The Inca Trail
Experience Overview
Offering an unrivalled combination of history and dramatic scenery, the Inca Trail winds from the powerful Urubamba River, across mountain passes, through cloud forests and past crumbling fortresses, to the ruins of Machu Picchu, rightly named one of the New Wonders of the World. We designed this Inca Trail trip to give you more time to enjoy the route, arriving to Machu Picchu in the afternoon for classic photos before we stay overnight in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. We return the next morning, fresh and well rested, for our in-depth tour of magnificent Machu Picchu.
Why trek with us?
More than 40 years’ experience running treks in Peru
Proceeds from this trip support our Porter Project, where we take porters to Machu Picchu, many of whom have never visited before. See our mini documentary Carried Away to learn more
We operate a zero-impact policy on the Inca Trail, removing all waste from campsites and separating it so it can be easily recycled or composted
Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained to spot and deal with altitude sickness
Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone on this trip. See the Joining Instructions for more
Profile
— Accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels), 3 Simple nights (full-service camping) — Four walking days with full porterage — Group sizes normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Altitude maximum: 13,830ft (4,215m); average 10,000ft (3,050m) — 15lb (7kg) personal weight limit on Inca Trail — Travel by private bus and by train
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels), 3 Simple nights (full-service camping) — Four walking days with full porterage — Group sizes normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Altitude maximum: 13,830ft (4,215m); average 10,000ft (3,050m) — 15lb (7kg) personal weight limit on Inca Trail — Travel by private bus and by train
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
There are four days of point-to-point walking with full porterage, reaching a maximum altitude of 13,830ft (4,215m) and an average of 10,000ft (3,050m).
Though strenuous in parts, the Inca Trail is possible for anyone with good health and fitness. However, we would not recommend this trip to someone with no previous walking experience.
If you are not a regular walker, you should put in physical preparation beforehand. The trek is also not suitable for those with bad knees due to the number of steep and uneven steps, particularly on the third and fourth days of the trek. The use of trekking poles will reduce strain on the knees.
Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group’s pace.
Altitude: As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes. We spend two days in Cuzco (11,150ft/3,400m) acclimatising before starting the trek.
Delays: Protest action/strikes are not uncommon in Peru; while these are generally peaceful, they can involve roadblocks and cause disruption to travel. Occasionally, your leader may have to adapt your itinerary in response to this.
Please note, it is essential you read the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations in the Important Information section of the Trip Notes before you book this trip.
Group Description
On the Inca Trail there is a full trek crew of porters, cooks and assistant guide.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners are included.
Peruvian cuisine is loved for its flavours and originality; it’s well worth digging into the local delicacies. Among these are: ceviche, seafood or fish marinated in lime juice; lomo saltado, a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry; and various hearty soups, including the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage.
Drinking water is included throughout the trip as the tap water in Peru is not safe to drink; boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek; elsewhere your leader buys large water containers from which you can refill your bottle.
Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffets, usually including bread/toast, preserves, cereal, sometimes eggs or cooked dishes, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that wheat-free or gluten-free products are available for breakfast in all locations – if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food.
Where lunch and dinner are not included in Cuzco/Aguas Calientes, we visit a variety of cafes and restaurants.
During the Inca Trail, hearty breakfasts are served and good-quality cooked lunches and dinners are provided. They usually consist of soup to start, a main course with meat/fish and some carbohydrates, followed by a dessert. Between meals, snacks are also provided. Tea/coffee is brought to your tent each morning and juice or hot drinks are provided with all meals during the trek.
Transportation
A variety of transport is used during this tour and vehicle types may vary depending on group size: travel is by bus and train. Airport transfers are by private car or minibus. All main road journeys are by private minibus or coach with heating/air conditioning.
We travel by train (with Peru Rail/Inca Rail) between Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu) and Ollantaytambo in expedition/executive class. Seating is four seats to a table, the carriages have panoramic windows and there is air conditioning/heating.
We take the public bus for the short journey between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu; this is the only transport available on this route as private vehicles are not permitted. The wait can be very long first thing in the morning, especially during the peak summer months.
This point-to-point trekking trip requires you to walk between each overnight stay under your own steam. Other forms of transport may be available along the route (horses, mules etc) but Exodus is not able to take responsibility for the safety or the cost of any transport you choose to take, even if provided with the assistance of our leader or staff.
Joining Instructions
Start hotel: MamaSara Hotel, C. Saphy 875, Cuzco 08002
Phone: +51 84 223907
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There is a welcome briefing in the afternoon/evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
Getting to the start hotel
Our Cuzco hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
Collecting baggage in Lima
If you are flying via Lima, you need to collect your baggage in Lima, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Cuzco. After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. If you do not pick up your bag, there is a chance it may not reach Cuzco for the start of the trek. This is a requirement of Lima airport and applies to your return flight.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
The diverse geography of Peru results in a very varied climate between different regions. Cuzco and the Andes have a temperate climate. December to March is the rainy season in Cuzco/the Andes. April to November is the dry season, which is characterised by clear skies and strong sunshine in the mornings, sometimes clouding over as the day progresses.
Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant (20C/68F on average) but nights are lower (7C/44F), except for May, June, July and August when days are cooler and nights are often close to, or a few degrees below, freezing. In the Andes, however, anything is possible at any time of year, including cloud, rain or even snow, with rapid and unexpected changes.
Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are in the cloud forest and experience large amounts of precipitation all year as clouds move up from the Amazon Basin. Rain here can be heavy but is seldom prolonged. Cold fronts sometimes occur from July to August.
Peru is affected by El Niño, a weather phenomenon where warming of Pacific Ocean surface water off South America drives a shift in the atmospheric circulation, resulting in abnormally high levels of rainfall over parts of South America. These events occur at irregular intervals of two to seven years, and last nine months to two years.
