Classic Inca Trail

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins in the historic city of Cusco, where you'll meet your local leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting in the afternoon. If you arrive early, take time to soak up the city's unique atmosphere or relax at Casa Intrepid, a beautifully restored historic building where you can enjoy a coffee, coca tea or simply unwind before the trip begins. Later, join a guided walking tour through Cusco's charming streets, visiting highlights such as Qorikancha Temple, San Pedro Market, the Plaza de Armas, the famous 12-Angled Stone and the artistic neighbourhood of San Blas. In the evening, attend your trek briefing before enjoying free time to discover Cusco's vibrant food scene with your group.

Please make sure you attend the welcome meeting, as your leader will collect important information, including your travel insurance and emergency contact details. If you expect to arrive late, notify your travel agent or hotel reception as soon as possible. Reception staff or a notice in the hotel lobby will provide details of the meeting location if needed.

Please note that this itinerary is part of several longer combination tours. Some travellers may have joined the group earlier in Peru or elsewhere, while others will continue their journey after this trip. Participants may also choose different routes to Machu Picchu, including trekking or travelling by train.

Travel through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, once the agricultural heartland of the Inca Empire and still one of Peru's most spectacular regions. Admire terraced hillsides, fertile farmland and the winding Urubamba River before stopping in a local community to enjoy lunch and learn about traditional Andean life, including a few words of the Quechua language. If your visit coincides with market day, browse handcrafted textiles and local artisan goods. Later, visit the community-focused AMA Restaurant in Urubamba, where single mothers receive employment and training opportunities while serving delicious local treats. Continue to Ollantaytambo, where you can explore one of Peru's best-preserved Inca archaeological sites overlooking the charming colonial town.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Route 1 – Inca TrailBegin your trek with a scenic drive to Kilometre 82, the official starting point of the legendary Inca Trail, where you'll meet your experienced trekking crew, including local porters, a cook and your guide. Hike through breathtaking Andean landscapes, passing remarkable Inca archaeological sites such as Llactapata while enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped Veronica Peak. End the day at a mountain campsite, where a freshly prepared dinner awaits.
Route 2 – Quarry TrailSet off on the lesser-known Quarry Trail, beginning with a visit to the ceremonial Inca site of Choquequilla. Hike through peaceful valleys and remote mountain scenery to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Soqma, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. Discover hidden archaeological remains and ancient tombs rarely visited by travellers before arriving at your high-altitude campsite. Later, explore the fascinating Q'orimarca archaeological site, once an important Inca checkpoint.
Route 3 – Cusco & TrainIf you choose the non-trekking option, travel to the charming town of Pisac, famous for its colourful artisan market and traditional local crafts. Browse handmade souvenirs, sample regional delicacies and return to Cusco for a relaxed afternoon exploring the lively San Pedro Market or enjoying the city's cafés and restaurants before continuing your journey to Machu Picchu.
Luggage InformationWhile travelling to Machu Picchu, your main luggage will remain securely stored at your hotel in Cusco. Trekkers on the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail will receive a small duffel bag (maximum 5 kg) for essential belongings, carried by the porter team throughout the hike. Travellers taking the train option will leave most of their luggage in Cusco and travel with a small overnight bag to Aguas Calientes.

Trekking Information
Route 1 – Inca Trail: Today's hike covers approximately 12 km over 8 hours, beginning at an elevation of 2,688 m. You'll gain around 412 metres in altitude with a gradual descent of 68 metres along the route.

Route 2 – Quarry Trail: Today's trek covers approximately 7 km over 6.5 hours, starting at 3,220 m and climbing 480 metres through spectacular Andean scenery.

Meals: Lunch and dinner are included today for travellers on the Inca Trail and Quarry Trail options.

Inca Trail
The 45 km Inca Trail is suitable for travellers with a moderate level of fitness. Expect around seven hours of hiking each day, with a mix of uphill and downhill sections and regular breaks for snacks and lunch. You'll spend three nights camping, with twin-share tents and self-inflating sleeping mats provided. Your porter team carries the camping equipment and prepares the campsite each afternoon, while your cook serves freshly prepared meals.
Quarry Trail

The 31 km Quarry Trail also requires a moderate fitness level and reaches a maximum altitude of 4,450 m. Horses transport your luggage and camping equipment, allowing you to hike with only your daypack. You'll spend two nights camping in twin-share tents before enjoying your final night in a simple hotel. Camps are fully prepared by the support crew, with hearty meals cooked for you throughout the trek.

