Full Itinerary of the Inca Trail Luxury Tour

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco City around 5:00 am and travel in a private van to Kilometer 82, the starting point of our Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you stay in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, the pick-up will be 2 hours later. In Ollantaytambo, we will stop for breakfast at a local restaurant with beautiful views of the Inca Town. This is also a good moment to prepare for the day and pick up any last-minute items.

We'll then continue for another 30 minutes to the km 82 checkpoint, where the iconic Inca Trail begins. The first part will be a relatively easy 4-hour hike to the lunch spot near the Inca Site of Llactapata. As part of our Inca Trail Luxury service, our elite team of chefs will prepare a gourmet meal using fresh, locally sourced ingredients—served with cold drinks such as beer or soda.

After lunch, we’ll hike for another two hours along the Cusichaca River to the village of Wayllabamba, where we’ll spend the night. At camp, you’ll be welcomed with wine or a Pisco Sour, followed by hot showers, optional massage therapy, and premium camping amenities—including spacious walk-in tents.

• Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Duration: 6 hours approx.
• Highest Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals: Lunch, snacks, tea time, and dinner
• Included: Hot showers, massage therapists, and drinks

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo

Rise and shine! Today, you'll start with a hot drink in your tent and prepare for the trail's most challenging part. After a stylish breakfast from our chef, the hike begins with a steep 4-hour hike through the dense cloud forest to Llulluchapampa (3,762 m / 12,338 ft). Here, you'll have a tasty lunch waiting for you to reenergize for the ascent. During this first section, you will pass through different microclimates with enough time to admire the stunning mountain views covered by native plants, including the Polylepis or Q’ueuña trees.

After lunch, you will continue hiking up to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trail with 4,215 m (13,828 ft). It'll be a great opportunity to soak in the views and rest for a while. Next, you’ll continue for another 2-hours down to the second campsite at Pacaymayo Alto, located at 3,600 m (11,482 ft). Upon arrival, your luxury tents will be ready; shower, massage, dinner, and sleep early to recover for the next day.

• Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 m
• Duration: 8 hours
• Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,838 ft
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Meals: 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 to a breathtaking view of the Andes, the Urubamba Valley, and waterfalls near the campsite. Past breakfast, you will start with a 2-hour hike to Runkuraqay Pass at 3,955 m (12,975 ft), the second-highest pass 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.

From the pass, there's still 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 3,680 m (12,073 ft).

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 views of the highest snow-capped peaks, such as the Salkantay Mountain, Pumasillo, and Veronica. After setting up all in your tent, you'll be able to explore the high areas for the most beautiful sunset; the views of Vilcabamba's mountain range in the cloud forest are simply surreal!

• Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
• Duration: 7 hours
• Highest Altitude: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner
• Included: Hot shower, massage therapists, and drinks

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu – Cusco

This day is to wake up at 5:00 am and wait for the sunrise as you enjoy a coffee with the mountains. After enjoying the last breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the incredible team of chefs, porters, and masseuses and start going down more than 3,000 stairs built 500 years ago. Today's hike is mostly downhill, exploring the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna, at exclusive times with almost no people.

When you arrive at the Sun Gate around 10:00 am, you will have the first glimpse of the legendary city of the Incas. From this point, there's a last one-hour hike down to Machu Picchu, where you'll have lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, and visit the Citadel in the afternoon.

Exploring Machu Picchu after lunch allows you to see this fantastic place with fewer people and get mind-blowing 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 to Ollantaytambo and take a private bus back to Cusco. Your arrival at your hotel in Cusco will be around 8:30 p.m.

• Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi
• Duration: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, and lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.

Price - Luxury Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu

The final price is based on your group size. We only organize private tours.

Booking and Payment

• Deposit: US$ 400 per person (to reserve your spot). The remaining can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to see alternative payment options.

Student Discount:

• US$ 40 off

Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, the ID must include:

• Student name, photo, and university name.
• Have a valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted)
• ISIC cards are not valid.

