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Ultimate Inca Trail
Tour Description:
See the Andes and then some on this incredible Inca extravaganza. Conquer the Lares Valley Trek and the Inca Trail (plus Machu Picchu) in 6 jaw-droppingly splendid days. Visit some of the most isolated communities in Latin America. Absorb yourself in a world of ancient cities, glacial lakes, waterfalls and mountain views. Plus ancient hot springs. And LOTS of llamas.
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Dates & Pricing
| Monday 30 Jun 25 — Saturday 05 Jul 25 | Starting at $1,537 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 10 Nov 25 — Saturday 15 Nov 25 | Starting at $1,537 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 12 Jan 26 — Saturday 17 Jan 26 | Starting at $1,645 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 09 Mar 26 — Saturday 14 Mar 26 | Starting at $1,645 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 06 Apr 26 — Saturday 11 Apr 26 | Starting at $1,645 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 11 May 26 — Saturday 16 May 26 | Starting at $1,645 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 29 Jun 26 — Saturday 04 Jul 26 | Starting at $1,645 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 27 Jul 26 — Saturday 01 Aug 26 | Starting at $1,645 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 31 Aug 26 — Saturday 05 Sep 26 | Starting at $1,645 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 09 Nov 26 — Saturday 14 Nov 26 | Starting at $1,645 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 21 Dec 26 — Saturday 26 Dec 26 | Starting at $1,645 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining Summary
5 Breakfast (B)
4 Lunch (L)
4 Dinner (D)
FAQs
Lima: What can I expect when travelling in Peru? Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Peru. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is gonna look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control.
Iguassu Falls: Which currency should I bring? You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted).
Iguassu Falls: Is it customary to tip? You’ll usually receive a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. But tipping isn’t a requirement. Either way, if you’re pleased with your service, a tip will always be appreciated! We recommend tipping 12% of the total bill.
Lima: Can I get access to an ATM when in Peru? It depends on where you’re travelling to. Cities in Peru have lots of ATMs (just be careful of those sneaky fees). But you’re better off carrying cash when visiting rural places.
Lima: What is the weather like in Peru? Peru’s climate varies by region - subtropical desert on the coast (AKA la Costa), rainy and tropical in the Amazon forest (AKA la Selva), and temperate in the Andes (AKA la Sierra), with cold peaks. Summers are wet in the mountains and dry on the coast. Annual temperatures range from 83°F (28°C) in the rainforest to 45°F (7°C) in the highlands. So pack accordingly!
Lake Titicaca: Will I need vaccinations prior to travelling? Please check the latest travel info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if you're travelling to Peru. We also recommend that you consult your local health clinic or doctor for more details.
Iguassu Falls: Is tap water safe to drink? Drinking tap water isn’t recommend. So, please stick to bottled water (even when brushing your teeth). There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water during the trip.
Should I be worried about altitude sickness? Parts of this trip go above 2800 metres (9200 feet) where it's common for some travellers to experience shortness of breath, nausea or light-headedness. While it's usually not severe in most cases, it’s always best to be prepared. That’s why we recommend that you carry your own medication and read a trusted health advisory for tips on how to combat altitude sickness. Plus, your Trip Managers will give you loads of helpful advice and before and during the trip.
Included Experience
Cusco: Your chance to pick up some mementos at San Pedro Markets and then see Cusco Cathedral, San Blas and Coricancha.
Cusco: It’s always best to hang out with someone who knows the trail inside out. That way, we can concentrate on taking epic pics.
Cusco: Woo hoo! We’re getting all starry-eyed as we talk to the rest of the Contiki crew about the life-changing moment we’re about to experience. So get your Inca Trail Permit from your Trip Manager and let's get started!
Cusco: We’ve got your back when it comes to organising all the camping stuff. So just bring your fabulous self and a cozy sleeping bag (not included with the rest of the equipment). And maybe some Pringles?
Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
5 Breakfast (B)
4 Lunch (L)
4 Dinner (D)
FAQs
Lima: What can I expect when travelling in Peru? Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Peru. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is gonna look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control.
Iguassu Falls: Which currency should I bring? You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted).
Iguassu Falls: Is it customary to tip? You’ll usually receive a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. But tipping isn’t a requirement. Either way, if you’re pleased with your service, a tip will always be appreciated! We recommend tipping 12% of the total bill.
Lima: Can I get access to an ATM when in Peru? It depends on where you’re travelling to. Cities in Peru have lots of ATMs (just be careful of those sneaky fees). But you’re better off carrying cash when visiting rural places.
Lima: What is the weather like in Peru? Peru’s climate varies by region - subtropical desert on the coast (AKA la Costa), rainy and tropical in the Amazon forest (AKA la Selva), and temperate in the Andes (AKA la Sierra), with cold peaks. Summers are wet in the mountains and dry on the coast. Annual temperatures range from 83°F (28°C) in the rainforest to 45°F (7°C) in the highlands. So pack accordingly!
