Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Itinerary – Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

Your luxury journey with Qatawi Tours begins early, with a private pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. We’ll travel in our comfortable premium vehicle toward Piskacucho (Km 82), the official starting point of the iconic Classic Inca Trail. Along the way, we stop in Ollantaytambo around 6:30–7:00 a.m. for breakfast (not included), the perfect moment to prepare for the adventure ahead.

Upon arrival at Km 82, you’ll have time to use the facilities, apply sunscreen and insect repellent, and organize any last-minute essentials. From this point on, our elite porters will handle your belongings, leaving you to carry only your daypack with the essentials. Keep your passport, student ID (if applicable), and permits ready for the Inca Trail checkpoint.

The trail begins at 2,720 m / 8,923 ft, crossing a bridge over the Vilcanota River before moving into a gently ascending section known as “Inca flat.” This first day is a comfortable warm-up, with gradual elevation gain and magnificent views of the Inca fortress of Huillca Raccay, the vast ruins of Llactapata (Patallacta), the impressive Urubamba Range, and the stunning snow-capped Mount Waqay Willka (Verónica) towering above the landscape. It’s a spectacular introduction to the trail.

Around midday, your porters will prepare a full dining area where your private chef will serve a gourmet lunch. Afterward, we continue toward our first luxury campsite in Ayapata, about 1.5 hours beyond the village of Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), in a beautiful temperate valley. Evening temperatures typically drop to around 5°C / 41°F.

Throughout the day, enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush mountain valleys, and the vibrant local flora and fauna—including the chance to spot several species of hummingbirds native to this region.

To conclude the day, enjoy a fine dining–style dinner crafted by your chef, followed by a relaxing massage from our on-site masseuse. Rest comfortably on a queen-size mattress with fresh, luxury linens, ensuring a peaceful night surrounded by the tranquility of the Andes.

Note: We recommend bringing a 30L daypack to comfortably carry your daily essentials.

• Included: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Luxury campsite with hot showers
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles (approx. 6 hours)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Chaquicocha

Your guide will gently wake you between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. with a warm cup of coffee or tea brought directly to your tent. After enjoying a plentiful breakfast, we begin the day’s ascent toward the highest point on the trail—the famous Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft. Reaching this summit is a true accomplishment and a highlight of the trek.

After a break at the top to enjoy the incredible views, we descend to Pacaymayu (3,550 m / 11,646 ft) for a well-earned gourmet lunch. Today’s route showcases a wide range of microclimates, offering opportunities to observe vibrant birdlife, hummingbirds, and Andean flora, including striking Polylepis (Qeuña) forests located at 3,650 m.

Following lunch, we take on a second ascent—approximately two hours—to reach the Runkuraqay Pass (nearly 4,000 m / 13,123 ft). We arrive at our luxury campsite around 5:00 p.m., where you’ll be welcomed with hot drinks and appetizers before dinner.

After such a full day of hiking, pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or a hot shower, easing any tension from the trail. A beautifully prepared dinner awaits you before another restful night.

• Included: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Luxury campsite with hot showers
• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles (approx. 9 hours)
• Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Today is considered the most visually and culturally fascinating day of the entire trek. Wake up once again with a warm drink delivered to your tent, followed by a delicious breakfast to fuel the day ahead.

We start with a gentle ascent toward the extraordinary archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (“Town in the Clouds”), located at 3,680 m / 12,073 ft—the third-highest point on the trail. The panoramic views of valleys, mountains, and cloud forest landscapes are unforgettable.

After exploring Phuyupatamarca, we continue through lush cloud forest until reaching the terraced agricultural complex of Intipata, a stunning example of Inca engineering. After time to explore and take photos, we head to our final campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m / 8,792 ft).

Here you’ll enjoy a beautifully prepared lunch before having free time to rest or explore the area. Evening temperatures are milder, averaging around 12°C / 53°F.

Your chef will once again impress you with a gourmet dinner—many travelers agree that the meals on this day are among the best they taste in all of Cusco.

A short walk from camp takes us to the iconic archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), considered one of the most breathtaking sites along the entire Inca Trail. Your guide will explain its significance and the story behind its modern rediscovery.

• Included: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Luxury campsite with hot showers
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (approx. 5 hours)
• Difficulty: Moderate, mostly downhill

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Your final day begins early, with breakfast served at 4:30 a.m. before we begin the last stretch toward Machu Picchu. Around 6:00 a.m., we reach the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where the first rays of sunlight illuminate the citadel—an unforgettable moment that rewards every step of the journey.

After taking in this breathtaking view, we descend for about 40 minutes to enter Machu Picchu through the House of the Guardians, offering the perfect angle for iconic photographs.