Please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com at the time of booking to receive your discount.

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 Tour - Packing List

During the Luxury Inca Trail Trek, you will have a personal porter to carry all your belongings for the 4-day trek. TreXperience will provide you with a duffel bag to pack your equipment for the hike to Machu Picchu. Please note that the weight limit for this bag is 10 kilograms (22 pounds).

Additionally, you’ll need to bring a small and comfortable backpack, which you'll carry yourself for each day of the hike. Here's a list of items that you will need for the Luxury Inca Trail hike:

TreXperience provides

• Duffle bag: For packing your personal items (maximum weight: 10 kg or 22 lb).
• Equipment: Sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping pad, liner, pillow, blankets, and hot water bags for the coldest nights (These items are not counted within the 10kg weight limit. You’re welcome to bring your own sleeping bag if you prefer).
• Soap: Provided during the trek. Feel free to bring your own if you have a preferred brand.

Essentials

• Original Passport: Required to access the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Daypack: Must be light and comfortable for hiking (around 25-35 liters).
• Hiking boots: Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
• Water Bottle or CamelBak: A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on the trek (recommended 2 liters)
• Trekking poles are provided by TreXperience on request.
• Personal care products

What to pack in your daypack

Make sure you bring a lightweight and comfortable backpack. We recommend a 25-35L backpack with rain cover. Larger bags are not permitted inside Machu Picchu and must be stored in the lockers. This rule applies to bag size, not capacity, so if your bag is technically larger, you can make it look small enough for Machu Picchu.

• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Neck gaiter
• Rain gear or rain poncho
• Base and warm layers
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and wet wipes
• Personal medication
• Camera and charger
• Power bank or batteries
• Toothbrush and paste
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Snacks (energy bars, chocolates, etc.)
• Extra Money

What to pack in the duffle bag

Our porters will carry this bag. The total weight should not exceed 10 kg (22 lb). Duffle bags will be available at our office the day before the trek and at the campsites during the hike.

• Hiking pants/trousers (2 or 3)
• Hiking socks (5 sets)
• Long and short sleeve shirts (4 or 5)
• Undergarments (4 sets)
• Fleece jacket or softshell jacket
• Warm jacket
• Quick-dry towel
• Sandals or lightweight shoes
• Toiletries (preferably eco-friendly)
• Plastic bag

Need more tips for the Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? Check out our Complete Packing List.

Luxury Inca Trail Travel Information

The Inca Trail follows part of the ancient road built by the Incas in the 15th century. This trail system, known as Qhapaq Ñan, once connected the empire across what we know as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The route is just over 42 km and is considered one of the top-rated hikes to reach Machu Picchu.

Our Luxury Inca Trail follows the same 4-day route as the classic version, with extra comfort, upgraded equipment, and personalized service. Still, it’s a real trek through the mountains, so it’s important to know the route and how it works. Below you'll find useful details about the distance, elevation, difficulty, weather conditions, permits, and how the trek is organized.

Inca Trail Altitude Map

Clic to expand.

Return by Panoramic Train

After you visit Machu Picchu, your journey continues with a relaxing and scenic ride aboard one of Peru’s most exclusive panoramic trains: Vistadome or 360° Observatory. These trains offer large windows, skylights, and onboard service, allowing you to take in the breathtaking Andean landscapes in total comfort.

Depending on availability and departure time, you'll board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Machu Picchu Circuits

This experience includes Circuit 2 in Machu Picchu, which covers the main and most important areas of the site, such as the viewing platforms, the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Rock, the urban area, and other sectors. Your guide will walk you through these areas and explain the history and significance of each one. Access to this circuit is subject to availability, so we recommend confirming in advance.

If you'd like to explore additional areas, you can request an extra ticket during booking or opt for our 5-day Luxury Inca Trail, which includes a full guided tour on the fifth day.

Luxury Inca Trail FAQs