From $1,279 Was $1,705
Guarantee
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Travel to Peru and retrace the steps of the Incas – Peru's fascinating ancient civilisation. Beginning in Lima, the capital of Peru flanked by Spanish colonial architecture, you’ll journey through the fertile heartland of the Sacred Valley, see the magnificent Ollantaytambo ruins and take on your own trail (the Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or scenic train route) to Machu Picchu – nestled high in the Andes, this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World! End it all in Cusco, a foodie’s paradise and cultural hub of nightlife. This eight-day Peruvian tour gets you closer to the secrets of the elusive civilisation that once resided here.
Highlights
- 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.
- Discover Lima’s colonial architecture and centuries of local and global cultures coming together that makes this city one of the most fun to explore in Latin America – all with a local leader who has all the best insights.
- Explore Cusco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city. This foodie hub has ancient foundations and an interesting blend of Incan and colonial influences – kick back or take on some fun optional activities.
- Set your sights on Machu Picchu, nestled within an Andean rainforest high in the mountains. This trip gives both trekkers and non-trekkers the chance to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World with the Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or train option.
- Travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, known for its steep and soaring scenery and Indigenous cultures that still reside here. Enjoy lunch at a local community and then visit an organic café providing support to local women.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1935
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Plane,private vehicle,taxi,train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GGTBC
Starts: Lima, Peru
Finishes: Cusco, Peru
Duration: 8 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 (4 nights). Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Camping with basic facilities (2 nights),Hotel (5 nights). Route 3 - Train option: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $1,279 ($160 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. With Indigenous cultures dating back millennia, this country is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and soaring mountains. Your adventure begins in Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm at your hotel in Lima. After, head downtown for a guided walking tour of the city's historical centre to take in the colonial mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets. Then, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free. Wander around the city until night falls, then embark on an optional Lima Bites and Sights Tour with Urban Adventures, taking you to the bohemian Barranco district to sample the best local street food and Pisco cocktails.
Optional Activities:
- Lima - Gold Museum Entrance Fee (35 PEN)
- Lima - Museo de la Nacion (entrance fee) (10 PEN)
- Lima - Pachacamac Tour (30 km from downtown) (Based on 4 participants) (37 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning after breakfast, you’ll fly to Cusco. When you arrive, you’ll have a second welcome meeting at 2 pm where you'll meet your next group of fellow travellers (some people will probably start this trip in Cusco, rather than Lima). After, get acquainted with this charming city and its intriguing blend of cultures on a leader-led walking tour. Check out some of Cusco's main attractions, as well as its lesser-known sights, such as the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Tonight is 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)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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. Then, 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
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)
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
jana - Traveled, March 2024
An incredible experience even for those like me who cannot do the Inka Trail.and opt for the train experience instead . Cusco is a beautiful city everyone must fall love witj??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024
Kara - Traveled, March 2024
I had an amazing experience with Intrepid doing the Inca Trail in Peru! Our guide was super knowledgeable and I learned so much about the local history, culture, and environment. I could see the tangible difference between Intrepid and other tour groups in terms of socially responsible travel - we stayed only in locally-owned accommodations, we had the opportunity to visit local communities and support traditional textile artists, and our porters on the Inca Trail had supportive gear and protected working conditions. I have never traveled with a tour group before, but would absolutely travel with Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
heather - Traveled, March 2024
Peru is a fantastic country to visit. the intrepid guide was great and was knowledgeable about all aspects of the culture and history of the country. the train option itinerary to machu picchu is a bit of a mishmash of activities the potential to be fantastic but short on delivery. Enjoyable but could be better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
Malvika - Traveled, December 2023
Unforgettable and life changing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Alexa - Traveled, December 2024
Fantastic experience on the Quarry trail - stunning views, great guide, lovely group. Macchu Picchu exceeded all expectations and the visit to a village in the Sacred Valley was amazing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
Amanda - Traveled, November 2023
The Inca trail lived up to expectations, and its not an easy hike but worth every step. The guides were some of the best I have seen, always there to lend a helping hand, the food was excellent and the porters amazing. Worth every penny and a trip of a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
Paula - Traveled, November 2023
Intrepid was excellent on my visit to Peru. Personally as I took the train element I would have preferred to spend two nights in Ollantaytambo rather than travel back to Cusco and then back to Ollantaytambo. It would have helped me with the altitude.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Andrew - Traveled, October 2023
We had an amazing trip on the 4 day Inca Trail and ended up at Machu Picchu. The guides were phenomenal and added so much more to trip with their local knowledge and history of the area. I think we got a more information from our guides at Machu Picchu than the official tours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2023
Roisin - Traveled, October 2023
Having visited many countries and enjoyed many global experiences, the Inca trail has gone to the top of my list as the most challenging and rewarding experience I have undertaken. Our guide imparted not only in depth knowledge of the Incas, Peruvian and the physical surrounds, but also gave meaning to my personal journey on the Inca trail. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Micaley - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was incredible ! Highly recommended to anyone considering this. It was the perfect amount of time, and a great mix of culture, history and nature. Loved every minute.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Ajay - Traveled, September 2023
Had the most amazing time on the Inca trail trek and seeing Macchu Picchu at the end was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. The whole trip was very well organised and we were well fed and looked after. Our guide Ale was simply the best guide one could have for the Inca trail, her experience, knowledge and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable, special thanks to all the amazing porters who did the hard work for us on the trek.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Melanie - Traveled, September 2023
If you're considering booking a trip with Intrepid - do it! We had an excellent Peru experience and the best time with our leader Edwin. I appreciated the provided information in advance and also during the trip everything went totally smooth. Felt very safe and comfortable all the time. Intrepid does an amazing job with taking care of the customers needs. Thanks for this unforgettable memory!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Claire - Traveled, June 2023
Great trip, well organised. Claudio was an excellent guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2023
Kalyani - Traveled, November 2022
This was my first trip with Intrepid and I cannot express enough gratitude and how happy I am with my experience specially the Quarry trail trek. The entire trip was well organized, and I am beyond impressed and humbled with how well we were taken care of throughout the trip. Our group leader Smithy and trail guide Cinthia Pierina were exceptional, Cinthia had the patience of a saint and is very knowledgeable. The entire team were great, our cook Isaac and the 2 porters that travelled with us. Horse man Augusto was very helpful. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend this trip to any solo traveler out there. For Quarry Trail hike ask for Cinthia as your guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2022
Rachel - Traveled, November 2022
The best thing I have ever done other than having my daughter. Peru is amazing & the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is much more of an adventure than I could have dreamed of. Thank you Peru <3
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2022
Jessica - Traveled, May 2023
If you are ready to see the sights of Peru this trip is for you. You have a nice mix of hiking, camping, nice hotels and city life.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2023
Maxine - Traveled, May 2023
The Inca Trail Express from Lima is an excellent trip. The additional time in Lima allows you to get your bearings before embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. With friendly people, knowledgeable guides, stunning views and a fascinating history - Peru is wonderful and I would thoroughly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2023
Mark - Traveled, April 2023
Ubaldo is one of a kind and made this trip an unparalleled journey. He is such a gem of a human, and I feel deeply moved by the time spent with him. He is an encyclopedia of knowledge, kind, super attentive and thoughtful, and hilariously funny.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2023
Olive - Traveled, April 2023
This trip to Peru was superb from start to finish. Communication was excellent Machu Picchu is an excellent destination and I would recommend Intrepid to organise it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2023
Jodie - Traveled, April 2023
My trip to Peru and the Inca trail was outstanding. Our guide in particular could not have been more organised, caring or informative. The trip of a lifetime, thank you Intrepid and Wilmer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2023
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