The Luxury Inca Trail - The Classic 4 Day Trek With A Touch of Luxury!

It’s another early start on Day 2 as we wake around 5:30 a.m. to the invigorating aroma of coffee or coca tea. Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast as you prepare for the most demanding day of the Inca Trail. The ascent to Warmiwañusca mountain, alternatively called Dead Woman´s Pass, is found at 4,200m (13,779ft). 

This challenging day kicks off with a 4 hour hike to our lunch spot at Llulluchapampa, found at 3,800 m (12,467 ft). En route, we will traverse diverse micro-climates, including the cloud forest adorned with lush vegetation, vibrant flowers, and the delightful presence of hummingbirds. The ancient Inca Trail, paved with stones from over 500 years ago, guides your way through this breathtaking terrain.

Following a well-deserved lunch break, we will set out on the final 2 hour ascent to the summit of Warmiwañusca Mountain, also known as Dead Women’s Pass. This is the highest point on the Inca Trail. While soaking in panoramic vistas and recovering our energy, your guide will explain the significance of these high-elevation locations and will offer a traditional ceremony to express our gratitude to the local gods (Apus) for a safe passage. Concluding the day, a 2 hour descent awaits us, leading to the Pacaymayo Alto campsite at 3,580 m (11,700 ft). Here our luxury camping will be waiting as well as relaxing massage and a even a Pisco Sour/ beer for all your efforts!

Total trekking distance: 10 km/7- 8 hours approx.
Highest altitude: 4200 m (13,779 ft).
Lowest altitude: 3580 m (11,700ft).

After another delicious energy-filled breakfast, we’ll set off on a relatively gentle uphill trek to our first stop of the day. The archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca,  means "The City Above the Clouds," and is located at around 3,680 m/ 12073.49 ft. This enchanting Inca ruin features terraced slopes and five small stone baths that contain constant fresh running water during the wet season. From here, we have incredible views of snow-capped peaks in the distance, including Salkantay and Veronica.

Heading on, we walk up and down a series of Inca steps – more than 1,000 in total! While not as physically difficult as the previous day’s trek, these steps put a lot of strain on the knees, especially going downhill, so take it slowly and use walking sticks! Then we’ll pass through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Inca site of Intipata, which is one of the lesser-known ruins along the Inca Trail. But its agricultural terraces are very impressive, and we’ll have great views of them from parts of the trail.

We will continue on our way, heading to the third campsite at Wiñay Wayna, at 2,680 m (8,792 ft). After a total of 4 or 5 hours of trekking on Day 3, we will arrive at the campsite by lunchtime. We’ll have lunch and a rest, and then go on a short walk to explore the nearby Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) archaeological site. This site has magnificent agricultural terraces as well as numerous Inca buildings displaying a high level of Inca masonry. There is also a series of 10 baths, which suggests that the site was once a religious center of water worship. Some archaeologists have surmised that travelers heading to Machu Picchu may have cleansed themselves here before heading on to the citadel.

We are now even closer to our final destination and the end of our trek. We’ll have a delicious dinner at the campsite and rest in advance of the next day and our arrival at the magnificent Machu Picchu.

Total trekking distance: 10 km / 5 hours approx.
Highest altitude: 2,700 m (8,858 ft).
Lowest point: 2680 m (8792 ft).

The Inca was the son of 'Inti' (The Sun) and only he was allowed to do this path since it was his way to glory among the Apus and to enjoy his royal house, Machu Picchu. Now you too have become part of Royalty or you feel like it since you have mixed with the Apus on this spiritual path. Thus, after completing the Inca Trail, things will no longer be the same. The total distance to travel is 5 km (about 2 hours). It's time to get up, have an early breakfast, and get back on track. On this early start, we have to reach 'Intipunku' ('Puerta del Sol') (2,730 m / 8,792 ft) before sunrise.
You will get your first great view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft) with the sun rising over it.
We will spend some time there taking an impressive tour of the ancient city. We will walk the last part of the way to a place where you can take a classic postcard photo of this Inca citadel. A moment that makes every step of the trail worthwhile. Depending on the weather, we’ll rest here for 15 to 30 minutes, soaking in the silence, the scenery, and the sense of awe that fills the air at sunrise.
From there, we begin our one-hour descent, walking in the footsteps of the Inca along Circuit 1-1-B, also called the Panoramic Terrace Route, which is the upper section of the archaeological site. This circuit leads us to the main viewpoint, the picture-perfect perch where travelers and trekkers can take their iconic postcard shot of Machu Picchu. Afterward, we will continue descending to Aguas Calientes, where a bus (included in the tour) awaits. Lunch will be in this town (not included), and your guide will provide your return train tickets to Cusco. Our car will be waiting at the train station to transfer you back you your Cusco hotel.

If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to this magnificent Inca Citadel, or if you would like to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain / Machu Picchu Mountain,  you may re-enter Machu Picchu to do so. This option requires an additional Machu Picchu entrance ticket and is subject to availability through the Ministry of Culture.

• Total trekking distance: 5 km / 2 hours approx.
• Highest altitude: 2,730 m (8,792, ft).
• Lowest Altitude: 2400 m (7,873 ft).