Inca Trail Express

All content by Intrepid

7 days (ex Cuzco)

Destinations visited: Peru, Cuzco & The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,205

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Description

Travel to Peru to retrace the steps of the Inca, Peru's fascinating ancient civilisation. Follow the Inca traditions from Cuzco, through the fertile heartland of the Sacred Valley and to the magnificent Ollantaytambo ruins, before the ultimate adventure - trekking Machu Picchu. This action-filled express Peruvian tour gets you closer to the secrets of this elusive civilisation on a breathtaking adventure along the Inca Trail.

Highlights

Explore Cuzco's historic centre.
Speak Quechua with the Sacred Valley locals.
Trek the Inca trail.
which once linked this ancient empire.
See the sunrise over Machu Picchu .
Peruse Peru's colonial and Incan architecture.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cuzco

Welcome to Peru! Get acquainted with the intriguing blend of Inca and Spanish cultures and discover some of Cuzco's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour. Take the opportunity to taste unique mate de coca (coca tea).

Day 2 Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo

Travel through the lush Sacred Valley and visit a local community. Learn about their traditional lifestyle, browse handicrafts and pick up a few words of the Quechua language. Look out for the maize crops alongside the river and covering the terraces that stretch high up the valley walls. Spend the night exploring the Ollantaytambo ruins - a magnificent example of Inca urban planning.

Days 3-6 Inca Trail/Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Trek the Inca trail, which once linked this ancient Peruvian Empire. The ancient paths wind around mountains, across high, rocky plateaus, through dense cloud forest and past crumbling temple ruins. Climb over challenging mountain peaks - including the 4,198m high Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's Pass) - and camp out in the evenings. On the final morning, climb the steps to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, and see mystical Machu Picchu appearing through the mist. Rest for a moment to take it all in before descending to the famous site to spend the day uncovering the mystery of these amazing Inca ruins before returning to Cuzco.

Day 7 Cuzco

Still seeking adventure? An optional trip from Cuzco to the Urubamba River provides whitewater rafting or mountain-biking thrills. For those with weary legs, have lunch at the Aldea Yanapay Cafe, part of a self-sustainable organisation that provides the underprivileged kids of Cuzco with health and education facilities.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nts)

Budget

Allow USD $90 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,205

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