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Walking & Trekking

Inca Trail Express

7 Days | Discover the ancient civilisations of Peru on the Inca Trail

Excellent

443 reviews

7 days

Start

Cusco, Peru

Finish

Cusco, Peru

Trip Code

GGTA

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Bus, Taxi, Train

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)

From £1,095(7 days)

Trip Informations

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.

Why you’ll love this trip

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. Tuuur is the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail and we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all. 

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Tuuur Foundation partner, Awamaki. Donations help them empower indigenous women artisans in Peru with skills training and job opportunities that provide financial independence.

Is this trip right for you?

This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.

This trip involves a lot of walking to see the sites, and if you trek the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail, there'll be strenuous hiking. The trip is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Please bring comfortable footwear suitable to hiking. See the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.

For those who trek the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail, you'll be camping with basic facilities. It's definitely the journey as well as the final destination (Machu Picchu) that makes this way of exploring Peru worthwhile.

According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the Itinerary for details.

Travellers who choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), will not follow the same routes within Machu Picchu. This means that you may not be able to have photos together, overlooking Machu Picchu. This applies to travellers on the same booking or separate bookings.

Can't decide which trek is for you? Read up on them here:

Itinerary

DAY 1
Cusco
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. If you arrive early, there is lots to see and do in this beautiful country! You could even drop into Casa Tuuur – 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. Your adventure officially begins in Cusco with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After, get acquainted with the 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.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
Add on activities
Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN135
Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN75
Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee - PEN40
Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) - PEN15
Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum - PEN20
Cusco - Inca Museum (entrance fee) - PEN10
Cusco - Cusco Eat Street (Price based on 4 participants) - USD50
Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) - USD40
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This trip forms part of a few longer combo trips. Some of your fellow travellers may have started earlier in Lima or elsewhere or be travelling further after Peru. Some will be doing different routes to Machu Picchu.
DAY 2
Ollantaytambo
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 for afternoon tea – this café is dedicated to working with single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley, where there are few opportunities for childcare and employment. As all the ingredients used here are grown and purchased locally, the establishment also prides itself on its organic and locally focused practices. Enjoy a coffee, tea or juice with a slice of vegan beet cake or a homemade cookie and continue your journey to Ollantaytambo. Optional, Check out the town’s fascinating archaeological site – ancient remnants of an Inca city with soaring views over the present-day settlement.
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
Sacred Valley - Coffee & cake
Add on activities
Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site - PEN70
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 3
Inca Trail
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.
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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)
Special information
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.
The Inca Trail is within the ability of anyone with a moderate level of fitness. The trail is 45 km long and often steep. Each day's journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and self-inflating camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
The Quarry Trail is within the ability of anyone with a moderate level of fitness. The hike is 26 km long and its highest pass is at 4450 m above sea level. Horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping, and the third night you’ll stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and self-inflating camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
DAY 4
Inca Trail
Route 1 Inca Trail
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.
DAY 5
Inca Trail
Route 1 Inca Trail
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the Inca Trail trekking option only. There is an included lunch for travellers on the Quarry Trail trekking option.
DAY 6
Cusco
Route 1 Inca Trail
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Machu Picchu - Guided tour
Special information
Due to safety reasons the final checkpoint for all trekkers opens at 5 am. The estimated arrival time at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate for Inca Trail trekkers is approximately 7.30 am. For Quarry Trail trekkers and train travellers, the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 6.00 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6.30 to 7.00 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, so it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.
Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
DAY 7
Cusco
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.
Meals
Breakfast
Add on activities
Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100
Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) - USD170
Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) - USD40

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Bus, Taxi, Train

Accommodation

Activities

Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk

Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch

Sacred Valley - Coffee & cake

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)

Machu Picchu - Guided tour

Add on activities

Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN135

Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN75

Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee - PEN40

Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) - PEN15

Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57

Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum - PEN20

Cusco - Inca Museum (entrance fee) - PEN10

Cusco - Cusco Eat Street (Price based on 4 participants) - USD50

Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70

Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) - USD40

Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site - PEN70

Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105

Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100

Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) - USD170

Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130

Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95

Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Friday Oct 11, 2024

Thursday Oct 17, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Saturday Oct 12, 2024

Friday Oct 18, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Sunday Oct 13, 2024

Saturday Oct 19, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Monday Oct 14, 2024

Sunday Oct 20, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Tuesday Oct 15, 2024

Monday Oct 21, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Friday Oct 18, 2024

Thursday Oct 24, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£1,480£1,332

Saturday Oct 19, 2024

Friday Oct 25, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - 4 spaces left

