- Trek the classic Inca Trail to the Sun Gate for the iconic view of Machu Picchu
- Experience two unique visits to Machu Picchu for photos and fully guided exploration
- Rest and refresh after your trek with overnight in charming Aguas Calientes
- Enjoy upgraded hotels in Cuzco, Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes
- Full day touring the Sacred Valley, including Pisac and Ollantaytambo
- Feel the beat of Andean culture in Cuzco's historic center
The Inca Trail in Comfort
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Moderate & Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Itinerary
Cuzco Cuzco
Depart London
The overnight group flights to Cuzco leave London this evening.
Start Cuzco; free time to explore the Inca capital
Set amid hills in the altiplano, the Imperial City of the Incas, Cuzco (11,155ft/3,400m) was the geographic, cultural and political centre of a vast empire which, at its peak, stretched from present-day Quito in Ecuador to Santiago in Chile. After the Spanish conquistadores invaded the city, they started building on top of the Incan structures, resulting in unique architecture, a fusion of the Incan and Spanish colonial styles. Depending on what time your flight arrives, there may be time to wander the cobbled streets, visit the museums, churches and pre-Columbian buildings, such as Qorikancha – the Sun Temple, or to sit in a café and enjoy a coca-tea. There will be a briefing in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel San Agustin Plaza (or similar)
Arrive Cuzco; free time to explore the Inca capital.
Set amidst hills in the altiplano, the Imperial City of the Incas, Cuzco (11,150ft/3,400m) was the geographic, cultural and political centre of a vast empire which, at its peak, stretched from present-day Quito in Ecuador to Santiago in Chile. After the Spanish conquistadores invaded the city, they started building on top of the Incan structures, resulting in unique architecture, a fusion of the Incan and Spanish colonial styles.
The group flights usually arrive in the mid-afternoon, giving time to wander the cobbled streets admiring the old houses, visiting its interesting museums, churches and pre-Columbian buildings, such as Qorikancha – the Sun Temple, or to sit in a café, enjoying a coca-tea watching locals go about their business.
There will be a briefing in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel San Agustin Plaza (or similar)
Visit the Sacred Valley; continue to Ollantaytambo
Today we visit the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas, which runs along the Urubamba River near Cuzco. It’s the true heartland of Incan culture and tradition, with the high Andean scenery dotted with old towns and pre-Columbian villages.
Here we visit the incredible Pisac ruins, a former citadel that guarded a road from the lowlands and gives way to terraces carved into solid rock. We then visit the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo (9,186ft/2,800m), the one-time royal estate of Inca emperor Pachacuti. Here huge stone terraces occupy the valley sides and hint at the scale of things to come.
Accommodation: Hotel Pakaritampu (or similar)
Start Inca Trail trek from Km82; walk along Vilcanota River; climb to Huayllabamba
Early this morning, we transfer (1hr 30min) from Cuzco into the Sacred Valley. Reaching the town of Ollantaytambo, we drive for one hour along the final stretch of road to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, recognized among adventurers as Km82. After greeting our trekking crew, we show our passports at the checkpoint and begin the fabled Inca Trail trek. Our route today runs alongside the Vilcanota River, beneath the snow-capped peak of Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and settlements, until we reach the terraced Inca ruins of Llactapata, where we continue up the Cusichaca Valley to camp near the village of Huayllabamba (9,186ft/2,800m).
Accommodation: Huayllabamba Camp (full-service camping)
Summit Dead Woman's Pass; descend to Pacaymayu
The morning begins, as all do on our Inca Trail trek, with a hot drink delivered to your tent. Today’s journey is both challenging and rewarding, marking the most demanding and best-known stretch of the trail. A slow and steady climb takes us through a cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then we summit Dead Woman’s (Warmihuañusca) Pass, the highest point on the trek at 13,829ft (4,215m). After a well-deserved round of high fives and photos at the summit, we begin our steep descent on original Inca steps to reach our campsite in the scenic valley of the Pacaymayu River (11,811ft/3,600m). Warm up in the dining tent with a hot, fresh meal followed by a well-deserved sleep under the Andean night sky.
