Peru: Inca Trails & the Andes
The story of the trip
From the heart of the Inca world to the high Andes.
Ten days from Lima and Cusco through the historic terraces of the Sacred Valley, followed by the one-day Inca Trail into Machu Picchu. The journey finishes with two spectacular high-altitude hikes to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain—one trip blending culture, adventure and the finest landscapes of the Andes.
The route, day by day
Tap any day to see its details.
Our team meets the group at Lima Airport and transfers us to the hotel near the historic centre. After check-in, enjoy time to rest or take an optional walk through the capital’s grand squares and colonial streets.
We begin with a walking tour through central Lima before transferring to the airport for our flight to Cusco. On arrival, we settle into the hotel beside the main square and take a relaxed evening to acclimatise.
Explore Cusco Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun at Qorikancha, followed by Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay with our local guide and support team.
Journey through the Sacred Valley to Pisac’s ruins and market, the circular terraces of Moray and the Maras salt pans, before visiting the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Overnight in the historic town.
An early train takes us to Chachabamba, where we begin the one-day Inca Trail through cloud forest and ancient ruins. We reach our first elevated view of Machu Picchu before descending to Aguas Calientes.
Return in the morning for a complete exploration of Machu Picchu and its remarkable architecture. We then descend to Aguas Calientes and take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, continuing by road to Cusco.
A full day beneath Salkantay, hiking to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake framed by glaciers and steep Andean peaks. We return to Cusco in the evening.
Leave before sunrise for Vinicunca and walk across the high Andean plateau to its naturally coloured mineral ridges, with wide views towards the Ausangate range, before returning to Cusco.
Enjoy a free morning in Cusco for a final walk or shopping, then transfer to the airport for the flight back to Lima and an overnight stay at Hotel Bolívar.
A free day for your onward flight home or to continue travelling through South America under your own arrangements.
Easy
What's included and what's not
Included⌄
- Airport transfers and all road transport listed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation throughout the programme (twin-share rooms)
- Breakfast and dinner
- Train tickets and the buses used for the Machu Picchu visit
- Permits and admission fees for the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and the listed archaeological sites
- Sacred Valley tour and buffet lunch
- Meals specifically listed on the Inca Trail, Humantay and Rainbow Mountain days
- Local guide, assistant guide and two porters supporting the group on the Inca Trail
Not included⌄
- International flights
- Domestic flights: Lima–Cusco–Lima
- Visa and any border fees
- Lunches unless specifically listed in the itinerary
- Personal, travel and rescue insurance
- Personal clothing and trekking equipment
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities or any stay extension after the programme
What to bring
Documents and spending⌄
- Passport — Original passport matching the Inca Trail booking
- Required entry documents — For your nationality; check with the team before travel
- Travel insurance document — With assistance contacts and cover for the trip activities
- Bookings and itinerary — Flight and accommodation details; save offline
- Cash and payment card — Small denominations for personal expenses
Bags and train travel⌄
- Soft travel bag — For hotels and domestic flights; prepare light luggage for the train
- Daypack — 20–30 L for the short trail; confirm train luggage arrangements with the leader
- Backpack rain cover — Sized to fit your pack
- Waterproof dry sack — 5–10 L to keep clothing and essentials dry
- Secure valuables pouch — For cash and documents
Footwear and hiking equipment⌄
- Hiking boots — Comfortable grippy footwear for stone steps and highland trails
- Trekking poles — One pair for Humantay and Rainbow Mountain; follow site instructions at Machu Picchu
- Headlamp — For pre-dawn departures; spare batteries
- Comfortable walking shoes — For Lima, Cusco and rest after walks
Cloud-forest and city clothing⌄
- Trekking trousers — 2 pairs, lightweight and quick-drying
- Quick-dry T-shirt — 3 shirts; wash and rewear as needed
- Long-sleeved shirt — 1–2 light shirts for the Inca Trail, sun and insects
- Hiking socks — 3–4 hiking pairs; a dry pair for Machu Picchu day
- Clothes for cities and accommodation — 1–2 outfits for cities and Machu Picchu visiting day
Andean cold and rain⌄
- Thermal top and leggings — One set for Humantay, Rainbow Mountain and early starts
- Fleece jacket — An insulating midlayer
- Insulated padded jacket — Packable warm jacket for high-altitude days
- Rain jacket — Light rain and wind shell; carry in your daypack
- Rain trousers — Light shell when rain is forecast for a hiking day
- Wool beanie — Covering the ears
- Waterproof gloves — Warm pair for cold and wind at Rainbow Mountain
- Neck gaiter — For neck and face protection in the highlands
Sun protection⌄
- Sun hat — Lightweight, with a retaining cord
- Sunglasses — With UV protection
- Sunscreen — High protection for face and hands; easy to carry
- Lip balm — A small container for dry lips
Water, energy and insects⌄
- Two water bottles or hydration bladder — 2–3 L capacity for walking days; fill before departure
- Energy snacks — Small portions for the Inca Trail and highland walks
- Insect repellent — For the cloud forest and Aguas Calientes
Personal medication and first aid⌄
- Personal medication — Enough for the trip, in original packaging
- Personal first-aid kit — Plasters, blister dressings and gauze
Personal care⌄
- Toiletry bag — Travel-size soap, shampoo and deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste — Travel size
- Toilet paper — Small roll in a dry bag
- Wet wipes — Small pack; carry used wipes out
- Hand sanitiser — Pocket size
- Skin moisturiser — Small container suited to your skin
- Light hand towel — Quick-drying microfibre
- Reusable laundry bag — Reusable, to separate worn clothing
Devices and charging⌄
- Phone, charger and cable — Download maps, bookings and team contacts for offline use
- Power bank — At least 10,000 mAh, with cable
- Universal travel adaptor — Compatible with your chargers
- Camera and spare batteries — Optional; keep in a dry bag
Refund summary on withdrawal
Read the full Risk & Cancellation Policy before registering.
Moments from the trip
Where the trip takes place
Trip highlights
Cusco & the Sacred Valley
Journey through the heart of the Inca world, from Cusco’s temples to Pisac, Moray, the Maras salt pans and the fortress of Ollantaytambo.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
A 12 km hike through cloud forest and ancient ruins, ending with the first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
The Colourful Heights of the Andes
Two high-altitude hiking days to Humantay’s turquoise waters and the remarkable mineral ridges of Vinicunca.