Search | About Us | Specials | Testimonials | Index
EcoAdventures
Hiking the Inca Trail
to Machu Picchu
10 Days from $1955


Itinerary
- Trek Comparisons
Departures All Year - Rates
Click here to print or download Inca Trail Trek 2023-2024 itinerary and rates. Opens in new window and requires Adobe Reader.Print/Download this page (343K PDF)
Click here to print or download Inca Trail Trek 2023-2024 detailed 5-day sample itinerary. Opens in new window and requires Adobe Reader.Detailed 5-day Trek Sample Itinerary Only (127K PDF)
PDFs open in new windows and require Adobe Reader
EcoAdventures Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu map

Classic Budget Trek 10 Days
Daily Departures
with 5 Days/3 Nights Trekking & Camping
& 1 Night Machu Picchu Hotel

Classic Regular Trek 10 Days
Daily Departures
with 5 Days/3 Nights Trekking & Camping
& 1 Night Machu Picchu Hotel

Classic Premium Trek 10 Days
Monday & Wednesday
(Arrive Lima Thursday or Saturday)
with 5 Days/3 Nights Trekking & Camping
& 1 Night Machu Picchu Hotel

Discovery Premium Trek 10 Days
Tuesday
(Arrive Lima Thurday)
with 5 Days/3 Nights Trekking & Camping
& 1 Night Machu Picchu Hotel


Selecting Your Inca Trail Trek

There are three categories of Inca Trail Trek (Budget, Regular & Premium), so compare the inclusions carefully when shopping for a trek. Also, when shopping for a trek, inquire to make certain that the operator adheres to the guidelines established by the Porters Law and Regulations. There are major differences between the Budget trek and the Regular and Premium treks. Most notably, the Budget treks have daily departures, and the treks are operated on a pooling basis jointly with other companies in service rotation. Travelers may think they are booking with Operator A, but the trek might ultimately be operated by tour Operator B. The Budget trek operators do not adhere to the Porters Law and Regulations; however, they are economical. The Regular and Premium trek operators take careful measures to assure they minimize the ecological and social impact of the treks, and they adhere to the Porters Law and Regulations. These steps protect the environment and the workers, and at the same time increase the quality of the experience for the traveler. All companies must pay legal taxes (19% IGV or consumption tax) on all services contributing to the country’s growth and development. There are many tour operators who do not pay taxes and do not declare their sales or most of their earnings. You might see some programs in which the passengers are asked to bring an additional $200-$300 in cash to be paid directly to the operator in Cuzco. Be advised that this is an illegal practice, and the traveler who complies can be held equally liable under the law! For this reason, we encourage potential travelers to choose their trek wisely and carefully, and not base their choices solely on price.

Inca Trail Trek Comparisons
 
Classic Budget
Classic Regular
Classic Premium
Discovery Premium****
Departures
Daily
Daily
MON & WED
TUE
Adhere to the Porters Law & Regulations?
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Minimum Group Size to Guarantee Departure
5
2
2
2
Maximum Group Size
16
12
12
12
Meals
3 per day
3 per day
+ snacks & tea*
3 per day
+ snacks & tea*
3 per day
+ snacks & tea*
Equipment
Classic Budget
Classic Regular
Classic Premium
Discovery Premium****
Tents
Eureka
Northface
Northface
Northface
Bathroom Tents
No
Only where no
public toilets
Yes
Yes
Dining Tents, Tables & Chairs
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cooking Tent
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Porters for Personal Pack
No**
No**
Yes***
Yes***
Guides
Operate from a pool
Hand-selected
& highly-paid
Hand-selected
& highly-paid
Hand-selected
& highly-paid
Train from Machu Picchu to Cuzco
Expedition
VistaDome
VistaDome
VistaDome
*These treks have one of the best meal service in the area: the chefs have been trained by several institutes in Lima, Cuzco and also by chefs coming from the New York Culinary Institute. They have learned the HACCP method and their operation ensures maximum hygiene. Above all, be prepared to not only have a superb trekking experience but also a culinary one, including generous and delicious breakfasts, snacks, lunches, tea services and dinners that can be adapted to your very specific requests. The menus include a variety of Peruvian and international food and also cater for vegetarian, vegan and special dietary requests (Atkins, Gluten-free, etc.), all at no extra cost. Only all natural ingredients are taken on the trail and all meals are prepared at the camping site. No pre-prepared or processed food is allowed.
**Porters can be hired for an additional $95 per person fee
***Our operator adheres strictly to the Porters Law & Regulations. No porters or horsemen are employed below the age of 18, They are limited to a maximum of 44 pounds. They are provided with high-quality footware, back braces, foul weather clothing, their own sleeping tents, mat and sleeping bags, health and disability insurance, and are paid 80% over the minimum required wage.
****Discovery Premium Trek: 4 Days/3 Nights Camping + 1 Night Machu Picchu. Suggested for travelers who wish to trek at a slower pace (6 hours a day with breaks.)
The Discovery Premium Trek allows travelers time to explore and enjoy the amazing archaeological sites, landscapes and nature along the way. The pace is slower (6 hours trekking per day). It is the same number of nights on the trail with fewer hours of hiking each day, and different camp sites. Therefore, instead of arriving at Machu Picchu early on Day 4 of the trek, participants arrive Machu Picchu late on Day 4 and go straight to their selected hotel. The tour of Machu Picchu is scheduled for the morning of Day 5, with a late afternoon train back to Cuzco.

