Discover Peru's contrasting landscapes, as shaped by ancient civilisations
This tour combines the best-known trek in the Americas with a taste of Peru's diverse landscapes and cultures. Lake Titicaca’s waters lie adorned with floating reed islands inhabited by indigenous groups, while the barren coastal deserts and their mysterious lines of ancient Nazca civilisations continue to fascinate visitors. Cuzco is the ideal base for archaeological discovery and for embarking on the spectacular Inca Trail trek to the imposing citadel of Machu Picchu.
Highlights
Walk the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Free time to explore the old Inca capital, Cuzco
See the Nazca Lines in the coastal desert
Travel through the imposing Apurimac Valley
Traditional Taquile Island and the floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca
Alternative remote Moonstone Trek or One Day Inca Trail Option available when permits have sold out
Key Information
11 nights hotels and 3 nights full-service camping
4 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
Altitude maximum 4215m, average 3050m
Travel by private bus, train, boat and 1 internal flight
7kg personal weight limit on trek
Countries visited: Peru
What's Included
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
11 nights hotels and 3 nights full-service camping
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Arrival and departure transfers
Full porterage throughout trek
Exodus kitbag
Inflatable sleeping mat while camping
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Sleeping bag (hire locally from US$20)
4Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Approximately 5-6 hours' walking per day.
Terrain:
High altitude; good paths, lots of steps
Day 7
11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 8
10 km / 6.2 miles
Day 9
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 10
9 km / 5.6 miles
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
The porters we work with are not directly employed by our local partner, but we work with the same communities each year; they are fairly paid and we also supply uniforms, walking shoes and provide safe transport and community support for them. Our trek manager is a leading figure and consultant for the Porters' Federation, which campaigns for the fair treatment of porters in the region.
We’re passionate about the welfare of our punctilious porters. Alongside setting the golden standard for fair treatment, we've taken the next step with our pioneering Porter Project. In Peru, despite trekking the Inca Trail numerous times, most porters never have the opportunity to visit the stunning ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. We’ve taken the initiative to fix this and in 2018 started a project to ensure each of our porters has the opportunity to experience an important part of their own cultural heritage. We can now proudly say that over 164 porters have been involved this project, and our mini-documentary ‘Carried Away’ about our porters, has helped raise awareness of the awesome job these porters do.
The free day in Cuzco is a good chance to visit Café Manos Unidas, the first vocational training site for young adults with disabilities in Cusco, creating employment opportunities for youth in their own community. In 2018, Exodus funded £5,000 where during the first three months of operation has directly benefitted 15 youths as well as 52 other community members indirectly.
Funded by the Community Kickstart Project, our operator is working with Medlife to deliver emergency food parcels to the households of porters and other staff members who have continuously worked hard to guide our clients along the iconic Inca Trail.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
Trekking trips have little detrimental impact on the environment and our entrance fees for the archaeological sites, museums and churches we visit, including Machu Picchu, help support their maintenance, restoration and upkeep.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.
We operate a zero-impact policy on the Inca Trail removing all waste from campsites and separating it so that it can be easily recycled or composted. This ensures no rubbish or plastic is left behind in the places we visit.
Our local operator has been certified and verified by Rainforest Alliance since 2015.
Our Animal Welfare Policy ensures all our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regards to working animals and wildlife viewing.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Through our Planet Promise, we have pledged to halve the carbon footprint of our trips by 2030 and made rewilding and carbon compensation commitments for every customer who travels.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Vegetarian options are available at majority of accommodation and restaurants.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
What happens when one Irishman takes on the Inca Trail – as a porter?! In 2016, Jarlath McHale took on Peru’s most famous trek, the Inca Trail. In 2017, he went back to complete the same four day route – but this time as one of the porters who so inspired him first time round. Filmed and edited by our own videographer.
Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel. You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. There will be a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held.
Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)
Arrive Lima.
Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel. You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. There will be a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held.
Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)
Day 2
Drive south to Paracas and tour the Ballestas Islands; on to Ica.