Lake Titicaca: Will I need vaccinations prior to travelling? Please check the latest travel info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if you're travelling to Peru. We also recommend that you consult your local health clinic or doctor for more details.
Iguassu Falls: Is tap water safe to drink? Drinking tap water isn’t recommend. So, please stick to bottled water (even when brushing your teeth). There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water during the trip.
Should I be worried about altitude sickness? Parts of this trip go above 2800 metres (9200 feet) where it's common for some travellers to experience shortness of breath, nausea or light-headedness. While it's usually not severe in most cases, it’s always best to be prepared. That’s why we recommend that you carry your own medication and read a trusted health advisory for tips on how to combat altitude sickness. Plus, your Trip Managers will give you loads of helpful advice and before and during the trip.
Included Experience
Cusco: Your chance to pick up some mementos at San Pedro Markets and then see Cusco Cathedral, San Blas and Coricancha.
Cusco: It’s always best to hang out with someone who knows the trail inside out. That way, we can concentrate on taking epic pics.
Cusco: Woo hoo! We’re getting all starry-eyed as we talk to the rest of the Contiki crew about the life-changing moment we’re about to experience. So get your Inca Trail Permit from your Trip Manager and let's get started!
Cusco: We’ve got your back when it comes to organising all the camping stuff. So just bring your fabulous self and a cozy sleeping bag (not included with the rest of the equipment). And maybe some Pringles?
Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals
ITINERARY
ITINERARYStart Cusco
Welcome to Cusco! You'll meet your fellow Inca Trail adventurers today, before spending the morning on a city walking tour to get orientated. Then it's time to explore Cusco your way. With artisan shops, colonial architecture and delicious local cuisine, you'll be spoilt for choice. You could also use this time to grab any last-minute items before your trek…how many socks DOES one person need?
Cusco to Lares Valley Trek
Rise and shine, Inca explorers! Today is all about the Lares Valley adventure vibes - after we leave Cusco bright and early. We’ll start the trek by making our way to Cancha Cancha, with a spot of lunch along the way – enjoyed by the river and prepared by the trekking chef (oh yeah!). Over 12,000 feet high, say hello to an isolated and traditional community that’s sustained itself for hundreds of years. They introduced electricity in winter 2019, but there are still no roads. Tonight, after we’ve pitched our tents, you’ll have the chance to visit a local family and learn all about life in a traditional Andean village. Your guide will be on hand to interpret, and after dinner, you’ll be treated (even further) to the great Inca constellations – which the locals still use for agricultural guidance to this day.
Lares Valley Trek
Today's 7-hour hike will be peppered with true Andean delights – glaciers, lakes, alpacas, rugged valleys and spectacular mountain vistas. Eyes on the sky for the Caracara falcons and Andean geese! After we reach the summit (plus take pics and pat ourselves on the back), we’ll visit the Q’oalay village on our way back down – watch out for more llamas along the way. The local indigenous people will open their homes and hearts to us, and we’ll even get the chance to learn Quechua – the language of the Incas. Tonight, we arrive at the spectacular Q’oalay lake, where everything will be ready for you at the campsite.
Lares Valley Trek to Ollantaytambo
Guess what? The best scenery is still to come! Today we’ll head to Quiswarani community, where we’ll be treated to views of the spectacular seven waterfalls and Colquecruz mountains. Further along the trail, you’ll meet the local indigenous children – with the opportunity to visit their school. Next, it’s time to bathe like nature intended at the Lares Hot Springs (3,100m/ 10,170 f), with one whole hour to soak in the natural volcanic hot springs. This afternoon we’ll travel to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner together and then rest our heads in the hotel. Tomorrow is the big one, so you’ll want to be fresh.
Ollantaytambo to Cusco via Machu Picchu and Inca Trail Trek
We’ll start bright and early today, with VERY good reason. Our first stop is the train station, where we’ll board the Inca express to… you guessed it, the Inca trail. Epic scenery incoming. With heavy hearts, we’ll alight at the famous Km104, where our hike begins – 6,000 feet above sea level! Our first Inca site lies waiting for us after crossing the Urubamba river on a picturesque foot bridge. Beginning with the Sun Gate, and a truly breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Don’t worry, we have plenty of time to absorb this actual Wonder of the World. So take your time. Savour the moment. Take lots of pics. To make things better, we’re visiting in the afternoon which is when the site is usually empty of other tourists. Our guide will give us a full tour, so you’ll see all the most important parts of Machu Picchu – with minimal hassle. Once we’re done, we’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes. Then it’s back to Cusco (via Ollantaytambo) to go to sleep as better, more well rounded people with ticks on our bucket lists and cheesy grins on our faces.
End Cusco
And today the Inca adventure ends. Llama just say… It's been a life changing experience for us all, and we can’t wait to do it again.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
