Trekking the Inca Trail: 5D/4N

G Adventures · 5 days

4.9

20 Reviews

Duration

5 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Peru's ancient Inca Trail is one of the country's most revered, yet challenging, treks to accomplish. Are you up for the challenge? This five-day tour gets you from Cusco to the jaw-dropping site of Machu Picchu, passing Inca ruins, stunning mountain vistas, and rambling rivers along the way.

Includes

Activities

Hotel night in Cusco
Inca Trail guided hike with cooks and porters (4 days)
Included foam sleeping mat and duffel for porters to carry personal items on the trek
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), camping (3 nts).

4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, train, hiking.

Group Leader

G Adventures Representative in Cusco, specialist Inca Trail CEO (Chief Experience Officer) on hike.

Highlights

Visit ancient Incan ruins
Porters carry the majority of gear
Climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca
Catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba
Walk through original Incan constructions
Wander the stunning ruins at Machu Picchu.

Trip Details

Duration

5 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, train, hiking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cusco, Peru

Finishes

Cusco, Peru

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Active, Budget

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco

Arrive to Cusco in time for a trekking briefing at 4pm at the G Adventures office.
Arrive early and spend some time exploring the city. Meet the group at the trekking briefing at 4pm and look for a welcome note at the hotel. See the Joining Instructions section of the tour details for more information.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - The adventure begins today. Feel free to explore, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Your G Representative will review the details of your tour.Accommodation - Hotel Prisma

Day 2: Cusco/Inca Trail

Depart Cusco by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.
Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.

A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you'll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get your blood pumping on this first day of hiking the Inca trail. The trekking is fairly easy and serves as good training for the next few days. Pass rambling rivers and a small village, and enjoy scenic mountain views; it’s just a taste of what’s to come.Accommodation - Campsite Wayllabamba

Day 3: Inca Trail

Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman's Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Trek over progressively spectacular and steeper terrain on your way to Warmiwañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769ft). Be prepared to face strong Andean weather (blazing sun or cold winds) around the pass. Take the hike slow, and drink lots of water along the way – amazing views are waiting as a reward. Enjoy some ample time to rest and relax after reaching the camp; most campers arrive around early afternoon.

Day 4: Inca Trail

Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.

At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Cross two passes and more ruins along the Inca Trail on the last full day of hiking. Traverse Runquraway at 3,950m (13,113 ft), and then reach the second pass at 3,700m (12,136 ft). Spot the gorgeous Cordillera Vilcabamba and the Urubamba Valley in the distance on a clear day. Camp at either the Phuyupatamarca ruins or the Wiñay Wayna ruins.

Day 5: Machu Picchu/Cusco

The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the site before returning to Cusco in the evening where the tour ends upon arrival.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Wake around 03:30 to reach the Sun Gate as early as possible. Head to the checkpoint and join the lineup to wait for the gate to open. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu (fingers crossed for a clear day). Hike down to Machu Picchu (about 45 mins) for a 1.5 hr guided tour of the site, and free time to explore. Catch the bus outside the Machu Picchu gate after your visit for a 25-min downhill ride to Aguas Calientes. Eat and relax before the train ride back to Cusco this evening.Activity - Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $1,329

(Tour only)

Per Person Standard

Duration: 5 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Jan 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Tracey C.

Traveled, June 2024

07/01/2024

This experience was life changing. My brother and I came away with an excellent taste of Peruvian culture and history. We ate like kings and were encouraged by our guides and crew along the way. Our safety and preparation was important; we were given ...

4.0

Kobie B.

Traveled, June 2024

06/26/2024

Please check my TikTok (@kobynoel) for glowing reviews and positive feedback. We would be honored to take another G Adventures tour in the near future. We were so happy with the Inca Trail Trek.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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