Full Itinerary of the Luxury Inca Trail Trek 5 Days

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Chamana

We’ll collect you at 5:00 am from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and drive about two hours toward Km 88, stopping in Ollantaytambo for breakfast with valley views. From the trailhead, we start our 5-day Ultimate Inca Trail with TreXperience along the right bank of the Urubamba River, visiting Salapunku, K’anabamba, and Machu Q’ente. After roughly three hours, we reach the Km 88 (Q’oriwayrachina) checkpoint (have your passport ready) then cross the river via a suspension bridge built on Inca foundations. Lunch is served in Chamana, where our campsite sits. In the afternoon, your guide leads a short hike to Wayna Q’ente, an Inca site set on the mountainside with sweeping views of the valley. We camp near the Patallacta complex in the village of Chamana.

• Campsite altitude: 2200 m / 7217 ft.
• Highest altitude: 2790 m / 9153 ft.
• Duration: 7 hours
• Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea time, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping, massage, and drinks available
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Day 2: Chamana – Patallacta – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa

We will wake you up bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea. We begin with a visit to the impressive Patallacta ruins, often with few other hikers around. We then follow the scenic Cusichaca River to Wayllabamba Village, stopping to enjoy a well-earned lunch. The afternoon brings a steady climb to our second campsite at Llulluchapampa, passing diverse ecosystems, including lush cloud forest rich in flowers and birdlife, and opening to wide views of Mt. Huayanay and native queuña (Polylepis) woodland.

• Campsite altitude: 3800 m / 12467 ft
• Highest altitude: 3800 m / 12467 ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Duration: 8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea time, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping, massage, and drinks available
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Day 3: Llulluchapampa – Runkurakay – Phuyupatamarca

We start with a challenging climb to Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft, an ideal spot for panoramic photos. A two-hour descent brings us to Pacaymayo Alto for lunch. In the afternoon, we ascend to the second pass at Runkuraqay (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) and continue about three more hours to our campsite at Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft). Along the way, we explore Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarca, with far-reaching views toward the Salkantay and Vilcabamba ranges.

• Campsite altitude: 3680 m / 12073 ft
• Highest altitude: 4215 m / 13829 ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Duration: 10 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea time, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping, massage, and drinks available
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu Pueblo

With the hard part well and truly over, you can relax and enjoy the easiest and arguably most exciting day of the trek. Today’s route is extremely varied, and it is only a 5-hour walk to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will pass through several different ecosystems. We will visit two Inca sites, Phuyupatamarca (City in the Clouds), with spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the Machu Picchu mountain and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). At Intipata, there will be time to rest and take in your magical surroundings.

We will reach Wiñaywayna at approximately 11:00 am to have lunch. You can then enjoy some free time relaxing and unwinding at this important Inca site while your guide explains the history of this fantastic location. After lunch, we will walk for an hour to the Sungate, taking in the stunning views along the way. On a clear day, you can watch the spectacular sunset over Machu Picchu from the Sungate, which is truly an unforgettable sight. We will then start our one-hour descent towards Machu Picchu. We will arrive late and take photos of the sacred Inca city while it is almost empty. Later, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a hotel.

• Campsite altitude: 2000 m / 6562 ft.
• Highest altitude: 3600m / 11811ft
• Distance: 10km / 6 miles
• Duration: 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel (Tierra Viva or similar)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Machu Picchu (Lost City of The Incas) – Cusco

On our final day, we’ll rise early to prepare for the most anticipated moment of the journey: Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. We will head out early to take the bus up to Machu Picchu. Arriving as the sky brightens, you can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu on a clear day. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 2.5 hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own or climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked as far in advance as possible). After finishing the tour, you will have a buffet lunch at Tinkuy restaurant in the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel to take the exclusive panoramic train back to Cusco, where the deluxe Inca Trail ends.

• Duration: 2 – 3 hours
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch ( Machu Picchu)
• Difficulty: Easy

Price of 5-Day Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Price per person:

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The final price is based on your group size; we only organize Inca Trail private tour.

Booking and payment

• Deposit: US$400 per person (to reserve your spot). The remaining balance can be seamlessly paid online or in person at our Cusco office.

Student Discount:

• US$ 30 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.

The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate.

Before you book:

• This experience is offered exclusively as an Inca Trail private tour.
• Accommodation includes a 4-star hotel, based on double occupancy in a twin room.
• Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free meals are available upon request.

How to book:

To book this tour:

1. Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select how many people will be joining.
2. Fill in all the requested details with your passport data.
3. Finally, enter your credit/debit card details and make the payment.
4. Our team will contact you shortly to reconfirm your payment and give you more information.

Similar tours you might be interested in: 

• Inca Trail 5 Days - Extended Version
• Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour 4 days
• Classic Inca Trail 4 days

Luxury Inca Trail Trek 5 Days packing list

From arrival to departure, your Peru journey is designed to feel effortless. Keep one or two spacious bags for your souvenirs, but for the 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 

Bring only the essentials: up to 5 kg (11 lb) in your daypack and 10 kg (22.05 lb) in your duffel bag. The rest of your belongings, you can leave in your hotel in Cusco or in the TreXperience storerooms.

TreXperience include:

• 1 duffel bag weighing 7 kg (15 lb) for storing your personal belongings. TreXperience porters will carry it from camp to camp, but you will not have access during the day, so everything you’ll need while hiking should go in your daypack.

For trail essentials, carry up to 5 kg (11 lb) in your daypack. You’ll keep this pack with you at all times, so load it with the day’s basics: water, snacks, a light layer, sunscreen, etc.

