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 hike this path since it was his way to glory among the Apus and to enjoy his royal retreat,, Machu Picchu. Now you too have become part of Royalty or you will feel like it since you have trekked among the Apus on this spiritual path. After completing the Inca Trail, things will no longer be the same. The total distance to travel is 5 km (about 2 hours) when you will arrive at the iconic Sun Gate, the original entrance to Machu Picchu. The 'Intipunku'or 'Sun Gate´ is found at (2,730 m / 8,792 ft) above sea level and we are aiming to get there before sunrise. We will wake up, have an early breakfast, and get back on track. 

You will enjoy your first view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft) with the sun rising (wether permitting)  over the magnificent sacred Sun Gate. (The circuit you hike in the citadel of Machu Picchu will depend on the Ministry of Culture).

We will spend some time at Machu Picchu taking an impressive guided tour of the ancient Inca city. We will walk the last part of the way to a viewpoint where you can take a classic postcard photo of this Inca citadel. We will re-enter Circuit 3 where you will enjoy a guided tour to learn everything about the archaeological site. Our guide will allow you to enjoy 2 more hours if you have reserved the hike up one of the mountains: Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu Mountain. You will next take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Next up is our luxury train journey on the Hiram Bingham "Orient Express" train for a luxury return to Cusco. Enjoy stunning scenery and gourmet food as you reminisce about the incredible luxury Inca Trail experience that you have just hiked.

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