Accommodation: Pacaymayu Camp (full-service camping)
Over Runquracay Pass to ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca
After a hearty breakfast, we start the day with a climb, which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (12,894ft/3,930m), our second and final pass. From here, the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined rolling path of flat boulders, providing access to sites only available to those on foot. One of the standout archeological sites we visit is Sayacmarca (11,893/3,625m), perched high above the green cloud forest. From here, we enjoy views of Salkantay mountain as we hike to our spectacular campsite on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (12,073ft/3,680m), where we can enjoy the sunset and sunrise.
Accommodation: Phuyupatamarca Camp (full-service camping)
Walk down Inca steps to Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
From Phuyupatamarca, we take the famous Inca steps: a 1.2mi (2km) stone staircase that rapidly descends into an immense panorama, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above and the Vilcanota River far below.
Reaching Wiñay Wayna, we have plenty of time to explore these beautiful ruins and eat lunch before continuing along a relatively flat section of the trail (by Inca standards, through cloud forest and wild orchids to finally reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).
From here, we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu, with the Huayna Picchu mountain rising behind… congratulations, you made it!
Inti Punku is traditionally busy with photo-taking trekkers in the morning, so our late afternoon arrival affords us unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. We also get a chance to snap some classic photos of Machu Picchu before we take the 30-minute bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes for a shower and comfortable bed for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina, Aguas Calientes (or similar)
Guided tour of Machu Picchu; return to Cuzco by train and road
Well-rested and refreshed, we return to Machu Picchu this morning for our guided tour. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel, the staggering mountain backdrop making it even more dramatic. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained an enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Your guided tour highlights the history, culture, architecture and mysteries that Machu Picchu still holds today.
This afternoon, we catch the train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (1hr 30min).
Accommodation: Hotel San Agustin Plaza (or similar)
End Cuzco
The trip comes to an end after breakfast. Either start your return journey home or join one of our exciting extensions, either to explore the jungle trails of the Amazon Rainforest or the high-altitude waters of Lake Titicaca. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Depart Cuzco
Those travelling on the group flights will be taken to Cuzco airport this morning for your domestic flight to Lima where you will connect with your overnight international flight to London.
Arrive London
The group flights arrive into London this afternoon.
Extend Your Trip
Amazon Rainforest extension (from Cuzco)
Easily accessible via a short flight to Puerto Maldonado from Cuzco, the Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world and home to an astonishing array of wildlife, plus countless plant species. Spending three nights at a lodge in the incredibly rich Tambopata Reserve, we use motorised canoes to explore lakes and rivers, and follow jungle trails to navigate dense forests. The detailed itinerary can be found here.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Code: XPC
Lake Titicaca extension
Journey across the spectacular altiplano to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable freshwater lake in the world at 12,467ft (3,800m). Explore the waters by boat and visit the indigenous Uros community who live on floating reed islands and produce fine textiles. Back on the mainland, we visit the pre‐Inca site of Sillustani, composed of burial towers with fantastic views over the region. The Lake Titicaca extension is only available after your main tour as we do not recommend arriving straight into Puno due to the altitude. The detailed itinerary can be found here.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Code: XPT
Upgraded hotels and camping
The “Inca Trail in Comfort” program takes our standard trek and upgrades the accommodations and services both on and off the trail. For trek upgrades, we have included your sleeping bag, added a thicker sleeping pad and increased the weight limit to 22lb (10kg) for your personal items so you can bring those “something extra” items you enjoy while camping.
Cuzco: Hotel San Agustin Plaza (nights 1 and 7)
In the centre of Cuzco, this boutique hotel is ideally placed for our adventures, within walking distance of the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the main plaza. The hotel has a modern feel, while honouring the cultural and historical richness of Cuzco with local art and textiles.
