Glamping on the Inca Trail

9 Days Starting and ending in Cuzco, Peru

Visiting: Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Dead Woman's Pass, Machu Picchu

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TPL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate & Challenging

Age range:

16-99

Activities:

Trekking

From: $4350

NB: Prices correct on 21-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with our "Glamping on the Inca Trail" tour in Peru, where adventure meets luxury. Experience the iconic Inca Trail with the comfort of glamping, featuring spacious tents, raised beds, and a massage tent to rejuvenate after a day of trekking. Delight in chef-prepared meals as you traverse breathtaking landscapes and explore ancient ruins. Enjoy two exclusive visits to the majestic Machu Picchu, capturing stunning photos and delving into its mysteries with a guided tour. Discover the rich history of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and unwind in upgraded hotels in Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, and Aguas Calientes. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation, ensuring a memorable Peruvian adventure.

Highlights

  • Trek the classic Inca Trail with glamping each night.

  • Enjoy exquisite chef-prepared food and a massage tent on the trail.

  • Experience two unique visits to Machu Picchu for photos and guided exploration.

  • Spend a full day touring the Sacred Valley, including Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

  • Visit the Qorikancha, Cuzco Cathedral, and Sacsayhuaman in Cuzco.

  • Cross Dead Woman's Pass and explore the ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca.

  • Walk down Inca steps to Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Cuzco; Free Time To Explore The Inca Capital

Location: Cuzco

Accommodation Name: Costa del Sol Wyndham

Welcome to Cuzco, which was the geographic, cultural and political hub of a vast Inca empire, which stretched from present-day Quito, Ecuador, to Santiago, Chile, at its peak. After Spanish conquistadors invaded, they built on top of Inca structures, resulting in unique architecture, a fusion of Spanish and Inca styles. There is a noticeboard in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held.



Remember to take it easy on arrival in Cuzco (and drink plenty of water) to help your body adjust to the altitude.



Superior accommodation: Costa del Sol Wyndham (or similar)

Day 2 : Cuzco Tour Including The Cathedral, Qorikancha And Sacsayhuaman

Location: Cuzco

Accommodation Name: Costa del Sol Wyndham

Meals Included: Breakfast

We embark on a tour of Cuzco this morning, a chance to see the city highlights and adjust to the altitude. Starting at 8am, we first visit the Qorikancha (Sun Temple), which was the most sacred temple in the Inca empire. We then tour Cuzco Cathedral, a gothic-baroque-renaissance masterpiece, before heading to the hills above the city to visit the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman and then the Qenqo Archaeological Complex. Finally, we visit mysterious Tambomachay, whose exact purpose is unknown, though it may have functioned, at least in part, as an Inca spa.



Superior accommodation: Costa del Sol Wyndham (or similar)

Day 3 : Visit The Sacred Valley; Continue To Ollantaytambo

Location: Sacred Valley

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posada

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we visit the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas, which runs along the Urubamba River near Cuzco. It’s the true heartland of Inca culture and tradition, with the high Andean scenery dotted with old towns and pre-Columbian villages.



Here we visit the Pisac ruins, a former citadel that guarded a road from the lowlands and gives way to terraces carved into solid rock. We then visit the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo, the one-time royal estate of Inca emperor Pachacuti.



Superior accommodation: Sonesta Posada (or similar)

Day 4 : Start Inca Trail Trek From Km82; Walk Along Urubamba River; Climb To Huayllabamba

Location: Inca Trail

Accommodation Name: Huayllabamba Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning, we transfer to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, known among adventurers as Km82, stopping in Ollantaytambo for a hearty breakfast and any last-minute shopping needs. From there, we proceed to the trailhead to gear up for the Inca Trail.



The trek kicks off with a hike to the checkpoint, where you must present your original passport. After, we have a captivating four-hour hike alongside the Urubamba River, exploring villages and fascinating archaeological sites, including Llactapata, an Inca marvel with administrative, political and economic significance at the base of a mountain.



Enjoy lunch in Tarayoc village, a buffet prepared by our skilled chef using fresh local produce.



The second leg is a two-hour trek along the left bank of the Cusichaca River, culminating at Wayllabamba, where tents are set up for your arrival. The camp team also provides warm water for washing, assists in bed preparation and hosts a delightful tea time and dinner.



Classic accommodation: Huayllabamba Camp (full-service glamping)

Day 5 : Cross Dead Woman's Pass, Then Descend To Pacaymayu

Location: Dead Woman's Pass

Accommodation Name: Pacaymayu Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The morning begins, as all do on our Inca Trail trek, with a hot drink delivered to your tent. Today’s journey is both challenging and rewarding, marking the most demanding and best-known stretch of the trail. A slow and steady climb takes us through a cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then we summit Dead Woman’s (Warmihuañusca) Pass, the highest point on the trek at 13,829ft (4,215m).



After a well-deserved round of high fives and photos at the summit, we begin our steep descent on original Inca steps to reach our campsite in the scenic valley of the Pacaymayu River (11,811ft/3,600m). Warm up in the dining tent with a hot, fresh meal followed by a well-deserved sleep under the Andean night sky.