Spending Money
We recommend either taking cash with you to change into sol locally or using local ATMs to withdraw money in Peru as you go, so you are not left with excess at the end of your trip. It is a good idea to change a small amount into sol at the counters in the baggage hall upon arrival. Change is often in short supply, so ask for small denomination banknotes and try to break up any large notes at the earliest opportunity.
It is possible to obtain Peruvian sol before you travel but exchange rates can be lower than exchanging money locally in Peru. Some larger establishments and hotels accept US dollars, but most places only accept sol.
Food, drinks and similar incidentals can vary in price enormously in Peru and are relatively expensive compared to other developing nations. Allow about 55-75 soles (US$15-US$20) per meal to eat at tourist-class restaurants. Cheaper food is abundant at small local cafes, although sanitary conditions at these places cannot be guaranteed. Bottled water and soft drinks are readily available for around 3.75-7.50 soles (US$1‐US$2) each.
You may want to hire equipment for your trek in Cuzco – please see the Packing Section for prices. Peruvian airport taxes are included in the price of your flight ticket and there will be no need to pay these locally. Please note, there is a possibility the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism may increase entrance fees to archeological sites at any time. If this happens, we will inform you of the increase and the additional amount will be payable locally.
Peruvian passport or Identity Card holders
Our trips in Peru are based on the assumption you do not hold a Peruvian passport or residents card. If you are officially resident in Peru or a Peruvian passport holder, you are liable to an additional 18 percent tax on most services, and this extra sum is payable locally to our local partner.
Other nationalities are exempt from this tax. Please notify us at the time of booking if you are legally resident in Peru or hold a Peruvian passport so we can advise you of the total cost of these taxes.
Optional excursions
Your tour leader can tell you about the full range of optional excursions available throughout your trip; however, the most popular ones are as follows:
— A partial tourist ticket (BTG) is required for entrance to the sites in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley – this is not included in the excursion prices below but can be purchased locally from approximately. — City tour and four ruins (half day/five hours). From US$48 per person (based on four participants), excludes BTG. This includes visits to the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucará, plus a city tour, which includes the Plaza de Armas, where the cathedral is located, Qorikancha Sun Temple (entrance included) and San Pedro Market. — Sacred Valley tour (full day/eight hours). From US$58 per person (based on four participants), excludes BTG. Drive to the Sacred Valley, stopping at El Mirador viewpoint en route. Visit Pisac Market and fortress and Ollantaytambo; return to Cuzco. — South Valley tour (full day/seven hours). From US$66 per person (based on four participants), excludes BTG. Visit the little-known valley to the south of Cuzco, including the terraces at Tipon, the pre-Inca ruins of Pikillaqta and the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’ in Andahuaylillas (entrance included); return to Cuzco. — Stand Up Paddle (half day/four hours): From US$82 per person (based on two participants). Includes private transfer, specialised guide, fruit, water and hot drinks. Price can vary if there are more people. — Zip line (full day/eight to nine hours). From US$60 per person. Includes transport, security equipment, specialised guide, and packed lunch. — Via ferrata (full day/eight to nine hours). From US$60 per person. Includes transport, security equipment, specialised guide, and packed lunch. — Via ferrata and zip line (full day/eight to nine hours). From US$100 per person. Includes Transport, security equipment, specialised guide, and packed lunch. — Mountain biking excursion in the Sacred Valley (full day/seven hours). From US$130 per person (based on two participants). Includes private transfer, security equipment, specialised guide, and packed lunch.
Prices of excursions vary depending on the number of people taking part. The prices given within these Trip Notes are intended as a guideline only. Actual prices will be more for smaller group sizes and less for larger group sizes. All tours use private transport and there will be an English-speaking guide. Please note that cash is the preferred method of payment for any of the optional activities.
For some activities, a minimum number of participants may be required. Some activities may not always be possible due to weather, seasonality, national holidays, or unforeseen circumstances.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work but tipping is customary in Peru. Tipping is greatly appreciated, but not compulsory and based on service provided. Whether and how much to tip is a personal decision; however, we have included some guidelines below.
Please note, Peruvian sol is the preferred currency for tips (but US dollars are also fine).
Tipping kitty: We recommend running a tipping kitty on this trip. A tipping kitty means we tip as a group, and individuals don’t need to worry about giving out small tips to various people who have helped during the trip (ie drivers, local guides, hotel staff). The tipping kitty excludes tips for the Inca Trail trekking crew and the Tour Leader. The contribution we suggest is 25 soles (US$6) per person per day.
Tour leader: Leaders are paid fairly for their role but are always grateful for recognition of their skills and hard work. Tips for your leader should be based on their performance and engagement with the group. If you are happy with the leader’s work, we recommend somewhere around 25 soles (US$6) per person per day, but customers are encouraged to contribute what they feel happy giving.
Trekking crew: The trekking crew is made up of guides, cooks, kitchen staff and porters. Tips are best arranged on a group basis, and a volunteer from the group should gather the money and split the total collected into smaller amounts for each person. This is normally done on the last night of the trek. Your leader is happy to assist as needed.
Inca Trail: The recommended contribution per group member is approximately 160-210 soles (US$40-US$53) per person for groups of seven or more, and 180-240 soles (US$45-US$60) per person for groups of six or fewer.
Around 200-300 soles (US$50-US$75) of the total collection would normally be allocated to the main trek guide.
Based on the above distributions, tips for everyone (inclusive of a tipping kitty and a tip for your trekking crew and tour leader) for the whole tour duration should amount to a total of around 575-655 soles (US$145-US$165) per person, depending on the group size.
