The Inca Trail

The most popular trail in the Andes! Spellbinding mountain scenery, un­for­gettable Inca sites.

Retrace the steps of one of the most fascinating civilizations in the Americas. Follow the Inca from Cuzco, through the Sacred Valley and to the ultimate Peruvian icon, Machu Picchu. Get a taste for colonial Spain in Lima and discover colourful traditions that still remain as we discover the ancient Inca.

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 Lima - The Plaza Mayor, in the heart of Lima's historic centre, is an excellent place to get a feel for Peru's colonial past. Surrounded by churches, the centre has a distinctly Spanish flavour. Nearby, the Museo de la Inquisicion offers an insight into the Spanish Inquisition, and the beautiful Monasterio de San Francisco houses some fascinating catacombs.

Day 2 Cuzco - To the Incans, Cuzco was the navel of the world; to the modern-day traveller it is the doorway to a fascinating Incan past. Take the opportunity to visit the former temple of the sun, Sacsayhuaman and Tambo Machay, a shrine dedicated to the forces of water.

Day 3 Sacred Valley - Follow the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley and explore the colourful artisan markets and Inca ruins of Pisac before arriving in the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. Impressive, ancient and picturesque, this is one of the few surviving examples of the Inca's impeccable urban planning. Wander among the gigantic stone terraces to fortress ruins perched high above the river.

Days 4-7 Inca Trail/Cuzco - Trek along the trails that once linked the Inca Empire. The ancient paths wind past mountains, across high plateaus and through dense cloud forest and temple ruins. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, and watch the sunrise over awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. We return to Cuzco in the afternoon.

Day 8 Cuzco - Our escapade comes to an end today but if you would like to stay longer there's plenty to do in Cuzco. Take the time to visit the cathedral or get a final dose of Inca history at the Museo Inka. For a more active farewell to Peru, go white water rafting down the Urubamba River, mountain biking through the Sacred Valley or horse riding to see more ancient sites.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Hotels (4 nts), camping (3 nts)