Full Description of Inca Trail Luxury Tour

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco city around 5:00 am (If you stay in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, the pick up will be 2 hours later) and travel in a private van to Kilometer 82, the beginning of the Inca Trail. In Ollantaytambo, we will stop for breakfast in a local restaurant with beautiful views of the Inca Town. 

After breakfast, you can shop for some last-minute stuff in Ollantaytambo and then continue for 30 minutes to Km 82, the beginning of the Luxury Inca Trail tour. You will pass the first checkpoint and begin hiking the iconic Inca Trail hike for 4 days. The first part of the hike it’s a relatively easy 4-hour hike to the lunch place near the Inca Site of Llactapata. As part of our Luxury Inca Trail service, you will have an elite team of chefs preparing gourmet meals using fresh local products and also enjoy cold drinks such as beer or sodas.

After lunch, you’ll continue hiking along the Cusichaca river for 2 more hours to the Village of Wayllabamba at 3000 m (9842ft), where we spend the night in comfortable Walk-in tents. You will have drinks like wine or Pisco Sour, hot showers, massage therapists, and luxury camping equipment.

The Luxury Inca Trail tour pick-up can be from any hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. We recommend staying in a hotel in the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo town the day before the trek.  

• Departure: 5:00 am (can be any hotel located in Cusco)
• Hiking distance: 12 km/7.4 m (6 hours walking approx.)
• Expected arrival at the campsite: 3:00 pm
• Considered: Moderate.
• Meals included: lunch, snacks, tea time, and dinner.
• Included: Hot showers, massage therapists, and drinks

Day 2: Huayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo

Wake up early with a cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent and prepare for the most challenging part of the Luxury Inca Trail Tour. Your chef will prepare breakfast with fresh products and a wide variety. After breakfast, the hike begins with a steep 4-hour hike through the dense cloud forest to Llulluchapampa (3762 m -12338 ft), where a delicious lunch will be waiting for you to reenergize for the ascent. During this first section, you will pass through different microclimates with enough time to admire the beautiful views of the mountains covered by native plants, including Polylepis or Q’ueuña trees.

After lunch, you will continue hiking up to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the Inca trail with 4215 m (13828 ft). After some rest, you’ll continue for another 2-hours down to the second campsite at Pacaymayo Alto, located at 3600 m (11482 ft). Upon arrival, your luxury tents will be ready; shower, massage, dinner, and sleep early to recover for the next day.

• Wake-up time: 05:30 am
• Expected arrival time: 3:30 pm
• Hiking distance: 10 km/6.2 m (8 hours)
• Considered: Challenging
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner.
• Included: Hot shower, massage therapists, and drinks

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca

On the third day, you will wake up in a beautiful Valley with amazing views of the Andes, the Urubamba Valley, and waterfalls near the campsite. After breakfast, you will start with a 2-hour hike to Runkuraqay pass at 3955 m (129756ft), the second-highest mountain of the Inca Trail. Along the way, you’ll be able to see the circular ruins of Runkuraqay, a small lake, and fantastic views of the mountains. Upon arrival at the pass, you take some time to explore the area and rest. Next, its a 2-hour down to Sayacmarca Inca Site, a famous archeological site located in the cloud forest region; lunch is served at a nearby campsite to continue for 2 more hours to the last campsite called Phuyupatamarca (“City in the clouds”) at 3600 m (11811ft).

This last campsite is arguably the most beautiful on the Inca Trail Trek; you’ll see Machu Picchu Mountain from a distance and enjoy the fantastic view of the highest snow-capped peaks, such as the Salkantay Mountain, Pumasillo, and Veronica. After setting up all your stuff in your tent, you climb to the high areas waiting for the most beautiful sunset; the views of the last mountains of Vilcabamba in the cloud forest are amazing.

• Wake-up time: 06:00 am
• Expected arrival: 2:30 pm
• Hiking distance: 13 kms/8 m(7 hours)
• Considered: Moderate.
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner.
• Included: Hot shower, massage therapists, and drinks

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Wake up early with a fantastic view of the mountains and the cloud forest region, and wait for the sunrise while you enjoy a coffee. After enjoying the last breakfast with your trekking team, you’ll say goodbye to the incredible team of chefs, porters, and the masseuse, and you will start going down more than 3000 stairs built 500 years ago. Today’s hike is mostly downhill, visiting the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, and Sungate at exclusive times with almost no people.

You will arrive at the Sungate around 10:00 am; here, you will have the first glimpse of the legendary city of the Incas. From Sungate, you will continue for one more hour into Machu Picchu citadel, have lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, and explore the citadel of Machu Picchu with fewer visitors in the afternoon.

