You vs the Inca Trail – are you ready?
This is the bout you’ve been waiting for: You vs the Inca Trail. Limber up in Lima, then fly to Cusco for acclimatization. Spend four days hard slogging it up South America’s most celebrated trek and be rewarded with a Machu Picchu sunrise. But don’t stress, your local support crew will feed you up with lollies, fruit and sugary drinks to help keep the demons at bay. It's a bout that includes lots of uphill battles, fancy footwork and sweat, but don't worry, you've got this.
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Terms & ConditionsTravel solo, together
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Feel like climbing some mountains, fording some streams and following some rainbows? Where better to fulfil your adventurous dreams than along the epic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
Whether you trek the classic Inca Trail, the Inca Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, there's something to suit everyone. Trust us, this is going to be one of the highlights of your awesome life
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 pockets of Incan history
Intrepid gives you wings! Really big mechanical ones. We'll fly you from Lima to Cusco so you won't have to think about the logistics of it all
You’ll be camping with very basic, shared facilities along the Inca Trail (where there are drop toilets and no showers). This is all part of the adventure of being among nature.
While hiking the 4 Day Inca Trail or 3 Day Inca Quarry trail portion of this trip 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.
It’s important to wear sunscreen and other sun protection, and always drink plenty of water.
This trip involves a lot of hiking and walking, so requires a moderate level of fitness. There are a few different trail options to suit your interests and physical capabilities. Please bring durable footwear suitable to hiking. See the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
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 a few days early to allow yourself time to acclimatise. Please see the ‘Medical and health information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more important details about altitude sickness.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our One Week in Peru trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
FITNESS
A good level of fitness and pre-trip training is essential for the Inca Trek. You will trek on hilly terrain or mountainous terrain at altitudes of up to 4200 metres, for up to 7 hours per day.
INCA TRAIL PERMITS
Very Important – In order to obtain the necessary permit to trek the Inca Trail, we must be provided with accurate details of the passport to be used whilst travelling in Peru. If the name, passport number, nationality or date of birth shown on the permit are different from the passport, park authorities will refuse entry. If passport details have not been supplied, the permit cannot be issued. When we are unable to secure the 'Classic Trail', our groups take the 'Quarry Trek'. This also applies during February each year, when the Classic Trail is closed for restoration.
PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED
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.
INCA TRAIL OR INCA QUARRY TRAIL
While hiking the 4 Day Inca Trail or the 3 Day Inca Quarry trail portion of this trip you may be joined by other Intrepid and/or non-Intrepid travellers.
On June 30th Peruvian authorities released a new list of regulations for visiting Machu Picchu, which came into effect from July 1st. The main points impacting our visits are:
1. There is now a time limit to visit the citadel. Morning visitors must exit the site by 12 pm and afternoon visitors by 4.30pm
2. Visitors must complete a designated circuit, in one direction only. Exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted and, upon completion, visitor must exit the site. There is no allowance for personal exploration of the site any longer.
Overall we support these changes as they help preserve this invaluable archaeological site. While this somehow restricts the amount of time we are now allowed to spend in Machu Picchu, we’ll do all possible to maximise your time there and make sure you have the best possible experience.
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.
View Essential Trip Information