Inca Encounter
Experience Overview
Explore Peru on an eye-opening journey from the depths of the Amazon to the heights of the Andes. Get to know downtown Lima’s ornate buildings and markets, uncover Cusco’s ancient charms, encounter incredible wildlife in the Amazon, see the lush Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo, and marvel at the wonder of Machu Picchu. Offering an up-close look at Peru's diverse attractions, this is an unforgettable trip at a relaxing pace. Discover ancient cultures, natural wonders, welcoming locals and vibrant modern life as you journey through the homeland of the Incas.
Highlights
- Marvel at the incredible Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a moment you’ll truly never forget – enjoy a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters.
- Experience the wild world of the Amazon rainforest. Stroll along jungle trails on the lookout for monkeys, parrots, otters and caiman, and sleep in a nature lodge lit by candles and kerosene lamps.
- Treat yourself to freshly made coffee and cakes at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley that’s empowering community growth and providing job opportunities and training for single mothers from the region.
- Get to know the locals of the Huilloq community in the Sacred Valley, learn from them, discover their ancestral textile techniques, join an offering to Pachamama and then sit down for a special lunch together.
- Choose your own adventure on your way to the magnificent Machu Picchu – hike the Inca Trail, traverse the Quarry Trail or enjoy a few days in Cusco before taking the train to Aguas Calientes.
- At Intrepid, we’ve always been about balancing profit and purpose and as the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail, we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all – join us and help make the world a better place.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1880
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Plane,Canoe,Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GGKY
Starts: Lima, Peru
Finishes: Cusco, Peru
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (6), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights),Jungle Lodge (2 nights),Camping (with facilities) (3 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,915 ($492 /day)
Itinerary
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 on public transport 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.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Lima - San Francisco Monastery and the Catacombs
- Lima - Downtown walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Lima - Coast Biking Tour - Urban Adventure (Price based on 2 participants) (52 USD)
- Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) (85 USD)
- Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
- Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
- Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) (35 USD)
- Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Accommodation:
- Jungle Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Amazon Jungle - Night jungle walk
- Amazon Jungle - Morning jungle walk
Accommodation:
- Jungle Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
Optional Activities:
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (57 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Then continue on to your next stop – the Huilloq community above Ollantaytambo. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any tourists in this village. You’ll get a chance to meet the locals and learn about their traditional textile weaving and join in on an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) before enjoying lunch together. In the afternoon you’ll continue to your final stop for the evening – Ollantaytambo, where you’ll visit the town’s archaeological site of ancient Incan ruins.
Included Activities:
- Sacred Valley - Coffee & cake
- Sacred Valley - Community visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail) guided hike(s) with porters' support. Or guided Cusco stay (Machu Picchu by train)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail) guided hike(s) with porters' support. Or guided Cusco stay (Machu Picchu by train)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail) guided hike(s) with porters' support. Or guided Cusco stay (Machu Picchu by train)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail) guided hike(s) with porters' support. Or guided Cusco stay (Machu Picchu by train)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your Inca Encounter comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no activities planned for the final day.
Optional Activities:
- Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (170 USD)
- Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline (95 USD)
- Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) (170 USD)
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (57 USD)
- Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) (85 USD)
- Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) (130 USD)
- Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) (100 USD)
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
- Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) (105 USD)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
James - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing trip! The guides were amazing and the itinerary was great
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Zachery - Traveled, October 2023
Perfect trip for first timers to Peru. 10/10 would recommend this trip if you want to experience a hearty slice of what Peru has to offer and explore incredible Inca sites.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Sandra - Traveled, October 2023
Just finished this trip. So grateful for our wonderful guide Raul and all the amazing experiences we had.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Rachael - Traveled, October 2023
Had such a special experience on our tour - hiking the Inca Trail was the most memorable moment of my life, and it was made so much easier with all the support of our guide. All the experiences were amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Sharron - Traveled, October 2023
Highly recommend this trip. Guides were amazing. Peru is incredible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Cathy - Traveled, July 2023
Intense 10 days but fun- extreme weather from high altitude to jungle
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Cody - Traveled, June 2023
The trip was fun. Inca Trail was beautiful yet exhausting to me and I'm in fairly good shape. We had no energy left to enjoy Machu Picchu upon arrival. I understand the porters have to make a train, but 3:30 am wake up was very early. Everyone in our group was exhausted when we got there. For Inca Trail food, the raw meat is not safe to eat as it is not refrigerated. Canned or dehydrated would be safer choices.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Helen - Traveled, June 2023
I could not recommend Peru more as a destination. It is a once in a lifetime experience to visit the Amazon rainforest or to hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. With this trip you get to do both!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Walter - Traveled, June 2023
My wife and I had an excellent experience with Intrepid Travel. Their services and staff made our trip an absolute pleasure. I recommend them very highly for any travel you are planning.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2023
Helen - Traveled, June 2023
The Inca Encounter trip was hands down one of the best. Amazing experience, details and breathtaking moments. Intrepid and their staff made this a bucket list trip of a life!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2023
Zoe - Traveled, April 2023
Incredible cultural experience and Patricia our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. The hike was life changing in so many ways!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2023
Mitchell - Traveled, November 2022
Great trip. takes all the stress out of traveling around a foreign country where you don't know the language. see culture, try food, experience the sights. really good package, i do recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2022
Ashley - Traveled, November 2022
My husband and i had the best time on this trip. So well organised, we felt safe and the food was wonderful. Leo our guide was top notch, so informative and we learnt SO much about the local culture. Even if i had of been travelling as a solo female, i would have felt completely safe and comfortable on this trip. 10/10 recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2022
Jamie - Traveled, October 2022
Our Inca encounter tour was by the best experience we had on our South American trip. Our amazing guide Smithy welcomed and invited us to learn his culture and history of Peru. 10 days of unforgettable moments from the Amazon jungle to Sacred Valley and the amazing Machu Picchu we loved it all
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2022
Michael - Traveled, September 2022
I truly enjoyed my experience with Intrepid every aspect of the trip was pleasant and the local experience was great. To be able to learn and see the local culture and history was excellent. Plus the activities are great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2022
Alex - Traveled, June 2022
This experience fulfilled my dreams of Peru and it’s beauty, culture, history and wildlife. It was expertly managed with every guide and local guide being so knowledgeable and friendly. It’s a must if you haven’t done it and I ticked four things off my bucket list! Thank you for everything and the expert organisation of this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2022
Daniel - Traveled, April 2022
Overall this was an incredible and delightful experience. Our guide William went above and beyond his duties
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2022
erika - Traveled, December 2021
I booked this trip after being on the fence for a while. I was going as a solo traveler and I was concerned about covid safety. If you are on the fence like I was, just book this trip! It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I was worried that I would feel left out as a solo traveler but there were other solo travelers in our group and even the people who were not solo travelers became like family. Our leader, Giscard was super organized, communication with him was great and he was very knowledgeable. Our guide in the Amazon, Fernando was so kind and Knowledgeable as well. Giscard made sure that all covid protocols were followed. Overall, I would recommend this trip to everyone. It really takes the stress out of planning and buying tickets for transportation, booking hotels, etc. And you gain new friends :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2022
Cady - Traveled, December 2021
Inca Encounter was an incredible experience, that provided amazing highlights of Peru. I would highly recommend visiting this country and taking this tour. It was safe, welcoming, and one of the most enjoyable vacations I have ever had! 10/10
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2022
Paul - Traveled, December 2021
My family spent the Christmas Holidays in Peru. Thanks to Intrepid,Giscard and their personal we had an awesome time. If you’re going to Peru use Intrepid, ask for Giscard ??????????
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2022
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