Essentials:

• Original passport (no copies): Valid for at least 6 months to enter and exit Peru, with two blank pages for stamps.
• Student ID: This is required only if you have booked the Inca Trail as a student. Original, university-issued, valid up to age 25. Must show the university name, your personal information, photo, and a validity date no later than December 31 of your travel year.
• Hiking boots: Lightweight, comfortable, and broken in, not too tight or loose. They should provide enough room for your toes to wiggle without being too spacious.
• Daypack: Comfortable, light, small and compact. It is essential for carrying all your supplies.
• Camel bag or water bottle: Reusable bottles with a 2L capacity, that can be easily refilled throughout the day.
• Trekking poles: Highly recommended for the Inca Trail, rentals are available.
• Sleeping bag: Buy a sleeping bag that fits your height and weight, and remember to pack it in a waterproof bag to stay dry on the trail. For the Inca Trail hike, we recommend sleeping bags rated at -10°C. You can also rent sleeping bags from us.
• Headlamp: Essential for the trek, you can also bring a flashlight.

What to put in the Daypack?

• Hats & sunglasses: The sun is strong on the Inca Trail, bring a sun hat (ideally with an adjustable neck flap) and UV-protection sunglasses.
• Buff or bandana: A versatile neck gaiter that’s handy for sun, dust, and warmth.
• Beanie or chullo: For cold passes, camp nights, and early mornings.
• Hiking gloves: Lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant; warm enough for cool weather and suitable for trekking the inca trail.
• Rain jacket: Pack a rain jacket year-round; we’ll provide a poncho. Materials such as Gore-Tex or eVent work well.
• Rain pants: Rarely used on this trail, bring them only if you already have them.
• Gaiters (optional): Seldom needed; bring yours if you have them, we don't recommend buying a new one.
• Warm layers: A base layer + mid layer (fleece or down) + waterproof shell layer.
• Sunscreen: High SPF.
• Lip balm: With SPF protection.
• Bug spray: With DEET or picaridin.
• Hand sanitizer: Small bottle for daytime use.
• Toilet paper: Carry some in a plastic/zip bag, facilities are available along the trail.
• Personal first-aid kit: Headache, stomach, and cold meds, plus band-aids and moleskin.
• Camera & extra power: Cold and altitude reduce battery life, pack spare batteries or a power bank.
• Snacks: Energy-dense granola bars or trail mix.
• Extra cash: For souvenirs, drinks, and tips (small change helps for village restrooms on Day 1).

What to put in the Duffel Bag?

• Camp shoes: Lightweight footwear to change into after hiking in boots.
• Warm jacket: Temperatures can drop sharply at night, so wear warm layers. Don’t forget to pack a hat and gloves!
• T-shirts (moisture-wicking): Synthetic fabrics are good options, polyester or nylon wick moisture and dry quickly. Avoid cotton shirts, as they hold onto moisture. Pack about 5 T-shirts.
• Hiking pants/trousers (2–3): Cargo pants have large pockets on the sides of the legs, which are great for carrying extra gear. Convertible pants have zip-off legs at the knee for variable temperatures.
• Leggings: A great option for women on the trail.
• Undergarments (4 sets): Sports bras and compression shorts help prevent chafing.
• Hiking socks (4 pairs): Breathable wool or synthetic blends.
• Fleece (1): Jacket or pullover for layering.
• Insulated jacket (1): Down or synthetic for the coldest nights.
• Quick-dry towel: This is a must-have for anyone planning to hike the Inca Trail.
• Biodegradable soap: Gentle on the environment.
• Wet wipes: Pack plenty to stay fresh on dusty sections.
• Toothbrush & toothpaste: Travel-size.
• Face moisturizer: High altitude and strong sun can dry your skin.
• Power bank: Keep your phone on airplane mode; a 20,000 mAh unit is recommended.
• Plastic bags: Separate wet or muddy clothes.

See a complete guide on our blog: Packing List for the Inca Trail.

Note: It's important to pack light and bring only the essentials, as the trek has weight restrictions (a maximum of 10 kg). Additionally, the luxury campsite provide bedding, so you do not need to bring a sleeping bag or mattress.

Useful Information Luxury Inca Trail Trek 5 Days

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world's standout treks. Laid out by the Incas in the 15th century, it’s part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the extensive Andean road system that linked their empire across present-day Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Cusco was the capital, the political and ceremonial center of the Inca Empire. From there, the Qhapaq Ñan extended to the provinces, spanning over 40,000 km across South America. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42 km (26 mi) segment of this network.

Inca Trail elevation gain

The Inca Trail elevation gain is around 3,000 feet (914 meters) from start to finish. The highest point on the trail is 13,828 feet (4,215 meters) at Dead Woman's Pass. Most of the elevation gain is in the first few days, with around 1,000 feet (305 meters) of ascent on Day 1 and 800 feet (244 meters) on Day 2. After that, the trail levels out somewhat, although there are still some ups and downs.

Highest point on the trail

Dead Woman’s Pass is a high mountain pass on the Machu Picchu hiking trail. It is located at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet) above sea level and is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The pass gets its name from its resemblance to a woman lying on her back. The pass is a challenging section of the Inca Trail, with steep ascents and descents.

5-Day Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu frequently asked questions

Hiking the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a remarkable journey with mountain views, centuries-old sites, and meaningful cultural moments. Many hikers ask how to prepare, get permits, and what to expect on the route. Below are some frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail Luxury tour so you can plan a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trek to Machu Picchu.