Inca Trail Adventure

Arrive in Lima today at any time.

If travelling from Australia, it’s a long journey, so you may wish to break it up with stops along the way. Also, let us know if you’d like to travel with your Big Heart Leader so we can book you on the same flights.

Please note: We are offering to package return flights with this trip which can be at reduced fares. Please advise us at the time of booking if you wish for us to package your flights.

Founded in 1535, the Peruvian capital is a bustling metropolis. It’s a fascinating mix of cosmopolitan life with markets, restaurants and bars sitting alongside colonial architecture and ancient archaeological sites, some dating back to 450AD-650AD. Add in political and corporate business dealings, and each holds its place in what is known as ‘The City of Kings’.

After all the travel and a night’s sleep, we spend today immersed in this captivating city. Rest today or maybe choose a tour and explore the old town. Marvel over the architecture around Plaza de Armas, and Francisco Monastery with its bone-lined catacombs and remarkable library housing thousands of antique texts. Enjoy authentic Peruvian tapas with a pisco sours demonstration and tasting before heading back to your hotel. Or maybe opt for a cooking class, tasting exotic fruits and getting hands-on with a trip to a local market where you’ll select ingredients before preparing a traditional Peruvian meal.

Each option is a half-day activity allowing you time to relax in the afternoon. We then meet later for a pre-tour briefing ahead of our morning’s departure for Cusco and the Inca Trail.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

It’s time to fly to the Peruvian Andes city of Cusco. Our transfer takes us to the airport following breakfast at the hotel.

Upon arriving in Cusco we check in to our accommodation and spend the remainder of the day gently acclimatising. Cusco sits at an elevation of 3,399m above sea level, and although this isn’t an altitude of great concern, being able to relax allows your body to adjust. Going for a gentle walk but avoiding anything strenuous, increasing potassium and water intake, and getting enough sleep are ways to support your body.

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a beautiful and charming city. You might like to take a wander around the local area or book an optional activity. Choices include a tour of the city, a visit to the Inca Museum where artifacts from the Inca Empire are on display, or a cooking class to learn Peruvian dishes.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Altitude: 3,399m at Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Walking Distance: 1km
Altitude: 3,399m at Cusco (2,700m at Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley)

Today is our first day on the Inca Trail! Beginning with a drive of approximately one-hour, we depart Ollantaytambo and make our way to the start of the trail, admiring the scenery from our private vehicle along the way.

At the trailhead, all we need are our daypacks. Over the next few days, an incredible crew of porters and cooks will ensure our luggage and dietary needs are taken care of while our local guide leads the way. Our trek begins gently through beautiful Andean scenery, meandering streams, and ancient Incan ruins.

Today, we gain a maximum elevation of 400m. It’s a fairly easy trekking day that serves as a good training ground for the next few days.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 11km
Altitude: 3,100m (3,000m at Wayllabamba Campsite)

This morning we rise early, ready to embark on our second day on the Inca Trail as soon as breakfast is finished. It’s a long steep path to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), with the terrain getting progressively steeper as we go. The steeper the terrain, the more spectacular the view! At 4,198m, Warmiwañusca is the trek’s highest point, so we take it slowly, drinking water and resting when needed. The Andean weather can be harsh around the pass with blazing sun or bitterly cold winds, so it’s best to be prepared with the necessary provisions in your daypack for this – wind jacket, sunnies, hat, etc.

Having set out early, we plan to arrive in camp with plenty of time to rest and relax throughout the afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 12km
Altitude: 4,198m (3,483m at Pacaymayo Campsite)

Day 3 on the Inca Trail, it’s our biggest trekking day. We have two more passes to cross today, and with them are more incredible ruins.

The first is Runkurakay, an archeological complex at 3,950m from which, on a clear day, views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba can be seen. We descend slightly before a gentle climb through the cloud forest until we reach the second pass. If the weather gods are on our side, we’ll be able to enjoy a stunning view of the Urubamba Valley.

