The Inca Trail

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Offering an unrivalled combination of history and dramatic scenery, the Inca Trail winds from the powerful Urubamba River, across mountain passes, through cloud forests and past crumbling fortresses, to the ruins of Machu Picchu, rightly named one of the New Wonders of the World. We designed this Inca Trail trip to give you more time to enjoy the route, arriv...
26%
$2,565
From$1,900
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Complete the classic Inca Trail, South America’s most celebrated walking route
    • Enjoy camp life in the Andes − our expert staff take care of all the chores!
    • Explore Inca ruins as our knowledgeable tour leader brings them to life
    • Arrive at the famed Sun Gate at the ideal time to see Machu Picchu
    • Refresh after your trek with a stay in charming Aguas Calientes
    • Tour Machu Picchu, your experience enhanced after a restful hotel stay

What's this trip about?

    Offering an unrivalled combination of history and dramatic scenery, the Inca Trail winds from the powerful Urubamba River, across mountain passes, through cloud forests and past crumbling fortresses, to the ruins of Machu Picchu, rightly named one of the New Wonders of the World. We designed this Inca Trail trip to give you more time to enjoy the route, arriving to Machu Picchu in the afternoon for classic photos before we stay overnight in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. We return the next morning, fresh and well rested, for our in-depth tour of magnificent Machu Picchu. Why trek with us? More than 40 years’ experience running treks in Peru Proceeds from this trip support our Porter Project, where we take porters to Machu Picchu, many of whom have never visited before. See our mini documentary Carried Away to learn more We operate a zero-impact policy on the Inca Trail, removing all waste from campsites and separating it so it can be easily recycled or composted Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained to spot and deal with altitude sickness Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone on this trip. See the Joining Instructions for moreFollow in the footsteps of the Incas as you trek to the once-lost city of Machu Picchu, a New Wonder of the World

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityCuzco
End CityCuzco

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Inca Trail
  • Machu Picchu
  • Sacred Valley
  • Urubamba

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners
    • Four nights en suite hotels and three nights full-service camping
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Arrival and departure transfers
    • Full porterage throughout trek
    • Exodus kitbag
    • Inflatable sleeping mat while camping

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Cuzco

High in the altiplano hills, Cuzco was the geographic, cultural and political centre of a vast Inca empire, which stretched from present-day Quito, Ecuador, to Santiago, Chile, at its peak. After Spanish conquistadors invaded, they built on top of Inca structures, res...

Day 2 Free day for acclimatisation; optional Sacred Valley excursion

Day 3 Start Inca Trail trek from Km82; walk along Urubamba River, climb to Huayllabamba

Early this morning, we transfer (1hr 30min) from Cuzco into the Sacred Valley. Reaching the town of Ollantaytambo, we drive for one hour along the final stretch of road to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, recognised among adventurers as Km82. After greeting ...

Day 4 Summit Dead Woman's Pass; descend to Pacaymayu

The morning begins, as all do on our Inca Trail trek, with a hot drink delivered to your tent. Today’s journey is both challenging and rewarding, marking the most demanding and best-known stretch of the trail. A slow and steady climb takes us through a cloud forest to...

Day 5 Over Runquracay Pass to the ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca

After a hearty breakfast, we start the day with a climb, which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (12,894ft/3,930m), our second and final pass. From here, the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined rolling path of flat boulders, providing...

Day 6 Walk down Inca steps to Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

From Phuyupatamarca, we take the famous Inca steps: a 1.2mi (2km) stone staircase that rapidly descends into an immense panorama, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above and the Urubamba River far below. Reaching Wiñay Wayna, we have plenty of time to explore th...

Day 7 Guided tour of Machu Picchu; return to Cuzco by train and road

Well-rested and refreshed, we return to Machu Picchu this morning for our guided tour. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel, the staggering mountain backdrop making it even more dramatic. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it...

