This is the Luxury 5 Day Inca Trail, not simply as trekking, but as a bespoke, private experience. We deliberately formulate this to be nothing like a rushed, congested route. Our comprehensive itinerary obligates the experience pace to your own comfort level and cultural experience, leaving you space for uninterrupted time to connect, contemplate the legacy of the Andes.
We set the standard of comfort along the trail. Expect a level of private service you cannot find anywherelse, overseen by our team of professionally trained team. Each evening, you’ll retreat back to your own signature Luxury campsites, where we have invested the time to build a special location just for our guests.
We believe in providing an exceptional standard of cuisine! Expect our gourmet style of dining, influenced by local cuisine, throughout your journey. In many ways, this is the ultimate Luxury route to Machu Picchu. This is the future of adventure.
Group Services
The Luxury 5 Day Inca Trail A Private Passage to Machu Picchu
Follow the legendary footsteps of the Incas in ultimate comfort on this Luxury Inca Trail 5 Days experience. Designed for discerning travelers, this journey blends breathtaking scenery, ancient history, and elevated service luxury camping, gourmet cuisine, and handpicked accommodations offering an unforgettable way to reach Machu Picchu.
The Inaugural Pacing Cusco, KM 82 and Hatunchaca
You start the day by easing right into it. Your Luxury Guide sets a pleasant and steady pace along the Urubamba River, including a private visit to Llactapata for sunset views. End your first day in luxury camping at Hatunchaca, where your private chef will offer a gourmet dinner.
Ascent to the Summit Dead Woman’s Pass and Pacaymayu
Today is about steady accomplishment. We will pace ourselves on the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass to maintain our health and appreciate the vastness of the Andes without too much exertion. You will recover at Pacaymayu, luxury camping with airy, walk in tents and full size beds for a peaceful night’s sleep to restore both our spirit and our bodies.
Above the Clouds Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Unobstructed Vistas
This is where the experience comes into full bloom. After traversing two beautiful passes, your Guide designates plenty of time to explore various spots like Sayacmarca. Finally, you will set off to your last campsite at Phuyupatamarca. Chosen specifically for its privacy, Phuyupatamarca offers expansive, unobstructed views for an awe inspiring visual tableau to be enjoyed in seclusion for our guests.
The Privilege of First Sight Wiñaywayna and Aguas Calientes
The sweetest is an early morning,planned guided tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel – acquiring as much time before the steady stream of guests. Your private tour will continue with another gourmet lunch before you return to Cusco in luxury aboard the panoramic luxury train.
Luxury Inca Trail 5 Days itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Patallacta – Hatunchaca
After an early breakfast, your private guide will pick you up at 5:00 am from your hotel in Cusco. You’ll drive through the picturesque Sacred Valley until reaching Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. Here, you’ll meet your dedicated trekking team and begin your adventure after passing the checkpoint. The trail begins gently with a two-hour walk along the Urubamba River, leading to the impressive archaeological site of Patallacta, a vast Inca complex set against stunning natural backdrops.
Following a gourmet lunch served in a peaceful and secluded spot, you’ll continue your hike for another two hours through scenic Andean landscapes until reaching your first luxury campsite in Hatunchaca Village (3000 m / 9843 ft). Upon arrival, your tent will be ready, along with a warm drink and light snack. You’ll have time to relax, enjoy a soothing massage, and admire the surrounding mountains before a freshly prepared dinner is served under the stars.
- Campsite Altitude: 3000 m / 9843 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3000 m / 9843 ft
- Duration: 6 hours
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Meals: Lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Luxury camping with massage and drinks
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Day 2: Hatunchaca – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu
Your morning begins with a steaming cup of coffee or coca tea delivered to your tent as the sun rises over the Andes. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin the most demanding yet rewarding day of the trek. The morning involves a steady 4-hour ascent through lush cloud forest to Llulluchapampa (3800m / 12,467ft), where a gourmet lunch awaits with sweeping views of the valley below.
