Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5D/4N
Expedition Overview
Experience the ultimate Classic Inca Trail trek where extreme adventure meets unparalleled luxury. This exclusive 5-day program is designed for discerning travelers who want to immerse themselves in the pristine Andean wilderness without compromising on 5-star comfort. By hiking over 5 days instead of 4, you'll enjoy a relaxed pace and exclusive, quieter campsites. Indulge in gourmet dining paired with fine wines and champagne, sleep on real cots with feather duvets, and recover every evening with a private massage. The journey concludes with a night in a luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes and a majestic return to Cusco aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham train.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Llactapata
Your luxury expedition begins with a private transfer from your hotel to KM 82, the start of the Inca Trail. We hike gently along the Urubamba River, enjoying the first views of snow-capped peaks. Our chef will serve a beautifully presented gourmet lunch near the impressive Inca ruins of Llactapata. We camp nearby, allowing you more time to explore the ruins without the crowds. Enjoy a hot shower, a relaxing massage, and a candlelit dinner accompanied by fine wine. • Trekking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles • Estimated Time: 5 hours • Starting Altitude: 2,720m / 8,924ft • Campsite Altitude: 2,750m / 9,022ft
Day 2: Llactapata – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
We wake you up with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent. Today we hike up the Kusichaca valley, transitioning into the magical cloud forest. Unlike the standard 4-day trekkers who push all the way over the pass today, we take it easy. We camp at Llulluchapampa (3,800m), a quiet, scenic high-altitude meadow situated just below the first pass. This strategic campsite offers spectacular views and helps you acclimatize better before tomorrow's climb. • Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Estimated Time: 6 hours • Highest Altitude: 3,800m / 12,467ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,800m / 12,467ft
Day 3: Llulluchapampa – Dead Woman’s Pass – Phuyupatamarca
Because we camped high, the climb to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass, 4,215m) takes only about 2 hours this morning. We celebrate at the summit with champagne. We then descend to Pacaymayu for lunch before climbing the second pass, Runkurakay. The trail here features magnificent, original Inca paving. We visit the Sayacmarca ruins and arrive at Phuyupatamarca ('The City Above the Clouds'), where we set up our final camp to watch a breathtaking sunset over the Urubamba valley. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,215m / 13,828ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,680m / 12,073ft
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
We descend thousands of stone stairs through the lush jungle, visiting the spectacular agricultural terraces of Intipata and the stunning ruins of Wiñay Wayna. After our final lunch prepared by the chef, we hike to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Here, you will be rewarded with the classic, majestic first view of Machu Picchu in the quiet afternoon. We exit the park and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will check into your 5-star hotel for a hot bath and an exquisite dinner. • Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Estimated Time: 6 hours • Highest Altitude: 3,680m / 12,073ft • Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040m / 6,692ft
Day 5: Machu Picchu VIP Tour – Belmond Lunch – Hiram Bingham Train
After a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, we return to Machu Picchu. Your expert guide will take you on an exclusive VIP tour of the citadel. If you are feeling adventurous, you can tackle the included hike up Huayna Picchu mountain. Afterward, we step just outside the gates for a spectacular 5-star buffet lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. In the late afternoon, we board the opulent Hiram Bingham luxury train. Sip cocktails in the bar car and enjoy a gourmet dinner with live music as we travel back to Cusco in style. • Trekking Distance: Exploration of Machu Picchu • Estimated Time: 3-4 hours guided tour • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400m / 7,874ft
Guaranteed departure dates, official DIRCETUR entrance permits, and zero intermediary commission fees when you reserve directly with our Cusco headquarters.
✅ What is Included
- ✓Briefing before departure with a welcome drink at your hotel
- ✓Private High-End Bilingual Mountain Guide
- ✓Official Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Permits (Circuit 2)
- ✓Private transport in a luxury SUV to the trailhead (KM 82)
- ✓Dedicated Private Chef, Assistant Cook, and Waiter
- ✓Full team of Porters to carry all equipment and personal gear
- ✓Personal porter allowance (up to 10kg for your belongings)
- ✓Walk-in luxury tents with cots, feather duvets, and pillows
- ✓Hot shower facilities, plush towels, and private eco-toilets
- ✓Massage therapist service every afternoon at the campsite
- ✓Gourmet meals, open bar (wine, champagne, Pisco sour)
- ✓Buffet lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
- ✓Luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes on the 4th night (Sumaq or Inkaterra)
- ✓Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance ticket included
- ✓Luxury Hiram Bingham Train return to Cusco (includes dinner and live music)
✕ Not Included
- —Breakfast on Day 1
- —Trekking poles (Available for rent)
- —Tips for the trekking team (Optional but customary)
- —Personal travel insurance
Need Custom Itineraries or Private Dates?
Speak instantly with our experienced mountaineering coordinators in Cusco for immediate itinerary customization and permit verification.