24/7 support
No card fees

Excellent

Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

7 days

Hike the world famous Inca Trail in Peru, taking you along a sacred pilgrimage path followed by the Inca emperors, to reach magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This remarkable four-day trek takes in ancient Incan ruins, breathtaking cloud forests and rugged mountains. Starting and ending in Cusco, this 7 day tour will also give you free time to explore the amazing city of Cusco and acclimatise to the altitude.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

7 days

Starts

Cusco

Ends

Cusco

Range

Active

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a local guide on the trek

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 16

Minimum age

7 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Weekly

Hotel Rating

4 star hotel & camping

Countries

Peru

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 5, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3

Physical Rating

Heart-Pumping

Tour Pace

Fast
1
of 2 pages
Per Person From
€1,825.00
Deposit From
Final payment
€1,095.00
€2,555.00

Tour Highlights

Inca Trail - Hike this spectacular 44km trail which crosses three stunning high passes and weaves between many ancient archaeological sites, culminating at the famous Lost City of the Incas
Machu Picchu – Trek to the spectacular Inca citadel and marvel at the legendary Lost City of the Incas
Winay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca - Explore the ancient Inca ruins
Cusco – Explore the captivating ancient capital of the Inca Empire at leisure

Included

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day (if you would like vegetarian food or have a special diet, please let us know in advance)
3 Nights 4 star hotel in Cusco and 3 nights camping on the Inca trail trek in 2-man tents
Airport transfers on day 1 and day 7
4 day Inca Trail Trek - all camping and cooking equipment is provided, apart from your sleeping bag which can be hired locally
Escorted by a bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) specialist local guide on the trek, with an assistant guide for groups of 9 or more
Inca Trail Trek Permit and entrance to Machu Picchu
Chef, assistant cook and porters on the trek
Guided tour of Machu Picchu with a bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) local guide
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Caliente
Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
All relevant transfers and transportation
First aid kit
Water on the trek (you need to bring water for the first morning then we will provide purified water)
Note: This tour is operated by a trusted local partner and you will join travellers who booked through different operators, not solely On The Go Tours

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - refer to the Tipping paragraph in the Trip Notes for further information
Sleeping bag - can be hired locally
Evacuation: in the event of a serious medical injury, we will coordinate with your travel insurance company to arrange evacuation.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Peru!

Upon our arrival in Cusco, you'll be transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the historic capital of the Inca Empire, nestled in the breath-taking Andes Mountains. Stroll around the cobbled streets, discover Spanish churches and mansions that sit alongside Inca remains and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. The city also offers a wonderful range of restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 2 - Free time in Cusco

After breakfast the day is free for you to explore Cusco at you own pace. Known as the heart of the Inca Empire and holding the title of the foremost archaeological capital in the Americas, it's also the oldest inhabited city on the continent.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Inca Trail Trek begins

Today our four-day Inca Trail adventure begins! It's an early start for our transfer to KM82 where the trail begins. After completing entry formalities, the hike begins at 2,720 m (8,923 ft), crossing the Vilcanota River and entering the cloud forest. Along the way, we see the Inca fortress Huillca Raccay and the vast Patallacta ruins, where lunch is served.Our trek continues through stunning Andean scenery, with views of the Urubamba mountain range and the snow-capped peak W'akay Willca (Veronica). After six to seven hours of hiking, we camp near the village of Wayllabamba, where we camp at 3,000 m (9,842 ft), enjoy dinner, and rest for the night. Temperatures can drop to around 5°C, but sleeping bags provide warmth for a good night's sleep.

Overnight: Inca Trail (camping)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Trek to Dead Woman's Pass

We start early at 5:30 a.m. with a hearty breakfast, preparing for what is known as the toughest day of the Inca Trail. Our trek today starts with a steep ascent toward the sacred Apus, where the mountain spirits dwell. After a few hours, we reach the highest point, Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,200 m (13,779 ft), a challenging but rewarding trek. After resting and taking in the stunning views, we descend to Pacaymayu at 3,550 m (11,646 ft) for lunch, spotting hummingbirds and native plants along the way. In the afternoon, we hike another steep ascent to Runkurakay pass (4,000 m), where we set up camp for the night, feeling tired but accomplished.

Overnight: Inca Trail (camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Trek to Winay Wayna

After breakfast, we begin a gentle uphill trek to Phuyupatamarca, "The City Above the Clouds," at 3,680 m, where we admire its terraced slopes and stone baths, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Salkantay and Veronica. We continue along a series of over 1,000 Inca steps, descending through the cloud forest to the agricultural site of Intipata. After 4-5 hours of trekking, we reach our campsite at Winay Wayna by lunchtime. After lunch, we explore the Winay Wayna ruins, known for their terraces and baths, before resting at camp in preparation for the final day at Machu Picchu.

Overnight: Inca Trail (camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Machu Picchu

The final day of our Inca Trail adventure begins early at 4:30 a.m., as we set off in the dark for the last stretch of the trail. After a 1.5-hour hike, we arrive at Intipunku (the "Sun Gate") just in time to witness the sun’s first rays slowly illuminate the breathtaking Machu Picchu. It’s a magical moment as the ancient city is revealed before us! We then head to Machu Picchu for a fascinating 2-hour guided tour of the magnificent citadel. Finally, we descend to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved lunch before taking the train back to Cusco, celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey!

Optional Activity: Wayna Picchu There is time for those with enough energy to climb Wayna (Huayna) Picchu (at your own expense). Wayna Picchu is the mountain behind Machu Picchu. The climb itself is interesting as you will see how the Inca cut some steps out of the rocks and as you wind around the side of a mountain will see Machu Picchu from different angles. Please note that this option depends on permit availability and should be arranged at the time of booking.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Cusco

Today our incredible adventure comes to an end and you'll be transferred to Cusco airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Jose Antonio Hotel
Cusco

This charming and comfortable 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Cusco, just a short walk from the historic centre and main attractions. Combining modern amenities with traditional Peruvian touches, the hotel offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and cosy decor, providing a perfect retreat after exploring the wonders of the city. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, relax at the bar or spa, and take advantage of its convenient location near restaurants, shops, and the famous Plaza de Armas. With its warm hospitality and excellent service, José Antonio Hotel ensures a comfortable and memorable stay in Cusco.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Twin/Double prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room and tent. Single prices are applicable to all solo travellers who will have the privacy of their own room and tent on the trek. Please note: a supplement may apply to bookings made within 3 months of departure, if there are fewer than 6 people on the trek. Our reservations team will advise at time of booking.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
1 Jan - 7 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
3 Jan - 9 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
4 Jan - 10 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
6 Jan - 12 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
8 Jan - 14 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
10 Jan - 16 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
11 Jan - 17 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
13 Jan - 19 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
2026
Twin/Double
Single
2 Jan - 8 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
3 Jan - 9 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
5 Jan - 11 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
7 Jan - 13 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
9 Jan - 15 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
10 Jan - 16 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
12 Jan - 18 Jan
€1,825
€2,185
14 Jan - 20 Jan
€1,825
€2,185

Similar Tours

Explore more exciting tours in Peru to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

4.4 out of 5 based on 277 reviews