At the checkpoint, we register and store larger backpacks before beginning a fully guided tour of the citadel. Your expert guide will walk you through temples, terraces, plazas, and stairways, bringing the site’s history to life and answering all your questions.

Once the guided portion is complete, you’ll enjoy free time to explore and capture more photos.

Afterward, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the Vistadome panoramic train at 4:22 p.m. to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will return you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 8:30 p.m.

Optional Activities (not included):

• Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
• Visit the local museum
• Enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes

Included: Breakfast
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain tickets are limited. Please let us know early if you wish to reserve a spot.

Included – Luxury Inca Trail 4 Days

• Pre-Trek Briefing
  We provide a complete and personalized briefing to ensure you are fully prepared for your journey. Our team will meet you directly at your hotel in Cusco to review every detail and answer any questions, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable experience with no surprises along the trail.
• Personal Duffel Bag
  During your briefing, you will receive a duffel bag where you can pack your clothing and essentials for the trek. Our professional porters will carry this bag for you, and you will have access to it only at the end of each trekking day. For your daily items—such as a warm jacket, rain gear, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water—we recommend carrying a 30L daypack.
• First Aid Kit & Emergency Oxygen
  Your safety is our highest priority. All Qatawi Tours guides are CPR and First Aid certified through annual training with the Fire Department or Red Cross. In case of altitude-related oxygen loss, our team carries an emergency oxygen tank for immediate support. We are fully prepared to assist with minor injuries and keep you safe throughout the trek.
• Satellite Phone for Emergencies
  All multi-day Qatawi Tours expeditions include a satellite phone. Your guide carries a fully charged device to contact emergency services if necessary. Should urgent medical attention be required, we coordinate immediate evacuation to the nearest town or hospital. If an airlift is needed, it can be arranged (note: all related costs must be covered by the traveler; travel insurance is essential).
  Personal calls are permitted at US$2.00 per minute.
• Door-to-Door Service
  We provide seamless transportation from start to finish. On the morning of your trek, we pick you up directly from your Cusco hotel—and upon your return, we drop you off at your hotel again.
• Private Transportation
  Your guide and fellow travelers ride in exclusive, private transport, while all staff and equipment travel separately. This ensures total comfort, quiet, and privacy during your journey.
• Bus & Train Tickets Included
  Following your private guided tour of Machu Picchu, we provide the bus ticket to Aguas Calientes and the train ticket aboard the Vistadome, featuring ergonomic leather seats and extraordinary panoramic views of the Sacred Valley as you return to Ollantaytambo.
• Entrance Tickets to the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
  Once your booking is confirmed and the deposit is received, our team immediately secures your Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket—both of which sell out quickly. Accurate personal information is essential, as these tickets cannot be modified or refunded once purchased.
• Professional Bilingual Guide
  You will be accompanied by a highly trained, experienced, and English-fluent guide throughout the trek. All Qatawi Tours guides are passionate experts in Andean culture and Inca history, holding degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. Expect an immersive two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu and engaging explanations throughout the trail.
• Expert Porters
  Our porters—trained professionals from local communities—carry all main camping and cooking equipment. They prepare campsites in beautiful, secluded areas, ensuring comfort and tranquility during your trek.
• Personal Porter Included
  Your trek includes a personal porter who carries your duffel bag (up to 10 kg / 22.1 lbs total including sleeping bag and mattress). For safety reasons, this weight limit cannot be exceeded.
• Gourmet Meals by Your Private Chef
  Our chefs receive exceptional reviews for their creativity and culinary quality. Your private chef prepares 4 hot breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 gourmet dinners. Mornings begin with a warm drink delivered to your tent, and afternoon tea is included. We also provide select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as Maracuya juice, Chicha Morada, Pisco Sours, wine, and beer.
• Daily Drinking Water
  We provide safe, bottled drinking water after each meal. Remember to fill your bottle or hydration pack on the first morning.
• Taxes Included
  All prices include the mandatory 18% government tax.

Luxury Amenities & Premium Equipment

• Hot Shower Tent with Towels
  Enjoy a refreshing hot shower at the end of each trekking day—one of the defining elements of our luxury glamping experience.
• Robes & Slippers
  We provide two robes (one silk, one cotton) and comfortable slippers to ensure you feel as if you’re staying in a luxury hotel, even in the high Andes.
• Private Chef, Assistant & Waiter
  Your dedicated culinary team prepares elevated meals and accommodates any dietary restrictions. A personal waiter ensures impeccable service at every meal.
• Elegant Dining Tent & Seating
  Relax in a private dining tent furnished with premium chairs (Eureka Copper Canyon, KingCamp KC 2808) for an inviting and social atmosphere each evening.
• High-End Tableware
  You’ll enjoy meals with porcelain or ceramic dishes, glassware, and handcrafted stone or wooden serving pieces.
• Luxury Bedroom Tent
  Your sleeping setup includes high-quality sleeping bags, a Therm-a-Rest mattress, cotton sheets, blankets, pillows, and a spacious Eureka Copper Canyon tent (maximum 2 people). Expect the most comfortable night’s rest on the trail.
• Professional Massage Therapist
  A specialized massage therapist accompanies the trek, offering complimentary evening massages to help you relax and recover after each day of hiking.
• Private Portable Toilet
  We provide a clean, private portable chemical toilet—far more sanitary and comfortable than government facilities—set up at a convenient distance from camp.
• Complimentary Travel Bag
  You’ll receive a small travel bag containing essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap.

