From CAD 1,795
Guarantee
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Travel to Peru to retrace the steps of the Incas – Peru's fascinating ancient civilisation. Travel from Cusco, through the fertile heartland of the Sacred Valley and to the magnificent Ollantaytambo ruins before the ultimate destination – Machu Picchu, one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World. This week-long trip is a choose-your-own-adventure type of deal – you can hike the Inca Trail, the Quarry Trail, or take it easy in Cusco and take the train to Machu Picchu. Allowing travellers of all abilities the opportunity to see this wonder first-hand, this trip is a perfect way to see Peru’s highlights when you don’t have more than a week.
Highlights
- This trip allows both trekkers and non-trekkers to visit Machu Picchu – one of the magnificent Seven Wonders of the World, perched high in the Andes mountains – with scenic hiking trails and train options.
- Travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, known for the steep and soaring scenery, mystical significance and the Indigenous cultures that still reside here.
- Visit a locally-run restaurant and café in Urubamba in the Sacred Valley that hires single mothers to support their children and the local community – and sit down to enjoy an organic, homemade beet cake and coffee.
- Explore Cusco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city. The city has ancient foundations, an interesting blend of Incan and Spanish influences and seemingly endless things to do and see.
- Whether you trek the Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, you'll be travelling responsibly with a company that cares about balancing profit and purpose. Intrepid is the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail and we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1933
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Bus,Taxi,Train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GGTA
Starts: Cusco, Peru
Finishes: Cusco, Peru
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Route 1 - Inca Trail: Camping with basic facilities (3 nights),Hotel (3 nights). Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Camping with basic facilities (2 nights),Hotel (4 nights). Route 3 - Train option: Hotel (6 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1795 (CAD 256 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure officially begins in Cusco with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, there is lots to see and do in this beautiful country! You could even drop into Casa Intrepid – within the historic walls of House Casanova Lastarria, this sanctuary for travellers is housed in a building dating back to the 1500s, featuring Inca interiors. Here, you can recharge with a coca tea, coffee or refill your water bottle. You can also use this space to plan your next move or take a breather from the hustle and bustle outside. After the meeting, get acquainted with the city on a leader-led walking tour. Check out some of Cusco's main attractions like the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. In the evening, visit Casa Intrepid for your trek briefing, then you are free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites.
Included Activities:
- Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) (135 PEN)
- Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) (75 PEN)
- Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee (40 PEN)
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) (15 PEN)
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (57 USD)
- Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum (20 PEN)
- Cusco - Inca Museum (entrance fee) (10 PEN)
- Cusco - Cusco Eat Street (Price based on 4 participants) (50 USD)
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
- Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
This morning, drive through the Sacred Valley. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the valley has been a source of livelihood for the locals for hundreds of years. You’ll see maize crops covering the terraced walls and the sacred river beneath. Stop for lunch in a local community, where you'll also get the chance to learn about their traditional lifestyle and maybe wrap your tongue around a few words of the Quechua language. If it’s market day, you'll have time to browse the local handicrafts on offer, such as beads and ponchos. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Continue your journey to Ollantaytambo, opt to check out the town’s fascinating archaeological site – ancient remnants of an Inca city with soaring views over the present-day settlement.
Included Activities:
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
- Sacred Valley - Snack & drink at AMA Restaurant social enterprise
Optional Activities:
- Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site (70 PEN)
Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be either hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu.
While away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Route 1 Inca Trail
Today, travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, your cook and your guide. Your first day will include uphill trekking to the campsite, which sits at 3100 m above sea level. On the way, you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. From here, you’ll head to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill, where you’ll climb to the top for the incredible views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several sacred tombs in the area, protected by the locals, which you can explore with your leader and even see some of the original structures crafted from wood and leather. These remains have never been seen by travellers before, so you can be a part of this exclusive experience. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, where you can stop for some snacks and photos. Arrive at the campsite, 3700 m above sea level, around lunchtime. After, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.
Route 3 Cusco
After spending the night in Ollantaytambo, take a short drive to the town of Pisac. Pisac is well known for its market. Here you’ll have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and perhaps try some local empanadas. Arrive back at Cusco in the afternoon, where your leader will take you to San Pedro Market, where you have the option to buy some local favourites for a picnic tomorrow.
Included Activities:
- 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)
Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the most challenging day of the trek, as you ascend a 5-hour long steep path to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 m.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A 3-hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa, about 4370 m high. After enjoying the picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. After, make the 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4450 m. From here, descend to the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away and at 3600 m.
Route 3 Cusco
Today, take a taxi to Tambomachay, an archaeological site just outside of Cusco. From here you’ll take a 2 to 3 hours walk back to Cusco. On the way, stop to admire some of the archaeological sites, including Puka Pukara, Quenqo and Saksaywaman. Arrive back in Cusco in the early afternoon and enjoy some free time. Maybe visit the Merida, Mendivil and Olave art galleries and workshops before finding a great spot to sit down and enjoy some dinner.
Route 1 Inca Trail
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass at 3980 m. Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 3850 m, also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo when you finish your trek. This is where you’ll meet with the travellers in your group who didn't hike, before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes
After a 1.5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. You’ll catch a 1.5-hour train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu – one of the famed Wonders of the World. The day starts before dawn, with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, you’ll begin the final 2.5 hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Route 2 and 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 6.00 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. This is a day to remember!
