The Inca Trail & Sacred Valley - 8 Days
Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female50%
- Male50%
Average age
Start / End
- Cusco
- Cusco
Physical rating
Group size
2 - 16Meals included
13Highlights
- Explore Cusco's Rich History – Enjoy a half-day walking tour of Cusco’s highlights, including Plaza de Armas, the 12-angled Stone, Qoricancha, and the stunning Sacsayhuaman ruins.
- Sacred Valley Adventure – Visit Mirador Taray for panoramic views, explore the Pisac ruins and market, see the Moray terraces, and discover the unique Salineras of Maras and the Ollantaytambo fortress.
- Start the Inca Trail – Hike from Km 82 to the first campsite at Ayapata, passing through local villages and beautiful archaeological sites over 14 km.
- Trek Through the Andes – Conquer the challenging Dead Woman’s Pass and Runkuraqay Pass on a 10-hour hike, then relax in the beautiful Chaquicocha campsite.
- Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco – Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, explore the Lost Inca Citadel, and return to Cusco in the afternoon by train and private van.
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Anna
Petra
CharlotteSummary
This unforgettable journey takes you through the heart of Peru, offering a perfect mix of culture, history, and adventure. Start your trip in Cusco, acclimatising to the altitude and exploring the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuaman. Then, embark on a scenic Sacred Valley tour, visiting the picturesque towns of Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo, with opportunities to explore ancient ruins and local markets.
The highlight of the trip is the Inca Trail trek, where you’ll hike through stunning landscapes and historic sites, including the iconic Dead Woman’s Pass, before reaching the breathtaking Machu Picchu. With expert guides, lush campgrounds, and magnificent views, each day offers new discoveries, culminating in a sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas. Finally, return to Cusco by train, reflecting on an adventure that combines rich cultural experiences with the challenge of one of the world’s most famous treks. This is the perfect itinerary for those seeking both relaxation and a rewarding physical challenge in one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.
Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Cusco!Arrival Day
Arrive at Cusco airport and you'll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure giving you time to acclimatise.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Meals: No meals included today.
Day 2: Immersive Cusco Walking Tour
Today your morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, at 1.00 pm, you will start a walking tour in the center of Cusco, visiting the city's most important landmarks and streets, such as Plaza de Armas, 12-angled Stone Street, and the beautiful Qoricancha. We'll then head to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, and the statue of white Christ. The tour will finish back at your hotel.
Duration: Half-day Meals: None Included Entry tickets included Hotel: Casa Andina or Similar
Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, get ready to start your day at 7:30 am. You'll meet your guide and set off for Mirador Taray, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. Next, we'll head to Pisac to explore its iconic ruins, browse the Pisac Market, and savor a lunch made with local ingredients in Urubamba.
After lunch, we'll drive to the fascinating circular terraces of Moray, visit the unique Salineras of Maras, and wrap up the day with a tour of the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress. You'll spend the night in a cozy hotel near Ollantaytambo town.
Duration: Full day Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, buffet lunch in Urubamba Entry tickets included Hotel: Tunupa Lodge or Similar
Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Km 82 – Llactapata - Ayapata
Today's adventure will start with an 8:00 am pickup. You will meet the rest of the Inca Trail group and drive in a van to KM 82, the beginning of the Inca Trail. On the first day of the Inca Trail, you will hike for 6 hours along meandering streams and visit local villages and beautiful archeological sites. The first campsite is Ayapata, located at 3300m (10,826ft).
Distance: 14 km / 8 mi Duration: 6 hours Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner Accommodation: Camping Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Runkuraqay – Chaquicocha
After a long night’s sleep, start at the campsite with a cup of coffee in your tent and prepare for the most challenging day of the trail (The Inca Trail 7 days to Machu Picchu). Today’s hike is about 10 hours, crossing two mountain passes. The first mountain takes 4 hours up to the Inca Trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m - 13,829 ft), then 2 more hours downhill to Pacaymayu for a well-earned lunch.
After lunch, you'll climb for two hours to the second mountain, Runkuraqay Pass (4000 m - 13,123 ft), then another 2 hours down to the second campsite at Chaquicocha.
Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft Highest altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft Distance: 16 km / 9 mi Duration: 10 hours Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner Accommodation: Camping Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna
After the most demanding and challenging part, you can relax with a relatively easy 5-hour hike to the Inca Trail’s last campsite. The route is highly varied with different ecosystems, magnificent panoramic views of the Vilcabamba Mountain range, and beautiful Inca sites such as Phuyupatamarca (City in the Clouds), Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), and Wiñay Wayna (Forever young).
This last one is our lunch place and also the final campsite. After lunch, visit the fantastic Wiñaywayna Incas site and enjoy the last dinner with a special farewell surprise!
Campsite Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft Distance: 10 km / 6 mi Duration: 6 hours Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Camping Difficulty: Moderate
Day 7: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
On the final and most important day, wake up early and prepare to discover the 15th-century Lost Inca Citadel. After a 1 hour hike, you will arrive at the Sun Gate, where you will have an incredible Machu Picchu view. If the weather allows, you will experience the most fantastic sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas.
Machu Picchu was abandoned for unknown reasons in the 16th century, and with this, the primary and most crucial access was the Classic Inca Trail. Your expert mountain guide will take you to explore the best of Machu Picchu, learn the citadel’s mysteries, and learn the history of the last days of the great Inca Civilization.
