Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights

Overview

The 4-day Luxury Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu will take you to discover one of the most spectacular hikes in the world, comparable only to legendary routes such as the Kilimanjaro trek, the Appalachian Trail, or the Mont Blanc tour. Join this adventure that combines hiking, challenge, nature, history, and comfort.

We stay at less crowded campsites, enjoy Peruvian gourmet food, relax with Inca massage sessions and hot showers, hike with an exclusive trekking team, and ride panoramic trains back to your hotel in Cusco.

Trip Details

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Depart: Km 82 – Piscacucho
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Season: March to January
• Destination: Machu Picchu
• Hiking distance: 46 km / 28 miles
• Type: Adventure – Luxury camping

Highlights of the Luxury Inca Trail

• 
  Book with confidence and flexibility; change travel dates with no fees
  
• Hike the Classic Inca Trail in its finest luxury version with an elite team.
• Luxury camping equipment: camp beds, air mattresses, camp chairs, hot showers, and portable toilets.
• Professional massage therapist available every night during camping.
• Enjoy the best of Peruvian gourmet cuisine and traditional food.
• Arrive at Inca sites and Machu Picchu at exclusive hours.
• Ride exclusive panoramic trains back to Cusco on the last day.

Price & Booking

Price Summary

Price per person: from 1,750 USD
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Booking & Payment

To book the Luxury Inca Trail, you need to make an initial payment of 400 USD per person. The remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or in Cusco with any credit card, with no booking fees.

Student Discount

Student Discount: All travelers under 17 will receive a 40 USD discount. If you are 25 years old or under at the time of traveling, you can get the same 40 USD discount with a valid
student ID. Please advise by email so we can provide a discount code.

Itinerary – Luxury Inca Trail (4 Days / 3 Nights)

Day-by-Day Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
Pick up from your hotel, drive to Km 82, and start hiking the Classic Inca Trail (12 km / 7.4 mi) to the first campsite. Drinks, Inca massage, and hot showers available.

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
After breakfast, conquer the highest point of the Inca Trail, Dead Woman’s Pass. Total distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles. Drinks, Inca massage, and hot showers available.

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkuracay – Phuyupatamarca
Conquer the second mountain, Runkuraccay pass. Total distance: 13 km / 8 miles. Drinks, Inca massage, and hot showers available.

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Wake up with a cup of coffee in your tent and enjoy a fantastic sunrise. After breakfast, hike for about 5 hours (6 km / 3.7 miles), visiting Intipata, Wiñaywayna, and finally arriving at Machu Picchu in the afternoon. After exploring the citadel, take the Vistadome panoramic train back to Cusco.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

After breakfast in your hotel, we pick you up and travel by van to Km 82, the beginning of the Inca Trail. Here you will meet the trekking team, pass the checkpoint, and begin the iconic hike to Machu Picchu. The first section is a relatively easy 4-hour hike to the lunch spot near the Inca site of
Llaqtapata.

As part of our luxury service, an elite team of chefs prepares gourmet meals using local organic products; cold drinks such as beer and sodas are available. After lunch, continue hiking along the Cusichaca River for about 2 more hours to Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), where you spend the night in comfortable tents.

In camp you will have wine, Pisco sour, hot showers, massage therapists, and complete
luxury camping equipment. Pick-up can be from Cusco or the Sacred Valley; if possible, we recommend staying in the Sacred Valley the night before.

• Departure: 6:30 am (any hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley)
• Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi (~6 hours)
• Expected arrival at campsite: ~4:30 pm
• Considered: Moderate
• Meals included: Lunch, snacks, tea time, dinner
• Available: Hot shower, massage therapists, drinks

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo

Wake up early with a cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent and get ready for the most challenging part of the Luxury Inca Trail. After a varied breakfast, start a steep 4-hour climb through the cloud forest to Llulluchapampa (3,762 m / 12,338 ft), where a delicious lunch will be waiting.