Highlights
— Complete the classic Inca Trail, South America’s most celebrated walking route — Enjoy camp life in the Andes − our expert staff take care of all the chores! — Explore Inca ruins as our knowledgeable tour leader brings them to life — Arrive at the famed Sun Gate at the ideal time to see Machu Picchu — Refresh after your trek with a stay in charming Aguas Calientes — Tour Machu Picchu, your experience enhanced after a restful hotel stay
Trip Details
Product Code: 4191
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: or staff.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: TPT
Starts: Cuzco, Cuzco
Finishes: Cuzco, Cuzco
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners — Four nights en suite hotels and three nights full-service camping — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Arrival and departure transfers — Full porterage throughout trek — Exodus kitbag — Inflatable sleeping mat while campingAccommodation
Hotels and fully supported campingThe three-star hotels selected on our Andean trips feature an excellent blend of quality and comfort, with easy walking access to city and town attractions. The Inca Trail is offered on a full-service camping basis with full porterage, meaning our camp staff put up and take down the tents for you, cook, and do all the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack for the day and enjoy your time on the trek. Cuzco: MamaSara Hotel (nights 1-2 and 7) Just a few blocks from the historic centre, MamaSara is well located for our adventures in the one-time Inca capital of Cuzco. The design of the rooms pays homage to the city with locally sourced furniture and artwork, while the restaurant serves Peruvian Andean cuisine. Inca Trail: Camping (nights 3-5) We sleep and dine in good-quality four-season tents. We also have a toilet tent set up both in camp and during lunch stops. Boiled and filtered drinking water is provided to guests in the mornings, at lunch and dinner times so we can refill our water bottles. While on the trek, a bowl of warm water for washing is provided each morning and evening. On the Inca Trail, we stay in official campsites where additional bathroom facilities are available. Aguas Calientes: Terraza de Luna (night 6) Terraza de Luna is conveniently located in Aguas Calientes near the train station and buses to Machu Picchu. In addition to the standard comforts and warm service, it has a wonderful rooftop terrace with a bar and lounge area to enjoy a drink and take in the views of the mountains and Urubamba River. Worth knowing Single accommodation (including tents) can be arranged, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,590 ($324 /day)
Itinerary
High in the altiplano hills, Cuzco was the geographic, cultural and political centre of a vast Inca empire, which stretched from present-day Quito, Ecuador, to Santiago, Chile, at its peak. After Spanish conquistadors invaded, they built on top of Inca structures, resulting in unique architecture, a fusion of Spanish and Inca styles. There is a noticeboard in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held. Remember to take it easy on arrival in Cuzco (and drink plenty of water) to help your body adjust to the altitude (11,155ft/3,400m). Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
Adjusting to the altitude will maximise your experience on this trip; therefore, today has been left free for you to acclimatise and explore at your own pace. If you do want to get out, the Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people-watching, and Qorikancha (the Sun Temple) in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery is worth a visit. Mercado San Pedro is the place to try local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs, such as alpaca jumpers and scarves. Outside the town are more Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where the Inca armies made their last stand against the conquistadors. Cuzco is also the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas; if you wish to visit, your leader can help organise an excursion, including Pisac Market (optional). If you would like something more active, there is an array of other optional activities available from Cuzco, including paddleboarding on a lake, mountain biking, or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley. In the evening, you need to pack and weigh your kitbag ready for the Inca Trail tomorrow – remember to keep your passport somewhere accessible for the Inca Trail checkpoint. Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
Early this morning, we transfer (1hr 30min) from Cuzco into the Sacred Valley. Reaching the town of Ollantaytambo, we drive for one hour along the final stretch of road to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, recognised among adventurers as Km82. After greeting our trekking crew, we show our passports at the checkpoint and begin the fabled Inca Trail trek. Our route today runs alongside the Urubamba River, beneath the snow-capped peak of Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and settlements, until we reach the terraced Inca ruins of Llactapata, where we continue up the Cusichaca Valley to camp near the village of Huayllabamba (9,186ft/2,800m). Accommodation: Huayllabamba Camp (full-service camping)
The morning begins, as all do on our Inca Trail trek, with a hot drink delivered to your tent. Today’s journey is both challenging and rewarding, marking the most demanding and best-known stretch of the trail. A slow and steady climb takes us through a cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then we summit Dead Woman’s (Warmihuañusca) Pass, the highest point on the trek at 13,829ft (4,215m). After a well-deserved round of high fives and photos at the summit, we begin our steep descent on original Inca steps to reach our campsite in the scenic valley of the Pacaymayu River (11,811ft/3,600m). Warm up in the dining tent with a hot, fresh meal followed by a well-deserved sleep under the Andean night sky. Accommodation: Pacaymayu Camp (full-service camping)
After a hearty breakfast, we start the day with a climb, which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (12,894ft/3,930m), our second and final pass. From here, the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined rolling path of flat boulders, providing access to sites only available to those on foot. One of the standout archeological sites we visit is Sayacmarca (11,893/3,625m), perched high above the green cloud forest. From here, we enjoy views of Salkantay mountain as we hike to our spectacular campsite on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (12,073ft/3,680m), where we can enjoy the sunset and sunrise. Accommodation: Phuyupatamarca Camp (full-service camping)
From Phuyupatamarca, we take the famous Inca steps: a 1.2mi (2km) stone staircase that rapidly descends into an immense panorama, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above and the Urubamba River far below. Reaching Wiñay Wayna, we have plenty of time to explore these beautiful ruins and eat lunch before continuing along a relatively flat section of trail (by Inca standards) through cloud forest and wild orchids to finally reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). From here, we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu, with the Huayna Picchu mountain rising behind… congratulations, you made it! Inti Punku is traditionally busy with photo-taking trekkers in the morning, so our late afternoon arrival affords us unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. We also get a chance to snap some classic photos of Machu Picchu before we take the 30-minute bus down to Aguas Calientes for a shower and a comfortable bed for the night. Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)
