Premium Inca Trail 5 Days

Begin your  Premium Inca Trail 5-Day adventure with a convenient 6:30 am. hotel pickup in Cusco. Journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas for 1 hour and 30 minutes in our private bus, pausing at Ollantaytambo for breakfast (not included) and any final trek preparations.

We then head to the trek’s starting point at Km 82 (2,720 meters/8,923 feet). Here, embark on a 4-hour hike to reach our lunch spot, passing the ancient Llactapata Inca site (2,650 meters/8,747 feet). Post-lunch, our hike continues through the picturesque Kusichaca Valley, rich in flora and fauna. The day concludes at Wayllabamba, where we set up our first camp, marking the start of an unforgettable Premium Inca Trail journey.

• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles.
• Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours.
• Food: Lunch, tea time, and dinner
• Lowest elevation: 2,720 mts / 8,923 ft.
• Highest elevation: 3,031 mts / 9,944 ft.
• Difficulty: Easy moderate

Conquer the Most Challenging Day of the Inca Trail!

Rise early at 5:30 am for a challenging yet rewarding day. After a hearty breakfast, embark on a 4-hour uphill trek through the Llullucha Valley, reaching Llullucha Pampa (3,800 meters/12,537 feet) for lunch. The ascent continues to the trek’s highest point, the Warmi Wañusca pass (Dead Woman’s pass) at 4,215 meters (13,907 feet). Celebrate conquering the toughest part of the Inca Trail and revel in the stunning views of diverse microclimates, majestic mountains, and lush valleys.

The descent from the pass, steep but manageable, winds down the mountainside to the valley floor, leading to the second night’s campsite at Pacaymayo (3,600 meters/ 11,800 feet). This day offers a true sense of achievement and awe-inspiring scenery, a highlight of the Inca Trail experience.

• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles.
• Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours.
• Food: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
• Lowest elevation: 3,600 mts/ 11,800 ft.
• Highest elevation: 4,215 mts/13,907ft.
• Difficulty: Challenging

The Richness of the Inca Trail!

Today on your Inca Trail journey, immerse yourself in a cultural exploration! Starting from the camp, it’s about an hour’s hike to the first archaeological site of Runcuracay (3,800 meters/12,540 feet), a site steeped in Inca history. A further 40-minute hike leads you to the top of the second pass, Runcuracay Pass (3,977 meters/13,127 feet).

After descending for about an hour from the second pass, you’ll reach Sayacmarca (3,600 meters/11,877 feet), an enchanting Inca site perched on a mountain ridge, surrounded by sheer cliffs and overlooking the jungle treeline. It’s a remarkable spot for exploration. A short hike from here is your lunch stop at Chaquicocha.

The day continues with a two-hour trek to your third campsite at Phuyupatamarca (3,700 meters / 12,140 feet). This segment takes you through the mesmerizing Peruvian cloud forest, adorned with orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns, and flowers. You’ll also pass through an impressive Inca tunnel carved into the rock. The campsite offers spectacular views of the Urubamba Canyon and the surrounding snow-capped mountains, including Machu Picchu Mountain.

• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles.
• Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours.
• Food: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
• Lowest elevation: 3,600 mts/ 11,800 ft.
• Highest elevation: 4,215 mts/13,907ft.
• Difficulty: Challenging

Start Your Day with a Delicious Breakfast Before Exploring Inca Sites

After enjoying a tasty breakfast, begin your descent to the lunch spot, encountering the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca along the way. Known as the “town in the clouds,” this impressive Inca site is accessed via a steep staircase, leading you past six ancient ‘Inca baths,’ likely used for water worship rituals.

With insights from our guide, we’ll leave Phuyupatamarca and continue along the main Inca trail. A remarkable Inca staircase awaits, descending hundreds of steps – a test for the knees. Approximately 2 hours of walking through a mystical cloud forest brings us to the site of Intipata, followed by a descent to Wiñaywayna (2,650 meters/8,747 feet) for lunch.

The trail then undulates gently, leading to the Sun Gate (2,720 meters/8,977 feet), where you’re greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu. From here, a 40-minute descent takes you to the iconic citadel, perfect for those postcard-perfect photos.

The day concludes with a bus ride down to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,040 meters/6,692 feet), where you’ll relax in a comfortable hotel and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants, reflecting on the day’s incredible journey.

• Accommodation: Hotel ***
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours.
• Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
• Highest elevation: 3,700 meters / 12,140 feet
• Lowest elevation: 2,040 mts/ 6,692 ft.

Explore Machu Picchu with a Guided Tour and Optional Huayna Picchu Hike

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a bus ride for the Machu Picchu citadel tour. Inside the citadel, join a 2-hour guided tour along circuit 3, offering insights into the historic site. For adventure seekers, there’s an optional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain – remember to book in advance to secure your permit.

Post-tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes town. At 14:55, board the return train to Ollantaytambo station, followed by a tourist bus journey back to Cusco. The entire return trip from Aguas Calientes to Cusco takes approximately 4 hours, concluding your memorable Machu Picchu experience

• Meals: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy & Enjoyable
• Train Expedition