Continuing on until we reach the ‘town above the clouds’ – Phuyupatamarca at 3,650m. We have the choice to either camp here or walk for another 1.5 hours to the Wiñay Wayna ruins (aka ‘forever young’) situated at the lower elevation of 2,650m.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 16km
Altitude: 3,950m (3,650m at Phuyupatamarca Campsite or 2,650m at Wiñaywanyna Campsite)

It’s our last day on this incredible trail, and we set off well before dawn so we can reach the Sun Gate as early as possible. The Sun Gate is the entrance to Machu Picchu and was designed by the Incas to align with the sun. Witnessing the sun rising directly over the gateway every morning is a truly special and ethereal experience!

We continue to make our way along the Inca Trail, savouring these final hours before we reach our trekking milestone at the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Fingers crossed for a clear day! It takes about 45 minutes to hike down to the site, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour followed by a chance to take in this extraordinary Lost City on your own. Wandering through the ancient dwellings, stone temples, and sculpted terraces, the energy here will leave you awestruck. If time allows, we can enjoy a short 30-minute return walk to visit the Inca Bridge.

Finally, we leave this majestic place and head to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. There, we catch a train and return to Ollantaytambo. From there, we transfer to our private vehicle and drive back to Cusco, tired from our early start and feeling deeply reflective over our Inca Trail journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Walking Distance: 6km
Altitude: 2,650m – 3,650m Depending on Day 7 Campsite (2,400m at Machu Picchu, 3,399m at Cusco)

Today, you have a free day in Cusco, which gives you further opportunity to contemplate your experiences over the past week – a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You’ve completed the Inca Trail, what an achievement.  We have two full days in Cusco so you can choose an activity or spend today resting, saving your energy for tomorrow.

If you’re keen, an option is to book a full-day hiking tour to Rainbow Mountain. These unique mountains do not disappoint! Their colourful striped landscape showcases shades of gold, purple, turquoise, and lavender. You have to see it to believe it, and it’s an optional activity we thoroughly recommend.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Walking Distance: optional 7km (Rainbow Mountain)
Altitude: 3,399m at Cusco (5,029m at Rainbow Mountain)

Today, we have our final day to explore Cusco and beyond. You may prefer to spend the day resting if you summitted Rainbow Mountain yesterday, or you can choose something more adventurous.  There are so many options from grabbing a massage, going quad biking, horseback riding or attending a cooking class or a chocolate workshop.  The Inka Museum is open most days or perhaps a visit to the Cathedral in Plaza de Mayo or grab a drink overlooking the Plaza and soak in the atmosphere of this central people zone of Cusco.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Altitude: 3,399m at Cusco 

Meals Included: Breakfast
Altitude: 3,399m at Cusco

This morning, after breakfast, we say goodbye to our trail buddies.

You can depart at any time or extend your stay if there’s more you’d like to see and do. We can assist with any further travel arrangements, accommodation and tours. If you’d prefer to align your plans with your Big Heart Leader, we can book you on the same flights and organise your transfer to Lima airport.

How does a four-day trip to the Amazon Jungle sound for those wishing to expand on their South American odyssey? This is an independent package, and you’ll be under the wonderful care of our local G Adventures guide.

Meals Included: Breakfast

This independent extension is a great opportunity to experience the Amazon Jungle as part of your Inca Trail Adventure. Please nominate at the time of booking if you’re interested, and we can help package your required flights and transfers from Lima. Please note: your Big Heart Leader will not be accompanying you.

DAY 12 | Flight to Puerto Maldonado
From Lima, you’ll fly to Puerto Maldonaldo, where your naturalist guide will meet you at the airport to take you to the jungle lodge via road and motorised canoe. Before dinner go for a wildlife-spotting night walk.

DAY 13 | Tambopata Rainforest
Enjoy guided excursions led by expert naturalists to spot wildlife at nearby oxbow lakes and along the jungle trails. Relax in a hammock, enjoy the local swimming hole, or visit a nearby plantation. After dinner, go on a caiman-spotting cruise.

DAY 14 | Tambopata Rainforest
Take a boat excursion to a spectacular hidden lake. There’s a chance to spot the elusive black caiman and giant otters. Return for lunch and another free afternoon for relaxing.

DAY 15 | Departure Day
After breakfast, return by canoe to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport for departure.

Our partners, G Adventures, have their own exclusive rainforest retreat right in the heart of the jungle on the Tambopata River. Staying at G Lodge Amazon, you’ll enjoy comfortable and intimate accommodation while exploring the Tambopata Rainforest area over 4 days. All meals included.