We set off very early this morning (around 05.30am) and drive south from Lima until we reach the port of Paracas (4-5 hours' drive). Here we take a boat to the Ballestas islands, a national park that contains one of the highest concentrations of marine birds in the world. There are Sea lions, numerous species of birds and the Paracas Candelabra, a curious pre-Inca design on the hillside, only recognisable from the sea. The boat trip lasts around 2 hours, and once we're back on dry land we drive for around an hour to Ica, in the heart of Peru's wine-growing region. At the Huacachina oasis just outside Ica, there are high sand dunes where we may have time to try 'sand-surfing' (optional).
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Jazmin (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3
To Nazca; Nazca Lines viewing platforms; optional scenic flight.
We arrive at Nazca in the afternoon with time to visit the viewing platforms close to the Nazca Lines. These are one of the world's great archaeological mysteries, consisting of enormous drawings and patterns etched in the desert sand. Afterwards, for those who wish there is the chance to do a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (optional).
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4
Head high into the Andes to Abancay.
We turn inland from the coastal desert, climbing high into the Andes on today's long (11-12 hrs) but spectacular drive. Vicuñas (a smaller wild relative of the llama) can be seen along this road, as this area is Peru's largest vicuña reserve. Flamingos are usually sighted at high Andean lakes near the road. This region has only recently become easily accessible to tourists due to an upgrade of the Abancay/Chalhuanca road. The altitude here can make physical exertion difficult (the highest point we reach today is Negro Mayu at approx. 4600m). It is recommended to rest in the evening after the 12-hour drive. We overnight in Abancay on the road to Cuzco.
Accommodation: Hotel de Turistas Abancay (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5
Continue to Cuzco (3400m); afternoon free to acclimatise.
We set off towards Cuzco this morning, stopping en route to visit the unique Inca Saywite stone and Tarawasi ruins. The glaciated summits of the Vilcabamba Mountain range and the descent into the Apurimac River valley demonstrate the dramatic contrasts of the Andes Mountains, and we should expect stunning scenery throughout today's 5-6 hour drive.
Accommodation: Inkarri Cusco (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Free day in Cuzco to explore the many Inca ruins and Spanish churches.
The city has a multitude of attractions in and around the city, both active and historical, and today is free to explore the city and its surroundings. An optional visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Pisac ruins is available, as is the option to try paddle-boarding on a high altitude lake on the plateau just outside the city.
Accommodation: Inkarri Cusco (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7
Start Inca Trail trek from km82; walk along Urubamba River, climb to Huayllabamba.
The Classic Inca Trail is a tangential branch part of a 45,000km road network linking the whole empire to Cuzco. It was built in the 15th Century to reach Machu Picchu but was abandoned soon after the Spanish conquest. American adventurer, Hiram Bingham travelled along the trail when he came across Machu Picchu in 1911. The trail opened to the public in 1970.
We leave Cuzco early and drive for roughly two hours to Ollantaytambo; our last chance to buy any items needed for the trek. From here we veer off the road and follow a track beside the river (45 minutes) to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, commonly known as Km82. After greeting our trekking crew, we show our passports at the checkpoint and begin the Inca Trail trek. The trail runs alongside the Vilcanota River beneath the impressive snow-capped Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and fields of corn until we reach the enormous Inca ruins of Llactapata, where we continue up a side valley to camp near the hamlet of Huayllabamba.
Cross Dead Woman's Pass (4215m), then descend to Pacaymayu.
This is the longest and most strenuous day. A long climb (largely up stone staircases) takes us first through an area of cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then over the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's) pass, at 4215m the highest point on the trek. After quite a long, steep descent we camp in the scenic valley of the Pacamayo River (3600m).
Over Runquracay Pass (3800m) to ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca.
We start the day with an easier climb which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (3930m). From now on the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined path made of flat boulders. We pass the ruins of Sayacmarca and suddenly enter rainforest; at one point the trail passes through an Inca tunnel. We camp at a spectacular campsite on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (3680m) to benefit from the views of sunset and sunrise.
Walk down Inca steps to Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.