Ollantaytambo: Pakaritampu Hotel (night 2)
Founded by a Peruvian politician and volleyball hall of famer best known as Gaby, Pakaritampu is built in a traditional style, with terracotta walls, a tiled roof, and eucalyptus floors and beams. The name means ‘home of the dawn’ in the local Quechua language and the hotel has spacious rooms, a lovely fireplace lounge, restaurant and bar, plus it’s surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Inca Trail: Camping (nights 3-5)
We sleep and dine in good-quality four-season tents. We also have a toilet tent set up both in camp and during lunch stops. On the Inca Trail, we stay in official campsites where additional bathroom facilities are available. For this comfort trip, we have also included your sleeping bag and increased the weight limit to 22lb (10kg) for your personal items, so bring the extra pair of sports shoes to lounge around camp and give your feet and boots a rest.
Aguas Calientes: Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu (night 6)
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu is a clean, modern hotel conveniently located near the train station and a five-minute walk from the bus stop to Machu Picchu. It is the perfect place to refresh and recharge after your four-day Inca Trail hike. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and cafe, and serves a breakfast buffet to start your day touring Machu Picchu.
Worth knowing
- Single accommodation (including tents) can be arranged, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
- Camping: Boiled and filtered drinking water is provided to guests in the mornings, at lunch and dinner times so we can refill our water bottles. While on the trek, a bowl of warm water for washing is provided each morning and evening.
Reviews
Add your own reviewChallenging but oh so very Rewarding
There may be an easier way to see Machu Picchu, but I don’t think there is a better way! The local team , led by Edwin, were absolute legends – 100% professional throughout, and took the very best care of us. I remain in awe of how head porter Roger and his team did everything we did (but carrying an entire campsite and in a faction of the time!) and chef Roberto is a magician for producing restaurant standard meals in remote mountain locations! The trek was certainly hard in places – but not excessive – and it was a truly special and rewarding way to see this iconic location (with added bonuses of the sacred valley at the start and being able to see Machu Picchu twice at the end – once when you descend from the trek and again, in more leisure, the following morning).
Most Inspirational Moment
The feeling of achievement for cresting the peaks on days 2 and 3 of the trek will stay with me - and the first views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate are something very special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader Edwin was the jewel in this trip’s crown - experienced, skilled, professional and spiritual, he did an amazing job getting our group up and down the mountain in good spirits - and ensured we got the absolute most out of all aspects of this trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
2nd trek day in particular is a challenge - amazing sense of achievement, but climbing +/-800m when already at altitudes >3,000m was no easy ride. Walking poles are an absolute must (perhaps even more for the steep descents than the climbs). Campsites offer breathtaking views - and a unique experience - but are very basic (so pack/prepare accordingly). Follow the advice on layering - we experienced everything from literally frozen nights/mornings to the kind of intense sun you only get at altitudes.
Getting up close with the Incas
Great trip – wonderful hiking and views
Most Inspirational Moment
through the sun gate
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very knowledgeable and helpful - taking into account all abilities of group
Advice for Potential Travellers
Wonderful experience
The Journey is the destination!
The 4 days hiking through the ever changing landscape from cactus lined trails over windswept mountain passes and through the damp cloud forest made the arrival at the sun gate extra special.
It is physically challenging, but the viws, the history and especially the team on the ground making this holiday happen were just amazing!
Most Inspirational Moment
The 2nd day, climbing and descending from dead women pass. Wilmer our guide was great in giving support and encouragement! Also, the reed islands on Lake Titicaca, its a very special place and I am thankful for the people sharing a glimpses of their past & present lives. (I had a little VIP tour)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wilmer, is simply the best! I could not have asked for a better group leader. He stood out for his knowledge, enthusiasm and genuinely caring nature. He ensured we were all ok throughout and was always there for an encouraging word, sharing information or simply answering questions. On a practical note, he was well organised and his timings were impeccable - I was very impressed!