£1,425£1,282

Sunday Oct 20, 2024

Saturday Oct 26, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left

£1,370£1,233

Tuesday Oct 22, 2024

Monday Oct 28, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - 2 spaces left

£1,480£1,332

Thursday Oct 24, 2024

Wednesday Oct 30, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,370£1,164

Saturday Oct 26, 2024

Friday Nov 01, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Monday Oct 28, 2024

Sunday Nov 03, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£1,425£1,282

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024

Monday Nov 04, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - 4 spaces left

£1,425£1,282

Saturday Nov 02, 2024

Friday Nov 08, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£1,348£1,213

Monday Nov 04, 2024

Sunday Nov 10, 2024

Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left

£1,320£1,188

Important notes

1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This will be used to apply for your Inca permit and if any info doesn’t match your passport, the Inca authorities will refuse your entry. Delays in providing this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

3. This trip starts at 2pm on Day 1. We recommend that travellers intending to depart Cusco on the final day of the trip book flights out of Cusco no earlier than 12pm to allow for possible delays on the final section of the trail.

4. At the time of booking, please advise whether you would like to hike the classic Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or take the train. When available, the Inca Trail will be booked as the default option. Fees may apply to changes made after the time of booking, and availability on other options cannot be guaranteed.

5. Inca Trail permits are sold on a request basis only. Once a deposit is paid and passport details are provided, Tuuur will endeavour to secure a permit for you. If Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book, you can opt to hike the Quarry Trail instead

or travel to Machu Picchu by train.

6.The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works. If the trek portion of your trip starts in February, you will be automatically booked to hike the Quarry Trail.

7. As you can choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), you may be joined by other Tuuur and/or non-Tuuur travellers. There is also a small chance you may be the only traveller from your group on your selected option.

Reviews (512)

5 stars

488

4 stars

3 stars

Stefan Tudorache

Jul 23, 2024

It was an absolute fantastic experience. Definetly worth it. I need to say, even after days the trip ended, I still miss it a lot. Jackeline Baez and Victor Mogollon are really nice and resourceful leaders. Really appreciate their commitment to guide and explain us very interesting details about Inca Civilization. Will consider Intrepid for the upcoming trips I have planned.

James Brock

Jul 22, 2024

A great trek, well organised and guided amazingly. Initially went for Machu Picchu, came out with a much more rounded knowledge of the Incan empire and a desire to learn more. Dead woman’s pass was not easy but made the journey even better.

Matthew Calkins

Jul 22, 2024

Incredible journey. Life changing. Very strenuous, only for the serious hiker (Inca trail at least, Quarry seemed to be quite a bit easier). Definitely recommend!

Ashley Blood

Jul 21, 2024

This trip was unforgettable. Our guide (Wil) was so accommodating and passionate, he did not hesitate to go above and beyond to make the trip special!

Tricia Chong

Jul 21, 2024

I had such an amazing time. Special shout out to Paulo (tour leader) and Orlando and Jackie (tour guides). We were well looked after and the tour was well organised and they are so knowledgable, I learnt so much.

Emily Capewell

Jul 21, 2024

This was a holiday of a lifetime. The most amazing experience that I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending for others considering doing the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Our wonderful guide Wilmer made this trip particularly special by bringing such knowledge and passion.

Robyn Wilson

Jul 21, 2024

We were lucky to be allocated Wilmer as our main guide Our group bonded quickly and there was constant laughter and chatter It was fun to be on such an amazing adventure At every turn my expectations were surpassed. Thank you,

Melissa Pradalie

Jul 18, 2024

Excellent trip, I cannot recommend enough. I went on this trip as a solo female traveller and was nervous for the experience. Once I joined the tour I realised I had nothing to worry about, I met great people, the tour leaders were amazingly helpful and the activities were great!

Carmen Allen

Jul 16, 2024

Intrepid's Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu was incredible! Our amazing guide Marcia (knowledgeable, funny, passionate!) made it an authentic adventure, immersing us in local life and traditions. A hidden gem of a trek! This is an incredible cultural experience which exceeded my expectations.

Charles Silver

Jul 16, 2024

Marcia and her team go above and beyond to make your trip feel like home and an exciting new world at the same time.

DAY 4
Inca Trail
Route 1 Inca Trail
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.

DAY 5
Inca Trail
Route 1 Inca Trail
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the Inca Trail trekking option only. There is an included lunch for travellers on the Quarry Trail trekking option.

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DAY 4
Inca Trail
Route 1 Inca Trail
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.

DAY 5
Inca Trail
Route 1 Inca Trail
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the Inca Trail trekking option only. There is an included lunch for travellers on the Quarry Trail trekking option.