Well-rested and refreshed, we return to Machu Picchu this morning for our guided tour. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel, the staggering mountain backdrop making it even more dramatic. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained an enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Your guided tour highlights the history, culture, architecture and mysteries that Machu Picchu still holds today. This afternoon, we catch the train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (1hr 30min). Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
We begin our return journeys home after breakfast. But if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, you can always book onto our Lake Titicaca extension, where you explore the sky-high waters by boat, visit an indigenous community and explore the pre‐Incan site of Sillustani. Alternatively, join our Amazon Rainforest extension to explore lakes, rivers and jungle trails in search of tropical wildlife.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Gordon Williams - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing Inca Trail Experience This adventure holiday exceeded all my expectations. Havving never travelled with Exodus before, I wasn’t sure what to expect but organisation, tour leaders, accommodation – all were perfect. Thank you Exodus. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the Sun Gate and looking down on Machu Picchu. Thoughts on Group Leader Amazing sums him up. Bobby (Ubaldo Bobby Quispe) was knowledgable, helpful, entertaining and brilliant! He was so supportive of me when I struggled with ascents. Rosa (assistant guide) was also awesome! Advice for Potential Travellers Do not hesitate to take this adventure; it is a life-changing experience. Suggestions i cannot really express my thanks sufficiently in this review; I have been more than delighted by this experience. I want to thank everyone - Exodus, Bobby, Rosa, the porters, the cooks. Fantastic adventure!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Melissa Morris - Traveled, January 2024
Best Trip of my Life! I booked The Inca Trail with extensions to the Amazon and Lake Titicaca, my only regret, not having done it sooner in my life! Most Inspirational Moment Everything... the scenery and the expert guides for all our experiences. Thoughts on Group Leader We had a group leader for each part of the trip, they were absolutely excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers Whilst this seems expensive, I would say it is worth it. I travelled alone and as I don't speak Spanish, I just wanted a company to take care of everything and ensure I was safe throughout. It was really worth investing in this and worthwhile choosing an ethical company. Suggestions We hadn't even finished the Inca Trail trek and I would have started all over again. I loved every minute of it, from the tougher and challenging moments to the joy, banter and camaraderie of joining the groups along the way. An unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2024
Anthony Rae - Traveled, May 2023
Trip of a lifetime I have wanted to do The Inca Trail for about 20 years. I finally took the jump and couldn’t have been happier with my experience. Not only was it a great person accomplishment but it was made to be a very comfortable and fulfill trip by everyone involved before at home and in Peru. Firstly I had a delayed flight between Bogota and Lima, this resulted in me missing the final leg of my journey. I made contact via email while sat on a plane and the staff at home were exceptional, had me on a new flight instantly and rearranged my transfer to the hotel. The city of Cuzco, the country of Peru, I loved it all. The porters on the trek were amazing. The chef was a genius. The camp sites exceptional. The group leader, Julio, full of knowledge. Exodus and everyone associated with my trip have my eternal gratitude Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the top of Warmiwanuska. You'll hear and read about the difficulties of Day 2 and it is no joke. Reaching the highest point of the trail and I really thought "I have done the hardest part" it was a physical and emotional relief Thoughts on Group Leader Our tour guide was Julio. He was honestly incredible. He had incredible knowledge and was very passionate about what he does. I travelled alone and he ensured I was part of the group but also allowed me free time when I sought it. He assisted with information before before and after the trek when in and around Cusco. He really displayed great knowledge on the trail and also at Machu Picchu Advice for Potential Travellers Tale snacks. Drinks lots of water. Have FUN
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2023
Alice Nimmo - Traveled, September 2022
Inca trail with Amazon Jungle trip extension.... This is definitely a bucket list trip which has you constantly on the go from start to finish. You will not be disappointed but be prepared to feel exhausted at the end of your travels. I have been away with Exodus many times in the past and have always had positive experiences with them. There were a couple of minor hiccups on this trip, hence I have marked down one star. However, with such a complicated trip to book, it was inevitable this may happen. Most Inspirational Moment The guides are so passionate about their culture and history and are keen to expand in their knowledge about the Incas. They answer every question, are kind and patient, and take time to find nice locations to eat when not on the trail. The porters were magnificent, although they couldn't speak much English, were always happy to greet you in the mornings with a hot cup of tea and give you a cheer at the end of each day on the trail. The jungle guides were equaly passionate about their jobs and went to all lengths to ensure we saw as much wildlife as possible as well as talking bout the different plants and insects f the jungle. The optional excursion to the Sacred Valley is really worth it, it lasts the whole day and you will visit various sites with your own personal guide. Thoughts on Group Leader The Inca Trail leader Julio was fantastic and so professional from start to finish. Very knowledgable and was always there throughout the whole trip. I had various guides in the jungle and all of them were equaly as good as each other as well as the guide for the Sacred Valley. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared to be taking a lot of flights, especially if you have the jungle extension as well, there is also a 3-hour boat ride into the jungle. The transfer times are tight so be aware of this at check in. You will probably get affected by the altitude on arrival into Cuzco and possibly throughout the trip, but you will gradually get used to it. It was colder in Cuzco and the mountains than expected so be prepared for this (bring hat, gloves and warm sleeping bag. It was also very wet so waterproofs are essential but there is opportunities to purchase a cheap poncho. The jungle is very hot, but bring long sleaved tops and long trousers as you will get eaten alive by mosquitos. Suggestions I found communication slower than normal with Exodus while booking this trip. It may have been because it was just after the pandemic and they were out of practice with new staff. I also had to pay for my hold luggage on the way out to Columbia at the airport which cost an unexpected £135, apparently it is a bit of a scam that is common on South American flights. I contacted Exodus by email and explained to my guide Julio on arrival and the full amount was refunded within 3 days, so big thumbs up to Exodus again, this is why I choose to travel with them as nothing is ever any trouble.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2022