Route 1 – Inca TrailTake on the most demanding and rewarding day of the Inca Trail as you climb to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200 metres above sea level. After a challenging ascent through spectacular mountain scenery, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the Andes before descending into the peaceful Pacaymayo Valley, where you'll spend the night at camp.

Route 2 – Quarry TrailToday is the highlight of the Quarry Trail, with spectacular mountain scenery and high-altitude passes. Hike to Puccaqasa Pass before continuing to the trek's highest point at Kuychicassa Pass (4,450 m). Along the way, enjoy sweeping valley views and visit the sacred Intipunku (Sun Gate), where the Incas once celebrated the rising sun against the backdrop of Nevado Veronica. Afterwards, descend to your nearby campsite for the evening.

Route 3 – CuscoSpend the day exploring the fascinating archaeological sites surrounding Cusco on a scenic walk from Tambomachay back into the city. Visit remarkable Inca sites including Puka Pukara, Qenqo and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán before returning to Cusco for a free afternoon. You may wish to browse local art galleries and workshops or enjoy another evening discovering Peru's renowned cuisine.

Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 1127m and a descent of 627m
Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 7.5 hours or 14 km, with an elevation gain of 750m and a descent of 700m

Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.

Route 1 – Inca Trail
Continue your journey along one of the world's most famous trekking routes, crossing Runkurakay Pass and enjoying spectacular views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Visit the remarkable Inca ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, known as the Town Above the Clouds, before descending the original stone steps to your final campsite beside the impressive Wiñay Wayna archaeological site.
Route 2 – Quarry Trail
Enjoy a scenic downhill hike through the Andes, stopping at the fascinating Kachiqata Quarry, where unfinished Inca stonework tells the story of the Spanish conquest. After arriving in the historic town of Ollantaytambo, reunite with the rest of your group before boarding a picturesque train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, where you'll spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
Route 3 – Train to Aguas Calientes
Travel by road to Ollantaytambo, where you'll join the travellers returning from the Quarry Trail. Then board a scenic train through the breathtaking Urubamba Valley, arriving in Aguas Calientes, the charming town nestled beneath Machu Picchu. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for tomorrow's unforgettable visit to Peru's most iconic archaeological site.

Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 10 hours or 15 km, with an elevation gain of 400m and a descent of 1350m
Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 4.5 hours or 10 km, with an elevation gain of 0m and a descent of 950m

Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the Inca Trail trekking option only. There is an included lunch for travellers on the Quarry Trail trekking option.

Route 1 – Inca TrailRise before dawn for the unforgettable final stage of the Inca Trail. After an early breakfast, begin the last hike to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where, weather permitting, you'll enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu as the ancient citadel emerges from the morning mist. Enter the Lost City of the Incas on foot and celebrate the incredible achievement of completing one of the world's most iconic treks.
Route 2 & Route 3 – Machu PicchuStart the day with an early bus ride to the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore this extraordinary Inca citadel with your local guide, discovering its temples, terraces, ceremonial sites and fascinating history while surrounded by spectacular Andean scenery.
Return to CuscoAfter plenty of time to admire the ruins and capture unforgettable photos, travel back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding a scenic train through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. From there, continue by road to Cusco, arriving in the evening after an unforgettable day exploring Peru's most iconic landmark.

• Trail InformationRoute 1 – Inca Trail: Today's final trek covers approximately 6 km over 4 hours, with an ascent of 81 metres and a descent of 331 metres before arriving at the spectacular Sun Gate (Intipunku) overlooking Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu EntryFor safety reasons, the final checkpoint on the Inca Trail opens at 5:00 am, with an estimated arrival at the Sun Gate around 7:30 am. Travellers on the Quarry Trail and train option depart Aguas Calientes by bus at approximately 6:00 am, arriving at Machu Picchu between 6:30 and 7:00 am. As sunrise occurs at around 5:30 am, it is not possible to enter Machu Picchu in time to watch the sunrise on this itinerary.

Wayna PicchuPlease note that, in accordance with Intrepid's safety policy, tour leaders are unable to recommend or arrange visits to Wayna Picchu Mountain.

Your Peru adventure concludes today, with no further activities scheduled. If you'd like to spend more time exploring Cusco, your booking agent can assist with arranging additional accommodation. You may also wish to purchase a Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket), which provides access to many of the city's top attractions, including museums, archaeological sites and cultural landmarks. Your local leader will be happy to recommend the best options to help you make the most of your extra time in Cusco.