Later in the afternoon, board the Panoramic Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo and a private van to Cusco. Arrive at your hotel around 7:30 pm.
Highest altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft Distance: 6 km / 3 mi Duration: 2 hours Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Casa Andina or Similar Difficulty: Easy
Day 8: Depart Cusco
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport according to your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Prices & Availability
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 6, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 3Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.Vegetarian options available
Local Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
IncludedWifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Important Notes
We strongly recommend you arrive in Cuzco at least 2 days prior to the trek commencing to help you acclimatise to the altitude. This reduces the risk of serious problems with altitude significantly. 2 There is a pre-departure briefing the evening before the trip commences in Central Cuzco. Please let us know where you will be staying before and after the trek so we can organise transfers. We are happy to help book accommodation. 4.If you are planning to renew your passport before you travel please let our team know immediately, it is vital these details are correct for Inca Permits. A sleeping bag is required for the trek - if you don't wish to travel with one then they can be hired in Cuzco. At the start of 2023 it is anticipated that Covid restrictions will still be in place in Peru, which means the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge are likely to be closed at Machu Picchu and the visit round the site will be on a controlled route.
Luggage
We will provide a personal porter for your belongings (up to a maximum of 7 kg in weight). You will be provided with a duffel bag at the briefing (on the night prior to your trek) in which you can pack all your belongings the night before. Please remember this duffel bag also needs to contain your sleeping bag and air mattress. All you need to carry with you on the trek is a small, light daypack for your water, snacks, camera, etc. so you can relax and enjoy the journey! Our porters also carry all the equipment and food required for the trek. The porters will reach the lunch locations and campsites ahead of you and set everything up so its ready for your arrival
Luggase Store
During the trek you do not need to be concerned about where to store your luggage. If you cannot store it at your hotel then the tour operator are happy to look after it for you. Just have your bags ready and clearly identifiable on the morning of your trek, the tour operator will keep them safe and return them to you at the end of your experience when we drop you off at your hotel.
Packing List
Trekking Gear ● 4 seasons Sleeping bag (sleeping bag can be rented) ● Duffel bag or Rucksack (70-80 litres) (we can provide one) ● Down Jacket ● Daypack (25-30 litres) ● Trekking Poles (can be rented) Feet ● Socks: 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene, 3 pairs heavy weight socks (woollen) to be worn over liner socks. Good socks should not be underestimated! ● Trekking Boots: We recommend a good quality boot with a hard lug-cleated sole and ankle support. Boots should be sturdy enough to tackle rough terrain. For this trek a mid-weight leather or Gore-Tex/Cordura style is an excellent choice. If you are buying boots for your trek, make absolutely sure that they are comfortable over a long days walking before leaving the UK. ● Sandals (optional): A pair of lightweight shoes or sandals will be very useful for wearing around the camp after the day’s trekking. Clothing & Accessories ● T-Shirts- For lower altitudes and on warm days a baggy cotton T-shirt or cotton shirt is a practical item. Highly recommended are synthetic T shirt styles that wick away moisture from the body. They are particular useful above 2500m when, even on warm days, you chill quickly when stopping for rests. ● Thermal Underwear- Synthetic polypropylene long johns and long-sleeved vests are highly recommended for other months. They also make ideal sleeping gear. ● Waterproof Jacket - Quality waterproof clothing is essential. A proofed nylon or Gore-Tex jacket with hood is a good option. ● Fleece jacket or pullover. ● Ladies - it’s a great idea to bring a sports bra or two! ● 1 pair liner gloves, or warmer gloves in colder months. ● Shade hat or baseball cap – some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it in place. This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck. ● Warm wool hat or synthetic hat that covers your ears. ● Headlamp: Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc. so, don’t go cheap here. ● A neck warmer (optional): is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it Toiletries ● Quick drying towel (medium sized) ● Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable) ● Multipurpose soap/ handwash ● Deodorants ● Nail clippers ● Face and body moisturiser ● Feminine hygiene products ● Small mirror ● Wet wipes ● Sanitizers Miscellaneous, but essential!! ● Valid Passport ● Passport size photos (2 + copies). ● Airline ticket saved offline ● Luggage Locks (2) ● 2 strong plastic garbage bags or dry bags (for laundry and in case of rain) ● Refillable water bottle ● Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport. ● Lip balm. At least SPF 20 ● Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended at higher altitude Personal First Aid Kit Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However, we still recommend you bring your personal first aid kit as well ● Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches. ● Ibuprofen for general aches and pains. ● Imodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhoea ● If you are considering altitude medication PLEASE discuss with your GP before departure. You can buy this over the counter in cuzco but we strongly recommend against doing this without medical advice. It is essential that you let your tour leader know if you are taking this as it can mask symptoms of more serious problems at altitude. ● 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use. Optionals ● 1 pair adjustable trekking poles. Although these are listed as optional, these can be of great support for knees, ankles and hips, especially when going downhill - an underestimated challenge! ● Favourite snack foods, keeping in mind weight limits ● Extra contacts or glasses ● Sleeping bag liner if desired ● Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator ● 1 small stainless-steel thermos
Weight Limits
The tour operator will provide you with a duffel bag in which you can pack any items that you won’t need to keep with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note this bag should weigh a maximum of 7 kg including the weight of your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring / rent one). When rented from us these two items weigh approximately 3.5 kg. Prior to your trek departure, your equipment may be checked by your trek leader