Peru Luxury Travel

Follow the legendary path of the Inca, winding through the spectacular scenery of the Peruvian Andes, past ancient sites towards the mystical and awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. The most famous hiking route in the world takes adventurers along an epic and sometimes challenging journey to the city in the sky.

Visitors are struck by the sheer majestic beauty and human ingenuity of the site nestled high up in the clouds. Follow the trail through remote villages, Inca ruins and the spectacular Andean mountain range, to arrive at Machu Picchu itself for the colorful sunrise.

Peru Luxury Travel offers you the possibility to experience this adventurous trek while enjoying a maximum level of comfort. Along the trail you sleep at campsites and are treated to high quality food prepared by the chef. All the essentials for the trek are provided as well as an expert bilingual guide to take you on this magical journey into the clouds.

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For more information on our itineraries and tours, please contact us at the numbers below to speak to a Travel Advisor.
World: 512-687-4097 / US Toll Free: 866-753-9881 / UK: 44.203.371.9763 Or
Speak to our team of professionals with any questions you may have live at Live Chat Help or write us at travel@peruluxurytravel.com

The day before the start of the trek, your guides will visit you at your Cusco hotel for a pre-trek briefing to give you information and recommendations regarding trekking times, campsites, regulations of Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, equipment, basic necessary items, clothing, as well as information on food, security, first aid, porters, transport and other tourist attractions.

See Detailed Information about the Inca Trail.

Day 1: Begin the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• Early in the morning, your private guide will collect you from your hotel and will take you on the two-hour drive through the scenic Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where you can enjoy breakfast.
• Once in Ollantaytambo, you will pick up equipment and food before continuing on to Piscacucho (km 82) by private transfer where the trail starts.
• Once you cross the Piscacucho Bridge over the Urubamba River, you will start the trek. You will walk on flat terrain along the shore of the river, until you take a break at the small community of Miskay. Continuing on a steeper path towards a high plateau, your efforts will be rewarded by the spectacular view of the Inca ruins of Patallacta. Patallacta, "Village in the Heights" is an archaeological complex situated at the foot of a mountain on the left bank of the river Cusicancha, tributary of the river Urubamba. There are many terraced fields here that probably fed other settlements and tambos (travelers’ rest stations) along the Inca Trail. The urban sector has more than a hundred structures, as well as an Inca altar, the "Pulpituyoc".
• After your lunch you will continue the trek for another two hours, until you reach the first campsite of Wayllabamba. This highlight includes the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota ridge on the other side of the Urumbamba River and the snow-covered Mount Veronica.

Hike Distance: 12km (7.5 miles)
Minimum altitude: 2700 meters
Maximum altitude: 3000 meters
Approximate time: five to six hours
Gradient: Moderate

Day 2: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo)

• The second day of the Inca Trail is the most rigorous as it takes you to the highest passes. The walk is arduous, with a long steep climb to the high Abra de Warmiwañusca known as “Dead Woman's Pass” at 4,200 meters (16,000 feet approximately).
• On the trail you will be able to appreciate the change in the surroundings as you pass from the moderate temperatures of the valleys to the arid and cold high plains. As this is by far the most challenging part of the trails, you are encouraged to take your time.
• Right before the pass in a small plain there is a campsite called “Llulluchapampa”, bordered by two streams of crystal clear water. You can rest here for a while before the last stretch over the pass at Warmiwañusca. Beyond the pass we descend a winding path of steps that crosses a natural valley to our next campsite.
• Look out for the varieties of birds, like sparrows and humming birds, as well as the Andean Bear that can be seen. Known as the Spectacled Bear for its golden circular fur around its eyes, this solitary creature calls the Andean cloud forest home.
• The hike ends at the Pacaymayo Valley campsite where you will have dinner and spend the night.

Hike Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Minimum altitude: 3000 meters
Maximum altitude: 4200 meters
Approximate time: 6 to 7 hours
Gradient: Challenging

Day 3: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Pacaymayo to Wiñayhuayna)

• After breakfast, you will start your trek along an impressive and archeologically-rich path. A steep hike will lead you to the Runkurakay Pass. Halfway along the trail, you will encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, an Inca tambo, or lodge, of semi-circular design with a view of the valley of Pacaymayo “Hidden River” below.
• Another steep climb up Incan steps leads to the next pass, which offers spectacular views of the mountain ranges of Vilcabamba and Pumasillo. You will continue on to the lakes of Yanacocha and Sayacmarca.
• Aptly dubbed the "Inaccessible Town", Sayacmarca is an interesting set of ruins located on a cliff with a panoramic view of the Aobamba valley and the snow-covered peak of Pumasillo. This construction comprises a labyrinth of very narrow corridors, some with exits and others without. The only access to the ruins is by a steep, but solid, stone staircase carved into the side of the mountain. The abyss on one side is carpeted with exotic plants such as orchids and lichens.
• Continuing on, you pass Conchamarca, a small, flat recently-discovered archaeological complex. Then the trail ascends again and you come to a tunnel 20 meters long and with steps carved out of the rock. Continuing our ascent we reach the third and final mountain pass of the trek at Abra de Phuyupatamarca. Afterwards, the trail is downhill leading to the archeological site of Phuyupatamarca, "The Town in the Clouds". This is undoubtedly one of the most unique towns on the Inca Trail. It is almost always covered in the mist rising from the cloud forest and is located on the side of a ravine looking down into the Urubamba Valley. The site is surrounded by terraced fields and offers beautiful landscape views of the Urubamba Valley as well as the adjacent snow peaks.
• As the day ends, you will head towards the ruins of Wiñaywayna or “Forever Young”, where you will spend your final night on the Inca Trail. The ruins consist of Incan agricultural terraces and are believed to have been a center where water was worshipped. Flower enthusiasts will be pleased to see the area’s fabulous pink orchids.