Sarah Cullen - Traveled, August 2022
Brilliant Trip I booked this trip for myself and my daughters (22 and 19). We all thoroughly enjoyed it, mostly due to the brilliant organisation of the entire trip. The food on the trek was simply amazing and a big treat at each stop, we were all simply amazed at how such delicious the meals were, created out of a tent on a camping stove which had been carried 30 miles and up and over 4,200 metres ! A great big thank you to the chef and sous-chef for your outstanding work ! Our tour guides, Edwind and Antony were fantastic. They were not only professional to the core, but really lovely to be with, they looked after each and every one of us in the group so well (there were 13) and we had such a nice time with them. The trek itself was spectacular. We found the second day going over the ‘dead woman’s pass’ really hard, but there was a great sense of achievement as whole team made it, and the next two days were much easier and the scenery sensational; of course the prize was seeing Machu Picchu at the end. Well done Edwind, Antony, Modesto, Valentin, Luis Huayta and each and every porter who looked after us. You were all simply amazing and we will never forget the memories you have given us. A huge thanks to all of you. I’d highly recommend this trip. Most Inspirational Moment Going through the Sun-Gate and seeing Machu Picchu. Thoughts on Group Leader Edwind was professional and nothing was too much trouble. He looked after us all extremely well from the moment we landed to the moment we left. Edwind is a credit to Exodus in every way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2022
Sharon Gebhard - Traveled, April 2022
A little tougher than moderate but spectacular! A wonderful trip that shows you many of the Inca sights before you take those last few emotional steps towards the sun gate and see Machu Picchu sitting below you. I’m so glad I took this option rather than the easy train day trip to MP as it was personally rewarding, challenging and incredibly memorable. It was a little tougher than I expected but completely doable – I walked away having seen mountains like never before, been amazed at the strength and ease at which porters scale the mountains, dined on 3 course meals, slept above the clouds, felt like I could touch the stars enjoyed the company of wonderful fellow trekkers and met a passionate tour guide (Roul) who helped pull it all together. Feels like a dream already just a week after the event, but I totally recommend it! Thoughts on Group Leader Roul was great. He was organised, kept us motivated and focussed and ensured we had a wonderful time! Advice for Potential Travellers Go light on clothes and your daypack. Minimise everything but layers are so important especially on that 3rd night. Don’t carry too many snacks as you will be fed so well they are rarely needed - I have mine to the porters!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2022
Matthew Lodge - Traveled, June 2022
Beyond my expectations This was a really happy accident. I had wanted to do the Inca Trail, but I booked my trip too late and Exodus put me on the Moonstone Trek instead, which was a ridiculously good piece of fortune. As it turned out I was the only person on the trek – I felt ridiculously pampered. I had a guide, one chef, two porters and our four pack horses. The first day we went to the Moonstone which gives the trek it’s name before heading on to the departure site for the trek itself. While climbing up the hills we passed another tourist group coming the other way, but they would be the last tourists I would see until the end of the trek. The scenery as incredible – not the lush forests you might see on the Inca Trail, but an incredible trek through the high pampas. We walked through little settlements where the locals offered us wheat wine (although my guide said it would probably be best not to take them up on it as it can upset your stomach if you aren’t used to it). I joined up with the rest of the group in Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu the night before we all headed up, and I decided to get up early the next morning to get a glorious view over the lost city from the sun gate. It was well worth the early start. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the top of the Accocasa Pass was brilliant and the views were absolutely incredible, while Machu Picchu is everything they say it is. However the best moment for me was camping in the hills above Ollantaytambo with a wonderful view of the nearby peaks and the river valley below the night before the Moonstone Trek ended. Something I'll never forget. Thoughts on Group Leader Aside from the trek and Machu Picchu our guide, Smithy, was brilliant. Always willing to help, supremely knowledgeable about the history of the area and gave us some incredible tips for eating out. Fabrizio, my guide on the Moonstone Trek, was fantastic - really knowledgeable and eager to give little insights into the rich history of the area. He was always willing to answer my annoying questions, and very good at keeping my chin up on some of the tougher sections of the trek. Advice for Potential Travellers While the altitude didn't cause me any sickness, I could definitely feel it while walking up the hills, especially on the second and third days of the trek. If you can spend an extra day acclimating to it in Cusco. Hiking poles will be your most valuable ally on the trek, especially on the steeper sections where you are panting out of breathe. Buy a cheap poncho in Cusco - you'll definitely need one if it rains, as there is no shelter while your out on the hike until you get into the tent for lunch and dinner. Plus, suncream and a wide brimmed hat are a must for Machu Picchu, as there is little to no shade, especially in the middle of the day. Suggestions Absolutely the trip of a lifetime - I'd recommend this to anybody and everybody.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2022
Michelle Carter - Traveled, July 2019