Exploring Machu Picchu after lunch will allow seeing this fantastic place with fewer people and incredible views. After finishing the tour, you will go down to the city of Aguas Calientes, take some time to explore, and later board the Exclusive Vistadome Observatory train back to Ollantaytambo and private bus back to Cusco. The arrival back to your hotel in Cusco will be around 8.30 pm.

• Wake-up time: 05:00 am
• Arrival time to Machu Picchu: 11:00 am
• Hiking distance: 11 km/6.8 m (5 hours)
• Considered: Moderate.
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, and lunch at the Machu Picchu hotel.

Packing List for the Luxury Inca Trail

During the Luxury Inca Trail Trek, you will have a private porter to carry all your belongings for the 4-day trek; there is a weight limit of 10 kilograms (22 pounds). TreXperience will provide you with a duffel bag to put all your equipment for the Luxury Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.

In addition to the duffel bag provided by TreXperience, you must bring a small backpack with you during the day; you are responsible for carrying this backpack.

Essentials for the Luxury Trek to Machu Picchu

Below is a list of items that are necessary for the Inca Trail luxury trek. 

• Original passport - needed to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Daypack - Must be light & comfortable for hiking (around 30 liters)
• Hiking boots - Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
• Trekking pants - Comfortable and lightweight pants that dry quickly.
• Trekking poles - provided by TreXperience on request
• Fleece jacket - A warm fleece jacket to wear in the evenings when it gets chilly.
• Rain jacket - A waterproof and breathable rain jacket to protect you from the rain.
• Hat - A hat to protect your face and neck from the sun.
• Sunglasses - High-quality sunglasses with good UV protection.
• Water bottle - A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on the trek.
• Snacks - High-energy snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, or nuts to keep you fueled on the trek.
• Sunscreen - A high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
• Insect repellent - A strong insect repellent to protect you from mosquitoes and other insects.
• Personal hygiene items - Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, and other personal hygiene items.
• Camera - A camera to capture your trek's amazing views and memories.
• Extra batteries and memory cards - Extra batteries and memory cards for your camera.
• Cash - Bring enough cash for tips and souvenirs
• Personal first aid kit - Essential medications, band-aids, and other supplies.

What to carry on your daypack?

Your backpack must always be with you and must be comfortable and light. According to regulations, your bag should not be larger than 25 liters to be allowed in Machu Picchu. This is not about the capacity of your backpack; it is more about how big your backpack will look on the last day of Machu Picchu. My backpack is 40 liters and is comfortable for hiking with straps; just for Machu Picchu, I will make it look small.  

• Original Passport - Original passports are required to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. The passport number must match the number you booked your tour; if you have changed or renewed the passport, you must send us a photo of both passports or travel with the 2 passports. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of entry into the national territory. All travelers must ensure this as Peru is inside the 6-month rule for passports.
• Hat and sunglasses: The sun can be very intense at high altitudes, and you'll want to protect your skin from UV rays. A wide-brimmed hat will help keep the sun out of your eyes, and sunglasses will prevent squinting.
• Head Bandana or hut: Polyester, breathable, and quick-drying sun hat are better—adjustable chin strap with an extended neck cover that effectively protects the neck from sunburn.
• Rain Gear, Rain Ponchos: You should bring a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants. Weather in the Andes and especially the cloud forest region where the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are located have unpredictable weather. TreXperience will provide you with a plastic poncho.
• Warm clothes: You must bring a fleece jacket, windbreakers, beanie, gloves, and base layers.
• Sunscreen and bug spray: You need to bring water-resistant sunscreen and mosquito repellent for the Inca Trail, especially when hiking close to Machu Picchu, where the weather is wet, warm, and humid.
• Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and wet wipes:
• Toothbrush and paste: Have it in a Ziploc bag, and remember that it must be light and small since you will be carrying it.
• Camera & batteries: We don't have outlets or access to electricity; you must have power banks or extra batteries for your camera.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: We recommend good headlamps to have hands-free to walk around in the dark.
• Camel bags or water containers for at least 2 liters: It would be best to have a bladder or water container for 2 liters; bigger than this might be too heavy.
• Snacks, power bars, and chocolate: We provide snacks every day during the Luxury Machu Picchu tour. However, we recommend taking some snacks in your daypack every day.
• Extra Money in small denominations (Soles)The Luxury Inca Trail is all-inclusive except for the first breakfast, the last dinner when you return to Cusco, or tips for the trekking staff.

What to put in the duffle bag?

