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Colourful Peruvian rugs in Cusco - Classic Inca Trail, Peru
Colourful Peruvian rugs in Cusco  | Richard I'Anson
The Inca Trail winding its way through the Andes - Classic Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail winding its way through the Andes  | Sarah Higgins
Trekking beautiful untouched wilderness along the Inca Trail - Classic Inca Trail, Peru
Trekking beautiful untouched wilderness along the Inca Trail
Incredible views of Machu Picchu - Classic Inca Trail, Peru
Incredible views of Machu Picchu
Dinner on the Inca Trail - Classic Inca Trail, Peru
Dinner on the Inca Trail

Classic Inca Trail

Trek the ancient Inca Trail through high passes and cloud forest to Machu Picchu

Peru

 38 reviews

10 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: IJR
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 10 Days
Activities
  • 4 day trek
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 3 nights camping
  • 6 nights hotel
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

41kg of CO2-e PP per day

(405kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Classic Inca Trail trek Trip highlights

  • Trek the legendary Inca Trail and arrive on foot at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
  • Enjoy two visits to Machu Picchu for deeper insight and a more relaxed experience
  • Acclimatise gradually while exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley
  • Camp at quieter, scenic sites with fewer crowds and outstanding mountain views
  • Travel by scenic rail from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo after the trek

Overview

This immersive journey combines cultural exploration, gradual acclimatisation and one of the world’s great high-altitude treks. After time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail leads through cloud forest, stone-paved pathways, alpine passes and remarkably preserved Inca ruins.

The route culminates with a memorable arrival at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, followed by a second guided visit the next morning for deeper appreciation.

With scenic camps, expert guidance and a carefully paced itinerary, this is a complete and rewarding way to experience the Inca Trail.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel where you are free to rest in the hotel or wander into town. Cusco, set at 3,400m / 11,155ft in the Peruvian Andes, was once the capital of the Inca Empire and remains one of South America’s most captivating historic cities. Its cobbled streets weave between impressive Inca stone walls and ornate Spanish colonial buildings, reflecting a rich blend of Indigenous and European heritage. The city’s lively plazas, colourful markets and traditional Quechua culture create a vibrant atmosphere. Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar

Meals: Nil

Today brings Cusco’s history into focus as you explore its key sites with a guided tour. Beginning at Coricancha and the Cathedral, the layers of Inca and colonial influence become clear. Moving beyond the city, the impressive stonework of Sacsayhuaman rises above Cusco, offering views across the surrounding valley. Nearby ceremonial sites reveal how the Incas shaped both the land and their spiritual world. Returning to the city, there is time to wander markets and streets at your own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Abbitare or similar

Meals: B

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 Naturaa Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

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 Naturaa Hotel or similar

Meals: B

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

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: Hotel El Mapi or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Return early to Machu Picchu for a guided visit allowing a deeper appreciation of the citadel’s layout and history. Explore additional areas not seen the previous day, with time to absorb the atmosphere at a gentler pace. Travel by scenic train back to Cusco in the afternoon or evening. Accommodation: Hotel Abittare or similar NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. *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. 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. 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

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport where your trip concludes.

Meals: B

Expand all | Collapse all

Today brings Cusco’s history into focus as you explore its key sites with a guided tour. Beginning at Coricancha and the Cathedral, the layers of Inca and colonial influence become clear. Moving beyond the city, the impressive stonework of Sacsayhuaman rises above Cusco, offering views across the surrounding valley. Nearby ceremonial sites reveal how the Incas shaped both the land and their spiritual world. Returning to the city, there is time to wander markets and streets at your own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Abbitare or similar

Meals: Nil

Enjoy a guided tour of Cusco and its surrounding Inca sites, beginning at Coricancha and the Cathedral. Continue to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Puka Pukara, learning how the Incas shaped this dramatic landscape. Return to the city in the afternoon with time to browse local markets. Accommodation: Hotel Abittare or similar

