Embark on the Luxury Inca Trail 5 days 4 nights adventure to Machu Picchu, where history meets comfort in the heart of the Andes Mountains. This one-of-a-kind experience blends thrilling exploration, fascinating Inca heritage, and the finest luxury touches, creating memories you’ll treasure forever.
Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Activities
Trekking and Adventure
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation
Luxury Camping, Hotel
Tour Language
English, Spanish
Hiking Distance
42 km / 26 mi
Destinations
Machu Picchu
Starts/Ends
Cusco / Cusco
Luxury Inca Trail 5 Days: The Ultimate Adventure in Style
Trek the ancestral path of the 5-Day Luxury Inca Trail Machu Picchu, an immersive scenic adventure full of incredible views and spectacular archaeological treasures. You'll be fully immersed in the natural landscapes of the Andes Mountains and the High Amazon. Enjoy the best of Peruvian hospitality, complete with world-class, seamless service from start to finish.
Tour Highlights:
- Double the Magic at Machu Picchu: Witness both sunset and sunrise over the ancient citadel.
- On-Trail Wellness: Rejuvenate with daily Inca massages and connect with nature through a spiritual Pachamama ceremony.
- Five-Star Camping: Unwind on comfortable, wide cots, private hot showers, and a cozy dining area for complete relaxation.
- Peruvian Gourmet Cuisine: Savor exceptional, Peruvian gourmet meals prepared daily by a master chef.
- Exclusive Team: A dedicated team of professional guides, expert chefs, and skilled porters ensures your trek is unforgettable.
Luxury Inca Trail Trek 5 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Km 88 – Chamana
We’ll pick you up at 5:00 am and drive to Ollantaytambo for breakfast. Then well continue to km 88, from this trailhead, we start the Inca Trail, visiting local communities and key archaeological sites such as Salapunku, K’anabamba, Machu Q’ente, Q’oriwayrachina, and Wayna Q’ente, before camping near the Patallacta Inca complex.
Day 2: Chamana – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
After breakfast, we follow the narrow Kusichaca Valley with stops at several Inca sites, then continue to Wayllabamba for lunch. In the afternoon, a steady climb brings us to our second campsite at Llulluchapampa, with broad views of Huayanay Mountain and queuña (Polylepis) woodlands.
Day 3: Llulluchapampa – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca
After breakfast, we hike for about two hours up to Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft (the highest point of the route) then descend toward Runkuraqay (4,000 m / 13,123 ft). Along the way, we explore sites like Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, and Qonchamarka before camping at Phuyupatamarca, a notable viewpoint on the Inca Trail.
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu Pueblo
Phuyupatamarca offers the best panoramas on the entire Inca Trail Luxury Tour, highlighted by a spectacular sunrise over the mountains. Then, we’ll begin a 6-hour Machu Picchu luxury hiking tours. You will visit the Intipata Inca site, Wiñaywayna, and arrive at the Sun Gate and enter by Circuit 1, from where you will have a unique view of Machu Picchu (entering via Circuit 1). Spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Machu Picchu (Lost City of The Incas) – Cusco
After breakfast, you'll take the first bus to Machu Picchu. The 2 to 3 hour guided tour follows Circuit 3, ensuring you visit the citadel’s important buildings and key streets. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional). Buffet lunch in the restaurant Tinkuy (Sanctuary Lodge hotel). Later, take the exclusive panoramic train back to Cusco.
Included:
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Pick up from your hotel on the morning of the tour
- All transportation during the duration of the trek
- Bus down to Aguas Calientes from Machu Picchu
- Panoramic exclusive train on the last day to come back to Cusco
- Professional, highly trained mountain tour guides
- Entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Experienced chefs and porters
- Last day buffet lunch in Machu Picchu at Tinkuy restaurant
- All meals during the trek with local ingredients
- 3 nights camping in the mountains with luxury equipment
- Airbed, camping cots, and all camping equipment
- One night 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Mapi or similar)
- Large, well-appointed sleeping and dining tents
- Hot showers and private toilet tents
- Duffel bags up to 10 kilos for your stuff to be carried by porters
Not Included:
- Travel Insurance
- First breakfast and last day dinner
Machu Picchu Circuit Included
- Circuit 1-C: Through this route all Inca Trail hikers arrive at Machu Picchu. It allows you to visit the lower observatory, the upper observatory, the Sun Gate, and the possibility of having 360° views of Machu Picchu!
- Circuit 3-B: Access to the lower part of Machu Picchu, where you can explore the Temple of the Sun, the Twelve Niches, the Warehouses, the Temple of the Condor, and the Water Mirrors.
The combination of these circuits will provide you with a fuller Machu Picchu experience. The Ministry of Culture set 3 routes to spread visitor flow, reduce erosion, and avoid crowding. Learn more in our Machu Picchu Entrances & Circuits 2026.
Optional hikes after the Machu Picchu Tour
- Huayna Picchu Mountain - $68 per person (2-hour round-trip).
- Machu Picchu Mountain - $68 per person (3-hour round-trip).
You can only hike one of these mountains, and it is done after the guided tour in Machu Picchu. Advance booking is required for both hikes.
Why book with TreXperience?
- Local Expert: Get the best prices and best service with a 100% Peruvian company.