Advice for Potential Travellers
The journey is the destination!
A fantastic guide
I found hiking the trail a real challenge but our guide Holger Collantes, and his assistant Mel, were just amazing. Their support and encouragement got me through. They really were the best! Holger was also an absolute mine of information about Peru – there were no questions he couldn’t answer. The Inca remains and, of course, Machu Picchu itself were magical. The people, the food … all incredible.
Most Inspirational Moment
Completing the trail.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Amazing. He always went above and beyond what was necessary to make sure we were all happy and well cared for.
Just amazing!!!
This trip was fantastic from start to finish. Really well organised by Exodus. We loved every minute of this trip, the Inca sites you visit along the way and the amazing scenery just make this amazing, it really does make it about the whole 4 days of hiking rather than just the last one when you arrive at Macchu Picchu. We were lucky to be hiking with a fantastic group of people and our guide and porters were incredible. The chefs and porters deserve a special mention, the food was incredible, and arriving at camp every day to find everything set up and a drink waiting for us made it feel much more like glamping!!
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to say, on the last day of hiking the guide for us up early to climb a little higher and we watched the sun come up over a glacier, the porters arrived with hot tea and it just felt a little unreal and magical. Of course arriving after 4 days of hiking to see Macchu Picchu below you is incredible.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bruce was AMAZING, nothing was too much trouble and he knew so much not just about Incas but about all the flowers and everything we saw along the way, it really made the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go prepared for an adventure, and ladies take loo roll in your back pack everywhere, it's often in short supply!!!
Very beautiful and interesting trip
The views on the trek were really wonderful, Cusco is a beautiful city. There is lots to see on this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top on the 2nd day of the hike was a big sense of achievement.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tina is very kind and friendly. She did a very good job of looking after us and checking that we were managing with the altitude.
Advice for Potential Travellers
One little thing, the kit list is missing toilet paper. Of course you can get it there but I would have preferred to know in advance that you need some for the trek! And yes it really is that cold at night you definitely need to bring properly warm clothes. Walking poles are marked as optional but we wouldn’t have made it without them! The amount of stuff you are allowed for the trek is quite small, smaller than it sounds anyway, so plan carefully.
Amazing Adventure!
A wonderful trip which was superbly organised.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the Sun Gate at the end of our trek and glimpsing Machu Picchu below was an emotional moment. Arriving at the summit of Dead Woman’s Pass on day 2 was also special. Both of these moments were enhanced by sharing the experience with a lovely group of fellow travellers.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julio was a wonderful leader. Organised, knowledgable, friendly and empathetic, his skill in leading our group was superb from beginning to end. As a group, we knew we were in safe hands. He was very ably assisted by Anthony, whose easy going, friendly personality really added to the group dynamic.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trek is graded as ‘moderate’ but day 2 of the trek to Dead Woman’s Pass is quite a challenge, especially in the hot weather in which we were ascending. Combine that with the effects of altitude, and putting in some training, in advance of the trip, is definitely useful. Give yourself an extra day in Cuzco prior to the beginning of the trip if possible. It definitely helped me adjust to the altitude. On the trek itself, walking poles are invaluable. Even members of our group who normally don’t use them, found them very useful in the descents. Although some snacks are provided on the trek, I would recommend taking more. The food prepared by the chefs is excellent (especially given the facilities they have at their disposal) but you’ll burn a lot of calories and I found I needed extra snacks. Finally, if you are travelling as I did in July, the night time temperatures really do drop. I used all my extra layers to keep warm.