From the ridge, we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a two kilometre stone staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming immensity, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above, and the river thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, we have an undulating walk through cloud forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu itself, with Huayna Picchu rising behind.
Traditionally busy with groups of trekkers clamouring for photos, we plan our arrival at Inti Punku later in the day so we can enjoy unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. Whilst most groups choose to visit Machu Picchu today, we'll pass around the edge of the ruins and exit the site, descending to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned rest, a shower and a comfortable bed for the night. Our trekking permits allow us one entry into the site, which we use for our tour tomorrow when we are refreshed and more able to enjoy it.
We will be reunited with those who have been on the Moonstone Trek or the Train Option at the hotel this afternoon.
Walk Profile: approx. 9km / 6-7hrs walking
Accommodation: Terraza de la Luna / Inti Punku Machu Picchu (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11
Guided tour of Machu Picchu; return to Cuzco by train and by road.
In order to beat the day-trippers arriving from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible, a very early start is required to queue for Machu Picchu; only government-registered buses can make the 30-minute drive up the winding road to the site entrance and during high season (May-October) queues can be long.
Machu Picchu is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world and what makes it all the more dramatic is its mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham.
New regulations for visiting Machu Picchu are now fully enforced; of the three possible visiting slots, we will purchase the morning slot from 06:00 until 12:00 (unless unavailable), you will be limited to a maximum of four hours within the site and must be accompanied by a guide. There will also be three set routes to follow around Machu Picchu; Exodus selects the most comprehensive route.
We catch an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30 mins) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (2hrs 30 mins).
Accommodation: Inkarri Cusco (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12
Drive across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca (3800m), visiting Inca sites en route.
Today we travel for 10 hours by private coach along the Vilcanota River and onto the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungle. Although it is quite a long drive, it is interesting and often spectacular. There are scheduled stops at interesting sites along the route to help break up the day and all along the route we get a feeling for the immensity of the Andean landscapes. A packed lunch is included today. This afternoon we arrive into Puno (3800m) on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Accommodation: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13
Day trip to floating reed islands of Uros and Taquile.
A full day on the lake today as we visit both the island of Taquile and the floating islands of the Uros Indians.
First, we take a boat to the floating island of Uros. The Uros have been living on rafts of reeds for centuries, and although many have now moved to the mainland there are still a couple of thousand who remain on the islands which are anchored close to Puno. A reasonable amount of their income is now provided by strictly regulated tourism, but they also still fish the lake and engage in barter with communities on the mainland in order to obtain essential daily items.
Afterwards, we continue on to Taquile Island, home to a community known for their remarkable weaving and traditional lifestyle. The panoramic views of the lake from the island are incredible, and it is often possible to see the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance. There is the option to eat lunch on the island, before we return to Puno.
Accommodation: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14
Transfer to Juliaca; fly to Lima.
Today we transfer approximately 1 hour to Juliaca Airport and in the afternoon fly back to Lima. In the evening there is the chance to go for a final meal together at one of the local restaurants (at own expense).
Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 15
End Lima.
The tour ends after breakfast today.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Lima.
The morning is free, and the overnight group flights usually depart around lunch time or in the early afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive London.
The group flights arrive into London this afternoon.
Extend Your Trip
Amazon Rainforest extension (Pre-tour, from Lima)
Easily accessible via a short flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima, the Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world and home to an astonishing array of wildlife and plant species. Spending three nights at a lodge in the incredibly rich Tambopata Reserve, we use motorised canoes to explore lakes and rivers, and follow jungle trails to explore dense forests. The detailed itinerary can be found here. Please ask your sales representative for more details.
Price from: £759 (compulsory supplement of approximately £190 for single travellers)
Post-trip Extensions
Amazon Rainforest extension (Post-tour, from Lima)
Easily accessible via a short flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima, the Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world and home to an astonishing array of wildlife and plant species. Spending three nights at a lodge in the incredibly rich Tambopata Reserve, we use motorised canoes to explore lakes and rivers, and follow jungle trails to explore dense forests. The detailed itinerary can be found here. Please ask your sales consultant for more details.
