Inca Trail
8 days Lima to Cuzco
Explore the historic centre of Lima, Trek the challenging Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Wander the atmospheric streets of Cuzco
Retrace the steps of one of the most fascinating civilisations in the Americas. Follow Inca traditions and history from Cuzco, through the fertile sacred valley and then hike to the ultimate Peruvian icon, magnificent Machu Picchu. Get a taste for colonial Spain in Lima and discover colourful traditions that still remain while discovering the ancient Inca on this active adventure.
Physical Rating: 4
Culture Shock Rating: 4
Accommodation: Hotels (4 nts), camping (3 nts)
Transportation: Plane, train, local bus, walking
Trip Style: Intrepid Active
Group Size: Maximum of 16 travellers per group
Departure: Departure is guaranteed
Budget: Allow USD $75 for meals not included.
Retrace the steps of one of the most fascinating civilisations in the Americas. Follow Inca traditions and history from Cuzco, through the fertile sacred valley and then hike to the ultimate Peruvian icon, magnificent Machu Picchu. Get a taste for colonial Spain in Lima and discover colourful traditions that still remain while discovering the ancient Inca on this active adventure.
Physical Rating: 4
Culture Shock Rating: 4
Accommodation: Hotels (4 nts), camping (3 nts)
Transportation: Plane, train, local bus, walking
Trip Style: Intrepid Active
Group Size: Maximum of 16 travellers per group
Departure: Departure is guaranteed
Budget: Allow USD $75 for meals not included.
Call (661) 399-9515 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6067418
- Tour Operator
- Intrepid Travel
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Lima | The Plaza Mayor, in the heart of Lima's historic centre, is an excellent place to get a feel for Peru's colonial past. Surrounded by churches, the centre has a distinctly Spanish flavour. Nearby, the Museo de la Inquisicion offers an insight into the Spanish Inquisition and the beautiful Monasterio de San Francisco houses some fascinating catacombs. |
| Day 2 | Cuzco | An intriguing blend of Inca and Spanish architecture, there is plenty to see and do in Cuzco. Take a walking tour to get acquainted with some of the lesser known sights of this wonderful town and admire the Inca-built walls that line the central streets. For a change of pace, head to the central market to browse the stalls alongside Quechua-speaking descendents of the Incas and maybe pick up some alpaca goods or magic charms. |
| Day 3 | Sacred Valley | Visit Pisac with its famous artisan market and travel through the fertile Sacred Valley, where most of the region's fresh produce is grown. Look out for the maize crops surrounding the river and covering the terraces, carved high into the valley walls. These crops have long been the main source of food for the high Andes. In Ollantaytambo the geometrically perfect streets are a magnifcent example of Incan urban planning and a testament to the greatness of the former empire - this is one of the few places the Incas defeated the Spanish. |
| Days 4-7 | Inca Trail | Trek along one of the trails that once linked the Inca Empire. The ancient paths wind past mountains, across high plateaus and through dense cloud forest and temple ruins. Cross challenging mountain passes, including Dead Woman's Pass at 4,200 m, and camp out in the evenings. Be sure to stop and take in the stunning panoramic views along the way. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, and watch magnificent Machu Picchu rising from the mist. Rest for a moment before striking out to uncover the mystery of these amazing Inca ruins - were they a noble retreat, astonomical observatory or something else? You decide. Wandering through the temples and palaces, there are plenty of photo opportunities so don't forget your camera. Back in Cuzco why not find a cafe to down a celebratory glass of Pisco Sour, the national drink? |
| Day 8 | Cuzco | For an active farewell to Peru, it's possible to explore the Urubamba River or go mountain biking through the Sacred Valley. For those with weary legs, head to Plaza de Armas and enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cuzco's sights |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- * The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of printing/posting. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2007 and 31 December 2007, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full. For trips departing beyond 31 December 2007, prices are indicative only. The itineraries and dates online and in our printed brochures are applicable from 01 January 2007 until 31 December 2007. Beyond 31 December 2007 dates and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at time of printing/posting, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent trips. Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by Intrepid. Please ask your Travel Agent about our full Booking and Cancellation Conditions.
