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Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas lies to the west of the Sacred Valley, hidden away high among the peaks of the Andes. It’s the absolute highlight for every Peru traveller. You’ll probably only see Machu Picchu once in a lifetime, so you’d better make it something unforgettable.
Machu Picchu and the the Inca Trail route leading to it are under threat from their own popularity which is why the government and UNESCO have taken drastic measures to protect the ruins and the surrounding environment. For our Inca Trail holidays, we work exclusively with reliable partners that work actively to preserve the environment, the trail, the ruins and the local population (mainly porters).
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Inca Trail holidays and Machu Picchu treks
Suitable anyone in good physical health looking for a challenging trek with several nights camping en route. Due to increased government regulations to protect the Inca Trail and the ruins, the number of trekkers on the Inca Trail has been limited to 500 per day. The Inca Trail is the most popular and therefore busiest trek, especially in the summer months from June – September. Booking far in advance (minimum 4-6 months) is essential as permits are limited. The Lares and Salkantay trek are quieter Inca Trail holidays, but still give you a good taste of Inca history and rural Andean life and are an excellent alternative to the hugely popular Inca Trail.
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Duration:
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5 days / 4 nights
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Price:
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£399 per person (incl. Trail entrance fee) based on 2 people sharing.
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Departure:
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Daily, except February
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Route:
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Cuzco - Inca Trail - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
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The Classic Inca Trail is a 4 day trek with 3 nights camping en route. The Inca Trail is the most famous and by far the most popular trek in Southern America. Providing you’re relatively fit, the Trail is the best way to reach the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. After a night in Cuzco you’ll set off on the 41km trail along the ancient trading route of the Incas that leads to Machu Picchu, hidden away high in a remote, almost inaccessible spot high in the Andes.
Click here for more about our Classic Inca Trail trek.
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Duration:
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5 days / 4 nights
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Price:
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£413 per person - based on 2 people sharing
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Departure:
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Daily
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Route:
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Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley - Cuzco
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The Lares Trail is a 3 day trek with 2 nights camping en route. This trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. You’ll spend three days trekking through a spectacular scenery of mountain ranges, rugged rock formations and clear mountain lakes, passing authentic rural villages and herds of fluffy alpacas. If you’re in good physical condition and would like to experience the culture of the Andes up close, this moderate trek is a fantastic opportunity.
Click here for more about our Machu Picchu trek.
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Duration:
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4 days / 3 nights
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Price:
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£304 per person
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Departure:
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Daily
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Route:
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Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley - Cuzco
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Due to the huge popularity and limited space on the Inca Trail we went in search of some other treks that offer a similar Andean trekking experience. The 4 day Salkantay trek is one of the most popular alternatives, as the trek also ends in Aguas Calientes. The main difference with the Inca Trail is that you won’t pass many ruins on the way and you don’t reach Machu Picchu on foot. However, you will get spectacular scenery and as this trail is less known, you’ll be able to enjoy it without crowds of other trekkers. If you’re in good shape and prefer to steer off the beaten Inca Trail to get to Machu Picchu then this is a perfect choice. At 6291m, Salkantay is the second highest peak in the Cuzco area which means the trek is challenging.
Click here for more about our Salkantay Inca Trail holiday.
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2 day Inca Trail trek plus Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley
Trails and valleys
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Duration:
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4 days / 3 nights
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Price:
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£335 per person, including admission Trail
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Departure:
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Daily, except February
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Route:
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Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley - Cuzco
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Ardent trekkers will follow the four-day 33km Inca Trail up through the Andes to the lost city of Machu Picchu but there’s also this shorter, two-day alternative. You’ll skip the highest passes and only cover the less steep part of the Trail. That way you still get that real Andes trekking experience and spend the other two days exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas at your own pace. The villages in the valley have a very relaxed atmosphere and the temperatures are very mild. There’s no set itinerary for your two days in the Sacred Valley, so you decide what you want to see and do.
Click here for more about our two day Inca Trail trek.
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Duration:
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3 days / 2 nights
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Price:
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£230 per person
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Departure:
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Daily from April - October
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Route:
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Cuzco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cuzco vv
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The Ollanta Trek offers a short but fascinating insight into the Sacred Valley. You’ll go on a day trek in the countryside around Ollantaytambo and then visit Machu Picchu independently. A short alternative to the busy and more expensive Inca Trail without skipping the highlight.
From Cuzco you’ll travel to Ollantaytambo to explore the Sacred Valley on foot. The next day you’ll take the train to Machu Picchu where you can spend the day wandering among the ancient ruins of the Lost City. After a night in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes you’ll travel back to Cuzco.
Click here for more about this Andean trekking adventure.
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See the Sacred Valley in comfort, no trekking involved, with our following modules:
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Short trip to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley by private car
Sacred Valley drive
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Duration:
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3 days / 2 nights
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Price:
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£232 per person
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Departure:
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Daily
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Route:
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Cuzco - Sacred Valley - Cuzco
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In this Sacred Valley module you’ll be able to tour the valley by private car with driver. You can set your own pace and you can stop off at places that tourists rarely see. It’s a comfortable way to explore the area and you'll still visit Machu Picchu from Urubamba. You can also choose between rafting down the Urubamba river or off-road mountain biking. Unlike our other Inca Trail holidays, you’ll stay in one location. We’ve selected some unique accommodation here, in a previous monastery or a traditional hacienda. If you’d like to add a special touch to your stay here, then check out our eco lodge. This Inca Trail module is ideal if you’re looking for a base from which to explore the Sacred Valley on your own.
Click here for more about our Urubamba tour.
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Duration:
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4 days / 3 nights
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Price:
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£197 per person
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Departure:
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Daily
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Route:
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Cuzco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cuzco (or vice versa)
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If trekking up the mountains with a heavy backpack isn’t really your cup of tea but you still want to see Machu Picchu, this module is a good alternative to our treks. You’ll cover part of the route with a small group with guide and you can spend the other days as you please. From Cuzco you’ll visit the small market village of Pisac, the fort at Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes in the Sacred Valley and visit Machu Picchu independently. The focus is on local culture and plenty of time to relax. A varied Inca Trail holiday and Machu Picchu trip with a bit of everything at a relaxed pace.
Click here for more about our Machu Picchu train tour.
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