Premium Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5D/4N

Your premium journey begins with a private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the trailhead at KM 82. After clearing the checkpoint, we begin a gentle hike along the Urubamba River. We will enjoy a gourmet lunch near the impressive Inca ruins of Llactapata. In the afternoon, we continue hiking through lush valleys until we reach our first exclusive campsite at Wayllabamba. Upon arrival, enjoy a hot shower, a relaxing massage, and a fine dining experience in our spacious dining tent. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Time: 6 hours • Starting Altitude: 2,720m / 8,924ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,000m / 9,842ft

Today is the most challenging, but with our slower pace and premium support, it becomes an enjoyable accomplishment. We ascend through native Polylepis forests to Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m), the highest point of the Inca Trail. After celebrating at the summit with hot tea and snacks, we descend along ancient stone steps into the Pacaymayu valley, where our team will have the luxury camp set up and ready for you. • Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,215m / 13,828ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,580m / 11,745ft

Arguably the most beautiful day of the trek. We climb the second pass, Runkurakay (3,950m), and visit its unique semi-circular ruins. The trail then transitions into a stunning tropical cloud forest environment. We explore the incredible archaeological site of Sayacmarca before continuing along perfectly preserved Inca pathways to our final campsite at Phuyupatamarca ('The Town in the Clouds'). Because we take 5 days, we camp here instead of rushing down, allowing you to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. • Trekking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles • Estimated Time: 6 hours • Highest Altitude: 3,950m / 12,959ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,680m / 12,073ft

We wake up to a magnificent sunrise above the clouds. After breakfast, we begin a long descent via thousands of Inca stairs. We visit the spectacular ruins of Intipata and the famous Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young') archaeological site. After lunch, we hike for two hours to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where you will get your first majestic view of Machu Picchu in the quiet afternoon light. We then descend into the ruins, exit the park, and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your luxury hotel. Enjoy a hot bath and a celebratory dinner in town. • Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Estimated Time: 7 hours • Highest Altitude: 3,680m / 12,073ft • Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040m / 6,692ft

After a restful night in a real bed and a delicious hotel breakfast, we take the bus back up to Machu Picchu. Your private high-end guide will lead you on an exclusive, detailed 3-hour VIP tour of the citadel, bringing its history to life. You'll have plenty of time to take photos and absorb the magic of the site. In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes for a gourmet lunch (not included, but recommendations provided) before boarding the Vistadome panoramic train. Upon arrival at the train station, our private driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. • Trekking Distance: Exploration of Machu Picchu • Estimated Time: 3 hours guided tour • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400m / 7,874ft