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south america: peru

z - Inca Trail Trek

We are no longer offering the Inca Trail Trek. Click to our Peru small ship cruises and land adventures for current trips.

The legendary Inca Trail takes you through the diverse wilderness of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, passing numerous Inca ruins on the magnificent stone highway before descending to the famed citadel of Machu Picchu.

Along the trail you will encounter many ancient archaeological sites as it winds you through stunning high passes between different climatic zones - ranging from Andean plain to cloud forests. As you ascend up the weather-beaten stairs, reaching higher and higher into the foggy abyss, the energy within you will truly come alive!

The Inca Trail is a world famous trek that brings hiking enthusiasts from all over to enjoy its splendor. Though the trail can be demanding at times, and you do pass through an impressive range of altitudes, it can be completed by anyone who leads a reasonably active life – you certainly don’t need to be an expert!

With the seasons changing noticeably throughout the year, the best time to hike is June - August when the weather is warm. These high season dates are highly coveted, therefore we recommend booking at least 9 months in advance to ensure space.

Day 1 - Arrive Lima

Upon arrival in Peru you will be greeted at the Lima international airport by our local representative. A transfer to is included to your airport hotel, conveniently located for your onward flights the following morning.

Accommodations: Costa del Sol or similar
Included Meals: none

For those arriving early into Lima an accommodation upgrade is available at added cost in the central Mira Flores district.

Accommodations: Casa Andina Private or similar

Day 2 - Cusco

Transfer to the airport to board your one hour flight to Cusco, center of the Inca world. Meet and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the morning free to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400 m.a.s.l. (11,400 ft.). An afternoon tour of the city and nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko and Tambomachay will educate you on the history of this astonishing town.

Accommodations: Casa Andina or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 3 - Cusco and Qente

We transfer you from the hotel this morning to the 82 km marker where we begin our trek on the famous Inca Trail to 88 km marker at Q'ente. Before lunch we will walk through the archaeological site of Patallacta (also known as Qentemarca) - a large Inca settlement for storage of grain and protected by a fortress type structure. In the afternoon we have the option (at additional cost) to visit the surrounding archaeological remains of Wayna Qente and Machu Qente - located amidst Inca terracing (Time; 4 hours, Distance: 6kms)

Accommodations: Inca Trail Camping
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Qente to Llulluchapampa

The trail winds slowly uphill up the Cusicacha Valley passing houses of settlers to finally reach the andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the trail ascends steeply to a large pampa below the first pass, where we camp. Here we have a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. Along the trail up this narrow hanging valley we begin to see a cloud forest that harbors the Queñua tree, a rare forest in the Andes. Camp overnight at Llulluchapampa. (Time: 6 hours, Distance 9kms.)

Accommodations: Inca Trail Camping
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca

The trail ascends at a typical angle of 30 degrees towards the pass across the hillside of Puna grassland as we leave our campsite at the edge of the treeline behind, bringing us to Warmiwañusca pass 4,200 ma.s.l. (13,280 ft.). The trail descends to the Pacaymayo River and then climbs slowly past Runkuraqay ruins. From here over a lower pass to Sayacmarca, the "waiting village" A clear Inca Trail across a causeway on a now dry lake past a cave, we continue our way along a ridge to finally reach Phuyupatamarca (the town at the edge of the cluods in quechua) where we camp. (Time: 8-9hrs. Distance 10 kms)

Accommodations: Inca Trail Camping
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu

After continuing along a buttress and passing Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flagstoned trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. There recently restored Inca Ruins are located below the ridge on the same water course as the previous site, it has well restored Inca Ruins. After a two hour walk through a cloud forest covered Inca Trail we arrive at Machu Picchu the way the Incas used to come, watching the magnificent citadel at our feet from Intipunku, the door of the sun. Overnight at a hostal in Machu Picchu (Optional overnight at a luxury hotel available).

Accommodations: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Machu Picchu to Cusco

The whole day can be dedicated to explore these extraordinary Inca remains, including a visit to Wayna Picchu, the hill overlooking the site. The mid-afternoon with your guide train takes you back to Cusco, transfer to your hotel,

Accommodations: Casa Andina or similar
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 8 - Cusco to Lima

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima catch your departing flight.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast


Notes on Itinerary: Departures: Every Friday and Monday. Flights from Lima to Cusco not included. Round trip prices range from $350-550 per adult.

Single Travelers: Single pricing is available.

Land Cost Includes: Transportation by vehicle to start and from the end of trek to the city of departure, hotel night at the beginning and end, two-man tents including sleeping pads, porters, kitchen crew and commissary gear with all meals included. Bilingual guide on the trek, who will handle the first aid kit. Entrance fee to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Inca Trail (USD$50.00 per passenger).

Not Included: Some meals in the cities, alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, taxes, laundry service, additional tours, insurance and domestic airline tickets ($300-$500), sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear.

Arrival/Departure: The Inca Trail Trek begins and ends in Lima, Peru. Please plan flights to arrive anytime on day 1 and depart anytime on day 8 from Lima International Airport.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Qualifications: This trip involves strenuous hiking and remote camping. It will be enjoyed by those in very good shape accustomed to trekking long distances (over five miles) daily over high mountain passes (10,000 feet). High season dates are highly coveted. We recommend you book at least 9 months in advance if you wish to trek during June - August.


We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com