Meals: B

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

Meals: B,L

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

Travel north to Huarocondo before beginning the trek near the Urubamba River. Ascend steadily to Watuq’asa Pass, known as the Viewpoint of Cusco, with wide-ranging mountain views. Descend into a quiet valley to camp near the remote community of Chilipahua. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Climb through high Andean terrain toward the Chi Chusqasa Pass, the highest point of the alternative trek. Cross the pass before descending into the rugged Silque River valley. Camp at Ancascocha beneath the Huayanay Glacier. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Follow the Silque River through lush terrain rich in orchids and birdlife. Cross a series of footbridges as the trail descends toward the Sacred Valley. Camp near the community of Camicancha with views of Huacayhuilque Peak. Accommodation: Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, meet private transport and travel to Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Km 104. Cross a suspension bridge and visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba, believed to have been a ceremonial centre dedicated to water deities. Begin a steady uphill trek to the beautifully preserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna, dramatically set into the mountainside on the approach to the Sun Gate. Continue along the ridge to Inti Punku for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu, before descending to the village below for the night. Accommodation: Hotel El Mapi or similar Please note: If no KM 104 Inca Trail permits are available the below will be substituted: After breakfast, meet private transport and travel to Pallata, where today’s trek begins. Ascend through lush highland scenery, passing local villages before reaching the ancient Inca site of Pumamarca, dramatically positioned above the Patacancha Valley at the meeting point of two rivers. Explore its finely crafted stone terraces, ceremonial spaces and storage structures, a striking example of Inca engineering. Continue through the terraced fields of Musqa Pukyo before descending into the historic village of Ollantaytambo. At Ollantaytambo we will catch the afternoon train across to Aguas Calientes. Walking: 7.6 km / 4.7 mi, 4.5 hours, max elevation 4,228 m / 13,871 ft Overnight: El Mapi or similar

Meals: B,L

Return early to Machu Picchu for a guided visit, allowing a deeper appreciation of the citadel’s layout and history. Explore additional areas not seen the previous day, with time to absorb the atmosphere at a gentler pace. Travel by scenic train back to Cusco in the afternoon or evening. Accommodation: Hotel Abittare or similar NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. *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. 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. 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

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport where your trip concludes.

Meals: B

Expand all | Collapse all

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel where you are free to rest in the hotel or wander into town to walk around Miraflores. Some of Lima’s best galleries and shops and restaurants are located in this area. Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima is the oldest capital in South America, with a superb combination of Spanish Colonial and 19th century European architecture. If you have time to visit a museum we would recommend the brilliant Larco Herrera Museum which also has an excellent onsite restaurant or the Museo de La Nacion. Overnight: Dazzler Hotel Miraflores or similar.

Meals: Nil

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel where you are free to rest in the hotel or wander into town. Cusco, set at 3,400m / 11,155ft in the Peruvian Andes, was once the capital of the Inca Empire and remains one of South America’s most captivating historic cities. Its cobbled streets weave between impressive Inca stone walls and ornate Spanish colonial buildings, reflecting a rich blend of Indigenous and European heritage. The city’s lively plazas, colourful markets and traditional Quechua culture create a vibrant atmosphere. Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar

Meals: B

Today brings Cusco’s history into focus as you explore its key sites with a guided tour. Beginning at Coricancha and the Cathedral, the layers of Inca and colonial influence become clear. Moving beyond the city, the impressive stonework of Sacsayhuaman rises above Cusco, offering views across the surrounding valley. Nearby ceremonial sites reveal how the Incas shaped both the land and their spiritual world. Returning to the city, there is time to wander markets and streets at your own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Abbitare or similar

Meals: B

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

Meals: B,L

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

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: Hotel El Mapi or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Return early to Machu Picchu for a guided visit allowing a deeper appreciation of the citadel’s layout and history. Explore additional areas not seen the previous day, with time to absorb the atmosphere at a gentler pace. Travel by scenic train back to Cusco in the afternoon or evening. Accommodation: Hotel Abittare or similar NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. *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. 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. 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

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport where your trip concludes.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

13 scheduled departures between 8 Nov 2026 and 5 Dec 2027.

