Journey to Machu Picchu - Trek or Train
Trek the famous Inca Trail, hike the less-discovered Lares trek, or take the train to Machu Picchu
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Group Size: Max 16
Trip code: SP5T
Duration: 5 days
Embrace the adventure of a lifetime in Peru over five epic days, finishing with an incredible tour around one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. What gives this trip a unique edge is that travellers can choose between three different itineraries: trekking the legendary Inca Trail, trailing the extraordinary Lares Trek or ancient sightseeing in Cusco. Whether you’re looking to push yourself with an exhilarating trek and camp in the heart of the Sacred Valley, or prefer the idea of hotel beds and scenic tours for the next four nights, the choice is all yours!
Trip Highlights
- Start in the ancient city of Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire
- See world heritage ruins, sweeping mountains and llamas in the wild on your journey through the Sacred Valley
- Discover a breathtaking cloud forest and archaeological sites nestled into the cliffs
- Immerse yourself in less-discovered Peru as you pass through rural farms and villages
- Reach the Sun Gate at sunrise for one of the most beautiful views imaginable of Machu Picchu (Inca Trail)
- Explore Machu Picchu - one of the world’s 7 wonders - on a guided tour with free time included
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- 4 nights’ accommodation
- Inca Trail option - Inca Trail pass, professional team of guides, porters and chefs, Machu Picchu at sunrise, guided tour around Machu Picchu, return transfer to Cusco, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Lares Trek option - Lares trek experience, Professional team of guides, porters and chefs, guided tour around Machu Picchu, return transfer to Cusco, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
- Cusco Stay option - Guided tour of Maras Salt Pans and Moray ruins, Machu Picchu scenic train journey, Guided tour around Machu Picchu, return transfer to Cusco, 4 breakfasts and 2 lunches
- 24-hour emergency support
- Flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Some meals
- Airport transfers
- Tips for your guides and porters
- Walking canes & sleeping bags (available to rent - trekking options only)
- Pre and post tour accommodation
For this trip, there are three itinerary options - all of which ensure you visit Machu Picchu. Whilst the Inca Trail Trek is the most popular, the Inca Permits which are needed to walk this route, do tend to sell out many months in advance. The Lares trek is a more off the beaten track trek which also ends in Machu Picchu and does not require a permit. For those not wanting to trek but who want to see the world wonder of Machu Picchu there is an option to do the Cusco Stay where your nights will be spent in Cusco and daily sight-seeing activities in the region will be arranged, before heading to Machu Picchu by train on your final day. For more information on each option, select the different itineraries below.
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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5 days
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Day 1: Start in Cusco
Meet the team in the late afternoon today. If you arrive the day before your trip starts, then there are incredible optional activities like a half-day tour around archaeological sights or a tourist ticket granting access to popular attractions in Cusco.
Day 2: Start the Inca Trail
Transfer to Kilometer 82 this morning, where your adventure along the Inca Trail begins! Today's hike is a warm-up designed to ease you into the higher altitudes, so take things slow and enjoy the Sacred Valley's incredible natural beauty as you pass sites like Llactapata.
Day 3: Inca Trail Peak
Ready to climb the peak of the Inca Trail? Take your time today hiking up the steep peak known as Dead Woman's Pass after its unique mountain silhouette. Nothing beats the adrenaline rush from reaching the top; unwind for the rest of today soaking in the beautiful views and bonding with your group at camp.
Day 4: Inca Trail Valleys
Cross two more mountain passes and admire the snow-capped peaks, the half-moon-shaped ruins and a mysterious cloud forest. On a clear day you can see the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the Urubamba Valley. We'll set up camp at the Phuyupatamarca ruins or the Wiñay Wayna ruins
Day 5: Machu Picchu at sunrise
See Machu Picchu at its most awe-inspiring this morning from Sun Gate while the world wakes up. Once the sun has risen, take a scenic hike down to Machu Picchu with a guided tour around the world wonder's ruins included. Transfer to Aguas Calientes for a short stop before boarding a train back to Cusco where our trip finishes on arrival.
About the Inca Trail
This trip tends to be the most popular as it is the most well known route to Machu Picchu - and for good reason! The Inca trail allows you to see Inca ruins you cannot see anywhere else and it is the only way you can go to the Sun Gate. The trek is 4 days in duration and is 42km long. The highest altitude is 4215m.
In 2002 the Peruvian authorities introduced a permit system in an effort to protect the unique eco-system. This means that only a limited amount (500) of travellers per day can walk the Inca trail. Permits sell out months in advance, therefore if you have your heart set on hiking the Inca Trail, we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.
Please note that you will need to provide a copy of the passport you will be travelling on in order for us to obtain your Inca Permit. Please also note that the Inca Trail is closed during the month of February.
Day 1: Start in Cusco
Meet the team in the late afternoon today. If you arrive the day before your trip starts, then there are incredible optional activities like a half-day tour around archaeological sights or a tourist ticket granting access to popular attractions in Cusco.