Price from: £759 (compulsory supplement of approximately £190 for single travellers)
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Peru. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, tuberculosis and yellow fever. Additionally, Zika fever, a mosquito‐borne viral disease, is a known risk in Peru. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so you should take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Amazon: If you are travelling to the Tambopata reserve in the Amazon rainforest, the risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice. We also strongly recommend that you obtain a yellow fever vaccination. Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in the Amazon region. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Eating and Drinking
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners are included in the price of the tour.
Peruvian cuisine has developed a reputation for its flavours and originality and it’s well worth trying out a few of the local delicacies. Amongst these are ceviche (a spicy dish of seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry) and various hearty soups such as the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig), alpaca steak, and to drink, the national beverage: Pisco Sour.
Drinking water is provided. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink; boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your leader will buy large water containers for you to refill your bottle from.
Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffet-style affairs, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dish, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that wheat/gluten-free products will be available for breakfast in all locations - if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food.
Where lunch and dinner are not included we'll visit a variety of cafes and restaurants.
During the Inca Trail hearty breakfasts are served and good quality cooked lunches and dinners are provided, and usually consist of soup or a starter, a main course with meat/fish and some form of carbohydrates, followed by a dessert. Some snacks between meals are also provided. Drinking water (boiled and filtered) is provided in the mornings and at lunch during the trek so that you can refill your bottles. Bed tea/coffee is brought to your tent each morning and juice or hot drinks are provided with all meals during the trek.
Weather
Peru's diverse geography results in a very varied climate between different regions.
Lima, Ica and Nazca fall within the coastal desert region of Peru, with a mild climate and very little rain all year. From April to November the sky is almost always grey and cloudy and the air humid. Average daytime temperatures in Lima remain between about 18 and 24 degrees Celsius during this period, with July and August typically being the coolest. Nights are also mild - typically 15-18 degrees Celsius. From December to March the skies in Lima are clear and temperatures at their warmest but elsewhere in the country this is the rainy season.
Cuzco and the Andes have a temperate climate. December to March is the rainy season in Cuzco/the Andes and April to November is the dry season; characterised by clear skies and strong sunshine in the mornings, sometimes clouding over as the day progresses. Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant (approx. 20 degrees C on average) but night times only 5-10 degrees C, except for May, June, July and August when days are cooler and nights are often close to, or a few degrees below, freezing. In the Andes, however, anything is possible at any time of year, including cloud, rain or even snow, and rapid and unexpected changes!
Lake Titicaca is high, lying at 3,800m above sea level, and at this altitude the sun is strong but the air can be cold, and nights can be close to freezing. You will need to bring some warm layers and a waterproof or wind-stopper.
Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are in the cloud forest and as such attract large amounts of precipitation all year as clouds move up from the Amazon Basin. Rain here can be heavy but is seldom prolonged. Cold fronts sometimes occur from July-August.
Peru is affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon whereby warming of Pacific Ocean surface water off South America drives a shift in the atmospheric circulation resulting in abnormally high levels of rainfall over parts of South America. These events occur at irregular intervals of two to seven years, and last nine months to two years. A strong El Niño event occurred in 2014-16. In El Niño years, temperatures in Lima can be much warmer than described above but it still rarely rains in Lima.
Weather Charts
Cuzco, Peru
Is this trip for you?
You should be aware that the size of Peru means that this trip involves some long drives and you should be prepared for this. The buses used are comfortable and the scenery is outstanding. There will be several stops along the way to help break up the long journeys. The road between Nazca and Cuzco involves long descents and ascents on winding mountain roads, and this, combined with the increase in altitude, may affect you if you are prone to travel sickness.
The Inca Trail is a Moderate grade trek (level 3) - please refer to our activity level guidelines. There are four days point-to-point walking with full porterage, reaching a maximum altitude of 4215m, average 3050m. Though not without its difficulties (in particular the ascent and descent of the first pass, known as Dead Woman's Pass!) this trek is certainly possible for anyone in a good state of health and fitness, but we would not recommend it as a beginner's trek to anyone with no previous trekking experience. If you are not a regular walker you should put in some physical preparation beforehand. The trek is also not particularly suitable for those with bad knees due to the number of steep and uneven steps, particularly on the third and fourth days of the trek.