Re-energized, you’ll continue climbing for another 2 hours to reach Warmiwañuska, or Dead Woman’s Pass (4215m / 13,829ft)—the highest point of the Inca Trail. At the summit, you’ll have time to rest and take in the dramatic mountain scenery while your guide performs a traditional offering to the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits. From here, begin a gentle 2-hour descent into the Pacaymayu Valley, where your luxury campsite is ready with refreshments, a relaxing massage, and a well-deserved dinner.
- Campsite Altitude: 3600m / 11,811ft
- Highest Altitude: 4215m / 13,829ft
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Duration: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Luxury camping with massage and drinks
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Day 3: Pacaymayu – Runkurakay – Phuyupatamarca
After a nourishing breakfast, begin a scenic ascent toward the second mountain pass. The trail winds gently for 2 hours through lush vegetation until reaching Runkurakay, a circular Inca lookout nestled in the misty cloud forest. As you continue, your guide will lead you through Sayacmarca, a majestic archaeological site perched on a ridge with panoramic views of the valley.
Soon after, arrive at Chaquicocha (3600m / 11,811ft), where a chef-prepared lunch awaits amid serene mountain surroundings. The afternoon portion is a breathtaking two-hour trek along original Inca stone paths carved into the hillside, surrounded by orchids and moss-draped trees.
Your luxury campsite at Phuyupatamarca—“The City Above the Clouds”—sits at a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the Urubamba River, Intipata terraces, and the distant peaks around Machu Picchu. As night falls, relax with a warm drink, witness an unforgettable sunset, and gaze at the constellations under crystal-clear skies.
- Campsite Altitude: 3600m / 11,811ft
- Highest Altitude: 4000m / 13,123ft
- Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Duration: 9 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Luxury camping with massage and drinks
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Machu Picchu Pueblo
Today’s journey is a gentle descent through cloud forests, orchids, and waterfalls—a well-deserved reward after the trek’s more demanding sections. After breakfast, explore Phuyupatamarca, the “City Above the Clouds,” and descend through ancient stairways carved into the mountainside toward Intipata, where sweeping agricultural terraces reveal the genius of Inca engineering. Take time to soak in the tranquility and views of the Urubamba River far below.
By late morning, arrive at Wiñaywayna, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites on the Inca Trail. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and some time to rest, reflect, and explore with your guide before continuing your final stretch to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). From here, the first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu appears—a view that will stay with you forever.
Descend to the citadel just as most visitors are leaving, allowing for a quiet, unforgettable moment with this ancient wonder. Afterward, a bus will take you down to Aguas Calientes, where a warm shower, fine dinner, and a comfortable stay at a 4-star hotel await.
- Campsite Altitude: 2000 m / 6,562 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel (Tierra Viva or similar)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Your final day begins before sunrise, as we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, ensuring a privileged early entry to witness the first light over the citadel—an unforgettable moment if the sky is clear. Your expert guide will lead a detailed 3 to 4-hour exploration, revealing the spiritual, architectural, and historical marvels of the Lost City of the Incas.
After the guided visit, enjoy free time to wander at your own pace or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance permits required). At midday, a refined lunch awaits you at Tinkuy Restaurant, located near the site. Later, board the Exclusive Panoramic Vistadome train for a comfortable and scenic ride back to Cusco, concluding your luxury Inca Trail journey with style and comfort.
