Date | August 10, 2026, August 15 2027 |
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€2,750 – €2,899
Discover Peru’s ancient wonders on a week-long adventure from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to the iconic Machu Picchu. Hike the Inca Trail, take the train for a more relaxed journey—an unforgettable way to experience Peru’s highlights in just one week. Limited places available.
This journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley offers a chance for both trekkers and non-trekkers to experience Machu Picchu, with options to hike scenic trails or take the train. Along the way, discover breathtaking landscapes, living Indigenous culture, and visit a community-run café in Urubamba that supports single mothers while enjoying local organic treats. Explore Cusco, South America’s oldest inhabited city, rich in Incan and Spanish heritage. Choose between trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail or taking the train to Machu Picchu, all with Namaste Nomad Ltd and team, dedicated to responsible travel that benefits local communities in Himalayas.
Important Information – Namaste Nomad Ltd (Ireland) Inca Trail Tour
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Inca Trail Permits – Permits are limited and issued strictly on request. Once your deposit is paid and passport details are provided, Namaste Nomad (via Intrepid Travel) will apply for your permit. If permits are unavailable, you may choose the Quarry Trail (details here) or the train option to Machu Picchu.
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Passport Details – Full and accurate passport details must be provided at the time of booking, and they must match the passport you will travel with. Any discrepancies can lead to refusal of entry by the Inca authorities. Delays in providing details may result in additional fees or itinerary changes.
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Permit Requests – By default, we will request an Inca Trail permit for you. If you prefer the Quarry Trail or train option, you must inform us at the time of booking. Changes after booking may incur fees, and alternative options are subject to availability.
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Single Supplement – If you wish to have your own room, a single supplement is available (subject to availability) and applies to all nights of the trip. Please ask your Namaste Nomad booking agent for details.
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Trip Start Time – The tour begins at 2:00 PM on Day 1. Please ensure your arrival is scheduled accordingly.
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February Closure – The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. If your trek begins in February, you will automatically be booked on the Quarry Trail instead.
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Machu Picchu Entry Regulations – Entry to Machu Picchu is based on circuit routes set by Peruvian authorities to manage visitor flow. Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Namaste Nomad will do its best to keep your group on the same circuit.
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Inca Trail trekkers will arrive via the Sun Gate and enjoy a guided tour on Circuit 5.
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Quarry Trail and Train travellers will follow a designated circuit, but all routes provide stunning views of the site.
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Mixed Groups – Depending on your chosen route (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail, or Train), you may be joined by travellers from other Namaste Nomad or Intrepid groups. In rare cases, you may be the only participant on your selected option.
Important Notes from Namaste Nomad.ie – Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Tour
At Namaste Nomad.ie, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please read the following carefully before your journey:
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High Altitude Travel
This trip visits areas at high altitude. Some travellers may experience altitude sickness, regardless of age, fitness, or health. Please review the Medical & Health Information section of your Essential Trip Information for advice and speak with your doctor if you have concerns. -
Physical Fitness & Hiking
Exploring Peru involves a lot of walking. The Inca Trail and Quarry Trail are strenuous hikes and require a good level of fitness. We strongly recommend comfortable, supportive footwear suitable for trekking. Please see the Packing List in your Essential Trip Information for full details. -
Camping Conditions
Travellers on the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail will camp with basic facilities. Remember, the true reward is not just reaching Machu Picchu, but the journey itself – with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable cultural encounters along the way. -
Machu Picchu Regulations
To reduce crowding, all visitors must follow a set circuit route inside Machu Picchu. Entrance tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. We will do our best to keep your group together, but in some cases, travellers may be assigned different circuits. Once the guided tour is complete, visitors must exit the site, as free roaming is not permitted. -
Different Routes, Different Experiences
Travellers reaching Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, Quarry Trail, or Train will enter the site from different routes. As a result, it may not always be possible to take photos together overlooking Machu Picchu, even if travelling on the same booking.
✨ With Namaste Nomad.ie, you can be assured that every detail is handled with care – allowing you to focus on the journey, the culture, and the wonder of Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco
Welcome to Peru! Your trip begins in Cusco with a 2 pm welcome meeting to meet your leader and group. Afterward, enjoy a guided city walk visiting highlights like Qoricancha Temple, San Pedro Market, and San Blas Square. In the evening, attend a trek briefing at Casa Intrepid, then explore the city at your own pace or join your group for dinner.
Meals: None included
Included Activity: Cusco leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities: Various cultural sites, museums, cooking classes, and local experiences available for an extra cost.