As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes. We run the tour from Lima to Lake Titicaca to allow for gradual acclimatisation and have built in days in Cuzco (3400m) before the trek, which should be ample time to adjust.
Protest action/strikes are not uncommon in Peru, and whilst these are generally peaceful, they can involve roadblocks and cause disruption to travel. Occasionally your leader may have to adapt your itinerary in response to this.
Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Inca Trail Regulations
An Inca Trail permit is required for this trip. There are a number of important regulations regarding the Inca Trail that we would like to make you aware of:
Spaces on the Inca Trail are on a first come, first served basis and we urge you to book as early as possible.
If you cancel your booking more than eight weeks before departure and wish to transfer your deposit to another departure or another trip the transfer fee is £150 (US$210 / CA$252 / AU$308 / €191) as we will lose the permit we have purchased on your behalf. This is an amendment to our Booking Conditions. No transfers are possible within 8 weeks of departure.
Bookings can only be made if we are supplied with your full name, passport details, date of birth and nationality, exactly as per the passport you will be using to travel to Peru (this information is used to purchase your Inca Trail permit). If your passport details do not match those on your permit you will be refused entry to the Inca Trail by the local authorities.
Should the passport used to purchase your permit be lost, stolen or expire before your Inca Trail start date, you must purchase a new passport and notify Exodus immediately as we will need to apply to amend your Inca Trail permit. To do so, you must supply copies of both your old and new passports to Exodus in advance of travel and pay an administration fee of £25 (US$35 / CA$42 / AU$52 / €32). For this reason, we strongly recommend that you make a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Please be aware that these regulations may change at any time, and Exodus is not responsible for the decisions made by Peruvian authorities.
There is a possibility that the Peruvian authorities may increase the entrance fees to the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and other major sights at any time. If they do so, we will inform you of this increase and the extra amount will need to be paid locally in cash in Peru.
Please Note: Whilst your departure date may be 'Guaranteed', your Inca Trail permit itself will initially be 'On Request'. If travelling within the current year we will try to purchase your permit immediately upon receiving your booking. If travelling next year, we will apply for your permit as soon as they are released for sale. In either case, in the event that we are unable to get your permit we will contact you to discuss your options.
Regulations for visiting Machu Picchu:
The main points impacting your visit are the following:
The tickets are valid only for one entry which means that you cannot leave the site and re-enter.
Once you have done the chosen circuit with your guide, you cannot walk back to view anything already visited and once you finish the circuit, you will have to leave the site. You can no longer explore the site further after the guided tour.
The two visit times for visiting the site, either 6am-12pm or 12-16.30pm.
The local authorities have restricted the temples which can visited at Machu Picchu depending on the time of the visit to the site.
These regulations will affect how long you are able to spend at Machu Picchu and which temples you can visit. In the past, after the guided tour passengers could stay longer to explore the site, this is not possible anymore. The alternative that we are implementing on our visits to allow you further time, is to explore the upper part of Machu Picchu (Sun Gate and Inca Bridge) before starting the guided tour. The guided tour will be about 2 hrs in duration, and unfortunately at the end of it, you will need to exit the site. You will be able to visit the Condor’s Temple, but not the Sun Dial Temple or the Sun Temple on this itinerary.
Schedule of visit to Machu Picchu on this itinerary:
Early bus to Machu Picchu and explore upper part with the tour leader
Between 9-10am start the guided tour
Between 11.30am-12.30pm passengers leave Machu Picchu
Please see our COVID Travel Guide for Peru for more information on current guidelines for travel in Peru.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Hotels & Camping
The hotels normally used are indicated within the itinerary, however, accommodation may differ from those stated depending on your departure date. In Cuzco we will stay at small, locally run hotels where possible, all located in the historical centre of Cuzco, within walking distance of the beautiful Plaza de Armas and close to restaurants and shops. The hotels each feature cozy rooms, buffet breakfasts and free WiFi. Most hotels have a safety deposit box in the room but if not, there will be one at the reception.
