Peru Trekking Express: Inca Trail




Group info
With more than 2 months from departure and 8 people expected, this trip is likely to fill up.
Itinerary
Embark on a legendary 4‑day trek along the classic Inca Trail, weaving through mist‑shrouded cloud forests, high mountain passes, and remote archaeological sites before reaching the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu. From the moment you depart Cusco, you’ll be accompanied by private, English‑speaking guides who ensure every step is safe, rewarding, and full of meaning. We handle all permits, porters, mule logistics, and transfers, so you can focus entirely on the journey—and on soaking in those breathtaking Andean vistas rising above 4,200 meters.
Each night, you’ll camp in comfortable four‑person tents beneath the star‑studded southern sky, sharing stories with fellow trekkers around a warm campfire. Gather for hearty, locally‑sourced meals—from quinoa‑rich breakfasts to traditional Peruvian stews—prepared by our expert kitchen crew. On Day 2, conquer the challenging ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass, the trail’s highest point, then descend into verdant valleys alive with orchids and hummingbirds. Day 3 brings the atmospheric terraces of Wiñay Wayna, a photographer’s dream at dusk.
On Day 4, rise before dawn for the unforgettable 2.5 km hike to the Sun Gate, where you’ll witness the first golden rays illuminating Machu Picchu’s terraces. Enjoy an in‑depth guided tour of the Lost City before descending to Aguas Calientes for a well‑earned lunch and a scenic train ride back to Cusco. Whether you’re tracing centuries‑old stone pathways or exploring forgotten Inca ruins, this trek delivers an immersive blend of adventure, heritage, and natural wonder that will stay with you long after you return home.


Cusco → Wayllabamba Camp
1 night: Wayllabamba Camp
Setting Out into the Sacred Valley
Departing from Cusco, our journey begins at the trailhead in Km 82. We'll hike roughly 12 km through the lower reaches of the Sacred Valley, where rolling pastures give way to high Andean scrub. Keep an eye out for llamas grazing and Andean condors soaring overhead. By afternoon, we’ll arrive at Wayllabamba (3,000 m), a small village surrounded by cascading waterfalls. After pitching camp, we'll wander nearby trails to aid acclimatization before gathering for a nourishing meal under the clear, starlit sky.

Wayllabamba → Pacaymayo Camp
1 night: Pacaymayo Camp
Conquering Dead Woman’s Pass
Today’s highlight is the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m)—the highest point on the classic Inca Trail. We’ll cover about 11 km, tackling steep switchbacks that reward us with sweeping views of snow‑capped peaks and glacial valleys. After cresting the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley, where the landscape transforms into lush grasslands and alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. We'll camp by the riverbank at 3,600 m, then unwind with a hearty dinner and swap summit stories around the campfire as the evening chill settles in.

Pacaymayo → Wiñay Wayna Camp
1 night: Wiñay Wayna Camp
Ruins and Revelations on the Trail
A moderate 16 km day brings us through varied terrain—dense cloud forest, moss‑clad Inca staircases, and hidden stone ruins. We’ll visit Patallacta and other agricultural terraces, marveling at ancient engineering that harmonizes with the steep mountainside. As we approach Wiñay Wayna (2,700 m), the trail narrows through vibrant orchids and hummingbird habitats. Settle into camp overlooking the dramatic terraces, then explore the site’s temples and water fountains. In the evening, celebrate your progress with a special group dinner beneath the canopy of towering palms.

Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate → Machu Picchu → Ollantaytambo → Cusco
1 night: Cusco
Dawn at the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
Before dawn, we'll tackle the final 2.5 km stretch to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), arriving in time to watch the golden sunrise illuminate the Lost City of the Incas. After a thrilling moment of arrival, we descend into Machu Picchu’s heart for a guided tour that delves into its sophisticated stonework and celestial alignments. In the afternoon, we will board the bus to Aguas Calientes and relax on the scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo, then transfer back to Cusco, our hearts full of wonder.
What's included
3 nights accommodation in tents (1 tent per 2 people)
Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Inca Trail permit
Transport from Machu Picchu to Cuzco on day 4
Breakfast on days 2, 3, 4
Lunch on days 1, 2, 3
Dinner on days 1, 2, 3
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
Money pot
- Coordinator's money pot share
- All extra activities that each member of the group agree on doing and the coordinator's fee as well
Additional info
1 tent per two people (individual tent upgrade option available)
- Private Room Option Show all details
Why WeRoad
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Small groups, on average 11 people
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Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
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Book with a £/€100 deposit
The travel coordinators
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
About this trip
This trip starts in Cuzco. On the first day, we’ll meet at 08:00.
Your coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This trip ends in Cuzco. The trip officially ends at 20:00 on the last day, so we recommend planning your return transfers accordingly. For example:
- if you need to book a flight, consider the time needed to reach the airport and complete check-in procedures;
- if you need to book a train or continue your journey independently, consider the time required to reach the station or your next destination.
If you have any doubts, you can contact the coordinator assigned to your departure for advice.
This trip includes two days of trekking. During our stay we’ll reach a maximum altitude of 4,100 m a.s.l.
For this itinerary, soft luggage is required for logistical reasons and the convenience of the whole group - including yourself! Soft luggage includes backpacks, duffel bags, or sports bags, but not trolleys or bulky suitcases. The Travel Coordinator will provide guidance on the ideal baggage before departure via the WhatsApp group.
About Peru
If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Peru, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Peru – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Peru is in the Peru Time Zone, which is GMT-5. Peru does not observe daylight saving time. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 7am in Peru. Perfect for coordinating those calls or planning your day!
Peru uses the Peruvian Sol (PEN) as its currency. The daily exchange rate can vary, but typically it's around:
- 1 GBP to 5 PEN
- 1 USD to 3.8 PEN
- 1 EUR to 4 PEN
You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels. For the best rates, we suggest you use official exchange bureaus or ATMs.
In Peru, you can pay using cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns for withdrawing Peruvian Soles. Always notify your bank before traveling to avoid any issues with your cards.
Tipping in Peru is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a tip of around 10 percent is common if a service charge isn't included in the bill. For hotel staff, a small tip for good service is nice, like a couple of soles. If you're on a tour, consider tipping your guide and driver, with the amount depending on the length of the tour and the quality of service. For taxis, rounding up the fare is a friendly gesture, but it's not mandatory.
In Peru, internet access is generally good in urban areas, with Wi-Fi widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. However, in rural and remote regions, connectivity can be limited. If you’re planning to travel outside the main cities or need constant internet access, buying a local SIM card is a smart move. You can get a SIM card from major providers like Claro, Movistar, or Bitel. Buying a prepaid SIM card or an e-SIM data plan can give you reliable access to data during your stay, ensuring you're connected wherever you go.
In Peru, the official language is Spanish, but you'll also hear Quechua and Aymara, especially in the Andean regions. Here are some useful Spanish expressions you might hear or use:
- Hello: Hola
- Please: Por favor
- Thank you: Gracias
- How much is it?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- Goodbye: Adiós
Knowing a few words can really enhance your travel experience.
In Peru, you'll find two types of plugs: Type A and Type C. The electricity supply is 220 volts at a frequency of 60 Hz.
If your devices have different plug types or are not dual voltage, we suggest you bring a universal adapter. This will help ensure your electronics stay charged and ready to use while you're exploring.
The main religion in Peru is Roman Catholicism, which plays a significant role in the country's culture and traditions. Important religious holidays include Easter and Christmas, which are widely celebrated with various local customs and festivities. If you're visiting during these times, you'll experience vibrant processions and traditional events. Peru is a country with religious diversity, so you'll also find communities practicing other religions, such as Protestantism, which is the second largest faith group.
Packing for Peru can be a bit tricky due to its diverse climate and geography.
Here's a helpful list to prepare your backpack for a great trip:
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Clothing:
- Lightweight t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Warm fleece or sweater for cooler evenings
- Waterproof jacket for rain
- Comfortable pants and shorts -
Shoes:
- Sturdy hiking boots for treks
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals for casual days -
Accessories and Technology:
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Travel adapter (Type A, B, or C plugs)
- Camera or smartphone with a charger
- Portable power bank -
Toiletries and Medication:
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Personal hygiene items
- Basic first aid kit
- Altitude sickness medication, like acetazolamide
Peru's diverse regions mean you'll experience different climates, so it's best to be prepared for a range of conditions.
The weather in Peru varies greatly depending on the region due to its diverse geography. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Coastal Region (Lima): Generally mild with little rain year-round. Winter (June to September) can be foggy and humid, while summer (December to March) is warm and sunny.
- Highlands (Cusco, Machu Picchu): Dry season from May to September is sunny and cool, ideal for trekking. The wet season from November to March can bring heavy rain.
- Amazon Basin (Iquitos): Hot and humid throughout the year with a wet season from November to May and a slightly drier season from June to October.
The best time to visit depends on what you want to do, but generally, May to September offers favorable weather conditions for most regions.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
- The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
- It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
- It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
- The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
- It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip.
- It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
- If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip.
- The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
- If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled.
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15.
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.
