Moonstone Trek I chose to do the Moonstone Trek – a remote and quiet Inca trail reaching the dizzying heights of just under 4700 m. I was the only person doing the trek and had my own guide, chef and 2 horsemen. I thoroughly enjoyed the trek, beautiful scenery, remote small communities and Inca sites en route. My guide was very knowledgable and i learnt about about the history of the area en route. I was looked after extremely well: fantastic food and hot tea and water in the morning. I highly recommend this trek and Exodus, it is a once in a lifetime experience. Most Inspirational Moment Climbing Accoccasa and reaching the top to experience the view - it was breathtaking (aside from the effects of altitude i mean!) and i felt a real sense of achievement. Having a few minutes at the top gave me time to reflect and offered me a refreshed perspective. Sorry a bit deep! Thoughts on Group Leader Smithy was very amenable and knowledgable. He was on hand to sort out every little issue and make sure we were aware of the options for activities (outside the trek) and then organise it for us. Having someone local made a real difference to our experience as we were able to eat at amazing restaurants and experience the best of what Peru can offer. Advice for Potential Travellers It says in the trip notes that poles are optional - my view is that they should be deemed essential. I do not normally use poles when hiking in the UK but i took them with me and i am so glad i did. There can be difficult terrain to navigate and i experienced snow on the 3rd day which made the trail very slippery. They really helped going up hill when you are struggling to breath and your legs are like lead weights! The temperature ranges from zero to mid 20's. So bring lots of layers. Yes you need a sunhat & sunblock AND a winter coat and thermals! Suggestions Whilst Smithy took the rest of the group on the Inca Trail, my guide for the Moonstone Trek was Vannya. She was incredibly knowledgable and i learnt a lot from her and was an excellent guide - she made sure i was OK at all times, advising me along the way. So i felt well prepared and reassured at all times. Valentin was a fantastic chef and cooked some amazing food - the best of Peruvian cuisine and all on a small kerosene burner. The horsemen, Carlos and Enrique did a great job of getting my things to the next camp and setting up the lunch tent and the evening camp. The hot tea in the morning and hot water to wash in was very welcome. I am truly humbled to have been taken care off so amazingly well by such kind hearted, talented people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2019
Angie Cutmore - Traveled, May 2019
Inca Trail Brilliant from start to finish. This trip excelled my expections as I have never done an Exodus trip before. I am a keen fell walker but have never seen a such diverse beautiful countryside. From river valleys to rugged mountain tops. The second day was quite steep up dead womans path but well worth it. We always got plenty of encouragement from our guides Edwind and Anthony. They were very knowledgeable about all the history and flora and fauna. But the highlight is the Sun gate and your first veiw og Macchu Pichu. Most Inspirational Moment Looking down from the Sun gate. Thoughts on Group Leader Edwind was able to help and advise us of all the trip entailed. He was a really nice guy. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you are fit. Suggestions The trip to the Sacred Valley is worth a visit too whilst you are acclimatising.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2019
Diane Ingrey - Traveled, May 2019
It was Amazing Peru My Peru holiday with Exodus was just amazingly fantastic. I have seen beautiful mountains before in the Alps but had not previously experienced the amazing sunsets you get on the Inca Trail or the stunning night sky. You could see the stars and milky way with absolute clarity. Nor have I descended down through Amazon cloud forest with its amazing flora and fauna. To do all that whilst walking such historic trails was mind-blowing. You feel really close to mother earth and nature. The descent through the Sun Gate to view Machu Picchu cannot be overstated as a beautiful moving experience. It is the best view of the site but what is undersold is that on this trip we arrived at the Sun Gate as Machu Picchu was closing and we had the site to ourselves. You descend through the site. I climbed the wooden steps to view the Gatekeepers Hut and it was occupied by just 3 Llamas! The next day on the formal visit there were swathes of visitors. The porters on the trek were amazing, I have a new definition of fitness now after watching porters run past me with a 25kg backpack almost a big as themselves. After their trek they erect your tent put your stuff in it and have a bowl of hot water waiting for you and prepare your meal. Meals were all freshly made, healthy and very tasty. They really do carry fresh vegetables up the trail. The joy of a shower and a flushing toilet after the trek is still with me! Cusco is an amazing place to explore and just to sit and watch. Its pace can be manic, it felt like being in a Rio carnival at times. Traffic is crazy and controlled by women police officers who are fearsome and fearless. They need to be, horns toot endlessly and everybody just shoves as far as they can. Its noisy and very vibrant. The Cathedral is beautiful and the huge picture of the Last Supper where they enjoy guinea pig is interesting. I did eat guinea pig and Llama, the Llama is good, cross between steak and lamb but not keen on guinea pig. We visited Inca sites in Cusco and if you are a history buff you would be overjoyed as their is so many sites. This holiday has completely changed my view of holidays, no more standard European Alps walking holidays. I crave history and culture experiences. I am still in a state of wonder a week after getting back. Only downside of the holiday is the free roaming dogs, some of which have homes but are not allowed in, but some are just hungry and scavenging out of rubbish heaps. Not so much in Cusco centre but just outside. 3rd world regarding animals. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate Thoughts on Group Leader Group leaders were outstanding, so helpful and so patient. They helped a member of the group who was very ill prepared for the trek to complete it (despite no appreciation from the member). Advice for Potential Travellers Don't take the altitude sickness medicine, it made those who took it ill. They were better when they stopped taking it. Make sure you are fit enough, not a lot of oxygen for muscles up there so you need strong legs. Its not an easy trek, I am a regular high fell walker and my legs were very, very tired. You need to be fit to enjoy it not "reasonably fit" as stated. If you are not fit and suffer at altitude it will be hard as one of our group found...but she still made it!! Porters and walk leaders are angels. Suggestions Thank you for the best most wonderful holiday of my life.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2019
Richard Spink - Traveled, May 2019
The Inca Trail This was my second trip with Exodus and the organisation could not have been better. I was pcked up from Cusco Airport, transferred to my hotel and introduced to the other memebers of the group. We had a day to acclimatise in Cusco and then started the Inca Trail. It was absolutely briliant. The walking was quite steady but some very steep sections. The scenery was spectacular and the night sky was equally as spectacular. We could clearly see the Southern Cross. The food at each camp was superb (How the chef managed to cook such good meals, including 1 vegetarian, on a 2 ring portable stove, beats me!.) The tour guide, Edwind, was very knowledgeable and each Inca settlement we passed, he gave us a “history lesson”. The timing of the walk to go through the Sun Gate, was exemplary, as we did so late afternoon and viewed Machu Picchu when there were hardly any tourists in the site. The views of Machu Picchu were breathtaking and it is no wonder it is one of the 7 natural wonders of the World. I would highly recmmend this walk but remember there are some steep sections, particularly the second day, so be prepared!! In short, an excellent trip well organised by Exodus and a great toour leader. Excellent value for money. Most Inspirational Moment Walking through the Sun Gate and looking down on Machu Picchu for the first time. Thoughts on Group Leader Edwind, our group leader could not have been better. Very supportive of everybody, very knowledgeable about all of the Inca site we passed, very friendly, helpful and professional. His assistant, Anthony, was also superb and equally as knowledgeable. A great team to be in charge of our group. They also spoke excellent English!! Advice for Potential Travellers Practice walking up some hills before you go!!! Suggestions The Inca Trail is a really enjoyable, pleasant walk, with stunning views around every corner. If you plan to do it, just take it steady, as nobody rushes you, and enjoy the fantastic views.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2019
