Inca Trail Trek

Our journey begins in Cusco, the old heart of the Inca Empire and the archaeological capital of the Americas. The oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent, Cusco is imbued with an atmosphere of mystery and grandeur. The Spanish-style city of today, with its attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones, its links with the Inca Empire everywhere to be seen, from the stone walls that line the city streets, to the museums filled with artefacts and relics of a long dead people. After a chance to freshen up and meet with your Tour Leader the rest of the afternoon is free to explore at your leisure, perhaps taking in something of the grandeur of the city’s more recent colonial past amongst the churches and galleries of the Plaza de Armas (main square), or perhaps venturing into the ancient Inca heart and visiting the incredible remains of Qoricancha.

Overnight Standard Hotel

We leave the old Inca capital and head for the stunningly beautiful setting of the Sacred Valley and visit the market town of Pisac, strategically located at the head of the Urubamba Valley.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We drive to 82km, stopping at the Inca site of Ollantaytambo. The major highlight of the trip is without doubt the trek along the Inca Trail. The trail was first explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970. The famous ruins of Machu Picchu are not the only historical remains within the area: many other interesting sites are hidden in places which can only be reached on foot, and have scarcely been explored. Our trek starts by crossing the Urubamba river, then follow its rapids down the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Llaqtapata (2700m). Here we camp below the ruins of Llaqtapata.(Approx 5 hrs walking)

Overnight Basic Wild Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following the course of the Kusichaca river the trail leads to Huayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca origins and the last settlement on the route. We continue to Llulluchapampa (3800m) which affords stunning views of the snowy peaks around us. Here we set up camp for the night.Approx 5 hrs walk

Overnight Basic Bush Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman) Pass (4200m), to the valley of the Pacamayo river with its tropical vegetation. We then cross the Runkuraqay Pass (3950m). Here the selva (jungle) becomes visible on the slopes of the mountains. Sayacmarca ruins are on a rocky promontory. They command an imposing view and have only one means of access, a narrow granite stairway. Our trail goes through cloud forest with vines, exotic flowers (among them orchids) and luxuriant trees, then on through an Inca tunnel and along a ridge above the Urubamba river to the lovely Phuyupatamarka ruins (3579m). The views of the Urubamba and (if we are lucky) the snowcapped peaks of Veronica (5750m) and Salkantay make these ruins one of the most beautiful places on the trail. Approx 8hrs walking

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We descend to Winay-Wayna ruins (2591m), a small Inca city which, like Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons. Then from Inti Punku – the Gate of the Sun – there is a sudden and fantastic view of the ‘Lost City’ itself, Machu Picchu, set in a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators. We walk down through the site, then travel down to our simple accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes situated on the valley floor below Machu Picchu. Approx 4 1/2 hrs walking

Overnight Simple Guest House Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our final morning is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. Train permitting, there may be time to climb the steep peak of Wayna Picchu to look down on the Temple of the Sun. Later we return to Cusco by train and then by bus.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We have time for personal exploration, perhaps visiting some of the sites within a bus ride of the city. For those interested in archaeology, the Inca sites of Qenko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay are readily accessible. A longstanding favourite is to do some exciting whitewater rafting (grade 2–3) on the Urubamba river (optional). No previous experience is necessary as instruction is given and all safety equipment is provided.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The tour ends in Cusco this morning after breakfast.

Included meals: Breakfast