5 days - 4 nights

The Inca Trail takes approximately 4 days & is considered to be moderately difficult. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is from May until the end of October. This is peak season in the Andes as the weather is more usually dry. There are far fewer visitors during the rainy season which extends November to April. During this time, the altitude of the Inca Trail makes for not only difficult conditions underfoot, but as equally, the cold & therefore, the hike can take longer.

You will be provided with professional guides, porters, camping & cooking equipment, food, transport & first aid kits. It is normal to tip the professional guides, cooks & especially porters although the amounts we suggest be nominal & are left to your discretion.



Day 1 Cuzco - Huayllabamba
( L, D ) An early morning departure from Cuzco to Chilla which is at 2700 mteres above sea level. The Inca Trail commences here with the first morning being the walk to Llactapata the first of many archealogical sites. Continuing after lunch the trail ascends up a side valley to the tiny village of Huayllabamba where the first nights camp is at 2750 metres.

Day 2 Huayllabamba - Runkuraqay
( B, L, D) The morning climb is quite a steep pitch through scrub covered fields & forest to the Llulluchapampa where you can catch your breath on the plateau at 3800 metres with some excellent views of snow capped mountains around. Onward after lunch to Warmiwanusqa Pass where more spectacular views & ruins surround you. This is the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4050 metres. From here, descend to camp in close proximity to the Pacamayo river, near Runkuraqay.

Day 3 Runkuraqay - Phuyoatamarka
(B, L, D) Cross the Runkuraqay Pass at 3950 metres & follow a narrow ancient trail to the ruins at Sayamarca. Continuing along what is termed the Royal Trail, climb up to Phuyupatamarka - 'City in the Clouds ' & camp at 3250 metres. Your campsite is close by & far below is the Vilcanota River.

Day 4 Phuyupatamarka - Machu Picchu
(B, L, D) Downward, descending the remarkable Inca staircase to the ruins at Winay Wayna Citadel (City of Eternal Youth) , the through Intipunku ( Doorway to the Sun) to a spectacular view of Machu Picchu from the very top of the ruins. You should have a good amount of time to wander the Lost City with your guides, before walking on down into the valley to camp close to the Urubamba River.

Day 5 Machu Picchu - Cuzco
(B, L ) Rising early to catch the sun as it peaks over the ridges at first light, climb up to Huayna Picchu over looking the Inca Citadel. You'll have the morning & some of the afternoon to explore the Lost City in depth, before returning to Cuzco by train late afternoon & being transferred to your hotel on arrival.


Included Features :
· Accommodation in Camps, communal camping equipments & your individual ensolite sleeping pad.
· Professional guiding & porterage throughout
· Meals as specified in itinerary
· Transportation by train & bus


Handy Hints

The Inca Trail is stony & uneven. Good quality, well broken in hiking boots are essential.

You should bring at least TWO changes of mountain clothing as well as a pair of shorts & T-shirts. We do recommend you bring an approved brand of thermal undervest & thermal long-johns to keep you warm irrespective of your outer layers being wet.

We strongly recommend you bring sticking plasters, some raw wool fleece & adhesive tape & scissors to attend to any blisters you may acquire. Wool fleece, when applied to hot spots on your feet, underneath your socks, will emit lanolin from the wool which reduces friction & thus combats blisters before they form.

You should have a knitted wool cap, two pairs of wool socks, gloves, a sweater & water proof outer jacket. A waterproof plastic ground sheet to go under your sleeping bag is also recommended. You will require to bring your own sleeping bag. Take advice from your outdoor leisure supplier as to the type of sleeping bag best suited for the elements & altitude.

As far as carrying your belongings, that is what the porters are for, however you will need a daypack to carry camera & film (bring a waterproof bag to contain that in), sunglasses, Sun block cream of at least 25 spf, mosquito repellent, a flash light & spare batteries, water canteen, personal items, a bathing suit & towel. Remember, in your daypack, bring only that which YOU wish to carry.

Lastly, as this is an area considered by UNESCO as a 'Heritage of Mankind ' we ask you adhere to the old saying ... "take nothing but the images captured on your camera & leave nothing but your footprints as a testimony of your passing this way ".