Inca Trail Adventure

Leaving Cusco, you descend into the Sacred Valley, where the landscape softens into agricultural terraces and river valleys. At Pisac, the ruins sit high above the valley floor, offering wide views across the surrounding mountains. Walking through these ancient terraces, the scale of Inca engineering becomes clear before descending into the village. Here, the market brings together local communities, with stalls of textiles, produce and handmade goods. Continuing onward, you arrive in Ollantaytambo, where Inca streets and water channels remain part of daily life. Accommodation: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar * Please note that the trip breifng will be held the day before at 7pm at a local resuatrant. This day joins Day 3 of the Classic Inca Trail Trip if you would like a longer adventure.

Meals: Nil

Today offers a deeper connection to the people and traditions of the Sacred Valley. Visiting archaeological sites and the Inkariy Museum provides insight into Peru’s ancient civilisations and their legacy. Time spent within a local community adds another layer to the experience, where traditional farming, food preparation and daily routines continue much as they have for generations. It is a quieter day, allowing space to prepare for the Inca Trail trek ahead. Accommodation: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

The journey on the Inca Trail begins at the quieter Km 88 trailhead, away from the main crowds. The path follows a gentle route through open countryside, offering an introduction to the landscapes of the Andes. Along the way, lesser-visited archaeological remains emerge, hinting at the history woven through the trail. By evening, you arrive at Chamana campsite, where the mountains begin to close in and the rhythm of trekking settles in. Accommodation: Campsite *Important: Please be aware that, because of the Peruvian authorities' rules on the Inca Trail, there may be changes in the actual trek itinerary and the campsites we use.

Meals: B,L,D

The trail climbs steadily through the Cusichaca Valley, passing small settlements and cultivated land before entering more rugged terrain. As altitude increases, the landscape becomes more expansive, with views stretching back across the valleys below. Entering cloud forest, the air cools and vegetation thickens. Camp at Llulluchapampa sits beneath the first major pass, surrounded by high peaks and the quiet of the mountains. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Today is the most demanding stage of the Inca Trail trek. The ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass brings a steady climb to the highest point, where the scale of the Andes becomes fully apparent. Descending into the Pacaymayo Valley, the trail rises again, linking a series of Inca sites along original stone pathways. By the time you reach Phuyupatamarca, the campsite sits high above the valleys, often surrounded by drifting cloud, giving a sense of the trail’s elevation and remoteness. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

The trail continues through cloud forest, passing the well-preserved site of Wiñay Wayna, where terraces cling to the mountainside. Following the original stone path, you approach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Here, your first view of Machu Picchu appears, set among steep ridgelines above the Urubamba River. Descending toward the site, the journey transitions from trail to village as you continue to Aguas Calientes for the night. Accommodation: El Mapi Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Return to Machu Picchu for a guided visit, allowing time to explore different sections of the site at a relaxed pace. Learn more about Inca engineering, astronomy, and daily life as you wander the ruins in the quieter morning hours. Later, travel by train and road back to Cusco, where the trip concludes on arrival at your chosen post tour hotel. Given our late arrival back to Cusco, a night here is needed. We can assist in arranging this for you. *Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience. OPTIONAL HUAYNA PICCHU CLIMB OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB - For the adventurous, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (please enquire for costs). Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu, with its narrow trails, reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain, with a wider path, peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and a waiver form must be signed before purchase. Both permits are limited and sell out quickly, so please contact us if interested.

Meals: B,L