In Aguas Calientes, we stay in a centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms, buffet breakfasts and free WiFi. Unfortunately, there is a railway line that runs straight through the centre of Aguas Calientes and whilst we try to allocate rooms away from it whenever possible, the trains might be heard from some rooms.
Please note that central heating is very rare in Peru, even in good standard hotels, however, most hotels provide plug-in heaters and spare blankets which should keep you warm. While all of the hotels we use do have a hot water supply, it can be temperamental when there is high demand.
The Inca Trail (and Moonstone trek) is on a full-service camping basis with full porterage, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents for you, cook, and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only carry your daypack. The tents used are 4 season Eureka tents for sleeping, a large separate dining tent for meals, as well as a toilet tent for use both in camp and during lunch stops. On the Inca Trail we stay in organised campsites which are administered by the Regional Cultural Directorate, whilst on the Moonstone Trek we use wild campsites.
Additional accommodation
Should you wish to extend your stay in Peru, Exodus can book additional nights’ accommodation in Lima prior to or after your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking. We recommend the early booking of pre/post tour accommodation to guarantee availability.
Single Supplement
Single rooms and tents can be booked throughout for an optional single supplement, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Arriving at The Sun Gate at the end of The Inca Trail.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Holger was brilliant. He was very knowledgeable, looked after us really well and was really friendly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Peru although dollars are needed to pay for excursions, tips and souvenirs.
Francisco Oliveira
Reviewed September 2022
once Upon a time... (era uma vez...)
After 3 years postponed, this was our last chance to make Inca Trail. Was it worth? YES. Would I do it again? in another life for sure!
Most Inspirational Moment
For sure the Inca Trail, the camping, the effort to overcome difficulties and finally the Machu Picchu view at the top of "oh my god" stairs. The silence, the stars, the landscape.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Holger is a professional with a deep knowledge on Perú culture, very experienced in "reading" customer´s needs and ensuring a stress free daily rhythm. Thank you Holger for your knowledge, care and support!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be physically prepared, specially for the Inca Trail. There are no constraints on age (our group age average was well above 60). Be careful with the food and follow Exodus recommendations strictly .
Suggestions
Exodus might review the program on Taquile island (total of 2+2,5 hours boat for lunch) is too long.
Zayna Davis
Reviewed June 2019
peru adventure
Overall a fantastic trip would use exodus again.
Most Inspirational Moment
All of it i loved every single part all amazing and breathtaking.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wilmer was the best tour guide i have ever had! I have done many many tours and wilmer was by far the best. Her was funny and helpful and his knowledge of peru was so brilliant. I learnt more than i ever imagined.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The inca trail is tough but once you have climbed the final OMG steps you realise just how worth it the hike and climb was!!
Johnny Deol
Reviewed October 2018
Great Views, Difficult Andes Trek, Crowded Reed Islands, Expensive Country
Without doubt, Peru is a beautiful country, and our trip proved that the Andes is one of the most majestic mountain ranges on the planet. The highlights of our trip were:
1. The beautiful Ballestas islands off the coast of Paracas, where a lot of sea lions lazily dotted the islands along with dozens of penguins and lots of birds. We also saw interesting species of crabs and other shell animals.
2. The 4-day hike along the Moonstone Trek in the Andes – this was the most enjoyable part of our trip. The stunning views of Mount Veronica on the 3rd day kept us in awe, and the climb to the summit of the trek at 4,600 metres above sea level. We also walked through lovely meadows and farms along the way.
Funnily enough, Machu Picchu was not the highlight of the trip, even though it was a nice experience to be there, it somehow seemed crowded and overflowing with tourists, taking away the calmness and serenity that is typically expected of such places.
Be warned that the Moonstone Trek is a difficult one, and altitude sickness is a reality. You will feel the lack of oxygen and are most likely to feel nausea, headaches and vomiting. I did throw up on the 2nd day of the hike. Also note that altitude sickness can afflict anyone, even the most well-built or muscular or athletic of people. Just because you are very fit and may even be an athlete or sportsperson, do not think that you are immune to altitude sickness!!