TreXperience provides a personal porter for your staff; this way, you can go with a light backpack to enjoy the Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (10kg. maximum); you can access the duffle bags only at the campsites.

• Sandals or sneakers: After a long day of hiking, you will need to wear something light at the campsite
• 5 to 6 T-shirts: We recommend 4 x short-sleeved shirts and 2 or 3 x long-sleeved shirts. They must be breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying.
• 2-3 pants for hiking: Bring 2 or 3 hiking pants; you can also bring hiking shorts or convertible pants.
• 5 sets of undergarments. Bring 4 or 5 sets of sports underwear; consider that some days might be raining, and you might use more than one set in a day if it gets wet.
• 5 sets of hiking socks: Bring 4 or 5 sets of thick wool hiking socks to use with your trekking boots and some light socks to wear at the campsites.
• Quick-dry towel: TreXperience will provide you with a bathing robe and small towel for the campsites, and to enjoy showers, please bring a quick-dry small towel if you want.
• Soap: Soap is provided during our tours; you can bring your preferred ones if needed.
• Battery Charger: For 4 days without electricity, you must bring a good power bank to recharge your phone or cameras.
• Plastic bag: Put any clothes inside a plastic bag or something waterproof in the duffle bag. Also, have a small plastic bag every day to collect trash.
• Books or magazines: Bring your preferred book or magazine for your free time at the campsite. Tablets and laptops are not recommended. 

Sleeping bag, liners, pillows: TreXperience provides blankets, sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, linens, pillows, and hot water bags for the coldest nights. This is outside of the 10 kilos; you can bring your sleeping bags if preferred.   

Price of Luxury Inca Trail tour

Price Per person:  

Book Now

• From 2200.USD

To book the Luxury Inca Trail 4 dyas tour, you need to make an initial payment of 400.USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or Cusco with any credit card at no booking fees at all.

Student Discount:

All travelers under 17 will have a $40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get a 40$ discount with a valid student ID. Would you please advise by email to give you a code for the discount?

Valid Student ID for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:

• 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
• The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
• The ID must have a valid expiration date

Invalid Student IDs

Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:

• Traveler is older than 25
• Expired ID
• Student Id without expiration date
• ISIC cards are not valid. 

Similar tours you might be interested in: 

• Classic Inca Trail 4 days
• Short Inca Trail 2 days
• Rainbow Mountain 1 day
• Humantay Lake 1 day

Luxury Inca Trail FAQs

What is the difference between the Luxury Inca Trail and Classic Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is only one route; the Classic and Luxury Inca Trail follow the same trail, but the Campsite locations differ.

The Luxury Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu will allow you to stay in an exclusive campsite along the Inca Trail with comfortable equipment and gourmet food. Also, during the Luxury Machu Picchu hike, all services are upgraded.

What is the equipment provided in the Luxury Inca Trail Trek?

During the Luxury Inca Trail Trek, you will have the following equipment:

• Walk-in tents (for 1, or 2 travelers, we also have large group tents)
• Queen-size, twin-size luxury camping cots
• Blankets, Sleeping bags, pillows, sheets
• Portable showers with hot water
• Portable Private Toilets 
• Luxury dining tents, tables, chairs

We carry everything for the 4 days tour during the Inca Trail, including tents, airbeds, sleeping bags, portable showers, and portable toilets. It is possible to find toilets and cold water showers at specific campsites. However, we do not recommend them for the number of people using them daily.

What services are provided in the Luxury Inca Trail?

During the Luxury Inca Trail Trek, the following services are included:

• All transportation for 4 days
• Peruvian food prepared by our talented chefs
• Inca massage sessions every night of camping
• Coca leaf reading and Pachamama ceremony led by Andean Shaman
• Soft drinks like beer, sodas, energetic drinks
• Wine, Pisco, Champagne 
• 1 lunch at Machu Picchu hotel
• Panoramic Observatory train to return
• Optional, you can upgrade the trains. 

How challenging is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is one of the most epic hikes in the world. Also, it is one of the most challenging hikes to Machu Picchu. Hikers must be in moderate physical condition.

The Inca Trail is doable; all hikers must prepare before they come to hike at a high altitude.

What is the highest point on the Inca Trail?

The highest point of the Inca Trail is Dead Women’s Pass, also known as Warmiwañusca Pass, at 4215m / 13829ft. The second highest point is RunKuraqay Pass, with 4000m (13123ft).

How many miles is the Luxury 4-day Inca Trail?

The Luxury Inca Trail, 4 Days / 3 nights, starts in Km 82 – Piscacucho and ends in Machu Picchu. The total hiking distance is 42 km – 26 miles.