Witness the grandeur of the Andes and beyond on this extraordinary Inca adventure. Conquer both the Lares Valley Trek and the Inca Trail, culminating in the breathtaking Machu Picchu, all in just 5 spectacular days. Explore some of the most secluded communities in Latin America, immersing yourself in a world of ancient cities, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas. Don't forget the ancient hot springs and, of course, encounters with lots of llamas. This journey promises jaw-dropping splendor at every turn.
Includes
6 Days Contiki Guided Holiday
3 nights in Twin Share Tent, 2 nights in Hotel
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Transport by mini-coach and ferry / coach
Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides
Optional free time add on experiences (additional costs apply)
Included experiences
Walking Tour of Cusco
Explore with Qualified Trail Guides
Entry into Machu Picchu: UNESCO World Heritage Site and much more!
Excludes
Flights
Arrival/ departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Spending money and items of a personal nature
Extras
You have to be between the age of 18 and 35 years old to travel with Contiki
Additional costs apply for optional free time add on experience
Secure your spot today with a deposit from as low as R1000* and pay the rest 60 days before departure
Highlights
5 Nights accommodation
13 Meals
Included experiences and sightseeing
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Cusco
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 trek…how many socks DOES one person need?
Stay: Selina Saphi (or similar)
Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Cusco to Lares Valley Trek
Cusco
Rise and shine, Inca explorers! Today is all about the Lares Valley adventure vibes - after we leave Cusco bright and early.
Lares Valley
We’ll 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 that’s sustained itself for hundreds of years. They introduced electricity in winter 2019, but there are still no roads. Tonight, after we’ve pitched our tents, you’ll 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, you’ll be treated (even further) to the great Inca constellations – which the locals still use for agricultural guidance to this day.
Stay: Inca Trail Camping
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lares Valley Trek
Lares Valley
To the summit we go! (But not before another delicious brekky.) 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), we’ll visit the Quiswarani community 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 we’ll even get the chance to learn Quechua – the language of the Incas. Tonight, we arrive at the spectacular seven waterfalls, where everything will be ready for you at the campsite. You. Are. Welcome.
Stay: Inca Trail Camping
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lares Valley Trek to Ollantaytambo
Lares Valley
Guess what? The best scenery is still to come! Today we’ll head to Willqaqasa Pass, where we’ll be treated to views of the Colquecruz and Pitusiray mountains, plus a bird’s eye view of mountains reflected in glacial lakes. Further along the trail, you’ll visit the Cucani community, connecting with the local indigenous children – with the opportunity to visit their school.
Next, it’s time to bathe like nature intended at the Lares Hot Springs (3,100m/ 10,170ft), with one whole hour to soak in the natural volcanic hot springs, have lunch and just… relaxxxx.
Ollantaytambo
This afternoon we’ll travel to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner together and then rest our heads in the hotel. Tomorrow is the big one, so you’ll want to be fresh.
Stay: Inca Trail Camping
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Ollantaytambo to Cusco via Machu Picchu and Inca Trail Trek
Ollantaytambo
We’ll start bright and early today, with VERY good reason. Our first stop is the train station, where we’ll board the Inca express to… you guessed it, the Inca trail. Epic scenery incoming.
Inca Trail
With heavy hearts, we’ll 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.
Machu Picchu
Beginning with the Sun Gate, and a truly breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Don’t 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, we’re visiting in the afternoon which is when the site is usually empty of other tourists. Our guide will give us a full tour, so you’ll see all the most important parts of Machu Picchu – with minimal hassle.
Cusco
Once we’re done, we’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes. Then it’s 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.
Stay: Selina Saphi (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: End Cusco
Cusco
And today the Inca adventure ends. Llama just say… It's been a life changing experience for us all, and we can’t wait to do it again.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Terms & conditions
Prices are per person twin share/multi share as per itinerary, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and may be found on our website. Offer can be removed at any time. Pricing varies pending departure date. Trips valid for travellers aged 18-35 years. Excludes flights. Only R1000 deposit per person is required to confirm your trip booking. Deposit is due within 3 days of booking; airlines may impose different penalties and cancellation fees. Payment due in full 120 days before departure. All savings / discounts mentioned has already been included in advertised price. Pentravel and Tour Operator reserves the right to withdraw or amend promotional offers at any time. Advertised price is based on 4 November 2024 departure. At time of loading this may not be a definite departure. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.