Liliana Zlate - Traveled, May 2019
Amazing trip I wanted to do something like this for a while but didn’t get the chance. Going on this trip was amazing and now I am grateful I was able to do it. Everyone was very nice, the porters were amazing(the chef even made a birthday cake for me), Beto and Mel really good and even though I struggled a bit on the second day the trip was just perfect. Most Inspirational Moment Being just a few meters away from reaching the Dead Woman pass and having my group cheering up for me. I was the slowest one in the group and reached the pass about an hour after the first person there. I later found out that Beto(our guide) asked them if they want to wait for me and they all said yes. Having an amazing group makes the trip a lot more memorable Thoughts on Group Leader Beto was amazing. He looked after us very well, took us to (mostly) nice restaurants, had a lot of knowledge about what we are doing and knew all our names from the first day. He helped me so much and I was able to finish my trek. Mel our back guide was such a warm and kind person, she knew exactly what we needed and helped us with all the little things and thanks to her most of us now have llama selfies ?? Advice for Potential Travellers Like most people say, everyone can finish the Inca trail but... Do yourself a favour and do some excercise before you start. Altitude sickness is real but so is lack of fitness. Just so you get an idea: I'm 35, work in a hospital and I'm over 90kg and finished but I did struggle going up, down was way easier for me. Suggestions Please Exodus do something about the hotel. The first 2 nights we were given ground floor rooms, looking up to a corridor, very loud and no privacy.the last 2 nights after we complained we got roos on upper floors with better views and decor. There are many hotels in Cusco and I'm sure we could have had a nicer view than cleaning trolleys. That was the let down of the holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/29/2019
Chinthika Piyasena - Traveled, April 2019
Exceeded expectations Well organised, brilliant guide and unbelievable porterage team. Most Inspirational Moment The work of the porters was humbling and I liked the effort made by the guides for us to get to know them better. Thoughts on Group Leader Friendly. Very knowledgeable. Diligent. Caring - went out of his way to help. Advice for Potential Travellers The walk is more strenuous than the rating on the website of 3/10. Suggestions I would like the website to highlight better the options to extend the trip. It is tucked away in the middle of the trip notes and missed when making booking and planning the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2019
Don West - Traveled, May 2019
Hiking the Inca Trail Very challenging four day hike to Machu Picchu. The hike itself was absolutely beautiful, with incredible views all along the way. Our guides, Julio Santos (lead) and Josval were excellent. Julio was full of interesting facts at every site we were to stop at along the way, and Jos was more than willing to help may our experience a memorable one. The porters, the head chef and his assistant were outstanding. Their professionalism, and extreme efforts were appreciated by all. The food was incredible! A great experience I would recommend doing the hike to anyone. Most Inspirational Moment The entire hike. Day three campsite above the clouds, with a beautifully preserved ruin below. Touring Machu Picchu. Thoughts on Group Leader Julio Santos was a fantastic lead guide. To lead fourteen individuals on a four day hike through the mountains is no easy task. There are so many different logistics that he has to address from start to finish. He did an outstanding job with it all, and was never too busy to answer any questions I had along the way. He did it all with a smile, and positive attitude. Thanks! Advice for Potential Travellers Get in climbing shape, acclimate with a day or two of walking in Cusco (Diamox also helped me- I live 22 feet above sea level), and travel light. Suggestions This was my second trip with Exodus (Cycling In Greece last May being my first). Both were wonderful experiences. Exodus made my planning very easy, and stress free for both trips. I did book my own flights coming from the U.S.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2019
Stephen Wall - Traveled, April 2019
Andes Challenging but an experience of treking in remote, dramatic landscape aay from the 21st century! Most Inspirational Moment Descending into a steep sided valley with views of Mount Veronica Thoughts on Group Leader Helpful and informative. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for a rough trek at high altitude Suggestions The support of the porters and chef was superb
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2019
Tim Marshall - Traveled, March 2019
Try the Moonstone trek! Booked trip late, so the Inca Trail itself was sold out. This didn’t bother me, as the Moonstone trek sounded great – and it was. Loved the fantastic scenery, the pre-Inca and Inca structures, the glimpses of Andean village life, the excellent food, and the peace and quiet of the trek. Rest of trip was great, too – good itinerary, excellent organisation. Cuzco is a wonderful city to explore. Really enjoyed optional Sacred Valley day trip. Machu Picchu did not disappoint, either (and I have found the odd big-name sight disappointing in the past). Overall, hard to fault this trip. Most Inspirational Moment Loved the trek from start to finish. Beautiful on third day of trek to see glaciers high up, then regular mountains, then the Sacred Valley down below, all at same time. Thoughts on Group Leader Mike (main tour leader) was great - very knowledgeable, and proactive in responding to people's needs and requests. Henry (Moonstone trek leader) was a quieter character, but had the necessary skills to lead us competently. Advice for Potential Travellers Get as fit as you can to enjoy the walking more. Altitude can affect anyone, even if it has not affected you previously, so be prepared to feel out of sorts or have a headache. At the same time, don't worry overly about it - the guides are good at monitoring people's wellbeing, and know what to do. Suggestions On the Moonstone trek, you miss out on the classic view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate high above, where 'The Inca Trail' ends. But the Moonstone trek is a far less visited Inca trail, and you still get a full tour of Machu Picchu. If doing the Moonstone trek, you might want to check how many are in the group, as the groups are apparently smaller for this than the classic Inca Trail. We had four trekkers, which was fine, but a smaller group than that might feel a little odd.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2019