*Remember it is customary to make a tip pool, which will then be distributed to the team (guide, cook and porters). A good tip amount ranges $40-$60 per hiker. Remember that these tips are voluntary, so feel free to tip according to the service you have received.

Hike Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Minimum altitude: 2700 meters
Maximum altitude: 3950 meters
Approximate time: 8 to 9 hours
Gradient: Moderate

Day 4: Arrival to Machu Picchu

• After an early start with breakfast at 4:30am, you will be on the final leg of the trail by 5am in order to reach Inti Punku, the “Sun Gate” entrance to Machu Picchu by 6am. The short hour walk will take you up through a narrow trail. As you reach the Sun Gate, just before sunrise, the morning fog will clear and Machu Picchu will be lit with sunlight. The view is awe-inspiring and you can only imagine what the Incas must have felt after their grueling journey to this sprawling temple.
• From here you will descend to the citadel for a two hour privately guided tour. You will be able to appreciate the intricate stonework carved into the fantastic Andean scenery. The giant mortarless stones were hauled by hand across the mountain centuries ago, and yet their foundations still remain. You will have the chance to explore the three zones of this centuries-old city: the urban, agricultural, and adjacent zones. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Principal Bath are only a few of the impressive sights that you will see.
• After your tour, you will be able to explore the site on your own. However, if the trek through the Inca Trail got you yearning for more, you can take a 90 minute climb up the lush peak of Huayna Picchu. An additional trek to Huayna Picchu, or the Temple of the Moon, is included in your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and lasts about four hours. The extra trek is not for the faint of heart and must be done with extreme caution. But the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from another angle often beckons the more adventurous visitor. Numbers are limited to 400 visitors per day. See our FAQs below for information.
• In the afternoon, you will take the luxury train back to Cusco. You also have the option to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu – see information on Machu Picchu Hotels.

See our Machu Picchu Guide for more information on what to see and do, as well as which Machu Picchu Restaurants we recommend for tasty dining.

Hike Distance: 3km (1.9 miles)
Minimum altitude: 2400 meters
Maximum altitude: 2700 meters
Approximate time: About 1 hour of hiking
Gradient: moderate

• All private transfers
• First-class train back to Cusco/Ollaytatambo
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• One day entrance ticket to Machu Picchu

• We use four-season/four-person Eureka tents with two entrances. For comfort, only two people per tent
• 2 foam mattresses, a table, and seat for each tent
• Food and drink utensils
• Dinner tent and Kitchen Tent for the group
• First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle

• Professional, knowledgeable bilingual guide
• A cook to prepare your meals
• Porters to carry provided equipment and food (additional porters are available for rent to carry your personal belongings)

• High quality meals to provide the necessary energy for this challenging trek
• Revitalizing snacks in addition to the three daily meals
• Hot drinks (tea & coffee) as well as enough water to fill your canteens (taken from local streams and boiled while on the trek)

• A hat, sunglasses and sun block to protect you from the strong sun
• Insect repellent
• Sleeping bag – can be rented in Cusco
• Hiking backpack – can be rented in Cusco
• A canteen or similar container, as disposable plastic water bottles are prohibited
• Comfortable hiking shoes / boots
• Enough clothes for four days (see our Inca Trail FAQs page for more detail)
• A small flashlight
• Camera

Masseuse Services:

Enjoy personal masseuse services during the trail to soothe your tired muscles and refresh your body for the next day.

Extra day in Machu Picchu:

Have an extra day to visit the ruins on your own, relax at the local hot springs, and walk around the orchid gardens.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley:

There are many who believe that to stay overnight in the beautiful countryside of the Sacred Valley will fill you with the aura of spiritual awakening that inspired the Incas to choose the valley as the home of their sun god.

Ciudadela de Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes

The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, now operated by the Orient Express, is the only hotel located within the sanctuary of the Machu Picchu Inca citadel. This simple yet luxurious hotel offers a warm and relaxed environment with rooms that feature plenty of Peruvian character and a dozen of which that provide remarkable views of the ruins and surrounding mountains. While visiting, you will enjoy unforgettable sunrises, magical moonlit nights and the remains of the ancient culture of this unique place, considered part of the world's cultural heritage.

Hotel Facilities and Services:
Restaurant, Laundry Service, Room Service, Internet, Parking

Kilometer 110 Via Ferrea, Aguas Calientes

The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a naturalist’s haven. Conveniently nestled in the verdant Andean cloud forest, this lovely hotel is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of the astonishing flora and fauna of the region. The eco-friendly hotel resembles an Andean village and is comprised of charming white-washed cottages decorated with modern indigenous art as well as authentic pre-Columbian artifacts. With a commitment to indulging the whims of its guests, this luxury hotel expertly combines nature and comfort to create a one-of-a-kind Machu Picchu experience. Try some regional dishes at the excellent restaurant overlooking the Urubamba River.

Hotel Facilities and Services:
Restaurant, Laundry Service, Room Service, Internet, Parking

Avenida Hermanos Ayar Mz 1 Lote 3, Aguas Calientes

This exclusive and elegant hotel is located in the village of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. It has ample and luxurious rooms decorated in an original and very cozy Andean style. With some of the best views of the surrounding landscape and a brand new design this hotel really is a great place to relax and enjoy a little bit of luxury after a long day of exploring the Machu Picchu citadel. Boasting an Andean health spa, sauna, massage, steam room, Thai massage, and Jacuzzi, the Sumaq Hotel will make you feel like royalty while you enjoy this stunning part of the world.

Hotel Facilities and Services:
Restaurant, Room Service, Internet, Laundry Service, Spa

Sumaq Machu Picchu Travel Pictures »

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