Inca Trail incomfort and Amazon extension
Amazing and challenging adventure! We did the Inca Trail in comfort with the Amazon extension.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking through the Sun Gate together as a group after 4 tough days of trekking and seeing Machu Picchu come into view. Our amazing, strong and cheerful porters. Respect! Our leaders Julio, Anthony and Roldan. Jungle wildlife.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julio and Anthony on the Inca Trail were outstanding. Friendly, approachable, kind and supportive. Julio also very good back in Cusco etc. Lots of recommendations and advice. All clearly explained. He even came with us to the airport when we left for the Amazon. Could not fault them! Roldan for the Amazon extension. From the moment he met us at the airport he really looked after us. His knowledge and care he has for the jungle are second to none. We were so fortunate to have him as our guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Embrace the adventure! Look for Exodus sign outside the airport. Do not be taken in by random people who approach you in the airport with offers of help. If you can give yourself an extra day in Cusco to get over the flights. Do the Inkan Milky Way walking tour. Ask for a room at the rear or side of the hotel if you are not used to traffic noise! Stick to kit list. We didn't take rain ponchos but had it rained in the Amazon it would have been useful. Take lots of snacks for the treks (some is provided but you may want more!). Bring inflatable pillow for the Inca camping. Altitude: we took diamox, bought local product recommended to inhale and avoided alcohol to start with and were fine!
Fantastic, well organised trekking holiday.
Great guide (Mike) who was very knowledgeable, great fun and very helpful to everyone in the group. Porters and food provided on the trek itself were outstanding. Weather was generally very good which obviously helped our enjoyment and the scenery stunning. We were also fortunate enough to see a spectacled bear on the “run up” to Dead Woman’s Pass. An experience you will remember for the rest of your life – no matter how young you are!
Most Inspirational Moment
The final morning when we got up at 5.30am to stand above the clouds and witness snow-clad mountain peaks in the early dawn sunshine.
Thoughts on Group Leader
A1. We could not have had better. He went the extra mile. He emphasised the entire trek was our holiday - not just the final destination. How right he was.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Warm thermals at night time essential. Altitude is a problem to some degree for most people - Mike provided a herbal decongestant to rub on our palms and inhale. A decongestant would probably be useful to pack - a bunged up nose is not conducive to good sleep at any altitude.
Inca Warriors
Fabulous trip; very well organised and executed by Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
View of Machu Picchu from Sun Gate
Thoughts on Group Leader
Awesome. Mike is best tour guide ever. Well organised, efficient, calm in the face of problems, good humoured at all times, great company, knowledgable and informative.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Better exchange rate in Peru than in UK and several bureaux d'echange in Cusco accept sterling, which would save losing twice on exchange rate, so wait until arrival to buy currency if you will have time before setting off on trek. Try to obtain several single sols as most public toilets cost one sol. If you take photos of people they will expect a sol. Don't underestimate amount of tipping: we each tipped support staff (porters and chefs) around 250 sols between them and the assistant guide around 80 sols for the 4 day trek. We each tipped the main guide about 150 sols, which was recommended by Trip Adviser and on the assumption that he got paid more by Exodus but, with hindsight, perhaps we should have given him more given how hard he worked and how much value he added to the whole trip. A lightweight lamp for your tent would be useful as there isn't much daylight left when you arrive at camp and you get up in the dark. A headtorch is essential and either a spare or spare batteries. I think more people who didn't take Diamox felt unwell than who did so, on balance, I would say take it. I wouldn't recommend coca leaves, though, as I suspect they gave me a headache (and they taste disgusting). We had the opportunity to leave stuff at the hotel in Ollantaytambo whilst on trek and pick it up after the trek before going onto Aguas Callientes, where we spent 2 nights instead of 1 because of a rail strike, so it is probably worth leaving a set of clean clothes there. Eating out is very good value. Meals at non-touristy restaurants cost under 50 sols including a drink. Touristy restaurants c 70-80 sols, including a drink. A local beer costs 6-8 s, a glass of wine or pisco sour 15-20 s. If you want to try guinea pig, do so at the restaurant recommended by the tour guide. Alpaca is good at most restaurants. Souvenirs at markets are good value. I think I spent 1300 sols in total, including 5 hats and a scarf, meals and tips.
Would you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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