Inca Encounter

Reiseverlauf 2026

1. Tag 1

   Lima

   <
   Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru. On arrival at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the well-known coastal suburb of Miraflores. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and travel group. From here, you’ll jump in a vehicle and head downtown for a guided walking tour of the city's historical centre. Take in the ornate spectacle of the colonial mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets, pay a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs, and browse the fresh produce on offer at Lima's central market. Your walking tour wraps up in Lima's main square, with the rest of the day free to do as you wish. Perhaps head out for dinner with the group – your leader will have plenty of local recommendations.
   It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.
2. Tag 2

   Amazon Jungle

   <
   Rise and shine early today for your journey into the wilds of the Peruvian Amazon. Take an early morning transfer to Lima airport, then board a flight to Puerto Maldonado. From here, you’ll board a motorised canoe and cruise deep into the jungle. The journey to your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region will take around three hours, and you'll be given a packed lunch on the way. Arrive and settle in to your thatched-roof lodge before a short orientation walk of the area close-by. Spend the evening getting acquainted with the sights and smells of the jungle and fall asleep to the sounds of nature.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. When you arrive in Puerto Maldonado, you will pack a small duffle bag with clothing and essential items needed for two days in the jungle. Your main luggage will be securely stored in Puerto Maldonado. Rooms at the jungle lodge are simple but comfortable. They are built using local materials such as bamboo, adobe mud and palm trees. Rooms have traditional curtains for the entrance and bathroom. Each room opens out to the rainforest, providing a true jungle experience. Rooms are equipped with flushing toilets, showers (cold water only), mosquito nets and kerosene lamps. Electricity and internet are only available in the common areas at designated times. Drinks and tips are not included during your stay.
3. Tag 3

   Amazon Jungle

   <
   Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the depths of the Amazon Jungle. Set out on a half-day walk guided by local experts on the area's flora and fauna. Learn from your guides about the medicinal and practical uses for some of the plants that grow here, which Indigenous people have been studying and using for thousands of years. On your walk, keep an eye out for rainbow coloured macaws and butterflies, and listen for the barking call of the peccaries and chattering of monkeys that call the jungle home. This part of the Amazon is also known to house capybaras, giant otters and jabirus, so keep your eyes peeled for these creatures. Return to the lodge for lunch and some free time to relax. Once the sun goes down, venture out on a night walk in search of some of the jungle's nocturnal inhabitants.
4. Tag 4

   Cusco

   <
   Leave behind the natural wonders of the Amazon for the man-made wonders of Cusco today. Return to Puerto Maldonado on a three-hour canoe ride to collect your luggage, then take a flight to the lofty city. When you arrive, get acquainted with Cusco during an orientation walk with your leader. This evening, you may like to head out for dinner with your fellow travellers – your leader can recommend some great local places to grab a meal. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try one of the many establishments serving up cuy, which you might know by the English name of guinea pig.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. When possible we book a direct flight between Puerto Maldonado and Cusco. When this isn't possible you’ll transit in Lima between Cusco and Puerto Maldonado. Your time in Cusco maybe impacted but no activities will be affected by this. Your leader will provide you with the latest update.
5. Tag 5

   Ollantaytambo

   <
   Start the day with a visit to Sacsayhuaman – the archaeological site of an Incan citadel on the outskirts of Cusco. Travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the valley has been a source of livelihood to the locals for hundreds of years. You’ll see maize crops covering the terraced valley walls and the sacred river beneath. On the way, visit an authentic Andean community close to the charming town of Pisac. You’ll get a chance to meet the locals and learn about their traditional textile weaving. After Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Enjoy lunch and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Then continue on to your final stop for today – Ollantaytambo, where you’ll visit the town’s archaeological site of ancient Incan ruins.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
6. Tag 6

   Inca Trail

   <
   Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be doing one of the following: hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu. While away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave Cusco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Route 1 Inca Trail Today travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide. The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite, which is at 3100 m above sea level. On the way you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook. Route 2 Quarry Trail Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq'a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike. After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break. Continue to the campsite, which is 3700 m above sea level. You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas. Route 3 Cusco For those travellers not hiking, today you visit the archaeological site of Chinceros, on the way back to Cusco. Your Intrepid leader travels with you and is at hand to provide recommendations for your time in Cusco.
   Route 1 Inca Trail (starting elevation 2688m) - Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 412m and a descent of 68m Route 2 Quarry Trail (starting elevation 3220m) - Your trekking time today will be approximately 6.5 hours or 7 km, with an elevation gain of 480m and a descent of 0m Included lunch and dinner on this day is for travellers on the trekking options. The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 45 km long and often steep. Each day's journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals. The Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. The hike is 31 km long in total and its highest pass is at 4450 m above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping and the third night you will stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
7. Tag 7

   Inca Trail

   <
   Route 1 Inca Trail This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend a long steep path (approximately 5 hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 m. Route 2 Quarry Trail This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A 3 hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4370 m high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. After, make the two-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4450 m. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. The Incas built several sun gates, the most notable overlooking Machu Picchu. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away and at 3600 m. Route 3 Cusco Enjoy a free day in Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to purchase a boleto turistico, which allows entry to the city's many museums and archaeological sites. Ask your leader for their recommendations.
   Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 1127m and a descent of 627m Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 7.5 hours or 14 km, with an elevation gain of 750m and a descent of 700m Included lunch and dinner on this day is for travellers on the trekking options.
8. Tag 8

   Inca Trail

   <
   Route 1 Inca Trail Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980 m). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3850 m), also known as 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2 hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site. Route 2 Quarry Trail to Aguas Calientes Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday, come to the end of the trek. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes After a 1.5 hour drive to Ollantaytambo, catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes (another 1.5 hours). The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
   Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 10 hours or 15 km, with an elevation gain of 400m and a descent of 1350m Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 4.5 hours or 10 km, with an elevation gain of 0m and a descent of 950m Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the Inca Trail trekking option only. There is an included lunch for travellers on the Quarry Trail trekking option.
9. Tag 9

   Cusco

   <
   Route 1 Inca Trail This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. The day starts before dawn with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and then begin hiking by 4.30 am. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, begin the final leg of the trek. The walk to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) takes around 2.5 hours. Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Route 2 Machu Picchu to Cusco Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. Route 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
   Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km, with an elevation gain of 81m and a descent of 331m Today’s total travel time is approximately 4.5 hours. According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting, re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site. Personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Due to safety reasons the final checkpoint for all trekkers does not open until 5 am. The estimated arrival time at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate for Inca Trail trekkers is approximately 7.30 am. For Quarry Trail trekkers and train travellers the first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6 and 6.30 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise. Due to safety reasons our leaders are prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to Wayna Picchu.
10. Tag 10

    Cusco

    <
    Your Inca Encounter comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no activities planned for the final day.
    Visiting Rainbow Mountain involves climbing up to more than 5000m/16400ft above sea level in one day. As such, our tour leaders are only able to assist in booking this activity at the end of your stay in Cusco when you will be better acclimatised. Our leaders can only book you onto departures of this activity that we operate, meaning we have full control over the safety precautions (eg transport, oxygen, emergency horses, first aid kits and experienced guides). The price above is indicative only as the final price will depend on the total number of travellers participating in this activity on the day. The price can range from USD56 (with 16 travellers) to USD216 for 2 travellers. A minimum of 2 travellers is required to operate this activity.