Luxury 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This premium 5-day, 4-night Inca Trail experience begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a private transfer to Piscacucho (Km 82), the official starting point of the trail. You will hike approximately 46 km along the ancient Inca road network, crossing valleys, cloud forests, high mountain passes, and archaeological sites such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, and Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
The landscape changes with every section of the route. At night, you will not stay in a basic campsite; instead, you will enjoy a premium camping experience with spacious tents, inflatable mattresses, hot showers, porcelain tableware, a chef-prepared menu, optional yoga on the third day, and massage services. The fourth night is spent at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, allowing you to rest and recharge before visiting Machu Picchu.
The journey concludes with a guided visit to Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, followed by the return to Cusco aboard the Vistadome train. We take care of permits, porters, camping equipment, meals, hotel accommodation, buses, train tickets, and transfers. You simply walk, enjoy the scenery, and experience the trail.
Luxury 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary
View Route Map
Día 1: Cusco – Piscacucho (Km 82) – Wayllabamba → Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho (Km 82) – Wayllabamba
At 5:30 a.m., you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco. The private vehicle will travel through the Sacred Valley, with a short stop in Ollantaytambo, before reaching Piscacucho (Km 82), the official entrance point of the trail, located at 2,700 m / 8,858 ft. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours.
The hike begins with a gentle ascent through the Urubamba Valley. Around midday, you will visit the Llactapata terraces and enjoy lunch at Tarayoc, featuring a buffet menu prepared by the chef. In the afternoon, you will continue to the premium campsite in Wayllabamba (2,998 m / 9,836 ft). There, you will enjoy tea time, snacks, a hot shower, massage service, and a gourmet dinner served in the dining tent.
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking time: approximately 6 to 7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft (start) – 2,998 m / 9,836 ft (campsite)
- Climate: Mild, with afternoon winds
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
This is the most challenging day of the trek. The morning begins with coca tea served at your tent and a buffet breakfast. You will leave Wayllabamba and start a climb of approximately 4 hours through cloud forest until reaching Llulluchapampa (3,760 m / 12,336 ft), where lunch will be served.
Afterwards, you will continue toward Warmiwañusca, the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), the highest point of the route. There will be time to rest, take photos, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. The descent along stone pathways leads to the premium campsite in Pacaymayo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where you will enjoy tea time, a hot shower, massage service, and a gourmet dinner.
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking time: approximately 7 to 8 hours
- Difficulty: High
- Altitude: 2,998 m / 9,836 ft (start) – 4,200 m / 13,779 ft (pass) – 3,600 m / 11,811 ft (campsite)
- Climate: Cold, especially at the mountain pass
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca
This is the most impressive day in terms of archaeology. The morning begins with hot tea, optional yoga, and a buffet breakfast. The first climb takes you to the circular archaeological site of Runkurakay and its mountain pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft). Later, you will enjoy a guided visit to Sayacmarca (3,497 m / 11,473 ft) and have lunch at Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft).
In the afternoon, you will cross cloud forest and an Inca tunnel carved into the rock until reaching the third mountain pass (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). The descent ends at Phuyupatamarca, the “Town Above the Clouds.” Here, you will enjoy a hot shower, massage service, and a farewell dinner with the porters and chef. Overnight stay at the premium campsite.
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking time: approximately 7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft (start) – 4,000 m / 13,123 ft (pass) – 3,700 m / 12,139 ft (campsite)
- Climate: Mild, with some wind
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
The day begins at 4:00 a.m. After breakfast, you will say goodbye to the trail team and begin a descent of approximately 2 hours to the terraces of Intipata (2,800 m / 9,186 ft). The trail continues toward Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m / 8,793 ft) and, after a more gradual 1 hour and 20-minute section, reaches Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.
From here, you will enjoy your first view of Machu Picchu. A descent of approximately 40 minutes takes you to the citadel (2,430 m / 7,972 ft), where you can take your first photos. Afterwards, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check in at your hotel, and enjoy free time in the afternoon. Overnight stay at the hotel.
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking time: approximately 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft (start) – 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu) – 2,010 m / 6,594 ft (Aguas Calientes)
- Climate: Warm and humid
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart at 5:00 a.m. toward the bus station. A 30-minute ride along the winding mountain road takes you to the sanctuary entrance. Entry is scheduled for 6:30 a.m., and the 2-hour guided visit begins at 7:00 a.m., following the assigned circuit.
You will have some additional time for photos, depending on your ticket schedule. Afterwards, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes; lunch is on your own. At 3:40 p.m., you will board the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, where a private vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Estimated arrival at your hotel: 7:40 p.m.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy on regular circuits
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Return: Vistadome train + private transfer to Cusco
- End of service: Hotel in Cusco, approximately 7:40 p.m.
What’s Included?
- Private pre-tour briefing with the guide, one or two days before departure, at our office in Cusco’s Historic Center.
- Free luggage storage at our office throughout the program.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco on the morning of departure.
- Private and exclusive transfer from Cusco to Piscacucho (Km 82), the official trail entrance.
- Official bilingual guide (Spanish and English) throughout the entire route.
- Second guide for groups of 9 travelers or more.
- Trail chef and kitchen assistant.
- Official Inca Trail permit.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket on Day 4 for the first view from Inti Punku and the citadel.
- Second entrance ticket to Machu Picchu on Day 5, according to the confirmed circuit.
- Meals during the trek: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, snacks, and 3 gourmet dinners.
- Fresh meals prepared at the campsite, served with porcelain tableware.
