Inca Trail

One of the most famous treks in the world - can you say you have walked the Inca Trail?

Profile - 4 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 4200m, average 3050m. Travel is by internal flight, minibus and bus.

The most famous trek in the Americas, the Inca Trail offers a unique and unrivalled combination of history and spectacular scenery. Winding its way from the powerful Urubamba River, across mountain passes and through cloud forests, the ancient Inca road passes several ruined fortresses before reaching the fabulous lost city of Machu Picchu. You are supported by excellent local guides and skilled porters on the trek, as well as enjoying a couple of days in Cuzco, the magnificent Inca capital.

Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Departing the UK we fly to Lima.
Day 2 - Cuzco. An early departure for the short and scenic flight to Cuzco. The Inca Capital which - though small enough to be easily manageable - is among the most attractive cities in South America, with many interesting buildings, museums and sites. To help acclimatize, take an optional walking tour of the Inca capital and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Qenco, which overlook the city.
Day 3 - Free day in Cuzco. A further free day. Take an optional visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Pisac ruins, or a river-rafting trip (Grade III) can be arranged on the Urubamba River (although river conditions vary throughout the season).
Day 4 - Start Inca Trail. Transfer by bus to trailhead at Piscacucho, on the Vilcanota River. Hike along the Vilcanota River beneath the impressive snowcapped Nevado Veronica through cactus gardens and fields of corn to the enormous Inca ruins of Llactapata, then continue up a side valley to camp near the hamlet of Huayllabamba.
Day 5 - This is the longest and most strenuous day. A long climb takes us first through an area of cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then over the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman) pass, at 4,234m the highest point on the trek. After quite a long, steep descent we camp in the scenic valley of the Pacamayo river (3600m).
Day 6 - Another easier climb, past the ruins of Runquracay, takes us over the Runquracay Pass (3930m). From now on the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined path made of flat boulders. We pass the ruins of Sayajmarca and suddenly enter rainforest; the Trail passes at one point through an Inca tunnel. We camp on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (4000m) to benefit from the views of sunset and sunrise.
Day 7 - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. From the ridge we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a two kilometre stone staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming immensity, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above, and the river thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of Wiñay Wayña, we have an undulating walk through cloud forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Inca Gate of the Sun. From here we get our sudden first full sight of Machu Picchu itself, with Huayna Pichu rising behind. Passing around the ruins, we descend to the river and Puente Ruinas for a well-earned rest, and possibility of a shower.
Day 8 - Machu Pichhu at dawn. We return early for a tour of the ruins at their quietest and most evocative (before the day trippers arrive from Cuzco). After free time to explore individually, we then board the train in the afternoon (though its timings are somewhat erratic and the journey may be partly in the dark). The ride follows the rapids of the Urubamba River, enters the sacred valley, then climbs onto the altiplano to Cuzco.
Day 9 - Free day in Cuzco. Free time to relax in Cuzco.
Day 10 - End Lima. We return to Lima in the morning and have the rest of the day free for shopping and sightseeing, including an optional visit to the Gold Museum. The group flight departs in the evening and arrives the next day. Those on land-only arrangements will leave us in Lima.
Day 11 - Arrive London.

Inca Trail Google Earth Trekking Flights
The classic Inca Trail in the Peruvian Andes to the Lost City of Machu Picchu. Beginning in Cuzco, this small group tour with Exodus takes you through mountains, cloud forest, deep jungle and ruins along the famous trail.

IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
There are 4 days walking with full porterage, at a maximum altitude of 4150m, average 3050m. Though not without its difficulties (in particular the ascent and descent of the first pass, known as Dead Woman’s Pass!) this trek is certainly possible for anyone in a good state of health and fitness, but we would not recommend it as a beginner’s trek to anyone who is totally unused to walking. This trip spends considerable time at altitude where there is  a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Exodus itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected - further information on this are available in our full holiday information pack.

Please see the Exodus Booking Conditions
This tour is operated by Exodus (Atol 2582) for whom we act as Agents. Their terms and conditions apply, supplied in the Info pack. Your money is protected by our Trust Account in accordance with EC Regulations.