’t affected at all, but if you are, be sure to drink plenty of water and don’t push yourself too hard. If possible, arrive into Cusco a few days early to allow yourself time to acclimatise. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information about altitude sickness.
  • According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the itinerary for details.
  • Travellers who choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), will not follow the same routes within Machu Picchu. This means that you may not be able to have photos together, overlooking Machu Picchu. This applies to travellers on the same booking or separate bookings.

Itinerary

Map of Six Days To Machu Picchu including Peru

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Bus Taxi, Train - Route 3 only

Accommodation

Route 1 - Inca Trail: Camping with basic facilities (3 nights), Hotel (2 nights). Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Camping with basic facilities (2 nights), Hotel (3 nights). Route 3 - Train option: Hotel (5 nights)

Activities
  • Cusco - Orientation Walk
  • 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail) guided hike(s) with porters' support. Or guided Cusco stay (Machu Picchu by train)
  • Machu Picchu - Guided tour
Add on activities
  • Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN135
  • Cusco - City tour and 4 Ruins - USD15
  • Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
  • Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
  • Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
  • Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
  • Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
  • Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
  • Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100
  • Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) - USD170

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2 and 3 (Route 1 and 2 : Camping) and Day 4 (Route 1 : Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. 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 Quarry Trail instead https://www.intrepidtravel.com/machu-picchu-peru/quarry-trail or travel to Machu Picchu by train.
3. 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.
4. Should you choose not to hike at all, please let us know at time of booking so alternative arrangements can be made to travel to Machu Picchu by train. Without this prior warning, cancellation fees for the trekking permits may apply.
5. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
6. While hiking the Inca Trail* or Quarry Trail you may be joined by other Intrepid travellers, some who may be over 29 years old.
7. Please note this trip starts at 2pm on Day 1.
8. Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/altitude-sickness
9. As you can choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), there is a small chance you may be the only traveller on your selected option.
10. Fees may apply if you choose to change from the Inca Trail to the Train or Quarry Trail after your booking has been made.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 13 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

sarah · Traveled September 2023
I couldn’t have asked for a better trip! Our group leader Beto was absolutely incredible and the porters were nothing short of superhuman. Rain or shine (which we had both), I had an amazing, life-changing time. Highly recommend. Small note: pay attention to the packing list because the 4 days/3 nights is no joke.
Review submitted 08 Sep 2023

Erin · Traveled September 2023
The Inca Trail was one of the best trips of my life!! Our guide was so fun and had so much knowledge about Peru and the Incan empire. I’ll never forget a trip like this. Intrepid had every detail perfectly organized to make the trip as great as it was.
Review submitted 07 Sep 2023

Jessica · Traveled May 2023
Hiking the Inca trail was my first ever trip with Intrepid and I had an incredible time. It’s a challenging trek but the Intrepid experience made it unforgettable. My leader Marcia was amazing, as was our entire crew of porters, chefs, and drivers. I felt so cared for and learnt so much about Inca history and the local people, area, and way of life. Intrepid had excellent equipment, safety and enviro standards, food, inclusions, transport, accommodation, recommends, organisation, and information (not all tour companies on the trail were the same - trust me when I say it makes a difference!). Highly recommend!
Review submitted 26 May 2023

David · Traveled March 2023
Great and fun 6 days in Peru. Took great pictures. Amazing tour leaders and porters. Made life long friends. Trip of a life time. Would recommend.
Review submitted 08 Mar 2023

Agathe · Traveled March 2023
A great experience in the Peruvian Highlands, learning about the culture and history. Our tour leader Julio was exceptional - professional, kind, patient, knowledgeable and he made the experience 10x better.
Review submitted 08 Mar 2023
Six Days to Machu Picchu
From
CAD $1,680