  • Departs 8 Nov 2026 – ends 17 Nov 2026 (10 days)
  • Departs 27 Nov 2026 – ends 7 Dec 2026 (11 days)
  • Departs 13 Dec 2026 – ends 22 Dec 2026 (10 days)
  • Departs 14 Mar 2027 – ends 23 Mar 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 11 Apr 2027 – ends 20 Apr 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 9 May 2027 – ends 18 May 2027 (10 days)
  • … and 7 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Inca Trail permit to the value of US$255
  • Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed, including Machu Picchu entrance fee
  • Group camping equipment
  • Accommodation in twin share hotels
  • Train from Machu Picchu to Poroy (Cusco)
  • Private internal transportation
  • Airport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and departing on Day 10
  • Expert bilingual guides
  • Porters to carry personal gear on the trek
  • Use of trek gear pack including sleeping bag, fibre-filled jacket and insulated mat
  • Filtered drinking water
  • Group medical kit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included

About your guide

Our guides are bilingual and our treks are conducted in English.

Reviews (38)

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The trip was well organised, and included tours in both Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The Inca Trail was superb, great guide and facilities provided. Only had to carry a daypack??

Catherine|New South Wales, Australia
19 Jun 2026
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My teenagers, 18 and 15, and I hiked the Inca trail. The trail itself was spectacular. Our guide, Andres, and his team were incredible and made the experience very enjoyable.

Celeste|NSW, Australia
6 May 2026
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Recently completed hikes in Peru including the Classic 4day Inca Trail, Sacred Valley, Vinicunca and Lake Humantay.

All hikes were spectacular, our guides, cook and porters very professional and looked after us very well. We were very spoilt with great food and companionship. Thanks to Nep and his team, they truely made us feel part of their family.

Debbie|NSW, Australia
23 Sep 2025
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Trip offers an excellent combination of hiking/camping, day walks & cultural sightseeing. Guide & staff on the Inca Trail were amazing - they took great care of us, in every aspect.

Jerko|VIC, Slovenia
23 Sep 2025
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Thank you for an incredible trip in Peru. My son I I were lucky to be the only participants on the Inca Trail with our awesome guide Andres and our 8 porters. We felt like VIPs as we were provided 3 course meals and our tents set up for us after a long hard day of trekking. The views on the trail were amazing and the ruins were fantastic to explore and learn about. Andres' knowledge and experience is vast and he shared his country and culture with us. While the trekking was challenging, the views and landscape such as the cloud forest made it worthwhile and spectacular. Arriving at Machu Picchu was the experience of a lifetime. We were graced with fine but cold weather. World Expeditions enabled everything to work seamlessly from being met each day by someone, to the tours of the Sacred Valley. I highly recommend this trip to Peru.

Sarah|NSW Australia
25 Jun 2025
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Our trip was the Ancascocha trek in Peru. It was an amazing trip with beautiful landscapes and great hiking. Our team was great, very friendly and very knowledgeable guide, great food everyday from our chef. We enjoyed the trip so much that we would have enjoyed an additional day or two of hiking.

Karim|Quebec Canada
21 Jun 2025
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Loved it!! This was an excellent well organised adventure. Lima Tours did a great job on the ground - good attention to the little things and keen to ensure we experienced as much as possible. Our guide in the Sacred Valley and Inca Trail, Ever, was exceptional. He was knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the culture and history of the area and very focused on ensuring we got the most out of our experience. He was super patient and kind with the slow people (me!) and his gentle humour and encouragement got me through the tough wet days 2 and 3. Without his constant reassurance I might not have made it! I was in awe of him and all the porters who made up our crew. They were fantastic. Everyone should do this!

Michelle Leahy|Wanneroo, WA Australia
11 Dec 2024
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My wife and I recently had the pleasure of taking a tour of Inca Trail with Yaritza as our tour guide, Rolando the chef and Belarmino's team of porters.

