4-Day Luxury Trek on the Inca Trail with Machu Picchu Visit
by TreXperience
Overview
The Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a four-day trek starting in Cusco with a pre-departure briefing and hotel pickup. The route follows the classic Inca Trail, covering approximately 43 kilometers over four days. Each night, travelers stay in spacious glamping tents equipped with queen or twin beds, inflatable pads, bedding, sleeping bags, and plush linens. Daily professional massages take place in a dedicated massage tent to help relieve muscle tension. Participants carry up to 10 kilograms of personal belongings with the help of a porter who provides a duffel bag and trekking poles. Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner, daily snacks, hot drinks, and premium refreshments such as soda, beer, champagne, and pisco, all served in dining tents with tables and chairs. A traditional Pachamama ceremony with an Andean shaman is included during the trek. Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are provided, with double entry allowing exploration of Machu Picchu’s Circuit 1 and Circuit 3. Lunch on the final day is served at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge near Machu Picchu. After visiting Machu Picchu, travelers take the Vistadome Observatory train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, offering panoramic mountain views. Additional facilities throughout the trek include private toilet tents, hot showers, towels, bathrobes, and toiletries. Safety measures include a first-aid kit, satellite phone, and oxygen supply carried by the guides. The entire experience lasts approximately 96 hours, combining the classic Inca Trail trek with luxury accommodations and services.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Hotel Pick-up and Travel to Trailhead
Collection occurs before dawn from the Cusco hotel, followed by travel through the Andean highlands to the Inca Trail starting point. For guests staying in the Sacred Valley, pick-up is approximately two hours later.
120 min
Breakfast in Ollantaytambo
Breakfast is served at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo with views of ancient stone houses and terraced slopes.
60 min
Drive to Km 82 Checkpoint
The group drives to the Km 82 checkpoint, which is the official beginning of the Inca Trail.
60 min
First Hike to Llactapata Ruins
The initial hike follows forested paths to the Llactapata ruins, arriving in time for a gourmet lunch. The route continues alongside the Cusichaca River, passing verdant hills and orchids on the way to camp.
240 min
Arrival at Wayllabamba Camp
At Wayllabamba camp, guests receive a refreshing pisco sour or glass of wine, then may enjoy a hot shower and optional massage before dinner under the stars.
120 min
Morning Tea and Climb Through Cloud Forest
The morning begins at camp with hot Andean tea and a hearty breakfast before starting a climb. The trek passes through pockets of cloud forest, pausing among Polylepis trees with twisted trunks visible in the mist.
120 min
Lunch on Llulluchapampa Plateau
Lunch takes place on the open Llulluchapampa plateau, offering views of valleys beneath surrounding peaks.
120 min
Summit Dead Woman’s Pass
The hike continues to the summit of Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the Inca Trail, where there is time to observe views of snow-capped mountains across the horizon after the ascent.
180 min
Arrival at Pacaymayo Camp
The descent leads to Pacaymayo camp, where hot showers, massages, and a hearty dinner are available, accompanied by fresh mountain air.
120 min
Sunrise and Trek to Runkuraqay Pass
At first light in the Urubamba Valley, participants observe views of the Andes and nearby waterfalls before embarking on a hike lasting two hours up to Runkuraqay Pass, which ranks as the trail’s second-highest ridge.
120 min
Explore Runkuraqay Site and Pass
The route includes exploring the archaeological site of Runkuraqay prior to ascending the trail’s second-highest point, where broad views of the Andes can be seen.
Descent to Sayacmarca Ruins and Lunch
From the pass, the trail descends for two hours through fern-filled cloud forest to the circular Inca ruins of Sayacmarca by a high-Andean lake, where ancient stone walls emerge from the mist and lunch is served. After lunch, the route continues through hanging valleys shaped by centuries of water.
120 min
Phuyupatamarca Camp
Arrive at Phuyupatamarca camp, located high above the valleys and known as the 'City in the Clouds.' Guests receive a welcome drink upon arrival. As they settle in, they can observe the sun setting behind Machu Picchu Mountain, illuminating distant glaciers and the Andes ridges with golden light.
Early Morning Sunrise
Wake at 5:00 a.m. to watch the sunrise over the mountains while having coffee. Then enjoy the final breakfast on the trail before saying goodbye to the chef, porters, and massage team.
Agricultural Terraces
Continue along the trail to expansive agricultural terraces. Learn about how the Incas engineered the slopes for farming and to provide views across the Urubamba Valley.
60 min
Cloud Forest Pocket
Enter a cloud forest area featuring orchids and moss-covered walls. Explore terraces and vaulted niches built on a steep hillside.
60 min
Sun Gate Arrival
Arrive at the Sun Gate and take in the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu set against the rugged Andean Mountains.
60 min
Circuit 1 and 2 Exploration
From the Sun Gate, follow Circuit 1 on a gentle descent to the main photo viewpoint. Then proceed to the main entrance for a second entry via Circuit 2, which offers a relaxed guided tour of the citadel’s plazas, temples, and sacred lookouts.
180 min
Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge
Have an unrushed lunch just steps from Machu Picchu’s entrance at the Sanctuary Lodge. Enjoy gourmet dishes in a quiet setting with views of the surrounding cloud forest.
120 min
Train to Ollantaytambo
After descending by bus to Aguas Calientes, board the Vistadome Observatory Train heading to Ollantaytambo, which includes panoramic windows and an observatory car with live music.
120 min
Transfer from Ollantaytambo
Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, a private driver will be waiting to provide a transfer back to the hotel.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
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