Ultimate Inca Trail Tour by Contiki

6 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

48 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 35 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Cusco, Peru

Ends

Cusco, Peru

Highlights

Cusco: Your chance to pick up some mementos at San Pedro Markets and then see Cusco Cathedral, San Blas and Coricancha.

Cusco: It’s always best to hang out with someone who knows the trail inside out. That way, we can concentrate on taking epic pics.

Cusco: Woo hoo! We’re getting all starry-eyed as we talk to the rest of the Contiki crew about the life-changing moment we’re about to experience. So get your Inca Trail Permit from your Trip Manager and let's get started!

Cusco: We’ve got your back when it comes to organising all the camping stuff. So just bring your fabulous self and a cozy sleeping bag (not included with the rest of the equipment). And maybe some Pringles?

Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals

Itinerary

If trekking through ancient civilizations and breathtaking mountain vistas sounds like your ideal getaway, the 'Ultimate Inca Trail' adventure is calling your name. Tailored for energetic young adults, this 6-day walking tour begins and ends in Cusco and promises an immersive journey through the Lares Valley, Ollantaytambo, and the legendary Inca Trail itself. You'll encounter vibrant local communities, traverse glacial lakes and dramatic waterfalls, and bask in panoramic views of the Andes before savoring the serenity of ancient hot springs. The highlight: standing amidst the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu after days of exhilarating trekking. With accommodation, transport, and meals all arranged, this group tour removes the logistical stress so you can focus on the culture, scenery, and—of course—the llamas. Discover the beauty and history of Peru on this unforgettable trekking trip.

day 1 - Start Cusco

Welcome to Cusco! You'll meet your fellow Inca Trail adventurers today, before spending the morning on a city walking tour to get orientated. Then it's time to explore Cusco your way. With artisan shops, colonial architecture and delicious local cuisine, you'll be spoilt for choice. You could also use this time to grab any last-minute items before your trekhow many socks DOES one person need?

Location Visited:Cusco

Accommodation:Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi (or similar)

day 2 - Cusco to Lares Valley Trek

Rise and shine, Inca explorers! Today is all about the Lares Valley adventure vibes - after we leave Cusco bright and early. Well start the trek by making our way to Cancha Cancha, with a spot of lunch along the way enjoyed by the river and prepared by the trekking chef (oh yeah!). Over 12,000 feet high, say hello to an isolated and traditional community thats sustained itself for hundreds of years. They introduced electricity in winter 2019, but there are still no roads. Tonight, after weve pitched our tents, youll have the chance to visit a local family and learn all about life in a traditional Andean village. Your guide will be on hand to interpret, and after dinner, youll be treated (even further) to the great Inca constellations which the locals still use for agricultural guidance to this day.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location Visited:Cusco, Lares Valley

Accommodation:Inca Trail Camping

day 3 - Lares Valley Trek

Today's 7-hour hike will be peppered with true Andean delights glaciers, lakes, alpacas, rugged valleys and spectacular mountain vistas. Eyes on the sky for the Caracara falcons and Andean geese! After we reach the summit (plus take pics and pat ourselves on the back), well visit the Qoalay village on our way back down watch out for more llamas along the way. The local indigenous people will open their homes and hearts to us, and well even get the chance to learn Quechua the language of the Incas. Tonight, we arrive at the spectacular Qoalay lake, where everything will be ready for you at the campsite.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location Visited:Lares Valley

Accommodation:Inca Trail Camping

day 4 - Lares Valley Trek to Ollantaytambo

Guess what? The best scenery is still to come! Today well head to Quiswarani community, where well be treated to views of the spectacular seven waterfalls and Colquecruz mountains. Further along the trail, youll meet the local indigenous children with the opportunity to visit their school. Next, its time to bathe like nature intended at the Lares Hot Springs (3,100m/ 10,170 f), with one whole hour to soak in the natural volcanic hot springs. This afternoon well travel to Ollantaytambo, where well enjoy a sumptuous dinner together and then rest our heads in the hotel. Tomorrow is the big one, so youll want to be fresh.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location Visited:Lares Valley, Ollantaytambo

Accommodation:Tunupa Lodge Ollantaytambo (or similar)

day 5 - Ollantaytambo to Cusco via Machu Picchu and Inca Trail Trek

Well start bright and early today, with VERY good reason. Our first stop is the train station, where well board the Inca express to you guessed it, the Inca trail. Epic scenery incoming. With heavy hearts, well alight at the famous Km104, where our hike begins 6,000 feet above sea level! Our first Inca site lies waiting for us after crossing the Urubamba river on a picturesque foot bridge. Beginning with the Sun Gate, and a truly breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Dont worry, we have plenty of time to absorb this actual Wonder of the World. So take your time. Savour the moment. Take lots of pics. To make things better, were visiting in the afternoon which is when the site is usually empty of other tourists. Our guide will give us a full tour, so youll see all the most important parts of Machu Picchu with minimal hassle. Once were done, well take the bus to Aguas Calientes. Then its back to Cusco (via Ollantaytambo) to go to sleep as better, more well rounded people with ticks on our bucket lists and cheesy grins on our faces.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location Visited:Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Accommodation:Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi (or similar)

day 6 - End Cusco

And today the Inca adventure ends. Llama just say It's been a life changing experience for us all, and we cant wait to do it again.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Cusco

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What's Included

Accommodation

Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi (or similar) HotelInca Trail Camping HotelTunupa Lodge Ollantaytambo (or similar) Hotel

Meals

Breakfast (x5)Lunch (x4)Dinner (x4)

Transport

Travel by coach

Guide

Experienced Driver Guide

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.8 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 1085 reviews for other tours with an average 4.8rating.

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