Join us for this classic trail in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, passing through cloud forest and Alpine tundra. It is an ancient trail scattered with Inca ruins and culminating in a visit to the spectacular Inca citadel, Machu Picchu.

This is  the trip of a lifetime and, to make it even more special, we spend 5 days walking the trail instead of the usual 4. This ensures that we miss the crowds so that we can enjoy both the trek and the ruins in all their glory.

The holiday incorporates visits to some classic Inca sights around Cusco as we take time to acclimatise before the trek. On our first full day, we visit the impressive amphitheatre at Sacsayhuaman, the Inca water temple of Tambo Machay, the Red Fort of Puca and the Temple of the Moon. The following day we visit the incredible, circular Moray ruins and trek down to the Salinas salt pans.

Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 01: Take your overnight flight to Cusco

Day 02: Arrival and private transfer to your hotel in Cusco. City tour (depending on arrival time)

Day 03: Day walk around the Inca ruins and archeological sites of  Tambo Machay and Sacsayhuaman

Day 04: Day walk visiting the Moray ruins and Maras saltpans

Day 05: Morning visit to the old Inca town of Ollantaytambo. After a look around this ‘Living Inca Museum’, we have a short drive to the trail-head at Piscacucho where we start the Inca Trail.

Day 06: Inca Trail: Llactapata to Llulluchapampa

Day 07: Inca Trail: Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca

Day 08: Inca Trail: Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu

Day 09: Machu Picchu Ruins then the train back to Cusco

Day 10: Transfer to Cusco airport

Day 11: Arrive home after overnight flight

For a detailed itinerary please send a message with Peru as the subject

• Price
• Accommodation
• Grade
• Guide
• Travel

Single ensuite 5 nights / shared tent 3 nights £2610 Single ensuite and single tent +£255 (Single tent occupancy of a 2 person tent means the need for more porters hence the significant price increase.) Twin shared ensuite and twin shared tent (3 person tent) £135 discount per person - £2475pp Price includes: 5 nights hotel accommodation; 3 nights camping; all meals; 2 fully guided day trips; city tour of Cusco with entrance fees; English speaking guide; local trekking guide and porters; all transport within Peru; airport transfer at set times Not included: International flight to Cusco; travel insurance; personal expenses; tips

We stay in some lovely 3 star standard accommodation on the trip. We camp for 3 nights in good quality tents. If you are sharing there will be 2 people in a 3 person tent and if you are solo you will be in a 2 person tent.

Challenging. The majority of the walking days are moderate or moderate to challenging but there is 1 day on the Inca Trail that is graded as challenging. The Inca Trail involves trekking at altitudes of over 2,700m / 8,858ft with a maximum altitude of 4,212m / 13,891ft. The ascent is around 1000m on 1 day and there is around 1250m of descent on another.The paths are well-maintained and many have stone steps which can be uneven. On the last day there are some steep drops so the trek is not ideal if you suffer from severe vertigo. The support team will be there to help you along the way if needed.

The trip is led by a highly experienced local female guide plus a team of porters. Clare Kelly from Her on a Hill will also be on the trip but the local guide will be leading the way in all aspects of the holiday. The tour has been organised by a Peruvian company which meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance and we are very pleased to be in partnership with them.

There is an overnight flight from London to Cusco with Avianca. The schedule has not been realeased as yet but this is the flight that will be met by the private transfer.