Intrepid Travel · Peru: Machu Picchu Trek · 10 Days · Active
Why it's a deal
Intrepid's 10-day Sacred Land of the Incas at $1,899 includes the 4-day Inca Trail trek with permits + porters — about $250 below comparable G Adventures and World Expeditions itineraries. Permit availability is the gating factor, not price.
Score breakdown
The Dream Score is deterministic. Here's exactly how this 77 was calculated.
Who it's for
Travelers 25–60 in good physical condition who want a guided trek without the do-it-yourself permit chase. The Inca Trail isn't a stroll — 4 days of hiking at altitude — but Intrepid's pace is reasonable and porters handle group gear.
Risks & fine print
- •Altitude sickness is real — most people acclimatize fine in Cusco for 2 days but some don't
- •Inca Trail closed every February for maintenance
- •Camping nights mean basic facilities — no hot showers for 3 nights
- •Travel insurance is mandatory and confirmed at booking
- •Flight delays into Lima can cascade — build in a buffer day
Booking strategy
Pick the May or June departure — drier, before the high-season crowds start in July. Book at least 4 months out for permit availability. Acclimatize 2 nights in Cusco before the trek; book your own pre-night if your flights arrive too late for the hotel night included.