During this section you pass through different microclimates with beautiful views of mountains covered by native plants, including Polylepis (Q’ueuña) trees. After lunch, continue climbing to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,215 m / 13,828 ft. After a rest, descend for about 2 hours to the second campsite at Pacaymayo Alto (3,600 m / 11,482 ft). On arrival, luxury tents, showers, massage, dinner, and a good rest will be waiting.

• Wake-up time: 05:30 am
• Expected arrival: ~4:00 pm
• Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi (~8 hours)
• Considered: Challenging
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
• Available: Hot shower, massage therapists, drinks

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkuracay – Phuyupatamarca

On the third day you wake up in a beautiful valley with amazing views of the Andes, the Urubamba Valley, and nearby waterfalls. After breakfast, start a 2-hour climb to Runkuracay Pass (3,955 m / 12,975 ft), the second-highest point on the trail. Along the way you’ll see the circular ruins of Runkuracay, a small lake, and panoramic mountain views.

From the pass, descend for about 2 hours to the Inca site of Sayacmarca, located in the cloud forest. Lunch is served at a nearby campsite, then continue for around 2 more hours to the last campsite at Phuyupatamarca (“City in the Clouds”) at 3,600 m / 11,811 ft.

This campsite is arguably the most beautiful on the entire Inca Trail. You can see Machu Picchu Mountain in the distance and enjoy views of high peaks such as
Salkantay, Pumasillo, and Veronica. After settling into your tent, you can climb a little higher for sunset and enjoy the last ridges of the cloud forest as the stars appear.

• Wake-up time: 05:00 am
• Expected arrival: ~3:00 pm
• Hiking distance: 13 km / 8 mi (~7 hours)
• Considered: Moderate
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
• Available: Hot shower, massage therapists, drinks

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Wake up early with a fantastic view of the mountains and cloud forest and enjoy your morning coffee. After the last breakfast with your trekking team, say goodbye to the chefs, porters, and massage therapist, then start descending more than 3,000 Inca steps built over 500 years ago.

Today’s hike is mostly downhill, visiting Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, and the Sun Gate at exclusive times with almost no people. You’ll arrive at the Sun Gate around 10:00 am for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. From there, continue for about 1 hour into the citadel.

Enjoy lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, then explore Machu Picchu with your guide in the quieter afternoon hours. After the tour, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have time to explore, and later board the exclusive
Vistadome train back to Cusco.

• Wake-up time: 04:00 am
• Expected arrival to Machu Picchu: ~11:00 am
• Hiking distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi (~6 hours)
• Considered: Moderate
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch at Machu Picchu

Included in the Luxury Inca Trail

• Airport transfers in Cusco on request.
• Safety briefing at your hotel the day before the tour (6:00 pm).
• All transportation during the trek in modern vehicles.
• 3 nights camping with luxury equipment.
• 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners.
• Professional, highly trained mountain tour guides.
• An exclusive team of chefs and porters.
• Personal porter to carry your equipment (up to 20 kg).
• Hot showers available every night.
• Massage therapist available on all three camping nights.
• Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Vistadome panoramic train tickets to Cusco.
• Emergency oxygen, AED, satellite phones, and first-aid kits.
• Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks available every day.
• Inca Trail T-shirt and travel mug.

Not Included

• First breakfast.
• Travel insurance.
• Tips for the trekking staff.

Know Before Booking

• Minimum of 2 people per booking.
• Only private tours are available.
• You can upgrade the return train to the luxury
  Hiram Bingham or
  First Class service.

Packing List for the Luxury Inca Trail

During the Luxury Inca Trail Trek, you will have a personal porter to carry your belongings for the 4-day trek, with a weight limit of 20 kg (44 lbs). A duffel bag is provided to pack all your trail gear.

In addition to the duffel bag, you need to bring a small daypack that you carry yourself during the day.

What to Carry in Your Daypack

Your daypack must be with you at all times and should be comfortable and light. According to Machu Picchu regulations, it should not be larger than 25 liters.

Original Passport

Your original passport is required to enter both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. The passport number must match the number used at booking. If you have renewed your passport, you must send photos of both or travel with both documents.