Important Note: For the adventurous, the trek to Machu Picchu is an exhilarating experience filled with incredible views of the Andes. You will never forget camping at remote Inca tambos (way stations) and walking on the same trail as Inca messengers did centuries ago. Retrace the steps of the Inca on the Inca Trail.The extremely high altitudes of the trek (Cuzco at 11,300 ft. and one pass at over 13,500 ft.) make preparation an imperative, which is why we include three nights in Cuzco for acclimation prior to the trek. Approach Machu Picchu from the Royal Gate overlooking the citadel just as Incas did centuries ago.This extra time in Cuzco is sufficient for most people and considered a minimum, unless you live at 5,000 feet altitude or more. There are important factors to consider if you are contemplating an Inca Trail Trek, such as age and overall fitness. You should also prepare at least one month in advance with a regimen of rigorous hiking for five miles three times a week. However, none of these factors hasten acclimatization. Only time matters. As a general rule, you need one day for each 1,000 feet over 10,000 feet altitude. Without this, the result is soroche, or altitude sickness, which causes mild to severe flu-like symptoms and can ruin your trip. After proper acclimatization, people are thrilled as they complete the final steps of the trek, enter the Royal Gate at the very top of Machu Picchu, and marvel at the grandeur of the sacred site below.

Itinerary

Llactapata ruins along the Inca TrailDay 1: Arrive Lima Start your adventure into the Land of the Incas.
Day 2: Lima to Cuzco Early morning flight to Cuzco and transfer to your choice of hotel in downtown Cuzco. Balance of the day free to adjust to an altitude of over 11,000 feet. Take it easy! (B)
Day 3:
Cuzco Tour This afternoon take a motorcoach tour of colonial Cuzco, including the Temple of the Sun, Cathedral and Plaza de Armas. Visit Koricancha, the Inca Sun Temple, and see how the church was built right on top of the intact temple. Next, ascend the hills surrounding Cuzco to visit the Inca ruins of K'Kenko, Pucapucara, Tambo Machay and the great stone fortress, Sacsayhuaman. (B)
Follow the Inca Trail to the ridge-top ruins of SayaqmarkaDay 4: In Cuzco
Another full day in Cuzco to acclimate before you commence your Inca Trail Trek. (B)
Day 5: Cuzco to Huayllabamba - The Trek Begins! Morning pick up at your Cuzco hotel and transfer by bus to the trailhead at Chillca, on the Vilcanota River. Hike along the Vilcanota River beneath the impressive snow-capped Nevado Veronica through cactus gardens and fields of corn tothe enormous Inca ruins of Llactapata. Continue up a side valley to camp in the hamlet of Huayllabamba. 12 kms., 7 hours of hiking. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Huayllabamba to Paqaymayo This will be the most strenuous day of hiking. Baby AlpacaClimb through steep fields and forest, then emerge above the tree line to reach Warmiwanusqa Pass (13,776 feet). Enjoy magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks of the Huaynay Range and Inca ruins, then descend to camp in the valley. 11 kms., 8 hours of hiking. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Paqaymayo to Wynaywayna You will cross a second pass (12,661 feet) and follow a fine Inca road (left) down to the exquisite ridge-top ruins of Sayaqmarka. Further on, pass through a tunnel amid luxuriant cloud forest vegetation. Camp at superb ruins overlooking the Vilcanota River far below. 15 kms., 8 hours of hiking. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Arrive Machu Picchu This will be the easiest day with only six kms. and two hours of hiking before reaching Machu Picchu.The Royal Road descends steeply through an orchid-laden cloud forest. The final stretch of the trail approaches Machu Picchu from the back of the mountain. You will enter Machu Picchu in the early afternoon from the original gate at the top of the ruins, just as the Incas did centuries ago! You'll have the day to The village of Aguas Calientestour the Lost City of the Incas with your guide. Overnight at the Standard and First Class hotels will be in the village of Aguas Calientes at the base of the ruins.Explore the mysteries of incomparable Machu Picchu Deluxe category overnight will be at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, just at the ruins. NOTE: Dinner and lunch the following day are also included for those staying at the Sanctuary Lodge. (B, L)
Day 9: Machu Picchu to Cuzco You have almost another full day to hike in and around Machu Picchu before your afternoon train departure for Cuzco. Transfer to your selected hotel in Cuzco.
NOTE: Bus transfers from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and admission to the ruins are NOT included this day. (B)
Day 10: Cuzco to Lima Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima. Meeting service and transfer to your hotel. (B)
Day 11: Homeward Bound All good things must come to an end but you can extend this one! Book a trip to the Amazon Jungle or an excursion to see the archaeological wonders of the northern or southern desert oases of Peru, such as the Lord of Sipan or the mysterious lines and drawings of the Plains of Nazca. Travel by train to Puno on Lake Titicaca, then by boat across Lake Titicaca, with special overnights on Sun Island and Huatajata, ending with two nights in La Paz.