Not Included – Luxury Inca Trail 4 Days

• Wayna Picchu: $75 USD  – will need to be booked in advance.
• First breakfast and last lunch. We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and have the last lunch at Aguas Calientes after the tour of Machu Picchu.
• Tips for the guide, cook, and porters from the tour operator.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY OF THE INCA TRAIL LUXURY TOUR

The Luxury Trekking to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date that best suits you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers, except in February when it is closed for maintenance.

PRICES from: $2,997 USD per person

What If Luxury Inca Trail Permits Are Sold Out?

The Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has extremely limited permits, and they often sell out months in advance. If your preferred date is unavailable, Qatawi Tours offers a selection of exclusive alternative treks that allow you to experience the Andes in all their beauty—without the crowds.

These routes are equally breathtaking and take you off the beaten path, through remote landscapes, Andean communities, and spectacular archaeological sites before reaching Machu Picchu.

Qatawi Tours requires a minimum of 2 travelers to confirm any departure. You may choose any start date, as long as this requirement is met.

Solo traveler? If you’re flexible with your start date, we’ll match you with an existing group so you can enjoy the full experience without missing any of the adventure.

Alternative Trek Options

• Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley Tour
• Machu Picchu Tour
• Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Important Information About Inca Trail Permits

We purchase your Inca Trail permit using the exact full name and passport number you submit on your booking form. The Peruvian government does not allow corrections after permits are issued, and mismatched information will result in denied entry without refund.

Accuracy is essential—please review your details carefully.

Renewing or Changing Your Passport?

To enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and all archaeological sites, you must bring the same original passport used at the time of booking.

If you are renewing your passport or changing your name:

Option 1 – Update Your Permit ($25 USD per person)

Send us your old passport information to secure your permit. Once your new passport is ready, we can update the permit for a fee of $25 USD.
We must receive a copy of both your old and new passports.

Option 2 – Bring Both Passports (No Fee)

If you prefer not to pay the update fee, you must bring both your old and new passports to Peru.
You can enter Peru with your new passport, but entry to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu requires showing both documents.
Without both, access will be denied.

Packing List

What to Bring for the Luxury Inca Trail – 4 Days

Make sure to pack the following essentials to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable luxury trekking experience:

• Original passport (must match the passport used during booking)
• Valid student ID (if you booked with a student discount)
• Lightweight daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Reusable water bottles (2–3L) – Camelbaks highly recommended
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Sleeping bag (available for rent through Qatawi Tours)
• Headlamp (an absolute must)
• Toilet paper

What to Pack in Your Provided Duffel Bag

As a direct local operator, Qatawi Tours provides a duffel bag during your briefing and includes a personal porter who will carry up to 10 kg / 20 lbs of your belongings (including 3 kg allocated for your sleeping bag and mattress).

Recommended packing:

• 2 T-shirts
• At least 2 pairs of hiking pants
• 4 sets of underwear
• 3 pairs of hiking socks
• 2 fleece or thermal tops
• Warm layers (including a down jacket) –nighttime at the second campsite can reach 3ºC
• Waterproof gloves (ski gloves are acceptable)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quick-dry towel (we provide small towels; bring a larger one if preferred)
• Small bottle of soap (showers provided)
• Battery chargers or power banks (no electricity on the trail)
• Plastic bags for organization or protection (available upon request at our office)
• Sleeping bag rated to -15ºC (available to rent for $20 USD)

Toiletries

• Face moisturizer
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Any personal medications
• Personal first aid kit

What to Pack in Your Daypack

We recommend a 20–30L daypack for daily use on the trail. Backpacks larger than 30–40L are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. All remaining items will stay in your duffel bag and be waiting at your campsite.

Carry the following during the day:

• Water supply for the morning until the first lunch stop
  (We refill your bottles with boiled, cold water at each meal)
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp
• Warm hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece or insulated jacket
• Trail snacks (energy bars, chocolate, dried fruits)
• Rain poncho
• Gloves (for cold mornings)
• Camera with extra batteries
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper & a small bag for waste
  Extra cash (souvenirs, drinks, and tips)

Frequently Asked Questions – Luxury Inca Trail 4 Days

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