Classic accommodation: Pacaymayu Camp (full-service glamping)

Day 6 : Over Runquracay Pass To Ruins Of Sayacmarca And Phuyupatamarca

Location: Inca Trail

Accommodation Name: Phuyupatamarca Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, we start the day with a climb, which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (12,894ft/3,930m), our second and final pass. From here, the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined rolling path of flat boulders, providing access to sites only available to those on foot. One of the standout archaeological sites we visit is Sayacmarca (11,893/3,625m), perched high above the green cloud forest. From here, we enjoy views of Salkantay mountain as we hike to our spectacular campsite on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (12,073ft/3,680m), where we can enjoy the sunset and sunrise.



Classic accommodation: Phuyupatamarca Camp (full-service glamping)

Day 7 : Walk Down Inca Steps To Wiñay Wayna And Machu Picchu Via The Sun Gate

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: Hatun Inti Boutique

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

From Phuyupatamarca, we take the famous Inca steps: a 1.2mi (2km) stone staircase that rapidly descends into an immense panorama, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above and the Urubamba River far below.



Reaching Wiñay Wayna, we have plenty of time to explore these beautiful ruins and eat lunch before continuing along a relatively flat section of the trail (by Inca standards), through cloud forest and wild orchids to reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).



From here, we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu, with the Huayna Picchu mountain rising behind… congratulations, you made it!



Inti Punku is traditionally busy with photo-taking trekkers in the morning, so our late afternoon arrival affords us unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. We also get a chance to snap some classic photos of Machu Picchu before we take the 30-minute bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes for a shower and comfortable bed for the night.



Classic accommodation: Hatun Inti Boutique (or similar)

Day 8 : Guided Tour Of Machu Picchu; Return To Cuzco By Train And Road

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: Costa del Sol Wyndham

Meals Included: Breakfast

Well-rested and refreshed, we return to Machu Picchu this morning for our guided tour. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel, the staggering mountain backdrop making it even more dramatic. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained an enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Your guided tour highlights the history, culture, architecture and mysteries that Machu Picchu still holds today.



This afternoon, we catch the train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (1hr 30min).



Accommodation: Costa del Sol Wyndham (or similar)

Day 9 : End Cuzco

Location: Cuzco

Meals Included: Breakfast

We begin our return journeys home after breakfast. But if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Cuzco.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Full porterage throughout trek

  • All accommodation

  • High quality sleeping gear: mattresses, pillows and cots for trek duration

  • Massages included and offered at the campsites

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Arrival and departure transfers

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

Experience a blend of luxury and adventure with five nights in upgraded hotels and three nights glamping on the Inca Trail. Enjoy stays at Costa del Sol Wyndham in Cuzco, Sonesta Posada in Ollantaytambo, and Hatun Inti Boutique in Aguas Calientes, complemented by full-service glamping with raised beds and chef-prepared meals on the trail.

Food

All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners are included.



Peruvian cuisine is loved for its taste and originality; it’s well worth digging into the local delicacies. Among these are: ceviche, seafood or fish marinated in lime juice; lomo saltado, a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry; and various hearty soups, including the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage.



Drinking water is included throughout the trip as the tap water in Peru is not safe to drink; boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek; elsewhere your leader buys large water containers from which you can refill your bottle.



Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffets, usually including bread/toast, preserves, cereal, sometimes eggs or cooked dishes, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. We cannot guarantee that wheat-free or gluten-free products are 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 in Cuzco, we visit a variety of cafes and restaurants.



During the Inca Trail, hearty breakfasts are served and good-quality cooked lunches and dinners are provided. They usually consist of soup to start, a main course with meat/fish and some carbohydrates, followed by a dessert. Between meals, snacks are also provided. Tea/coffee is brought to your tent each morning and juice or hot drinks are provided with all meals during the trek. The team can also accommodate for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or any specific food restrictions you may have – please notify us at the time of booking.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes all transport and listed activities, with arrival and departure transfers. Enjoy a scenic train ride from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo and a private bus journey back to Cuzco, ensuring a comfortable and seamless travel experience throughout your adventure.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the glamping on the Inca Trail?

    During the glamping on the Inca Trail, you will sleep in spacious tents with raised beds that have mattresses and pillows. There is also a dining tent for chef-prepared meals and a massage tent to help relax your muscles after a day of hiking.

  • What meals are included during the trek on the Inca Trail?

    During the trek on the Inca Trail, all breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners are included. Meals typically consist of a hearty breakfast, good-quality cooked lunches and dinners with soup, a main course, and dessert. Snacks are also provided between meals.

  • Are there any special activities included during the tour of the Sacred Valley?

    Yes, during the tour of the Sacred Valley, you will visit the Pisac ruins and the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo, which was once the royal estate of Inca emperor Pachacuti.

  • What is the highest point reached during the Inca Trail trek?

    The highest point reached during the Inca Trail trek is Dead Woman's Pass, also known as Warmihuañusca Pass, which is at an elevation of 13,829 feet (4,215 meters).

  • What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?

    During the visit to Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour that highlights the history, culture, architecture, and mysteries of the site. You will also have the opportunity to take classic photos of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.

  • Is drinking water provided during the trek?

    Yes, drinking water is provided throughout the trip. Boiled and filtered drinking water is available on the trek, and your leader will buy large water containers for refilling your bottle elsewhere.

  • Are massages included during the glamping experience?

    Yes, massages are included and offered at the campsites during the glamping experience on the Inca Trail.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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