Hat and Sunglasses

A breathable, quick-dry sun hat with chin strap and neck cover is ideal to protect from sunburn, plus UV-protective sunglasses.

Rain Gear

Bring a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants. Weather in the Andes and cloud forest is unpredictable. A plastic poncho is provided, but proper rain gear is recommended.

Warm Clothes

Pack warm layers for cold nights: fleece jacket, windbreaker, beanie, gloves, and thermal base layers.

Sunscreen & Bug Spray

Use water-resistant sunscreen and insect repellent, especially near Machu Picchu where it is warmer and more humid.

Hygiene Items

Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, wet wipes, face moisturizer, band-aids, moleskin, and personal medication.

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Keep toiletries in a small, light, waterproof bag (e.g., Ziploc).

Camera & Extra Batteries

There are no power outlets on the trail; bring a good power bank or extra batteries for your camera and phone.

Flashlight or Headlamp

A good headlamp is recommended for hands-free use around camp in the dark.

Water Container (2 Liters)

Bring a bladder or water bottle(s) with at least 2-liter capacity; larger than this can become too heavy.

Snacks

We provide daily snacks, but you may want to carry extra power bars, nuts, or chocolate.

Extra Money

Bring extra cash in small soles for personal expenses, emergencies, or tips. The trek is all-inclusive except for the first breakfast, last dinner in Cusco, and tips.

What to Put in the Duffel Bag

Your duffel bag is carried by your personal porter. You can access it at meals and campsites (max 20 kg).

Sleeping Bag, Liners, Pillows

Sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, linens, pillows, and hot water bottles are provided for cold nights.

Footwear

Trekking boots are essential: rubber soles, waterproof, ankle-supporting, and already broken in to avoid blisters. Light shoes or sandals are ideal for use at camp.

T-Shirts

Pack 5–6 breathable, lightweight, quick-dry shirts (short and long sleeve).

Hiking Pants

Bring 2–3 pairs of hiking pants; shorts or convertible pants are also useful.

Undergarments & Socks

Bring 5 sets of sports underwear and 5 sets of hiking socks (thick wool socks for boots and a few light pairs for camp).

Quick-Dry Towel

A bathrobe and small towel are provided at campsites, but a small quick-dry towel is useful for showers.

Soap & Toiletries

Soap is provided; you may bring your preferred soap and shampoo.

Battery Charger

For 4 days with no electricity, bring a good power bank to recharge your phone or camera.

Plastic Bags

Keep clothes in waterproof bags inside your duffel, and carry a small plastic bag each day to collect personal trash.

Luxury Inca Trail – FAQs

What is the difference between the Luxury Inca Trail and the Classic Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is a single route; both the
Classic Inca Trail and the Luxury Inca Trail follow the same path, but campsite locations and service levels differ. The Luxury version uses more exclusive campsites, upgraded equipment, and gourmet food for a more comfortable experience.

What equipment is provided on the Luxury Inca Trek?

During the Luxury Inca Trek, you will have:

• 4-man tents for single travelers and 6-man tents for 2 people.
• Air bed with down-filled sleeping bags.
• Extra blankets, pillows, and sheets.
• Portable showers with hot water available every night.
• Portable toilets at every campsite and lunch place.
• Luxury dining tents with tables and chairs.

All this equipment is carried by the team during the 4-day trek (tents, airbeds, sleeping bags, showers, toilets). Basic toilets and cold showers exist on the route, but we generally do not recommend them due to heavy use.

How challenging is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in the world and also one of the more demanding routes to Machu Picchu. You should be in at least moderate physical condition and prepare in advance, especially if you are not used to altitude.

What is the highest point on the Inca Trail?

The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft. The second-highest point is Runkuracay Pass at 4,000 m / 13,123 ft.

How many miles is the 4-day Luxury Inca Trail?

The Luxury Inca Trail (4 days / 3 nights) starts at Km 82 (Piscacucho) and ends in Machu Picchu. The total hiking distance is about 46 km / 28 miles.