The classic Inca Trail is one of the world’s great treks and the highlight of any trip to Peru!
Breathtakingly beautiful, the classic Inca trail follows an age-old Inca pathway that winds through the heart of the magnificent Vilcabamba range. Along the way, you will traverse breathtaking high alpine passes, lush valleys, dense cloud forests, and rushing rivers and visit a series of ancient Inca ruins before ultimately arriving at Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Here, you will catch your first glimpse of the captivating lost city of Machu Picchu framed against the distant peaks of the Peruvian Andes, a truly mesmerising sight!
The trail begins at Km 82 and while other companies may offer a shorter 4 day walk, we focus on the slower 5 day Inca Trail which avoids the majority of other walkers and spends more time exploring the fascinating Inca sites that line the route. The trek includes 3 nights camping in separate sites as well as a night in a comfortable hotel before you enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu on day 5. At Oasis Travel, we partner with a local hiking company who use the highest quality camping equipment and who adhere to the highest environmental and ethical standards in terms of their porters, guides and collaboration with the local communities. All meals are provided as well as snacks throughout the day to give you a healthy, balanced (and delicious) walking experience, all prepared by experienced cooks who are able to cater to different dietary restrictions. Rest assured, the walk is fully portered meaning you need only carry a daypack for the bare essentials – water, jacket, snacks and your camera (of course!) – and you will be accompanied by highly trained guides, who are deeply familiar with these ancient Inca footpaths and the magnificent Andean terrain.
,Please see below a sample itinerary for a the 5 Day Inca Trail:
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Chamana
Day 2: Chamana – Llullluchapampa
Day 3: Llulluchapampa – Phuyupatamarca
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu!
Day 5: Tour Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The One Day Inca Trail:
For those not keen to do the full trek, there is a simple alternative – the One Day Inca Trail. Disembarking the train to Machu Picchu at km104, this 6 hour hike gives a captivating snapshot of the trail and takes in the impressive site of Winay Wayna before you drop down into the Inca citadel. Both Inca Trail walks are tightly controlled and it is best to book early as permits to run out.
Other Inca Trails:
However, the iconic “Inca Trail” is the tip of the iceberg in Peru and just one of a vast network of stone pathways that linked the Inca Empire to distant palaces and forts set deep within the Vilcabamba. For avid trekkers, the remote outposts of Choquequirao and Espiritu Pampa are unmissable and involve challenging hikes into the deep Andes following in the footsteps of the very conquistadors themselves. Closer to Cusco, beautiful sites such as Huchuy Qosqo, Pumamarca and Pisac ruins are overlooked by most visitors and reached in shorter yet breathtaking day walks.
Allow a night or two camping and the options opens up. For instance, the Lares Trail takes in remote villages while the captivating Salkantay Trek drops from the heights of the high Andes into lush cloudforest to reach Machu Picchu from a separate trail entirely. Camping aside, both the Lares and Salkantay Trail now offer the option of wonderful lodge to lodge walk – why finish your day huddling in the tent when you can spend it watching the sun set over the mountains from the warmth of a jacuzzi, wine in hand…?
From simple half day walks to longer hikes, Peru has something magical to discover around every corner and at Oasis Travel, we offer a wide range of imaginative excursions to complement any itinerary. Remember, many of the trails are at altitude and it is important to acclimatise properly – we will be happy to advise.
Ready to discuss your trip to Peru?
Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you.