Day 8 End Cuzco

We begin our return journeys home after breakfast. But if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, you can always book onto our Lake Titicaca extension, where you explore the sky-high waters by boat, visit an indigenous community and explore the pre‐Incan site of Sillustani. Alternatively, join our Amazon Rainforest extension to explore lakes, rivers and jungle trails in search of tropical wildlife.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,900
Price per day$238
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
06 Apr 2025
13 Apr 2025
$1,900
$2,275
27 Apr 2025
04 May 2025
$2,090
$2,465
04 May 2025
11 May 2025
$1,900
$2,275
18 May 2025
25 May 2025
$1,965
$2,340
08 Jun 2025
15 Jun 2025
$1,900
$2,275
20 Jul 2025
27 Jul 2025
$1,900
$2,275
03 Aug 2025
10 Aug 2025
$1,900
$2,275
17 Aug 2025
24 Aug 2025
$1,900
$2,275
07 Sep 2025
14 Sep 2025
$1,900
$2,275
21 Sep 2025
28 Sep 2025
$1,900
$2,275

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

This trek has been on my 'to do' list for over 15 years and boy was it worth it. What a fantastic adventure which I will never forget. I had a little extra time ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A well balanced adventure.

A superb introduction to Peru. This was the first time we have used Exodus and we can’t wait to use them again. The trip way very professionally organised from star...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Trip of a lifetime

One of the best experiences of my life. Thank you Seeing Machu Pichu for the first time. The Best. Holgier. Just simply the best. Pack light. You will need half ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

This was my first experience of travelling outside Europe. I absolutely loved it and it has made me so excited to see the rest of the world. I met some really gr...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Magnificent Moonstone Trek

Magnificent trek - wild and unspoilt countryside. Better than doing the main Inca trail I'd say as you are not simply climbing millions of steps, nor do you have t...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Sleeping bag (hire locally from $20)

Accommodation

5 nights hotels in en suite rooms, 3 nights full-service camping with dining and toilet tents 4 days point-to-point walking with full porterage 7kg personal weight limit on Inca Trail Altitude maximum 4200m, average 3050m
The three-star hotels selected on our Andean trips feature an excellent blend of quality and comfort, with easy walking access to city and town attractions. The Inca Trail is offered on a full-service camping basis with full porterage, meaning our camp staff put up and take down the tents for you, cook, and do all the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack for the day and enjoy your time on the trek. Cuzco: MamaSara Hotel (nights 1-2 and 7) Just a few blocks from the historic centre, MamaSara is well located for our adventures in the one-time Inca capital of Cuzco. The design of the rooms pays homage to the city with locally sourced furniture and artwork, while the restaurant serves Peruvian Andean cuisine. Inca Trail: Camping (nights 3-5) We sleep and dine in good-quality four-season tents. We also have a toilet tent set up both in camp and during lunch stops. Boiled and filtered drinking water is provided to guests in the mornings, at lunch and dinner times so we can refill our water bottles.  While on the trek, a bowl of warm water for washing is provided each morning and evening. On the Inca Trail, we stay in official campsites where additional bathroom facilities are available. Aguas Calientes: Terraza de Luna (night 6) Terraza de Luna is conveniently located in Aguas Calientes near the train station and buses to Machu Picchu. In addition to the standard comforts and warm service, it has a wonderful rooftop terrace with a bar and lounge area to enjoy a drink and take in the views of the mountains and Urubamba River. Worth knowing Single accommodation (including tents) can be arranged, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners are included. Peruvian cuisine is loved for its flavours and originality; it’s well worth digging into the local delicacies. Among these are: ceviche, seafood or fish marinated in lime juice; lomo saltado, a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry; and various hearty soups, including the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage. Drinking water is included throughout the trip as the tap water in Peru is not safe to drink; boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek; elsewhere your leader buys large water containers from which you can refill your bottle. Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffets, usually including bread/toast, preserves, cereal, sometimes eggs or cooked dishes, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that wheat-free or gluten-free products are available for breakfast in all locations – if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food. Where lunch and dinner are not included in Cuzco/Aguas Calientes, we visit a variety of cafes and restaurants. During the Inca Trail, hearty breakfasts are served and good-quality cooked lunches and dinners are provided. They usually consist of soup to start, a main course with meat/fish and some carbohydrates, followed by a dessert. Between meals, snacks are also provided. Tea/coffee is brought to your tent each morning and juice or hot drinks are provided with all meals during the trek.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels), 3 Simple nights (full-service camping)
  • Four walking days with full porterage
  • Group sizes normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Altitude maximum: 13,830ft (4,215m); average 10,000ft (3,050m)
  • 15lb (7kg) personal weight limit on Inca Trail
  • Travel by private bus and by train
Trip ID
exodus-TPT

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