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trekking the inca trail
Traversing the Andes mountains and reaching heights of over 5,000 m (16,500 feet) above sea level, the trails connected the regions of the Inca empire from the northern provincial capital in Quito, Ecuador past the modern city of Santiago, Chile in the south.
Because the Incas did not make use of the wheel for transportation, and did not have horses until the arrival of the Spanish in Peru in the 16th century, the trails were used almost exclusively by people walking, sometimes accompanied by pack animals, usually the llama.
The trails were used by the Inca people as a means of relaying messages, carried via knotted-cord quipu and by memory; and for transporting goods.
By far the most popular of the Inca trails for trekking is the Capaq Nan trail, which leads from the village of Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. There are many well-preserved ruins along the way, and hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world make the three- or four-day trek each year, accompanied by guides.
The Classic Capaq Nan Trail (four-day trek)
Arriving at km82 we begin this challenging 42km walk. Your guide will also allow ample time to explain and explore the several ruins which line the trail. As the second day includes the highest point of the trail, it is physically, the most demanding. Be prepared for this tough trail and if you’re moderately fit, it will be achievable. We stop frequently to investigate the many ruins along the route, as well as pausing to take in the spectacular views which greet us along the way. However, on reaching 4200m you will realise an amazing sense of achievement.
Camping the final night close to our destination, we explore the Winay Winay ruins – a terraced hillside overlooking the valley below and a fantastic entrée to the ruins of Machu Picchu, the so-called "Lost City of the Incas".
Waking early, we complete the final part of the trek prior to dawn. Climbing the steps to the Sun Gate, we all hope for a sunny and clear day ahead. After we have had a guided tour the site, there is ample time to independently explore, before catching the train back to Cuzco this evening.
Tours that do the Inca trail are listed below -
| Alternatives to trekking the Inca Trail |
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 If you have always dreamed of trekking the Inca Trail be warned – the numbers are strictly controlled and the trail is periodically closed due to maintenance and/or inclement weather. So please book early!
If the Inca Trail is unavailable we will offer the Lares Trek as an alternative. With its breathtaking passes, glacial lakes and hot springs, this less crowded option, which also ends with a full day’s visit to Machu Picchu, is thought to be more spectacular and has more to offer than the Inca Trail (includes 2 nights camping, 1 night hotel – Aguas Calientes & comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu).
If you’re not one of these people and would rather set your weary head upon a comfy pillow than spend 2-3 days hiking either Trail, then why not spend those days in the relative comfort of your Cuzco Hotel? On the day before the group reaches Machu Picchu, you will travel by train to Aguas Calientes and overnight. The next morning we take the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance and rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins (includes 2 nights Cuzco, 1 night Aguas Calientes & comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu).
Please specify either preference when making your reservation. | | |