For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Included Activities:
- Machu Picchu - Guided tour
Your trip comes to an end today, and there are no activities planned. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. You may want to consider purchasing a Boleto Turistico (tourism ticket) It gains access to the many fascinating museums here, such as the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum and Qosqo Native Art Museum. Please speak with your tour leader about this for more details.
Optional Activities:
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (57 USD)
- Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) (105 USD)
- Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) (100 USD)
- Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) (170 USD)
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
- Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) (130 USD)
- Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline (95 USD)
- Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) (85 USD)
- Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Brendan - Traveled, April 2024
The staff is what makes this trip truly amazing. They go above and beyond for everyone to make sure everyone has an amazing time. You will thank yourself if you train for the trail months in advance.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Angela - Traveled, April 2024
Absolutely amazing experience. I travelled solo and was nervous but as soon as we all met as a group it was like we had know each other forever! Edwin and Herbert our guides were amazing, so encouraging and the chefs, and porters were out of this world. How they do what they do astounds me. They are all superheroes and made the whole Inca Trail experience so much more fabulous!!! It's tough but the guides are there to get you through and I would 100% recommend doing this trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024
Sean - Traveled, April 2024
The trip was amazing! The tour guides (Frank, Edwin and Herbert (Ever)) made the experience truly unforgettable. The chiefs made the most amazing food up the mountains and the porters were fantastic. The experiences and days trips whilst in Cusco were also incredible Would thoroughly recommend this once in a lifetime trip with Intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024
Parry - Traveled, April 2024
Our train option to see Machu Pichu was very exciting. Frank was an excellent leader/guide and Intrepid is a very professionally run tour group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024
Janine - Traveled, March 2024
This was my first trip with intrepid and I know it’s the first of many more to come. Every step of the process from research to booking to preparation and the trip itself were smooth. The leader and guides went above and beyond to make sure the whole group’s beds were met and we could not have felt safer in their care. The history, geography and cultural knowledge that we gained was amazing and the social and environment mission behind Intrepid’s journeys are an inspiration.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Ee Siew Tessa - Traveled, March 2024
Inca Trail was really tough but our Guide Whilder and our group was amazing. Everyone was so supportive and helpful. Without their encouragement, I would never have made it. Really grateful to everyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Jason - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was amazing and the guide Whilder made it for us. His passion, knowledge of the Incas and care for each individual made us feel cared for at all times on this challenging hike. He made sure every aspect of this the inca trail trip worked flawlesslessly. I can't give any higher praise and our thanks to the 21 other porters, chefs, and supporting staff for our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Andrew - Traveled, March 2024
From start to finish, the Inca Trail trek was exceptional. Whilder our lead guide was exceptional, always demonstrating professionalism, expertise in Inca history and genuine care throughout our trek. It was his guidance that truly elevated our experience and rendered the trek truly unforgettable. Highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Charmaine - Traveled, March 2024
The inca trail was so challenging and rewarding. I am blown away by the care, strength and organisation of the team. Everything was organised to perfection and I am so grateful. Thankyou!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Tamara - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was more than just a vacation. It was a transformative odyssey that sparked my sense of adventure, deepened my appreciation for different cultures, and left me with memories that will last a lifetime. I dreamed about going to Inca trail for a very long time and it truly exceeded all of my expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Nancy - Traveled, March 2024
Peru is amazing and beautiful country full of wonderful people, delicious food, history and culture. If you're consideringa trip - do it! And hopefully Wilson is your tour leader as he's simply amazing. Gracias Familia!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Mirjana - Traveled, March 2024
I had one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life, a four-day Inca Trail journey. The beautiful nature and fascinating history truly stood out, but what made all the difference were our incredible guides. Mr. William, our lead guide, captivated us with his exceptional storytelling abilities, charm, and expertise. Alongside him, the calm, polite, and highly capable Cesar played a crucial role. This was an incredibly organized and well done trip. I would recommend it to anyone who enters hiking.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Brendan - Traveled, March 2024
This is a challenge folks! Both inside and out. Your spirt, your knowledge and calves will all grow. It’s not easy but you can do it and will be better for it. If you fall the family you gain during the trip will pick you back up. It was awe inspiring and I now have a new happy place.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Melissa Ann - Traveled, March 2024
Inca Trail was such a rewarding experience. This trip overall was wonderful and there’s not one thing I would change about it. The hotels stayed at were clean and comfy. Food was absolutely delicious. If you’re thinking about it, do it!! I can’t rave about this trip enough and Holger is an awesome guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Anil - Traveled, March 2024
Highly recommend this tour. Everything was well organized, the tour guides were great, the itinerary was fun, and I had a really good time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Christina - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid tours may seem pricey compared to organising a trip yourself, but the guides and friends you meet are absolutely priceless. For a hassle free experience I would recommend Intrepid. Double shout out to the guides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Lisa - Traveled, March 2024
The Inka Trail is an excellent way to learn about the Incan culture and see the Andes mountains, while simultaneously challenging ones physical and mental abilities. I throughly enjoyed this experience, the people I met, and I would highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Rian - Traveled, March 2024
This was an amazing trip! The trekking was challenging but we were really well looked after by Intrepid’s amazing team the whole time. I loved that intrepid cared about the community.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Elspeth - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip, really recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Gowan - Traveled, March 2024
The Inca Trail Express trip was amazing! The Intrepid tour guides helped facilitate all of the tours and made our trip so much more enjoyable! I recommend this trip to anyone looking to learn more about the culture of Peru and experience on of the most beautiful places in the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
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