The Classic Inca Trail
The classic ‘Road of the Incas’ starting from Chilca and culminating at the Lost City of Machu Picchu.

The Inca ruins at Machu Picchu are a magnet which draw tourists from all over the world. Hidden from view until 1911 this ‘Lost City’ is one of the world’s great archeological jewels and one of South America’s most important travel destinations. Our new variation of this trek follows a little used trail designed to avoid the more crowded routes. From Peru’s lively capital city of Lima we take the short domestic flight south to Cusco (3350m). This ancient city was the Imperial capital of the Inca Empire which ruled a huge swathe of the Andes over four centuries ago. Here we can explore the fascinating ruins which date from both the Inca period and the Spanish colonial era which followed. We also explore the various Inca sites in the Sacred Valley.

From Cusco we travel up the valley of the Urubamba River to Chilca at the start of our trek. We hike through an idyllic landscape. Our route takes us across the famous ‘Dead Womans Pass’ from where the next three days are spent trekking to the fabled ‘lost’ city of Machu Picchu. Re-discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, the trek to the Lost City of the Incas is one of the world’s most famous walks. It culminates at the stone portal of Intipunku – the Gateway of the Sun – through which the ruins first appear.

This is a leisurely walking holiday along one of Peru’s classic trekking routes with visits to fascinating Inca ruins. It offers a colourful insight into Peruvian culture from all periods, and explores some of South America’s most enigmatic trails.

Grade
Moderate

Duration
12 days

DAY 1 Depart London
We depart from the UK early morning for our flight to Lima. We arrive into Lima in the evening and transfer to our city centre hotel.

DAY 2 Fly Cusco
After a very early breakfast we return to the airport and fly south to Cusco, the capital of the fabled Inca Empire. For the Incas the quechua word ‘Qosqo’ meant "navel of the world," and they believed their city was the source of life. We transfer to our central hotel with the remainder of the day free for sight seeing among the many fascinating Inca and Spanish colonial ruins. One place which should not be missed is the Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman which overlook the city.

DAY 3 Free in Cusco
We have a second free day for sight seeing in Cusco, which allows us to further acclimatise.

DAY 4 Sacred Valley Tour
We depart from our hotel after an early breakfast and pack all our gear for the Inca Trail, as we will not be returning until the end of the trip. We begin with a guided tour of the fascinating Sacred Valley. This is the collective name given to the various Inca sites in the Urubamba River Valley including the market and ruins at Pisac and the Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is one of the most impressive of the various Inca sites and is a worthy conclusion to an enjoyable day. We stay overnight at a small hotel in Ollanta.

DAY 5 Llactapata
After breakfast we continue by vehicle to the town of Chilca where the trek begins. We cross the Urubamba River by a bridge and then follow a trail along the left-hand bank of the Urubamba River, enjoying stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Veronica (5830m). Our destination today is the Inca archaeological remains at Llactapata where we camp.

DAY 6 Llulluchapampa
After breakfast and an early start, we continue through lush farmland and woodlands, as we gradually climb to the village of Wayllabamba (3000m). We have lunch here before embarking on a steep climb on Inca steps through Andean cloud forest to our campsite at Llulluchapampa.

DAY 7 Phuyupatamarca
From Llulluchapampa the trail climbs across open ground towards Abra de Huarmihuanusca, the 'Dead Woman's Pass' (4200m). This is the highest point on the trek and the high altitude will make every step hard work. During our ascent, we can appreciate the wide variety of plant, flower, and bird species supported by this unique eco-climate. Once we reach the pass, our challenge is rewarded by an astonishing panoramic view of the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges. From here we descend into the Pacaymayo river valley and at an altitude of 3600m. The trek then continues to the Runku Raccay Pass (4000m). From the crest of this pass we descend down a series of stone-built steps to the Inca town of Sayac Marca (3600m) where we have lunch. Beyond this we continue on a superbly paved Inca 'road', passing through fabulous cloud forest, to Phuyupatamarca (the Cloud-level Town) where we camp for the night.

DAY 8 Machu Picchu
Leaving Phuyupatamarca we descend gradually until we come to Winay Wayna. This is a fascinating and very well preserved Inca site with beautiful stone work and terracing. After exploring these ruins, we then continue to descend further through the forest, with views of the Urubamba River far below. Finally the path levels out and slowly begins a gradual ascent to Intipunku, or the Sun Gate, from where we get our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. We have a final section of path to follow which descends towards Machu Picchu, where we have lunch. The afternoon will then be free to explore the ruins. One excursion which should not be missed is the climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu, the peak which overlooks the ruins. Although fairly steep, there is a good path all the way to the summit and the 45 minute climb gives superb views of the Machu Picchu complex. In the evening we take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes and our overnight hotel accommodation.

DAY 9 Aguas Calientes to Cusco
In the morning we take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and from there we get picked up by our private vehicle and driven back to Cusco. We reach Cusco in the early afternoon and can look forward to dining out in one of Cusco’s many excellent restaurants.

DAY 10 Cusco
We have a free day in Cusco, allowing us to explore the many fascinating colonial and Inca ruins of the city. This will also allow time for souvenir shopping and relaxing at one of the many pleasant street cafes.

DAY 11 Depart Cusco
Early morning flight from Cusco back to Lima. On arrival in Lima we are met by our local guides and transfer to the city centre for lunch. We then have an escorted tour of the central part of Lima including the Cathedral and the Catacombs. In the evening we return back to the airport for the flight home.

DAY 12 Arrive London
We arrive into London Heathrow Airport in the afternoon.