Day 2: Start the Lares Trek
Transfer to the town of Lares where your trek begins! Hike to Chancachaca for a stop for lunch, before finishing the day with a trek to the village of Cuncani where we will camp for the night.
Day 3: Lares Trek Peak
Climb from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to its high pass at an impressive altitude of 4,750m. Enjoy the gorgeous views before hiking downhill for lunch and enjoying a chilled evening at camp hanging out with your group.
Day 4: Finish the Lares Trek
Pass by breathtaking nature this morning for the final stretch of the Lares Trek. Reach the town of Pumahuaca for lunch, before transferring to Aguas Calientes for some free time in time or enjoying the hot springs.
Day 5: Machu Picchu and end trip in Cusco
Take the first bus to Machu Picchu in the early morning as part of a guided tour. When ready, transfer and take a scenic train back to Ollantaytambo, before taking our private group vehicle back to Cusco where the trip finishes.
About the Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is less well known than the Inca Trail and therefore it does mean it is the less busy route. Therefore if you are looking for a more off-the-beaten track experience, the Lares Trek is for you!
The Lares trek a 3 day trek as it is shorter than the Inca Trail at 33km long. It is at a slightly higher altitude (highest peak is 4600m).
Whilst the Lares trek does pass some Inca ruins on the route, it is far less than on the Inca trail. The Inca trail is great for those interested in history and ancient ruins. However the Lares trek offers more opportunity to interact with local people, as well as get up close to traditional Peruvian culture and nature as you pass through remote villages, farms. The views of mountains peaks and stunning lakes are insurpassable.
Day 1: Arrive in Cusco
Meet the team in the late afternoon today. If you arrive the day before your trip starts, then there are incredible optional activities like a half-day tour around archaeological sights or a tourist ticket granting access to popular attractions in Cusco.
Day 2: Ruins and Sacred Valley
Explore incredible ruin sites like Ollantaytambo and Chinceros today, plus a trip to the Maras Salt Mines and ancient Moray terraces. Go for a scenic drive through the Andes above the Sacred Valley of the Incas and return to Cusco this evening.
Day 3: Cusco walking tour
Take a walking tour around Cusco which visits the colonial sites, as well as stopping at the Sapantiana Waterfalls. Stop for lunch lunch at a local restaurant and then enjoy a free evening.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes
Transfer and take a scenic train to Aguas Calientes for a free day with optional activities like visiting the hot springs, the Mandor Waterfalls, the Machu Picchu museum and more.
Day 5: Machu Picchu and finish in Cusco
Take the first bus to Machu Picchu in the early morning as part of a guided tour. When ready, transfer and take a scenic train back to Ollantaytambo, before taking our private group vehicle back to Cusco where the trip finishes.
About the Cusco Stay
If you want to experience Machu Picchu but you are not up for hiking, then the Cusco Stay option is for you.
You will be able to spend some free time exploring Cusco, as well as visiting the salt pans of Maras and the intriguing circular site of Moray in the Sacred Valley. You will then catch the train to Machu Picchu on day 5 to meet the hikers and explore the site together.
Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.
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Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.This trip starts on day 1 in Cusco. You must arrive no later than 1pm. There is a mandatory welcome meeting is usually held at 4pm for those doing the Inca Trail and Lares Trek option. Travellers are highly encouraged to arrive in Cusco at least the day before their trip starts to fully acclimatise to the higher altitudes (even a day makes a difference!).
This trip finishes on the night of Day 5 in Cusco. Travellers are recommended to book an additional night of accommodation here, which we are happy to help arrange for you. If you are leaving Peru on this day, please ensure that your flight departs no earlier than 9pm.
Accommodation
4 nights’ accommodation is included in this trip. On the Inca Trail, travellers will spend 1 night in a twin-share hotel and the other 3 nights camping in the heart of the Peruvian countryside. Tents are shared between 2 travellers. Private toilets will be set up for travellers taking either the Inca Trail or Lares Trek.
For the Lares Trek, travellers will spend 2 nights camping and 2 nights in twin-share hotels.
Travellers on the Cusco Stay will spend the full 4 nights in twin-share hotels.
Meals
For the Inca Trail: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners are provided.
Because the Lares Trek is a day shorter, 2 dinners are provided instead of 3.
The majority of meals on the treks are made by a private chef and are cooked to an excellent quality. Typically featuring fresh fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, chicken, oatmeal and eggs, these meals are the perfect fuel for your adventure.
For the Cusco Stay: 4 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.
This trip is open to anyone over the age of 18.
British nationals do not need a visa to stay in Peru. At the airport, you will be granted permission to remain in the country for up to 30 days. For travellers who would like to stay longer in Peru, you must apply for permission on arrival. Ensure that your passport has an expiration date of at least 6 months after the day that you arrive.
A good level of fitness is needed for this trip, and we strongly encourage travellers to do a few practice hikes before coming to Peru. Travellers are also highly recommended to arrive at least the day before this trip starts, so that you have enough time to adjust to Peru’s high altitudes. For more information on preparing for altitude sickness, check out our guidebook here.
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