These privately guided trekking adventures offer a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, along one of South America’s most famous trekking routes: the Inca Trail. Following two days of acclimatisation exploring Cusco, you will set out on a 5-day Inca Trail trek through some of Peru’s most spectacular Andean scenery, before arriving at the heart of the Inca Empire: Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail Trek
The classic Inca Trail Trek is a journey through natural beauty and history. Each day offers a mix of Andean mountain passes, cloud-covered forests, ancient stone paths and remote Inca ruins, accessible only by foot. Evenings are spent camping under Andean skies, surrounded by mountains and steep-sided valleys. One of the highlights is the unforgettable arrival at the Sun Gate, Inti Punku, where Machu Picchu appears in the early morning light.
Cusco
Cusco is a city of Inca and Spanish heritage and the ideal place to acclimatise in preparation for the Trail. Cusco’s cobbled streets are occupied by busy markets such as San Pedro and Centro Artesanal. Standing above the city, Sacsayhuamán is a monumental Inca which overlooks the valley.
Sacred Valley
To reach the Inca Trail, we will transport you through the Sacred Valley: the fertile heartland of the Inca Kingdom. Ancient terraced fields and towns remain here to be seen, including Ollantaytambo, a fortress still inhabited by descendants of the Inca people, the Quichua. Its living traditions and strategic location reflect the mix of continuity and heritage that characterises the region.
Machu Picchu
The climax of your Inca Trail trek is Machu Picchu - the famous Lost City of the Incas. Built in the 15th century under Pachacútec, the citadel’s temples, terraces, and plazas stand out against the impressive natural backdrop of misty peaks and deep valleys. Arriving here on foot after days of hiking adds a feeling of accomplishment to an incredible journey.
Itinerary
Cusco to Machu Picchu
Day 1 - Arrival in Cusco
When you arrive in Cusco, our guide will meet you and transfer you privately to your hotel. You will be at 3,400 metres (11,150 feet) above sea level, making Cusco the ideal place to acclimatise before taking on the Inca Trail.
Tonight, you will stay in a charming boutique hotel in Cusco’s historic San Blas neighbourhood (choose from our 3/4 – 5-star options). Here, you can expect modern amenities, a terrace, and a small, heated pool, all within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas.
Day 2 - Cusco & Sacsayhuamán
After breakfast, your private guide will take you on a guided stroll through Cusco; and by vehicle to nearby sites, starting with the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán. You will then visit other key Inca and colonial landmarks around the city.
Later, you'll have some free time to explore Cusco’s cobbled streets, shop for local crafts and enjoy the lively small city vibe.
In the evening, you will be taken to the Sacred Valley where you will stay in a beautifully restored 19th Century colonial mansion in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Day 3 - Ollantatambo & Moray Circular Ruins
This morning, you will visit the Inca town of Ollantaytambo before driving 82 km to Piscacucho, the starting point of your 5-day trek along the legendary Inca Trail – one of the World’s most iconic hikes.
Your first walk involves following the Urubamba River to camp near the ruins of Llactapata (2,788m/9,146ft). Porters will carry your luggage, set up tents, and prepare meals, leaving you free to carry just a daypack and enjoy the walk.
Day 4 – The Beginning of the Inca Trail
After exploring the town of Ollantaytambo, a short drive will take you to the trailhead at Piscacucho where you can meet the porters and enjoy a light lunch before the trek.
Only needing to carry your daypack, this 5 day Inca Trail Trek is designed to minimise tourist encounters, and a lengthy time-frame allows you to move a your own pace.
In the afternoon, you’ll hike along an undulating trail high above the captivating Urubamba River, ultimately arriving at the spectacular Inca site of Llactapata.
Day 5 - Llactapata to Llulluchapampa
After breakfast, you will set out along the Cusichaca valley to Huayllabamba, the final village on the Inca Trail. The trail then becomes steeper, winding past cloud forest until you reach your camp at Llulluchapampa (3,680m/12,073ft). This grassy plateau offers picturesque views and potential encounters with Andean deer. As you pass close to cloud forest, listen out for the hum of hummingbirds.
Day 6 - Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca
Today is your trek's most challenging yet rewarding stage, climbing to Dead Woman's Pass. At 4,212m / 13,819ft this is the highest point on the Inca Trail. From here you will experience the relative relief of descending into the Pacaymayu valley.
A second ascent will take you past Runkuracay and over another pass 3,998m/13,117ft) with views of the Vilcabamba range. Following the original Inca path, you will reach Sayacmarca: an intriguing site at the junction of two ancient roads.
The day concludes at Phuyupatamarca (3,650m/11,975ft), your stunning campsite known as "the place above the clouds".
Day 7 - Phuyupatamarca to the Sun Gate & Machu Picchu
This morning, appreciate the calm of your final day on the Inca Trail. Depending upon the weather you might have views to the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Veronica; and a cloud inversion filling the valleys below.
You will descend a stone Inca stairway through the cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna: a large terrace complex teeming magically with orchids and swallows. From there, a final winding path takes you to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where Machu Picchu reveals itself in all its glory.
Take a moment to absorb this truly unique and spectacular view before descending to Machu Picchu Pueblo for a well-deserved hotel and shower.
Day 8 - Machu Picchu
Today: Machu Picchu. A short bus ride takes you to the entrance. Arrive early to enjoy a tour before the crowds arrive. You will spend over two hours discovering temples, terraces, and plazas, with time to spare to wander, reflect, or take optional walks to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge.
In the afternoon, we will take you to Aguas Calientes and board the train along the Urubamba Valley to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 9 - Depart Cusco
After breakfast, we will transfer you privately to the airport for your journey home, or onward travel within Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos, Brazil, or Chile & Argentina’s Patagonia.
Dates
9 days privately guided (assumes 4 persons)
add £240 pp private for 2 persons
