Inca Trail

Our trip starts in Cuzco. We’ll meet you at the airport and head to our accommodation. After lunch, we’ll set off for a walk around this amazing ancient city.

Cuzco was the political and religious capital of the vast Inca empire of the Incas in South America. Over five hundred years after the city was taken over by the Spanish conquistadors, Cuzco’s Incan architecture is still gloriously intact. After lunch, we’ll set off for a walk around the city, and up to Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the main Plaza and Cuzco Valley.  As part of our walk, we’ll explore the colourful Cuzco street markets.

If you prefer, you can take some time to sit back and relax in Cuzco’s lively town square and meet up again later for an evening meal.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Rumi Punku MEALS: (L,D)

This morning we’ll head out of the Cuzco Valley and head into the Sacred Valley of The Incas.  Our first stop is the ruins of Pisac where we’ll explore the amazing works of stone art and impressive agricultural terraces.

Later, we’ll head to the market of Pisaq, which is a bustling handicraft market. This market is the real deal and easy to get lost in.  Find a few treasures and step back in time!

Later we’ll meet for lunch amoungst the hustle and bustle. After lunch, we’ll drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo to visit the ruins – an important area of Incan construction, built during the peak of the Inca Empire. This is an extraordinary Inca site because you can find rock formations representing the Inca god, Wiracocha.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Rumi Punku MEALS: (B,L,D)

After an early start we’ll head through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and make a stop at the starting point of the trek, known as Pisacucho, or Kilometre 82. We’ll hike alongside the Cusicacha river and arrive at our first Inca site – Patallacta, an ancient Inca checkpoint. We’ll hike on for another couple of hours before stopping for lunch, surrounded by huge Andean Peaks.

After lunch, we’ll continue on, passing through local villages enroute to our camp for the evening – Ayapata. When you arrive, our porters will greet you with a hot drink and a snack, so you can kick back, relax and take in the surroundings with your fellow Conqueror Adventurers before this evenings meal. 

DISTANCE: 8.7 miles/14 km HIKE TIME: 6-7 hours

CAMPSITE ALTITUDE: 3300 meters (high) above sea level MEALS: (B,L,D)

We’ll meet you at your tent this morning with a cup of hot coca tea or coffee, before a hearty, healthy breakfast. Our first major destination for the day is Warmiwañusqa (Dead Womans Pass) at 4215 metres. The hike up to the pass is challenging, as the trail winds it’s way up a stunning mountain valley. There’s plenty to take in! Upon reaching the Pass, we’ll take some time to take in the views and enjoy a well deserved rest before heading down the other side of the pass and into the Pacaymayu Valley for lunch.

After lunch, it’s times to ascend the second pass to the Inca site of Runcu Raccay. The fascinating ruins, surrounding peaks, waterfalls and valleys below are an assault to the senses. A short desent further down the valley, brings us to our stop for the night, Cahquicocha.

DISTANCE: 10 miles/16 km HIKE TIME: 6-7 hours CAMPSITE ALTITUDE: 3600 metres

With mind blowing scenery every day of this trek being the norm, today takes it a step further – from mountain passes to cloud forest and awe-inspiring Inca ruins. Starting off, we’ll get views of Salkantay (the second highest peak of the Sacred Valley), and panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range. We’ll then descend into cloud forest and feel the air become denser and warmer. A long descent down an Inca stairway brings us to our final Inca Trail camp and the site of the most spectacular Inca Ruin site – Wiñay Wayna. We’ll arrive in time for lunch and take some time to explore the immense terraced Inca site with our guides.

We’ll have plenty of time to relax, take in the surroundings and soak up the warmer air this afternoon. The start tomorrow is an early one!

DISTANCE: 6.2 miles/10 km HIKE TIME: 5 hours CAMPSITE ALTITUDE: 2600 metres

It’s a super early start this morning, but it’s the day we explore Machu Picchu, so we’ll have no trouble getting up and downing an early breakfast before heading out to hike to Inti Punku, or the “Sun Gate”. This is where we’ll have our first look at the site we’ve seen in so many photos and videos. They have nothing on the real thing though, so we’ll take time to soak it in, before hiking down to the ruins and exploring it’s many pathways and structures with our guide.

Later, we’ll board a train from Machu Picchu Village down in the valley below the site, and head back through the Andes en route to Cuzco – a good opportunity to rest up after an incredible few days in the mountains.

DISTANCE: 4.5 miles/7.3 km HIKE TIME: 1.5 hours ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Rumi Punku

Today is yours to rest up (or not) and explore Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire. There’s no better place in the world to spend a day soaking in sights, sounds and aromas. Bustling markets, tight alleyways bordered by original Inca stonework, incredible cafes and restaurants – you name it, it’s here.

If you prefer to stay active today, there are a number of optional activities on offer – from whitewater rafting to mountain biking and more hiking. Just ask us and we’ll arrange it for you!

There is also an option to take a day visit to Rainbow Mountain – check out the description of this area below.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Rumi Punku MEALS: (B)

Today is the last day of your Conqueror Adventures hike to Machu Picchu and exploration into the Peruvian Andes. Our aim is to create incredible moments that count with like minded people, and build lifelong friendships through physical activity and shared experiences in some of the worlds most beautiful places.

We’ll drop you at the airport in time for your flight to Lima and onward flight home.

MEALS: (B)