How active?
The trail covers 28 miles over 4 days. However, it is at high altitude. The going can be slow and fairly tough. You must be used to hill walking to enjoy the trail.

Day one is a short walk on easy terrain at lower altitude than Cusco so you should find this quite easy.

Day two is a longer walk, mostly uphill on good paths with some paved sections. This is the day where you will really start to feel the altitude.

Day three is the hardest day as you go over the highest pass on the trail, down then up over a second pass and finally down and over a small third pass.

Day four is relatively long but you are losing altitude and walking down for most of the day. The path becomes much more structured with long sections of narrow steps and paved stretches. It can therefore be the toughest day for your knees.

Having said all this, by taking slightly longer to complete the trail you are walking with few other people and you can walk at a pace suitable for you.

On the Inca Trail the pace is relaxed and a team of porters carry your things as well as setting up the tents and cooking.

How comfortable?
Stay in comfortable 3* hotels near the centre of Cusco and in Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu.

Fully portaged camping on the Inca Trail. Tents are pitched for you. Dining and toilet tents are provided.

How independent?
Fully guided throughout.

All of our Inca Trails are dedicated Pura Aventura departures.

We have certain set group dates, listed below. Maximum group size is 16 with 2 guides. More usually our groups are of around 6 – 8 people with 1 guide.

We can also offer private Inca Trails, please enquire as to prices for this.

Who is it for?
Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience available to anyone who is reasonably fit for the walking. There are sections with steep sets of steps on the trail

Broadly speaking this holiday attracts a wide range of people from their 30s through 60s. Really it is suitable for anyone prepared for the challenge of walking the trail.

How responsible?
Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits.
To help preserve the integrity of these destinations we:

• Keep groups small to minimise environmental impact.

• Work directly with local businesses and organisations to directly benefit local economies. We use small, locally owned hotels and restaurants. We know the owners except in the large cities.

• Work with local guides so that our holidays are more interesting for clients and more beneficial locally.

We strictly adhere to the Porter Protection Policies which govern porters’ work in Peru.

Pura Handmade Holiday

This walking holiday to Machu Picchu is part of the Pura Aventura Handmade range and is unique to us.

We have designed and deliver this walking holiday using our own people and carefully selected local suppliers to create a Pura Handmade holiday.

What makes our Inca Trail different?

You are looked after by a Pura team on the ground in Cusco/Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail which means that we can far better control the quality of this crucial part of your experience.

You have the same Pura guide/leader throughout your time in Cusco, Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail.

Most holidays offer day trips with different guides. This means that you get different people telling you broadly the same information day after day.

With Pura you get consistency and time to build up more information. Rather than repeating information, your guides have time to share deeper insights into the culture and politics and life of modern Peru.

You have longer to walk the Inca Trail giving you the best possible chance of enjoying the walk fully.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Peru. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advices on Peru.

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Peru. Read more about it.

Official Government website

Find out more about Peru, by visiting its official governement website.

Prepare your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Peru, please ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check out the NHS website for advices and visit your GP or a travel clinic.

Currency Exchange

For the latest information on the Peruvian Nuevo Sol currency, visit the ICE website.

Weather

To know the forecast in Peru, visit wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Find out our own Peru selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Train ticket

If you are leaving from the UK, and want to be easy in your mind before you leave, book your train ticket or airport hotel now.

Flight deals

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Peru with Kayak, Expedia, Vayama and Opodo.