Overview

Follow in the footsteps of the Peruvian Incas as you trek the classic Inca Trail.

Offering an unrivaled combination of history and dramatic scenery, the ancient Inca Trail winds its way from the powerful Urubamba River, across mountain passes and through cloud forests, passing several crumbling fortresses before reaching the lost city of Machu Picchu.

This itinerary is specifically designed to maximize the time spent at Machu Picchu, with an early morning tour of the ruins before the crowds arrive.

Inca Trail Permits:

An Inca Trail permit is required to walk the Inca Trail. These are strictly limited and highly sought after, so we strongly recommend booking at least 6-8 months in advance to avoid disappointment.

If Inca Trail permits are sold out, we offer the Moonstone Trek as an alternative – please inquire for details.

Highlights

✅ Trek the classic Inca Trail to the Sun Gate for the iconic view of Machu Picchu
✅ Climb the Inca steps to the top of Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m)
✅ Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu before the crowds arrive
✅ Discover Cuzco, with its unique blend of Inca and colonial architecture
✅ Moonstone Trek available as an alternative if permits are unavailable

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart London

• Overnight group flight to Cuzco.

Day 2: Arrive in Cuzco (3,400m); Free time to explore

• Short orientation tour or free time to explore the city.
• Acclimatization to the altitude.
• Welcome briefing in the hotel lobby.

🏨 Hotel Warari / Koyllur (or similar)

Day 3: Free day in Cuzco or optional Sacred Valley excursion

• Visit Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Sun Temple), Mercado San Pedro, and Inca ruins like Sacsayhuaman.
• Optional excursions: Pisac Market, mountain biking, paddle-boarding, zip-lining.
• Pack and weigh duffel bags for the trek.

🏨 Hotel Warari / Koyllur / Emperador (or similar)

Day 4: Start Inca Trail trek from Km82; Hike to Huayllabamba

• Drive to Ollantaytambo for last-minute trek preparations.
• Begin trek at Piscacucho (Km82), following the Vilcanota River.
• Pass Llactapata ruins before camping near Huayllabamba.

🚶 Distance: 11km (6-7 hours walking)
⛺ Full-service Camping – Huayllabamba Camp

Day 5: Cross Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m); Descend to Pacaymayu

• Toughest day of the trek.
• Climb through cloud forest to Llulluchapampa.
• Cross Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m), then descend to Pacaymayu.

🚶 Distance: 10km (6-7 hours walking)
⛺ Full-service Camping – Pacaymayu Camp

Day 6: Over Runquracay Pass (3,930m) to Phuyupatamarca

• Easier climb past Runquracay ruins and over the pass.
• Trek through Sayajmarca ruins and an Inca tunnel.
• Camp at Phuyupatamarca for stunning sunset and sunrise views.

🚶 Distance: 12km (5-6 hours walking)
⛺ Full-service Camping – Phuyupatamarca Camp

Day 7: Walk to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

• Descend Inca steps past Wiñay Wayna ruins.
• Arrive at Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for the first view of Machu Picchu.
• Walk past the ruins and descend to Aguas Calientes for a hotel stay.

🚶 Distance: 9km (6-7 hours walking)
🏨 Hotel Inti Punku El Tambo (or similar)

Day 8: Guided tour of Machu Picchu; Return to Cuzco

• Early morning bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour.
• Afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and bus back to Cuzco.

🏨 Hotel Warari / Koyllur (or similar)

Day 9: Free day in Cuzco

• Optional excursions or relax after the trek.

🏨 Hotel Warari / Koyllur (or similar)

Day 10: Depart Cuzco

• For land-only travelers, the trip ends after breakfast.
• Transfer to the airport for group flight back to London.

Day 11: Arrive in London

• Group flight arrives in London in the afternoon.