Peru is an expensive country, and the prices are marked up at tourist places, and shopkeepers will not negotiate prices lower than 10%-15%. You may find some products cheaper in Lima than in the tourist towns like Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu.
** Warnings: – Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to your bill without your consent in advance. – There is a “tipping” disease in the country, and you will find many occasions where the tour leader will ask you to give a tip to just about every service person you encounter, like a bus driver, the backup/alternate driver, the boat captain, etc. – If you are a vegan or vegetarian or have other dietary restrictions, you will need to choose your food carefully and remind the waiter many times. They do not seem to understand or appreciate these dietary restrictions too well. – Even simple things like a cup of coffee are overpriced in certain towns like Pucara, on the way to the city of Puno.
Overall, Peru is a lovely country, but go there knowing what to expect. Safe travels!
Most Inspirational Moment
The 4-day Moonstone Trek
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good guy overall, very knowledgeable and sociable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yes, do not expect the Moonstone Trek to be a walk in the park. It is pretty difficult, I would personally rate it at Level-6/7 out of 10. Be prepared to throw up, get a headache, nausea, get goddamn tired and curse Exodus along the way :) But if you are willing to endure some discomfort for the rewards of stunning views of the Andes, you'll find that it is an investment worth the pain! Remember: Walk at your own pace, don't try to impress anyone by walking fast as you could faint, take enough breaks and rest stops, keep drinking water frequently, wear ample sunscreen and insect/bug cream or spray, and most importantly - listen to the advice of your tour leader on the trek. He is the best and most experienced person in the group, and knows what will help and what will hurt.
Suggestions
Help keep Peru clean and beautiful.
Please do not throw garbage or rubbish on the Moonstone Trek or anywhere you go.
Enjoy and respect the immensity, majesty and grandeur of the Andes and you will be safe.
Pauline Patterson
Reviewed August 2018
Stunning snow topped Andes
Peru is a wonderful country with its varied landscapes and diverse cultures. Nothing can quite prepare you for the stunning vistas in the Andes and the once in a lifetime experience of the Inca trail, culminating at the Sun Gate and that first view of Machu Picchu. All this led by our outstanding guide Bobby and shared with a lovely group of people. A BIG thank you.
Most Inspirational Moment
Undoubtedly that first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate after 4 strenuous but amazing days on the Inca trail. It was quite an emotional experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
What a legend Bobby is! THE most fantastic guide, who shared his passion and knowledge of his country and immersed us into its heart and cultures throughout the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1. Read the trip notes carefully
2. Get yourself physically fit for the trek which I personally believe is higher than the moderate level 3 graded by Exodus.
3. Altitude will have an affect!
4. There are long drives but the scenery is always extraordinary and do help you acclimatise to the altitude.
5. Days were pleasantly warm but the nights very cold particularly on the trek and in Cusco, so layers are essential..
6. It is worth taking the optional extra flight over the Nazca lines to fully appreciate the extent of the carvings.
Martin Perrett
Reviewed August 2018
Inspirational treka
Not just a holiday, more of an adventure!
Most Inspirational Moment
Achieving day 2 of the Machu Picchu trek to Dead Woman’s Pass. Although not long as a days trek, the rise in altitude to 4200 metres was tough!
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader, Bobby, was excellent in every department. A more capable, competent and helpful guide in all probability does not exist. His involvement with the group was welcomed by all and resulted in the trip being a huge success for the group participants.
The information he provided on the various sites visited and the relevant history was most interesting and created further discussion within the group.
With regard to the travelling and accommodation, Bobby took full control and made our holiday somewhat carefree, thankfully!
A big thank you to Bobby!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take warm clothing for the camping part of the trip as the nights can be very cold!
Suggestions
The long bus journeys were tiring but it is part and parcel of the trip and seeing some great sites and wonderful scenery.
