Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is, deservedly, the most famous and popular trek in South America.
Our luxury trek is five days and four nights, and is the best way to thoroughly appreciate this amazing trail. We take time on the Inca Trail to enjoy all the Inca sites along the way and also to avoid the busiest campsites.
Itinerary – day 1
From Cusco we drive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, we stop to explore the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo.
At the end of the road (Km88) we meet the support team of porters for lunch then begin the Inca Trail. The first section is ideal for acclimatisation purposes as we hike along the banks of the Urubamba river.
We camp the night at Llactapata (2,288m) right next to spectacular ruins. We camp and trek in style, with excellent guides and our best cook to provide delicious and nourishing food. While walking, all you need to carry is your daypack.
Day 2
We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up through verdant cloud forest. Look out for shimmering humming birds..
Our camp is the beautiful grassy field at Llulluchupampa (3,680m). This has outstanding views of the valleys behind and below, and snow capped peaks in the distance.
Day 3
We rise early and head to the highest point of the trail - Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman’s pass 4,200m), just a couple of hours trek from our camp.
We then descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the Inca ruins Rucuracay. Our second pass of the day (3,998m) gives spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range.
Walking on incredibly well-preserved Inca pathway, we visit Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for an in depth tour and explanation.
We continue along the ridge, passing through rich cloud forest, tunnels and with fantastic views until a slight ascent brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins where we camp(3,650m).
Day 4
Our final day of hiking brings us down into the cloud forest on an Inca Stairway to Winay-Winay (2,600m). This is an impressive ruin in the depths of the forest, with many flowering orchids and swooping swallows.
Next, Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun, for our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After treasuring the moment we make a brief visit to Machu Picchu, before catching a bus down to our hotel in the near-by town of Aguas Calientes (2,000m).
Day 5
Returning first thing in the morning, we have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour. There is time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu or just wander through the ruins, soaking up the amazing atmosphere.
After a late lunch in Aguas Calientes , we catch the afternoon train back to Poroy and from there our bus back to Cusco.
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
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