- Vegetarian, vegan, or special diet options at no additional cost, with prior notice.
- Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes on Day 5.
- Boiled and treated water to refill your bottle starting from the morning of the second day.
- Porters to transport tents, food, tables, chairs, and all camping and cooking equipment.
- Personal porter service for up to 6 kg of personal belongings.
- Premium 4-person tent shared by only 2 travelers for extra comfort.
- Inflatable Thermarest mattress for each traveler.
- Spacious dining tent equipped with tables, chairs, and lighting.
- Kitchen tent with complete utensils and equipment.
- Hot showers at the campsites along the route.
- Massage session at the end of each hiking day.
- Optional yoga session at the campsite on Day 3.
- Portable washing station with warm water and small towels for personal hygiene.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Team support and assistance throughout the entire route.
- 2-hour guided visit to Machu Picchu on Day 5.
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on Day 4.
- One hotel night in Aguas Calientes (single, double, matrimonial, or triple room according to the reservation).
- Bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu on Day 5.
- Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on Day 5.
- Ground transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
- Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco at the end of the program.
- Personalized assistance before, during, and after the trip.
Not Included
- Domestic or international flights.
- Hotel accommodation in Cusco before or after the program.
- Breakfast on the morning of departure (Day 1).
- Lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- Lunch and dinner on Day 5 after returning.
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (separate ticket, subject to availability).
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and bottled water purchased personally.
- Personal purchases and additional expenses.
- Travel, accident, or evacuation insurance.
- Tips for guides, chef, assistants, and porters.
More Trek Information
Review this list before preparing your daypack. If you are missing any item, you can easily buy or rent it in Cusco.
Documents
- Original passport, the same document used to process your permit.
- Valid student ID, only if applicable.
- Copy of your travel insurance policy.
- Program confirmation or voucher.
Essentials
- Daypack (20 to 30 liters).
- Snacks: cookies, chocolate, nuts, or candy.
- Extra cash for souvenirs and personal expenses.
Clothing and Footwear
- Thermal warm layer.
- Rain jacket or waterproof layer.
- Cap or hat with sun protection.
- Comfortable trekking shoes that are already broken in.
Personal First Aid Kit
- Daily medication.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Lip balm.
Other Items
- UV-protection sunglasses.
- Camera or phone for photos.
Final Recommendation
It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least one day before departure so your body can adjust to the altitude.
What makes the luxury Inca Trail different from a standard tour?
The premium option provides greater comfort and a more personalized experience, including spacious tents, inflatable mattresses, chef-prepared meals, a personal porter, and a dedicated team throughout the route. It also includes hot showers, massages at the end of each hiking day, optional yoga on Day 3, one hotel night in Aguas Calientes, a second visit to Machu Picchu, and a return journey by Vistadome train.
How many days should I acclimatize before starting the trek?
Ideally, you should spend at least two nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trail. This allows your body to adjust better to the altitude and helps you begin the trek in better conditions.
Which day is the most challenging?
Usually, Day 2 is the most demanding because it includes the ascent to Warmiwañusca, the Dead Woman’s Pass, located at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft. You can walk at your own pace, and the guide will organize rest stops whenever necessary.
Do I need previous mountain hiking experience?
No technical mountaineering experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. In the weeks before the trek, it is helpful to walk regularly, climb stairs, and maintain moderate exercise.
How much weight does the personal porter carry?
The personal porter can carry up to 6 kg of your belongings. You only need to carry a small daypack with water, documents, camera, sunscreen, and the items you will use during the day.
What are the meals like during the trek?
The chef and assistant prepare breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners using fresh ingredients, served with porcelain tableware. If requested in advance, vegetarian, vegan, or special diet menus can be prepared.
Is the second visit to Machu Picchu included?
Yes. On Day 4, you will see the citadel for the first time when entering through Inti Punku (Sun Gate). On Day 5, you will have a second entrance with a 2-hour guided visit according to the circuit reserved at the time of confirmation.
Can I hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, depending on availability and if the entrance ticket is reserved in advance. These are separate tickets with limited availability and an additional cost depending on the date.
What support is available during the trek?
You will be accompanied by the guide, chef, assistants, and porters throughout the route. The guide carries a first aid kit and emergency oxygen in case it is needed.
Are bathrooms and showers available at the campsites?
Several campsites have basic restroom facilities. In this luxury version, the team also provides hot showers, a portable washing station with warm water, and small towels for personal hygiene at the end of each hiking day.
Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days Private Service Price
This excursion is operated exclusively as a private service. You will share the experience only with your family, friends, or travel companions. The price per person decreases depending on the number of participants in your group.
We offer special rates for infants, children, school students, and university students. To request a discount, you must send a digital copy of the corresponding document before confirming your reservation.
| Category | Benefit | Required Document |
|---|---|---|
| Infants from 0 to 2 years old | Travel free | Photo or copy of passport |
| Children from 3 to 8 years old | USD 100 discount | Photo or copy of passport |
| Students from 9 to 17 years old | USD 40 discount | Photo or copy of passport |
| University students from 18 to 25 years old | USD 40 discount | Photo of valid university student ID |
We accept valid student IDs issued by universities from any country. Travelers aged 26 and older must book under the regular adult rate.
Additional Services
You can enhance your experience with the following optional services. Requests must be made at the time of booking or, at the latest, one day before departure at our office located in Cusco’s Historic Center.
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- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance: USD 70 per person. Spaces are limited and subject to availability.
- Machu Picchu Mountain entrance: USD 70 per person. Advance request is recommended due to limited availability.