Shirley Perrett
Reviewed August 2018
Nice trail,Titicaca and Nazca
A superb trip, very well planned and executed. The views were just amazing and the porters food incredible. We were so well looked after. Our guide, Bobby, was excellent and so informative. He knew all the best places to eat as well! Hotels were all good and we would thoroughly recommend the experience to others.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at Dead Woman’s Pass.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bobby was brilliant, he couldn’t have been better.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of thermals for the camping part as it was so cold at night.
Suggestions
Thank you!
Kim Stansfield
Reviewed August 2018
July 2018 Inca Trail and Peru
Excellent Guide, Bobby (Ubaldo), helped the group understand so much about Peru’s history, culture, fauna and amazing achievements of the Incas and preceding tribes, and all done with real sense of humour. Off the Inca trail Bobby continued to look after us, so the small group that flew back to UK were looking for him to help sort us out at Gatwick. The porters and cooks were also brilliant, not sure how they covered the route so quickly and made food and camp sites so comfortable. Also helped having a really friendly group of fellow travellers. All-in-all a brilliant experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Standing on a high point in the Andes above the camp watching the sun come up - red glow spreading across the mountain peaks, magical.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bobby (Ubaldo Quispe) was brilliant - gave so much insight and things to think about, always joking, but real sense he was looking after us and getting things organised. Missed him when we got back to UK!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If weather clear, take advantage of flight over Nascar lines, but don’t eat for a couple of hours beforehand. Really brings home the scale, but involves a lot of weaving. During Trail, take things slowly, but the guide will explain things like that.
At Machupichu you are limited to small bag/ ruck sack, had left our small bags behind, would have been good to know about the limitation before leaving Cuzco.
Suggestions
Only frustration was breakfast 1st day at hotel Tambo in Lima. Due to early start breakfast was minimalist, tea/ coffee, bread, jam. My wife doesn’t drink tea or coffee, so nothing to drink for her, and somebody else didn’t eat bread. Apart from that, the hotel was comfy and breakfast was good in normal opening times.
Susan Percival
Reviewed July 2018
My holiday of a lifetime Peru and Mchu Picchu
This has been my dream holiday for as long as I can remember. Nazca lines, Andes, walking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. It was more than I could have hoped for. The amazing scenery welcoming people, amazing food, Pisco sours and a friendly enthusiastic Tour guide. Without the long coach journeys we would have missed all the amazing scenery! The flight over the Nazca lines truly amazing and well worth doing. Day 2 of the trail definitely the hardest but the thrill when you reach Dead woman’s pass is nearly as inspiring as reaching the Sun gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. I was ill at the end of the holiday so missed Lake Titicaca.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching Dead Woman's pass was as equaling inspiring as the emotion that overwhelms you when you reach the Sun Gate and see Machu Picchu for the first time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group Leader Willmer Delgado was an amazing ambassador for Exodus and for Peru. His knowledge of Peru and its history had us all enthralled for the whole 15 days in Peru. Nothing was too much trouble including helping track down my missing suitcase . Our assistant guide on the trail Kleverth was along with Will very patient and being one of the slower walkers who suffered with altitude sickness I was never made to feel like I was holding anyone back.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Drink the coca tea when offered to you as it does help on the trail. Don't let the coach journeys put you off, the scenery is amazing, you get to see Vicunas and Alpaca's roaming free, Condor's and Flamingo's.
Above all enjoy the whole experience, a few early mornings wont kill you!
Barry Rowley
Reviewed May 2018
Inca trail Titicaca Nazca 463
The best trip ever.
Most Inspirational Moment
All of it. From the start, right to the end.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Couldn't have asked for a better leader. Julio was a true professional. He is very knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble for him. I would be proud to have him as a mate.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get booked up and enjoy.
Suggestions
I'm looking at the brochure and thinking of re-booking.
You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.
Start
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Saturday Friday
03 Jun 2023 02 Jun 2023
Saturday Sunday
17 Jun 2023 18 Jun 2023
AvailabilityGuaranteed (On Request) Only 4 spaces left!
Adult Price FromUSD 3,749
Optional Single Supplement+USD 644
FI pax - Early arrival hotel included
FI pax - Early arrival hotel included
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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