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 and visiting Machu Picchu  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 well as within the city itself as we take time to acclimatise before the trek. On our first full day, we visit the impressive amphitheatre at Sacsayhuaman with panoramic views over the city below. The following day we visit the incredible, circular Moray ruins and  the unique Salinas salt pans before heading to stay overnight in the Sacred Valley before starting our trek.

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

To help with acclimatisation, it is possible to add an extra night or two at the start of the holiday. Cusco is a wonderful city to explore. If you would like to stay on and visit Palcoyo, the quieter alternative to the Rainbow Mountain, then this is highly recommended. We can also share details of extensions to the Amazon and / or Lake Titicaca.

• Price
• Accommodation
• Grade
• Guide
• Travel

Single ensuite 5 nights / shared tent 3 nights £2730 Single ensuite and single tent +£250 (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) £120 discount per person - £2610pp 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 due to the 3 ascents that day. 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.

The trip is led by a highly experienced local female guide plus a team of porters. 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.

Flights to Cusco are via Lima or Bogota and are overnight. Flights to be met at the airport will be released after the balance due date. If you choose an alternative flight then taxis are available for around £10.