Tour Rates Per Person
One-way airfare Lima/Cuzco is included in the rate and is subject to change without notice. The return airfare from Cuzco to Lima is not included. Airfares from/to North America are not included. Call 800-326-5025 for airfares from major US cities.

Hotel Category
Tour Rates Per Person
Tour with Classic Trek*
Year
Dbl
Sgl
Cuzco Woman & Llama
Cuzco Woman & Llama
in front of Cuzco church
Tourist Class* (Budget Trek)**
2023
$1955
$2689
2024
2170
2985
First Class (Classic Trek)***
2023
$2530
$4575
2024
2800
5080
Superior First Class (Classic Trek)***
2023
$2670
$4896
2024
2960
5440
Deluxe Class (Classic Trek)***
2023
$2750
$4929
2024
2999
5475
Deluxe Class – Upgrade to JW Marriott Cuzco (Deluxe room Lima/Classic Inka room Cuzco)
2023
$90
$180
2024
100
200
Deluxe Class Plus****4 - Belmond Hotels (Classic Trek)
2023
$3870
$7179
2024
4298
7970
Deluxe Class Plus - Belmond Hotels
Upgrade to Palacio Nazarenas, Cuzco (Jr. Room)
2023
$90
$180
2024
100
200
Deluxe Class Plus - Belmond Hotels
Upgrade for Patio room at Sanctuary Lodge
2023
$159
$319
Cuzco street with Ancient Inca foundation walls
Cuzco street with
Ancient Inca foundation walls
2024
177
353
Deluxe Class Plus - Belmond Hotels
Upgrade for Terrace room at Sanctuary Lodge
2023
$334
$669
2024
370
740
Supplement for Porters on Budget Trek
2023
$98
n/a
2024
110
n/a
Supplement for Porters on Classic Trek
Single tent is not available on Classic Trek
2023
$120
n/a
2024
130
n/a
*First Class, Superior First Class, Deluxe & Deluxe Plus:
Deduct for Budget Trek.
Supplement for Single tent on trek is NOT available
2023
$150
n/a
2024
*Supplement for Premium Classic Trek in all other categories (porters are included)
*Supplement for Single tent on trek is NOT included
2023
$680
n/a
2024
$750
n/a
*Supplement for Discovery Trek in all other categories (porters are NOT included)
2023
$940
n/a
2024
1045
n/a
*Supplement for Discovery Premium Trek in all other categories (porters are included - private trek only)
2023
$3500
n/a
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
2024
3898
n/a
*Supplement for porters Discovery Trek
2023
$130
n/a
2024
130
n/a
Upgrade to private guide services in Cuzco
2023
$65
$152
2024
68
169
Upgrade to Hiram Bingham Train (One-way from Machu Picchu to Cuzco. Does not operate on Sunday.)
2023-24
$462
n/a
2nd Day admission to Machu Picchu
2023-24
$75
2nd Day transfer to Machu Picchu
2023-24
$46
Supplement for Huayna Picchu Hike
2023-24
$14


Suggested Airfare:
The airfare LIMA/CUZCO/LIMA or vice-versa is NOT included and may vary from $260 per person to $450 per person depending on availability of space.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Airfare quotes are subject to confirmation in the inventory required for the quote. Inventory is limited and airfares quoted are subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed until tickets are issued.

Rates subject to change without notice.

**In Tourist Class, the Budget Trek and Expedition Train are quoted. In First Class and Deluxe categories, the Classic Regular Trek and the VistaDome Train are quoted.

***In the First Class, Deluxe and Deluxe Plus categories dinner is included at the selected Machu Picchu hotel.

****In the Deluxe Plus category, lunch and dinner are included at the Sanctuary Lodge.


Hotels in Category
City
Tourist Class
First Class
Superior First Class
Deluxe Class
Deluxe Plus Class
Lima
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Pueblo
Superior room (MAP)
Machu Picchu Pueblo
Superior Dlx room (MAP)
or Sumaq Superior Dlx
Riverview room (MAP)
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Standard (FAP)
Cuzco