tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Original

Walking & trekking

Inca Trail Express

4.9

Excellent

668 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

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.

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 to Machu Picchu must follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. We will do all that is possible to get everyone traveling in a group on the same route, but be aware that it is possible that members of the same group might be visiting Machu Picchu on a different circuit and not be together during this visit. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.

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: https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/inca-trail-vs-quarry-trail/ Inca trail permits are limited and it's important to book well in advance, read more about it here: https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/inca-trail-permit/ https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/inca-trail-vs-quarry-trail/ (https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/inca-trail-vs-quarry-trail/) https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/inca-trail-permit/ (https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/inca-trail-permit/)

Itinerary

Discover the ancient civilisations of Peru on the Inca Trail

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.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Cusco
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 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. 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 Tuuur 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.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional 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) - PEN20
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
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. 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.
Accommodation
(1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
Sacred Valley - Snack & drink at AMA Restaurant social enterprise
Optional activities
Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site - PEN70
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 3
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
Route 1 Inca Trail (starting elevation 2688m) - Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 412m and a descent of 68m
Route 2 Quarry Trail (starting elevation 3220m) - Your trekking time today will be approximately 6.5 hours or 7 km, with an elevation gain of 480m and a descent of 0m
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 31 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
Day 4 • Inca Trail
Route 1 Inca Trail
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 1127m and a descent of 627m
Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 7.5 hours or 14 km, with an elevation gain of 750m and a descent of 700m

Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Inca Trail
Route 1 Inca Trail
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 10 hours or 15 km, with an elevation gain of 400m and a descent of 1350m
Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 4.5 hours or 10 km, with an elevation gain of 0m and a descent of 950m
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
Day 6 • Cusco
Route 1 Inca Trail
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Machu Picchu - Guided tour
Special information
Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km, with an elevation gain of 81m and a descent of 331m
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
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
Optional 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

Included activities

Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk

Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch

Sacred Valley - Snack & drink at AMA Restaurant social enterprise

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

Optional 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) - PEN20

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

Tuesday Aug 26, 2025

Monday Sep 01, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Thursday Aug 28, 2025

Wednesday Sep 03, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Monday Sep 01, 2025

Sunday Sep 07, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£1,370

Tuesday Sep 02, 2025

Monday Sep 08, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Thursday Sep 04, 2025

Wednesday Sep 10, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Friday Sep 05, 2025

Thursday Sep 11, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 5 spaces left

£1,249

Saturday Sep 06, 2025

Friday Sep 12, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 4 spaces left

£1,194

Sunday Sep 07, 2025

Saturday Sep 13, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 4 spaces left

£1,287

Tuesday Sep 09, 2025

Monday Sep 15, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 9 spaces left

£1,216

Thursday Sep 11, 2025

Wednesday Sep 17, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 4 spaces left

£1,210

Saturday Sep 13, 2025

Friday Sep 19, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 5 spaces left

£1,298

Sunday Sep 14, 2025

Saturday Sep 20, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 14 spaces left

£1,172

Monday Sep 15, 2025

Sunday Sep 21, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left

£1,172

Tuesday Sep 16, 2025

Monday Sep 22, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Thursday Sep 18, 2025

Wednesday Sep 24, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 2 spaces left

£1,331

Important notes

1. 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, you can opt to hike the Quarry Trail instead

or travel to Machu Picchu by train.

2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. These details must match the passport you will travel on. Mismatched details can lead to refusal of entry by the Inca authorities. Delays in providing this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

3. We will request an Inca Trail permit for you unless, at time of booking, you advise us that you wish to hike the Quarry Trail or take the train. Fees may apply to changes made after the time of booking, and availability on other options cannot be guaranteed.

4. 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.

5. This trip starts at 2pm on Day 1.

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. According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations all visitors must follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. For travellers who opted for the Quarry Trail and Train options we will endeavour to get everyone traveling in a group on the same circuit. Regardless of the circuit you will enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the site. Travellers completing the Inca Trail will enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate with a guided tour taking place on circuit 5.

8. 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 (644)

5 stars

602

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Dominic

Aug 15, 2025

I highly recommend this trip. Excellent knowledge and communication from all the guides, and a wonderful experience in spectacular surrounds on the trek.

Caitlyn

Aug 14, 2025

Disnarda is an absolutely incredible, sincere, caring, knowledgeable, funny, centered, positive person. Intrepid is lucky to have her, and I feel especially lucky to have gotten her as our guide. As a woman, it was especially special for me to have a female guide on the Inca trail. It is evident that Disnarda lives and breathes for this; to share her culture with us and to spread the importance of following nature. Every word she spoke felt like it was the first time- not a script like some of the other guides sounded like. If you are lucky enough to get Disnarda as your guide, know you are in the best hands possible.

Daniel

Aug 12, 2025

Jhonatan and Sylvia were the most supportive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides I’ve ever been with. Felt truly immersed in Peruvian culture and learnt Quechuan along the way. Fantastic food lots of adjustments for GI illness or dietary restrictions. Challenging but rewarding adventure. Camping above the clouds, full Milky Way on view at night. Excellent alt to Inca trail with higher altitude, less nights and clean shower/clothes before Machu Picchu visit. Feel I’ve grown so much physically mentally and new found appreciation for the Inca’s sophistication!

Grace

Aug 12, 2025

Wonderful trip! A seamless way to experience one of the most beautiful places in the world. Would recommend for a fun challenge!

Sandra

Aug 10, 2025

This was the best way to see the beautiful country and learn it's history.All done for you .However, you have to be in good physical condition if you are planning do the hike as it was tough,but so worth it. Anything you are missing don't worry you can rent or buy.Food is amazing, just try local dishes after the hike :) If possible, give yourself few days to adjust to high altitude.

Olivia

Aug 08, 2025

I had an amazing experience doing the Inca Trail express trip (Quarry trail) with Intrepid. The trail was absolutely spectacular. Strenuous but doable (altitude was definitely a factor). My guide Hebert was amazing - knowledgeable, friendly, organized, kind. Food on the trail was INCREDIBLE. Learned a ton about Peru. Everything was seamless and made for an unforgettable vacation.

William

Aug 08, 2025

A fantastic experience into the mountains of Peru. Our guide and his team, provided an unforgettable experience, providing us with an unique insight into the Incas and Machu Picchu.

Cai

Aug 04, 2025

Really nice itinerary! Our guide Hernan was really amazing.

Thin Thin

Aug 04, 2025

My "Inca Express" tour was an incredible journey that perfectly blended history, culture, and adventure. Starting from Cusco, the tour efficiently covered the highlights of the Sacred Valley. Visiting the ancient ruins and vibrant market in Pisac was a fantastic start as well as exploring the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo was a real highlight. The opportunity to visit a local community and learn about their traditions was a deeply enriching experience. The tour culminated with the breathtaking wonder of Machu Picchu, which was truly unforgettable. Our guides were knowledgeable, organized, and passionate, making every step of the way feel seamless and meaningful. I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking for a comprehensive and engaging experience of the region.

Molly

Jul 31, 2025

The Peruvian Inca Trail was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I spent 4 days doing a challenging trek, made doable by the amazing team of Intrepid leaders, porters and other staff. I could not fault a single aspect of this amazing experience, and am already planning my third Intrepid trip.

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