Sarah Fordham - Traveled, November 2018
An amazing experience This was one of the toughest challenges I have put my body through but was so worth it. I had an amazing time and the trip was so well organised. I am in love with Peru now and already thinking about when I can go back. Most Inspirational Moment It was incredible to make it to the top of dead woman's pass. It was a tough day but it was an amazing sense of achievement when we were at the top looking down. And of course the first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate is breath taking and made it all worth while. Thoughts on Group Leader Ollie was so knowledgeable and really made the trip special. I think the whole group learnt a lot and he bought the culture and history to life for us. He was able to answer all of our questions and he is clearly passionate about what he does. He was also patient when we were physically struggling and needed to rest a lot, and was full of good advice. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure that you acclimatise as much as possible in Cusco and also make sure that you have decent equipment as you will be relying on it for the days you are hiking. Learn a few Spanish phrases so you can at least introduce yourself to the porters, I had to rely on others in the group and the group leader. Suggestions The porters were amazing! They were all very kind, despite the language barrier, and looked after us all very well. The food was some of the best that I had while I was away.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2018
Peter Hadsley-Chaplin - Traveled, November 2018
Inca Trail - Exodus rating: Excellent! I couldn’t praise the Exodus team more highly for helping to provide me with one of the holidays of a lifetime! Most Inspirational Moment Entering the Sun Gate and seeing the City of Machu Picchu below me for the first, with the stunning mountain backdrop. The photos simply don't do justice to the real thing. Thoughts on Group Leader Holger ('Ollie') was absolutely top rate. He was patient, kind and considerate as well as exceptionally well informed, not just about Inca, and pre-Inca, history but also about the wonderful flora and fauna that we encountered along the Trail. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for very cold nights in your tent (in December). Whilst at times beautifully warm and sunny during the day, the temperature got to 5 or 6 degrees at night so wearing a couple of layers of clothes, plus a liner inside my sleeping bag, kept me snug and warm. For the fair-skinned, wear a hat with a suitably wide brim as the sun could be quite fierce at times during the day. Suggestions Be sure to travel with Exodus - from the team in the UK office (especially Alec Worthy and Treherne Francis) to the team in Cuzco, plus our wonderful porters, our fantastic chef and, last but not least, our brilliant guide, Holger, everyone couldn't do enough to ensure that we had a fabulous, and memorable, trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2018
John Wood - Traveled, October 2018
Superb Fantastic atmosphere, brilliant guide, porters and support team. Just wish it was longer! Most Inspirational Moment For me, day three on the trail was the best, as we moved into the forest and the soaked up the atmosphere, including many Inca ruins previously unknown to me. And of course, arriving at the Sun Gate and looking down on Machu Picchu, just as the late afternoon sun lit it up, almost devoid of day trippers! Thoughts on Group Leader Frank was incredible. He was inspirational in getting us to gel as a team and ensure we all helped each other to get through the tougher sections. His knowledge of Inca and current local culture was encyclopaedic and he was so funny! He was also something of a talented photographer with all our cameras (is there a camera he doesn’t know how to operate better than we do?). It’s hard to imagine anyone better. Advice for Potential Travellers Some of our party struggled a bit and sadly one (plus her husband) had to drop out through altitude sickness. Though that can affect even the fittest, it’s fair to say that this is quite a tough trek (most of us felt it could be rated a bit higher than the grade 3 “moderate” rating). To enjoy it fully, make sure you do plenty of training on hills or similar - it is almost constantly up and down and often steep steps. Those who had trained by walking on the flat found it difficult. Suggestions Make sure you bring spare batteries or a charging pack for your phone / camera. Some of us had exhausted our batteries before reaching The Sun Gate. It was also very cold at night after days 2 and 3, so make sure your sleeping bag is properly 4 seasons and you also bring thermals. Finally, the 7kg baggage limit on the Inca Trail is strictly applied, so plan carefully what you need to take on the trail and weigh it before you set off (surplus stuff can be left at the hotel). A slightly bigger day pack, to enable you to pack things that would take your baggage over the 7kg limit, would give some flexibility.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2018
Daivd Richardson - Traveled, September 2018
Breathtaking trek to the Inca Capital of Machu Picchu The Inca trail, organised by Exodus, was a thrill ride from beginning to end. I was so impressed with the organisation of the trip. We were looked after so well that I didn’t have to think about how I was going to get around, or where my next meal would come from. The two guides were a constant source of fascinating facts, and helped keep the group motivaated. The group of Porters were superhuman. The camp site was stripped down as we left. They marched (And sometimes ran) past us during the trek. And always had the camp ready when we arrived. If this wasn’t impressive enough, the meals were already in the process of being prepared. The food provided by the chef were delicious. Hadn’t expected to be eating such great food. Fish, meat and chicken were the evening meals. Also popcorn was provided as an after trek snack. So impressed I would recommend this trek to anyone. And if this is how Exodus organise their trips, I will definitely use them again!! Most Inspirational Moment Arriving at the Sun Gste and looking down on Machu Picchu for the first time. Utterly breathtakingly!! Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader was a font of knowledge. He was always full of energy and enthusiasm. He was also very good rumoured, which fitted in with our all-british group perfectly. Advice for Potential Travellers Book with Exodus, and don't worry about a thing. Take your time on the trek. It's not a race. The second day is a big asscent, and you don't want to rush it. If you start to feel the effects of altitude, you should take a break and slow down. Many of us had mild headaches, and a few had digestive upsets. But don't be put off by this. It's all manageable, and the trek leaders are used to dealing with it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2018
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