Inca Trail Running Challenge Adventure
OverviewThe Inca Trail Running Challenge Adventure redefines Andean exploration, combining heart-pumping trail running with deep cultural immersion. At Peru Andes Discovery, we’ve crafted this unique itinerary to honor the legacy of the chaskis (Inca messengers), blending adrenaline, ancient history, and breathtaking landscapes into one transformative experience.
More than just a race, this Inca Trail Running Challenge Adventure offers expert-guided segments along original Inca pathways, with support teams ensuring safety and cultural enrichment at every turn. Our specialized approach allows you to test your endurance like the legendary runners of the empire while discovering sacred sites most visitors never see.
Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey where each stride connects you to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Inca cosmos. From cloud forest sprints to high-altitude challenges, the Inca Trail Running Challenge Adventure delivers the ultimate blend of athletic achievement and spiritual discovery – a true pilgrimage for body and soul.
Why this itinerary stands out from the Inca Trail Running Challenge adventure?
Authentic Adventure: Follow remote sections of the Qhapaq Ñan (Great Inca Road), away from crowded tourist
routes, with trails that weave through cloud forests, high-altitude páramos, and ancestral villages.
Cultural Connection: Interact with local Quechua communities, participate in a traditional pago a la tierra
(offering to Mother Earth), and learn about Inca engineering secrets.
Expert Leadership: Our bilingual guides are certified in wilderness first aid and trained in Andean history,
ensuring both safety and storytelling that brings the landscape to life.
Small-Group Guarantee: Limited to 12 travelers for a personalized experience and minimal environmental
impact.
For adventurous travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path trek in Peru, the Chaski Road Challenge
offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adrenaline—far from the crowds of the classic Inca
Trail.
🏔️ What Makes the Chaski Road Challenge Special?
This trek follows authentic sections of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Road System), used by the
chaskis (Inca messengers) to relay information across the empire at astonishing speeds.
Unlike traditional hikes, this journey includes:
✅ A physical & cultural challenge – Test your endurance like an Inca runner.
✅ Remote trails – Explore hidden ruins, cloud forests, and Andean villages.
✅ Living history – Interact with Quechua communities keeping Inca traditions alive.
✅ Team spirit – Optional Chaski Relay Race for a competitive twist.
Price per person
$ 1,500.00 USDThe most requested tour to Machu Picchu
This tour is a 5-day/4-night adventure following historic Inca trails used by the chaskis
(imperial messengers), combining trekking, living culture, and archaeology in the remote
Vilcabamba region.
🌟 Highlights:
✅ Alternative route (without crowds) along the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail)
✅ Chaski relay race (quipus competition)
✅ Coexistence with Quechua communities (ancestral agriculture)
✅ Hike up to 4,200 meters above sea level (glacier views)
✅ Pachamanca and accommodation in eco-lodges
Upon your arrival at the airport, we will greet you with a warm welcome and transfer you to your hotel. Once you’ve completed check-in, private transportation will be available for you to enjoy a relaxing lunch.
In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel to prepare for our first tour, which begins at 2:00 p.m. Our journey will take us to Qoricancha, the Cathedral, and Sacsayhuamán, where we will partake in an ancient offering ceremony to Mother Earth. We will then explore Qenqo, Puca Pucara, pass by the Yahuarcocha Lake, and continue to Tambomachay. From there, we will cross Yuncaypata on our way to Inkilltambo.
Throughout the tour, our Peru Andes Discovery team will be stationed at checkpoints to provide medical assistance and water refills if needed.
At the end of the day, we will transfer you back to your hotel around 6:00 p.m., where you will have time to rest. In the evening, private transportation will be available for dinner, allowing you to unwind and prepare for the next day’s adventure to Rainbow Mountain.
At the summit, you’ll witness a breathtaking landscape of vibrant colors, a true marvel of the Andes Mountain Range. After taking in the views, we’ll descend and conclude our tour around 1:00 p.m.. From there, we will transfer to the Sacred Valley, arriving at Tambo del Inka around 5:00 p.m., where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s Chaski Road adventure.
After a picturesque lunch, we continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), covering 10-11 km, where we are rewarded with our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu at around 2:00 p.m.. The afternoon is free to enjoy the stunning views and witness the spectacular sunset over the citadel.
At the end of the day, we head to a selected hotel in Aguas Calientes for a comfortable overnight stay, preparing for tomorrow’s exploration of Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu citadel.
At 10:35 a.m., we board the train back to Ollantaytambo, arriving at 3:30 p.m., where our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We expect to arrive in the city around 6:00 p.m., where you’ll spend the night at a selected hotel.
To ensure a seamless evening, our private transportation will be at your disposal, ready to take you to dinner at the restaurant of your choice, making your last night in Cusco truly special.
What’s Included
- Private Tour Guide (Runner).
- Equipment: trekking poles and other necessary hiking supplies.
- Meals: breakfast and lunch in the Rainbow Mountain.
- Transport: The package includes transportation at your disposal.
- Train Tickets.
- CONSETUR Bus Tickets.
- Archeological Center Entrance Tickets.
- Km 104 entrance Ticket.
- Machu Picchu entrance Ticket.
- Huayna Picchu entrance Ticket.
- Beverages and Bottled Water.
What’s not Included
- Personal Gear: This includes clothing, footwear, and other personal items.
- Travel Insurance: It is recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and cancellations.
- Tips.
Hotel Recommendations (Hotel not included)
In Cusco:
In Sacred Valley:
Tikawasi Casa Boutique⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or Pakaritampu ⭐⭐⭐
In Aguas Calientes:
El Mapi by inkaterra⭐⭐⭐⭐ or Inkaterra Hotel Machupicchu Pueblo⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations:
- Be physically prepared and train.
- Acclimate to high altitude.
- Wear proper gear and dress in layers.
- Stay hydrated and pack snacks.
- Consider using trekking poles.
- Respect the environment and local regulations.
- Obtain travel insurance for emergencies.
- Secure permits well in advance.
- Consult a doctor if necessary.
- Prepare tips for the staff.
- Clothing and Footwear:
- Light, breathable clothing for the day.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Thermal clothing for the evening (if you spend the night in Aguas Calientes).
- Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots.
- Sun cap or hat.
- Gloves and a scarf (in the cold season).
- Accessories and Equipment:
- Small daypack (25-30L).
- UV-protected sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Trekking poles (optional, must have rubber tips).
- Hydration and Snacks:
- Reusable bottle or camelback.
- Energy snacks (dried fruit, cereal bars, nuts).
- Rehydration salts or electrolytes (optional).
- Documents and Money:
- Passport or ID (required for entry to Machu Picchu).
- Train, bus, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Cash in soles for additional expenses.
- Hygiene and Health:
- Wet wipes and gel Antibacterial.
- Toilet paper or tissues.
- Personal first aid kit with essential medications.
- Small first aid kit (Band-Aids, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories).
Location the Inca Trail Running Challenge Adventure
1. What level of fitness is required?
Requirements:2. How is altitude sickness managed? Prevention:
Recommendations:
3. Are there vegetarian/vegan meal options?
4. What to pack in your backpack? Essential luggage:
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