If trekking the mighty Inca Trail is on your bucket list you need to read this, it’s a destination features on most people’s lists and it’s not difficult to see why; in its 26 miles, it manages to combine jaw-dropping mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and some stunning mix of Inca ruins.
Is this Inca Trail trip for me?
Duration: 8 days
For lovers of: Hiking & trekking, local culture & cuisine, history
Starts: Lima, Peru
Ends: Cuzco, Peru
Physical Rating: Basic
Transport: Plane, train, van, hiking
What’s included?
- Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins guided tour
- Visit to a G Adventures-supported women’s weaving project and lunch at the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village (full-day)
- Inca Trail guided hike with cooks and porters (4-day)
- G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Inca Trail
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (4 nts), camping (3 nts)
View from the Inca Trail
Day 1: Arrive in Lima – no planned activities so enjoy the city
Day 2: Fly to Cusco and then enjoy the city and acclimatize to the altitude
Day 3: Travel through the Sacred Vally of the Incas, take a guided tour of the Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market and the small indigenour village of Huchuy Qosco. Continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo and take a guided tour of the large ruin site. This is a taster of what lies ahead in Machu Picchu
Day 4: Trek through beautiful scenery passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata
Day 5: Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Day 6: Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.
At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the “town above the clouds.” Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins (“forever young”) located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Day 7: The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site and free time to explore.
Day 8: Depart Cusco at any time
Is this the trek for you? Don’t miss out on ticking off a must-see with our Inca Trail Discovery
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