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Original

Short Breaks

Inca Trail Extension

6 Days | Conquer ancient pathways on the historic Inca trail hike.

4.6

Excellent

8 reviews

6 days

Start

Cusco, Peru

Finish

Cusco, Peru

Trip Code

GGHC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - null

Physical Rating

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Bus, Taxi

Accommodation

Route 1 - Inca Trail: Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Camping with basic facilities (2 nights), Hotel (3 nights).

From £1,023(6 days)

Trip Informations

Spend a week retracing the steps of the ancient Inca civilisation on the historical Inca trail hike. Explore Cusco's maze of ruins and cobblestone streets, and discover the layered histories that have visually impacted this fascinating town. Rise early to join our expert local guides and porters for a challenging hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Watch the sun rise over the enigmatic ruins and get lost exploring these crumbling structures, an experience that is sure to take your breath away. This week-long tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will challenge and reward.

Why you’ll love this trip

Cosmopolitan, scenic and steeped in Incan heritage, Cusco is a dream to walk around. Marvel at the cathedral, explore art and architecture or explore the incredible ruins nearby.

Cusco's central market is a great chance to meet Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas and browse for weird and wonderful Andean specialties.

Hike to the mother of all Incan cities, magical Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins, plus free time to explore at your leisure.

Whether it's the classic Inca Trail* or the quieter Quarry Trail you hike, you'll be treated to incredible sunrise views over misty Machu Picchu – just cross your fingers for clear skies!

With a cook to prepare meals and porters to carry your equipment, you can focus on the walk and get the most out of your experience.

Is this trip right for you?

This trip is a Short Break Adventure, which means you are not accompanied by an Tuuur group leader, our local representative fills this role and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip. This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.

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.

The trip is recommended for those with a moderate level of fitness but there are also a few different trail options to suit your interests and physical capabilities. Please bring durable footwear suitable to hiking. See the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for details.

On the trail you'll be camping with basic facilities. It's not exactly the Hilton Hotel, but the rewards of the trek are great.

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), 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.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Day 1 • Cusco
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru. Today is free for you to explore Cusco until 6 pm when you meet your Tuuur representative at the lobby of your hotel. 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 you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5kg 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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100
Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) - USD170
Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
Special information
This tour is a Short Break Adventure, which means you are not accompanied by an Tuuur group leader, our local representative fills this role and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip. This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.
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.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Inca Trail (3100m)* or Quarry Trail (3700m)
Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be doing one of the following: hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1) or hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2). Both routes visit Machu Picchu.
Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
4 day guided hike with porters' support
Machu Picchu guided tour
Special information
Included lunch and dinner on this day is for travellers on the trekking options.
The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 45 kilometres 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 foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
The Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. The hike is 26 kilometres long in total and its highest pass is at 4450 metres above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping and the third night you will stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Inca Trail (3650m)* or Quarry Trail (3600m)
Route 1 Inca Trail:
Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Included lunch and dinner on this day is for travellers on the trekking options.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Inca Trail (2650m)* or Aguas Calientes (2040m)
Route 1 Inca Trail:
Accommodation
Camping with basic facilities (Route 1)/Hotel (Route 2) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Included lunch and dinner on this day is for travellers on the Inca Trail trekking option.
Included lunch on this day is for travellers on the Quarry Trail trekking option.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Machu Picchu (2430) - Cusco
Route 1 Inca Trail:
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
Special information
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, re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site. Personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
Due to safety reasons the final checkpoint for all trekkers does not open until 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 first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6 and 6.30 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, therefore 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 6
Day 6 • Cusco
After breakfast, you are free to leave at any time, as there are no activities planned today. If you would like to spend some more time in Cusco, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100
Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) - USD170

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Bus, Taxi

Accommodation

Route 1 - Inca Trail: Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Camping with basic facilities (2 nights), Hotel (3 nights).

Activities

4 day guided hike with porters' support

Machu Picchu guided tour

Optional activities

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

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

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

Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70

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

Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95

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

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

Dates and availability

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Ending

Remaining

Prices From

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Important notes

1. This tour is a Short Break Adventure, which means you are not accompanied by an Tuuur group leader, our local representative fills this role and the configuration of any fellow travelers in the group might change during the trip. This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travelers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.

2. Inca Trail* permits are sold on request basis only. Once deposit is paid and passport details provided, Tuuur will endeavor 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

3. 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.

4. The train option is not available on this trip. Customers wanting to take the train should see trip code GGHK on our website, or one of our group trips such as GGTA that include the train option

5. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

6. While hiking the Inca Trail* or Quarry Trail you may be joined by other Tuuur and/or non-Tuuur travelers.

7. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilize the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience:

8. As you can choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), there is a small chance you may be the only traveller on your selected option.

9. 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.

Reviews (8)

5 stars

2 stars

Curtis

Nov 09, 2024

This is a challenging trip but so rewarding! The guides are amazing and will provide so much help!

Shuk Lam Ruby

Sep 12, 2023

The Intrepid 4 day Inca Trail was a thoroughly awesome and memorable adventure. Our guide, Paul Garrido, was simply excellent. Engaging, knowledgable, patient, compassionate and a thoroughly nice individual. Machu Picchu is amazing as were the other Incan ruins on the trek and the scenery.

Verity

Aug 28, 2023

Intrepid run an amazing experience with its 4 day hike to Machu Pichu. Our tour guide, Julio was extremely knowledge and his vibrant personality made the trip. The food, service and accommodation is amazing and I cannot recommend enough.

Carol

Jun 14, 2023

What an amazing trip, our local guide, Marcia was just fantastic, her knowledge was vast and her passion for Peru was obvious! Our cook Santos created food miracles every day, his food was delicious and all made on a camping stove! I would thoroughly recommend this trip, every detail is taken care of, its tough and emotional but absolutely fantastic from beginning to end!

Erin

Aug 01, 2022

Amazing trek, pretty difficult due to altitude but I would do it again. Our guide was knowledgeable and having a female guide was very unique. She was amazing and very connected to the land and the people.

Christian

Jul 10, 2022

My wife and I both agree this was one of the best experiences of our lives. Our group was small (6 people) and we all got along easily. One of the main things that really made this a great experience was the staff - always smiling and happy to help out. Our guide was super friendly and knowledgable and loved to have a laugh with the group. The porters would clap us in as we arrived at each of the camp sites after each long day of hiking and the chefs cooked us delicious meals that I never thought would even be possible on a trip like that. This was a part of a 3 month honeymoon trip, which after finding out, our guide mentioned it to the chefs who surprised us with a specially made cake saying "Happy Honeymoon"! For us, all of these things put together made this a 10/10 experience.

Lindsay

Dec 19, 2021

This trek is amazing! I highly recommend the Quarry Trail. If you're worried you won't get the same experience as the Inca Trail, don't - you may not see Machu Picchu at sunrise, but you'll still get an amazing tour of it. The trail itself is gorgeous and not at all crowded (my guide and I were the ONLY people on it) and there is a beautiful waterfall, lots of Inca ruins and small villages, and jaw-dropping mountain passes. It was stunning and I feel like I got an amazing introduction to Quechua life and the history of the Incas. Highly highly recommend!

Inge

Aug 29, 2022

Very disappointing this trip organization. Quarry Trail has great nature. But the money is totally not worth it. Intrepid also provided lots of false information. Inca trail was sold out - we learnt about that like 6 weeks after we initially booked and confirmation was received.