The team provided an excellent tour of 5 out of 5 stars. In every way it was wonderful.

Yaritza’s knowledge of Inca and all aspects of the tour were outstanding. Her knowledge and passion shone through on many occasions. She is very attentive, has a good sense of humour and was able to tailor the discussion around aspects we were most interested in.

Rolando’s culinary creations throughout the tour were exceptional. Every dish had lots of flavour and the desserts were incredible - we are still not sure how he did it!

Belarmino’s team was always there and always ready for us. They make it look so easy.

We thank you all very much.

Matthew Parry|Tamarama, NSW Australia
4 Dec 2024
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We wish to commend our Inca Trail guide Ever for his outstanding assistance during our journey. This included our sightseeing in and around Cusco, where Ever's extensive knowledge enhanced our understanding of the sights. On the trail, we also got excellent support from chef Orlando and his team of porters who do an amazing job to facilitate these treks. We were also very happy with Machu Picchu guide Daniel, who took us around on our additional tour of the ancient city, where he displayed his expert knowledge as one of the longest standing Machu Picchu guides. We also appreciated the support of all associated, especially when they made a late night effort to retrieve our luggage when it failed to show up as expected after the trek. Overall, it was a great experience made possible by the hard working staff in Peru.

Robert McKeown|Karabar, NSW Australia
1 Jun 2024

Extra trip info

AccommodationInca Trail PermitsWill My Trip Run?FAQsWhy Book With Us

Camping in Peru - Equipment

Our camping equipment is of proven quality and designed for the conditions you will experience in Peru. We provide tents on a twin share basis with plenty of personal space and storage for your luggage. A number of these tents are available as single tents at a supplementary charge. A private toilet tent will be erected at each campsite, however if campsites have ablution blocks, we use them instead. We also provide a kit bag including a sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping mat, fibre filled jacket and a head torch.

Our friendly chefs are keen to show off the best of the Andean region of Peru

Camping in Peru - Meals

Breakfast and dinner are served in our communal mess tent with folding chairs, tables and a solar light. Lunch is usually picnic style and is prepared by one of the cooks who accompany us. We provide three hearty meals on all our treks in Peru. The mess tent is also available for communal use in the afternoon and evening.

Sleep like a baby after your adventures in Cusco

Hotels in Cusco

While in Lima or Cusco, you will typically stay at a traditional hotel, or another property of a similar style. The traditional hotels specialise in integrating the characteristics of each destination such as architecture, decoration, gastronomy and music to create an authentic experience for our travellers. They are centrally located and come with good service and comfort.

Making new friends on the Inca Trail | Bette Andrews

Permits are required to walk the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and numbers are strictly limited by the Peruvian authorities. Only licensed tour operators can secure them, and once permits sell out, no additional places are released.

Permits for the following year usually go on sale in October, with peak season departures often selling out quickly. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred dates, especially for travel between May and August.

Permits are issued against your passport details and cannot be changed, transferred or refunded once confirmed. We recommend booking early so our team can secure permits on your behalf, and having your passport details ready at the time of booking.

For more information, read our Inca Trail Permits: Everything You Need to Know article or speak with our team.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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You need a good level of fitness and comfort with full-day trekking at altitude over uneven terrain.

Previous multi-day trekking experience is helpful but not essential if you prepare well and are comfortable hiking long days.

The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,228m (13,871ft), with acclimatisation built into the itinerary.

This is a fully guided trek led by experienced local guides, with all logistics, camps and meals organised for you.

You carry a daypack only, while porters transport group equipment and your overnight gear.

Accommodation includes hotels before and after the trek and tented campsites during the Inca Trail.

  • Sustainability matters with low-impact travel that treads lightly and connects meaningfully
  • Thoughtfully paced itinerary with time for acclimatisation and cultural immersion
  • Experienced local guides and a highly trained crew support you throughout the trek
  • All meals freshly prepared on the trail using local produce and safe drinking water
  • Long-standing commitment to responsible travel and sustainable trekking practices

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