Day 2 – Sacred Valley & Ollantaytambo
Travel through the Sacred Valley, a fertile region steeped in Inca history. Stop for lunch in a local community, experiencing traditional life and Quechua culture, and browse local handicrafts if the market is open. Visit AMA Restaurant in Urubamba, supporting single mothers, for a snack and insight into this social enterprise. Continue to Ollantaytambo, with the option to explore its impressive Inca archaeological site.
Accommodation: 1 night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities: Community visit & lunch, snack at AMA Restaurant
Optional Activities: Ollantaytambo archaeological site (PEN70)
Travel Time: ~4 hours
Day 3 – Start of Trekking or Cusco Stay
Today marks the start of your journey to Machu Picchu, with three route options:
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Route 1 – Inca Trail: Travel by minivan to the trailhead and begin your trek, visiting Inca sites like Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay, and Llactapata, with spectacular views of Veronica Peak. Camp at 3,100 m for the night with meals prepared by your cook. (~12 km, 8 hours, moderate fitness required)
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Route 2 – Quarry Trail: Drive to Choquequilla, trek to Qory Song’o hill, explore sacred tombs, visit the Perolniyoc Cascade, and finish at the Q’orimarca archaeological site. Camp at 3,700 m with snacks and lunch included. (~7 km, 6.5 hours, moderate fitness required)
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Route 3 – Cusco & Pisac: Visit the Pisac market for souvenirs and local treats before returning to Cusco, including a stop at San Pedro Market for picnic supplies.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (trekking options only)
Included Activities: Guided multi-day hikes with porters’ support or guided Cusco stay with Machu Picchu by train
Accommodation: Camping for trekking routes; hotel for Cusco stay
Day 4 – Trekking or Cusco Exploration
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Route 1 – Inca Trail: The most challenging day, ascending Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwanusca) at 4,200 m, then descending to the Pacaymayo Valley campsite at 3,650 m. (~12 km, 8 hours)
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Route 2 – Quarry Trail: Trek to Puccaqasa Pass (4,370 m), continue to Kuychicassa Pass (4,450 m), then descend to the campsite near the sun gate, Intipunku, with views of Nevado Veronica. (~14 km, 7.5 hours)
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Route 3 – Cusco: Take a taxi to Tambomachay and enjoy a 2–3 hour walk back to Cusco, visiting archaeological sites like Puka Pukara, Quenqo, and Saksaywaman. Afternoon free for galleries, workshops, or dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (trekking options only)
Included Activities: Guided trekking or Cusco walking tour
Day 5 – Trekking to Machu Picchu Base or Train to Aguas Calientes
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Route 1 – Inca Trail: Trek through Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3,980 m), visit Sayacmarca ruins, continue over the third pass to Phuyupatamarca (3,850 m), and descend to the campsite near Winay Wayna. (~15 km, 10 hours)
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Route 2 – Quarry Trail: All downhill hike, visiting the Kachiqata quarry and Ollantaytambo, then take a short train to Aguas Calientes for an overnight hotel stay. (~10 km, 4.5 hours)
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Route 3 – Train to Aguas Calientes: Drive to Ollantaytambo, then a 1.5-hour train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in a hotel before visiting Machu Picchu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (lunch and dinner included for trekking options; lunch included for Quarry Trail)
Included Activities: Guided trekking or train transfer to Aguas Calientes
Day 6 – Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
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Route 1 – Inca Trail: Start early with a 4 am breakfast, then hike ~2.5 hours to Intipunku (Sun Gate) for breathtaking views over Machu Picchu. Trekking distance ~6 km, 4 hours.
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Routes 2 & 3 – Quarry Trail or Train: Take an early bus to Machu Picchu (~6 am) for a guided tour of temples, palaces, and living quarters.
After the visit, all travellers return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then enjoy a scenic train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a drive back to Cusco in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast included
Included Activities: Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Day 7 – Departure or Optional Exploration
Today marks the end of your trip. There are no planned activities, but you may choose to extend your stay and explore Cusco further. Consider purchasing a Boleto Turístico to access local museums such as the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, and Qosqo Native Art Museum.
Meals: Breakfast included
Optional Activities: Pisco Making, Rainbow Mountain hikes, Mountain Biking, Cooking Classes, Humantay Lake Hike, Via Ferrata & Zipline, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, and 4 Ruins + Qorikancha.
For more details pre Departure information please email us – info@namastenomad.ie