- Expert Tour Guides: Our tour guides are professionals and fluent in English.
- Our Porters: At TreXperience, we set the highest standard for our porter welfare on the Inca Trail.
- Food on the Inca Trail: The food we provide during our Inca Trail treks is always of high quality and great variety.
- High-Quality Equipment: We provide high-quality camping gear.
- Sustainable Practices: We are committed to minimize environmental in our services.
- Panoramic Trains: Panoramic return train Vistadome is included.
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:
Number of Travelers | Price per Person |
|---|---|
1 | US$ 4,500 |
2 | US$ 3,200 |
3 | US$ 2,950 |
4 | US$ 2,800 |
5 | US$ 2,600 |
6 | US$ 2,400 |
7 | US$ 2,250 |
8 | US$ 2,100 |
9 or more | Contact us for a personalized quote! |
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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:
- Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select how many people will be joining.
- Fill in all the requested details with your passport data.
- Finally, enter your credit/debit card details and make the payment.
- Our team will contact you shortly to reconfirm your payment and give you more information.
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
On the 5 Day Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll hike in remote mountains with no phone signal and no nearby shops. Bring the right gear so you can enjoy the trek. These items are essential, and every hiker should buy or rent dependable, good-quality equipment.
What to wear?
For this luxury experience to Machu Picchu, dressing in layers is the best plan. The weather can change fast as you move through different areas, from cold high passes to warmer valleys. Wear light, breathable layers that you can easily add or remove as conditions change.
Here’s what we recommend wearing:
What to put in the Daypack?
Below is a packing list for your daypack. You’ll carry it every day on the luxury Inca Trail, so choose one that’s light, comfortable, and sturdy.
We suggest a 25–35L backpack with a rain cover. Large backpacks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. If yours is too big, you’ll need to leave it in the lockers. The rule is based on the bag’s size, not the liters, so a slightly bigger pack is fine as long as it’s not bulky.
What to put in the Duffel Bag?
TreXperience will provide a duffel bag for items you won’t need during the day. Our porters will carry it during the trek. The weight limit is 7 kg (15 lb), including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring or rent them). These two items usually weigh about 3 kg total (about 2 kg for the sleeping bag and 1 kg for the air pad).
You’ll receive your duffel bag at the safety briefing at our office the day before the trek. If you need it earlier, email us and you can pick it up ahead of time from our office in central Cusco.
What we provided you?
TreXperience provides the following items for the Inca Trail:
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.
Location
Globally renowned for its breathtaking scenery and historical significance, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu starts at Kilometer 82 near Piscacucho Village, nestled in the Ollantaytambo district of Urubamba Province, within Sacred Valley in Cusco, Peru.
History
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu dates to the 15th century. It was likely built by the same Inca builders who constructed Machu Picchu and served as a trade route linking Cusco with communities near the Amazon.
After the Spanish conquest, both the Machu Picchu hiking trail and Machu Picchu citadel faded from view until 1911, when American explorer Hiram Bingham III documented the site while searching for the Lost City of the Incas. Today, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are among Peru’s most visited destinations.
Weather
Weather on the Inca Trail is unpredictable and variable. There are two seasons, but you should pack for all conditions when trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Wet season: November–March
- Dry season: April–October
Temperatures vary by altitude and time of year. Daytime can reach around 80°F (27°C), while nights can fall below freezing. Therefore, hikers should be equipped to handle both warm and chilly weather conditions.
Difficulty
Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be challenging, its length and high elevation test your stamina, but it’s worth it. You’ll take in striking Andean scenery and finish with a strong sense of accomplishment.
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.
What is the difference between the Luxury Inca Trail Trek and the regular Inca Trail?
The Luxury Inca Trail 5 days Private Luxury Inca Trail Tour offer a more comfortable and personalized experience than the regular Inca Trail. It provides luxury camping and 4-star hotel, gourmet meals, and personalized service. The regular Inca Trail offers more basic camping accommodations.
How do I book the Luxury Inca Trail 5 days?
You can book the 5 days Luxury Inca Trail Tour through a reputable tour operator that offers this experience. It is recommended to book in advance, as permits are limited, and the trek is popular and can sell out quickly.
Do I need a permit to trek the Luxury Inca Trail 5 days?
Yes, just like the classic route, the 5-day Luxury Inca Trail needs a government-issued permit with limited daily spaces. You won’t have to deal with any paperwork; we’ll secure your permit and take care of everything.
What is the best time of year to trek the Luxury Inca Trail 5 days?
The best time to trek the 5 days Luxury Inca Trail Tour is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. However, it is possible to trek during the rainy season, which runs from November to March, but it may be more challenging due to the weather.
What kind of physical fitness is required for the Luxury Inca Trail 5 days?
The 5 days Luxury Inca Trail Tour is a moderate to challenging trek requiring reasonable fitness and preparation. Engaging in regular exercise and practicing trekking with a backpack is recommended before embarking on the trek.
What does the buffet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant in Sanctuary Lodge Hotel include?
The buffet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant, part of the prestigious Belmond chain and located just steps from Machu Picchu’s entrance. Offers a buffet lunch with Peruvian favorites and international dishes in a lovely setting, with warm and attentive service.