The High Inca Trail: Peru Trekking Holiday

Essential Information

Trip Profile

7 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 4960m, average 3550m.

Accommodation

6 nights hotels with en suite facilities, 7 nights full-service camping.

Food

14 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 7 dinners included.

Reality Check

More strenuous than the classic Inca Trail, this trek takes us to high altitudes, and over occasionally difficult terrain underfoot. The walking days are generally not long but there are some steep climbs and descents. Some nights can be very cold (below freezing).

On the main Inca Trail the paths are well maintained, and often stepped; these can also be tiring on the knees, so we recommend walking poles. 7 days walking with full porterage; altitude maximum 4960 m, average 3550m.

Please note that over the last few years there have been a few occasions where heavy snowfall has closed the Inca Chiriasqa pass (Day 7). If this happens the leader will take an amended route to join the Inca Trail. If the snow is very heavy the group may retreat to Mollepata and then join the Inca Trail at Km 82 (the start point of the normal Inca Trail). This is not a common occurrence but you should be aware that it does occasionally happen. It is most likely to occur in July and August although is very unpredictable. This trip spends considerable time at altitude - please see the warning under the Health section in the Trip Notes.

Normal group size and age

Normally 5 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age 18.

Misc

Trip Extension

Amazon Rainforest * 4 days

The Amazon Rainforest is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife. Staying at a lodge in the Tambopata Reserve, we explore the area by motorised canoe and on foot.

Icons explained

The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together. All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please see our Solo Departures page.

Fitness is important and you may have to improve yours before departure. Most treks at this grade compare to extended walking in mountainous terrain such as the Lakes of Snowdonia, but usually at significantly higher altitudes; climate and remoteness can also play a part. Previous trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition.

Walking & Trekking: Trips are wholly trekking-focused or simply include a significant number of walking days during the itinerary.

Wilderness: Visit the deserts, jungles, plateaux, tundra and mountains of all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Culture: Let Exodus show you a different side to many of the world's greatest cultural attractions.

For those clients who wish to travel with a group of other solo/single travellers, on certain trips we have set aside departure dates that are specifically recommended for clients booking individually. Solo departures are aimed at taking away that concern that you may be the only solo traveller when you arrive overseas. Look out for the solo departures (marked with a grey icon's') by checking the notes in the dates and prices table.
However, please note that we inform any couples, or friends travelling together, who enquire about these dates that the trip is recommended for solos, but we do not refuse bookings from non-solo travellers, and we are therefore not able to guarantee that a solo departure will be exclusively made up of solo travellers.