ULTIMATE INCA TRAIL
Overview
See the Andes and then some on this incredible Inca extravaganza. Conquer the Lares Valley Trek and the Inca Trail (plus Machu Picchu) in 6 jaw-droppingly splendid days. Visit some of the most isolated communities in Latin America. Absorb yourself in a world of ancient cities, glacial lakes, waterfalls and mountain views. Plus ancient hot springs. And LOTS of llamas.
Included/Excluded
- Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals)
- A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important.
- Travel insurance and visas
- Flights to and from your starting and ending points
- We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences
- Meals not mentioned
Day 1: Start Cusco
Cusco:
- Welcome to Cusco! You’ll meet your fellow Inca Trail adventurers today, before spending the morning on a city walking tour to get orientated. Then it’s time to explore Cusco your way. With artisan shops, colonial architecture and delicious local cuisine, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You could also use this time to grab any last-minute items before your trek…how many socks DOES one person need?
Xima Hotel Cusco (or similar)
Included Experience:
- Walking Tour of Cusco
Day 2: Cusco to Lares Valley Trek
Cusco:
- Rise and shine, Inca explorers! Today is all about the Lares Valley adventure vibes – after we leave Cusco bright and early.
Lares Valley:
- We’ll start the trek by making our way to Cancha Cancha, with a spot of lunch along the way – enjoyed by the river and prepared by the trekking chef (oh yeah!). Over 12,000 feet high, say hello to an isolated and traditional community that’s sustained itself for hundreds of years. They introduced electricity in winter 2019, but there are still no roads. Tonight, after we’ve pitched our tents, you’ll have the chance to visit a local family and learn all about life in a traditional Andean village. Your guide will be on hand to interpret, and after dinner, you’ll be treated (even further) to the great Inca constellations – which the locals still use for agricultural guidance to this day.
Inca Trail Camping
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experience:
- Explore with Qualified Trail Guides
- Grab your Inca Trail Permit
- Prep for Camping (sleeping bag excluded)
Day 3: Lares Valley Trek
Lares Valley:
- To the summit we go! (But not before another delicious brekky.) Today’s 7-hour hike will be peppered with true Andean delights – glaciers, lakes, alpacas, rugged valleys and spectacular mountain vistas. Eyes on the sky for the Caracara falcons and Andean geese!
After we reach the summit (plus take pics and pat ourselves on the back), we’ll visit the Quiswarani community on our way back down – watch out for more llamas along the way. . The local indigenous people will open their homes and hearts to us, and we’ll even get the chance to learn Quechua – the language of the Incas. Tonight, we arrive at the spectacular seven waterfalls, where everything will be ready for you at the campsite. You. Are. Welcome.
Inca Trail Camping
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lares Valley Trek to Ollantaytambo
Lares Valley:
- Guess what? The best scenery is still to come! Today we’ll head to Willqaqasa Pass, where we’ll be treated to views of the Colquecruz and Pitusiray mountains, plus a bird’s eye view of mountains reflected in glacial lakes. Further along the trail, you’ll visit the Cucani community, connecting with the local indigenous children – with the opportunity to visit their school.
Next, it’s time to bathe like nature intended at the Lares Hot Springs (3,100m/ 10,170ft), with one whole hour to soak in the natural volcanic hot springs, have lunch and just… relaxxxx.
Ollantaytambo:
- This afternoon we’ll travel to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner together and then rest our heads in the hotel. Tomorrow is the big one, so you’ll want to be fresh.
Inca Trail Camping
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Ollantaytambo to Cusco via Machu Picchu and Inca Trail Trek
Ollantaytambo:
- We’ll start bright and early today, with VERY good reason. Our first stop is the train station, where we’ll board the Inca express to… you guessed it, the Inca trail. Epic scenery incoming.
Via Inca Trail:
- With heavy hearts, we’ll alight at the famous Km104, where our hike begins – 6,000 feet above sea level! Our first Inca site lies waiting for us after crossing the Urubamba river on a picturesque foot bridge.
Via Machu Picchu:
- Beginning with the Sun Gate, and a truly breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Don’t worry, we have plenty of time to absorb this actual Wonder of the World. So take your time. Savour the moment. Take lots of pics. To make things better, we’re visiting in the afternoon which is when the site is usually empty of other tourists. Our guide will give us a full tour, so you’ll see all the most important parts of Machu Picchu – with minimal hassle.
Cusco:
- Once we’re done, we’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes. Then it’s back to Cusco (via Ollantaytambo) to go to sleep as better, more well rounded people with ticks on our bucket lists and cheesy grins on our faces.
Xima Hotel Cusco (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experience:
- Entry into Machu Picchu: UNESCO World Heritage Site