- Duration: 2–3 hours at Machu Picchu
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (Machu Picchu)
- Difficulty: Easy
Luxury Inca Trail 5 Days Your Fully Managed Service Guarantee
The Luxury Standard Comprehensive Service Guarantees
| Service Category | The Luxury Standard Included |
|---|---|
| GUIDANCE, EXPERTISE & PRIVATE SUPPORT | |
| Logistics & Briefing | A detailed safety and logistical briefing is held at 6:00 PM the day before your departure, conducted privately at your hotel. |
| Transfers | Premium, private transport for all hotel pick ups and drop offs in Cusco, ensuring comfort and punctual service. |
| Guide & Staff | A professional, highly trained Luxury Guide dedicated exclusively to your group, supported by experienced chefs and porters for discrete logistics. |
| Luggage Management | Duffle bags are provided to carry up to 15 kg of personal belongings. These are managed entirely by our porter team. |
| ACCOMMODATION & COMFORT ON THE TRAIL | |
| Luxury Camping | Three (3) nights of luxury camping in exclusive, private campsites with superior equipment. |
| Sleep & Rest | Spacious walk in tents equipped with airbeds, camping cots, and full size bedding for complete physical recovery. |
| Amenities | Daily hot showers and private toilet tents are included at every campsite. |
| Final Night Stay | One (1) night in a handpicked 4 star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Tierra Viva or similar), based on twin room occupancy. |
| GASTRONOMY, ACCESS & REFINED RETURN | |
| Gourmet Dining | All meals during the trek are prepared by your private chef using fresh, local ingredients. |
| Access & Tickets | All mandatory entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu Citadel. |
| Final Lunch | A final gourmet lunch at the Tinkuy restaurant near Machu Picchu is included. |
| Refined Return | Return to Cusco via the Panoramic Exclusive train (Vistadome or similar luxury service) with dedicated transfers. |
| Protection | Comprehensive Travel Insurance is included for the duration of the expedition. |
Important Exclusions & Booking Notes
We believe in absolute transparency. Please note the following items are not included, and review our booking requirements.
| Exclusions | Booking Requirements & Notes |
|---|---|
| First day’s breakfast and last day’s dinner. | This expedition is exclusively offered as a private tour. |
| Tips or gratuities for your trekking staff are not included and are left entirely to your discretion. | The 4 star hotel accommodation is based on twin room occupancy for two people. |
| Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free (GF), and Lactose Free (LF) meals are accommodated upon request and confirmed by our chef. |
- Travel Insurance
- First Breakfast, Last day Dinner
- Tips for your trekking staff
Important to know before booking:
- Only available on a private tour
- 4-star hotel included (Based on twin room occupied for 2 people)
- Veg, Vegan, GF, and LF meals on request
Our Luxury 5 Day Inca Trail is a private, fully supported expedition. To ensure your experience is seamless, please review the following essential information regarding logistics, preparation, and altitude.
1. Pre Trek Preparation and Altitude
- Acclimatization: We require a minimum of two to three days of altitude acclimatization in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,152 ft) or the Sacred Valley prior to beginning the trek. This is crucial for your comfort and safety on the higher passes.
- Physical Conditioning: While this route is fully supported and paced for maximum comfort, it remains a moderate to challenging trek. We recommend consistent cardiovascular conditioning in the months leading up to your departure.
- Briefing: Your Private Luxury Guide will meet you at your Cusco hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before departure for a detailed logistical and safety briefing.
2. Luggage and Porter Management
- Main Luggage: Your primary luggage should be stored safely at your hotel in Cusco. You will only need a day pack during the trek.
- Duffle Bag Allowance: We provide high quality duffle bags. These are carried by our dedicated porters and are strictly limited to 15 kg (33 lbs) per person. This limit includes your sleeping bag and personal items.
- Day Pack: You will carry your own day pack with essentials only: water, cameras, rain gear, sun protection, and personal valuables.
3. Luxury Camping and Amenities
- Accommodation: You will spend three nights in our signature Luxury Campsites. These are private, reserved sites, not shared with standard trekking groups.
- Trail Comfort: All campsites are equipped with spacious, heated walk in tents featuring full size bedding (camping cots and mattresses). Daily hot showers and private toilet tents are standard.
- Dining: Enjoy gourmet, regionally inspired cuisine prepared by your private chef. All dietary restrictions (Vegan, GF, LF, etc.) are accommodated when requested in advance.
4. Documentation and Access
- Permits: Inca Trail permits are non transferable and non refundable. Your permit will be secured immediately upon booking confirmation, using the exact passport details provided.
- Passport: You must carry the original passport used for booking the permit throughout the entire expedition. The name on your permit, your passport, and your train tickets must match exactly.
- Machu Picchu Access: Your entry to the Citadel is managed for a seamless private guided tour on the morning of Day 5, optimizing your visit before the main crowds arrive.
Group Services