Luxury Inca Trail Holidays is one of our signature tours. We have carefully crafted the itinerary to offer you a memorable experience on this trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Our Luxury Inca Trail is perfect for families with young children, group of friends and/or honeymooners.
With smaller groups you get the full attention to detail of our expert guides. Each trekker will have a personal porter to carry your luggage, so you can simply enjoy the breathtaking views along the trail. A trek with Samex Tours Peru is the best way to get to Machu Picchu. It allows you to truly immerse in the Incan history and culture.
Luxury Travel to Machu Picchu
This trail to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, is more about the Journey and not the Destination. And all the Samex Tours Peru staff will work very hard to make your Journey unforgettable.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is breathtaking, not only because you’re at altitude, but because you’re smack right in the middle of the Peruvian Andes. As far as the eye could see there is one peak or ridge after another.
After a bit of coca leaves and llipta (ask your Guides for) the tangy and bitter taste filling one’s mouth, you feel as though you could ‘run’ to the top of Dead Woman’s Pass (the highest point of the trek).
Our knowledgeable leaders will Guide you the way and our amazing porters race by to set up camp for the coming night while you pass through ancient walkways, Inca ruins, valleys, distinct flora and fauna and cloud forests.
Samex Tours Peru will do every possible effort from start to finish on this luxury tour. From the pre-trek debriefing to all of the transportation to and from, and everything in between. ‘Gaining weight’ on this adventure trek is likely with the amazing and abundant amount of gourmet meals that we serve from start to finish.
Inca Trail Permit:
Every part of the trail is well preserved by the authorities to maintain the authenticity.
They have imposed a regulation where they restrict the access on the trail to just 500 people a day. This includes porters, guides and cooks. So barely 200 tourists get to access this in a day. The permit gets sold 6-7 months in advance.
Also, if you wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, do notify us while booking the tour. Only 200 people are allowed in a day in different time slots to avoid overcrowding of the trail. Luxury
Get ready for an early start! We’ll be picking you up from your hotel promptly at 5:00 am, so make sure you’re all set. Don’t forget your original passport or ISIC card—it’s a must. Our scenic journey from Cusco to Piskacucho spans about 3 hours, treating you to awe-inspiring views of the Sacred Valley, the meandering Urubamba River, quaint Andean villages, and the historic Inca town of Ollantaytambo.
Along the way, we’ll make pit stops for restroom breaks, a chance to stretch your legs, and of course, a scrumptious breakfast before we reach Piscacucho (2,680 m / 8,790 ft). Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our dedicated camp crew and porters, ready to assist with your belongings for the 35-mile trek ahead. Armed with your passports, we’ll breeze through the official Inca Trail checkpoint, cross a suspension footbridge over the Urubamba River, and kick off our journey with a gentle ascent.
Over the next three hours, we’ll traverse relatively flatterrain, tracing the river’s curves and soaking in panoramic
views of Mount Veronica (5,750 m). The tranquil path winds through lush forests adorned with towering cacti and native flora.
At Miskay, we’ll veer left, gradually ascending to Willkaraccay, offering breathtaking vistas of the Inca town of
Llactapata (Terrace Town) below. From this elevated viewpoint, we’ll marvel at the extensive ruins, strategically
positioned as a fortress guarding the entrance to the Cusichaca Valley.
These terraced fields, remnants of Inca agricultural brilliance, once cultivated maize, a prized crop requiring careful irrigation in the arid highlands.
After a brief break, we’ll continue our trek, descending for another 15 minutes to our lunch spot at Tayaroc. Surrounded by native flora and framed by majestic mountain vistas, this leg of the journey promises captivating scenery at every turn.
Walking times are approximate and may vary based on weather conditions and group dynamics. In the afternoon, we’ll trek for another 3-4 hours, reaching the village of Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,840 ft), followed byan uphill climb through verdant woods and alongside a babbling stream to our first camp at Ayapata (3,300 m /10,824 ft).
Here, you’ll be treated to Te Macho and a delectable buffet dinner. Buenas Noches!
Day Statistics
Following a nourishing breakfast, we set out from the Ayapata camp at approximately 7:00 am, anticipating our
longest day yet, brimming with awe-inspiring vistas down multiple valleys and up to the snow-capped peaks
enveloping us. A rewarding 5-hour hike awaits us before we reach our lunch spot nestled in the Pacaymayo Valley, followed by another 3- 4 hours to our evening camp at Chakicocha.
Our journey commences with a challenging 900-meter ascent to the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman’s) Pass at 4,200 m/13,776 ft. Ascending steeply uphill through the Corralpunku Valley to the Llulluchayoc Zone, keep an eye out for various bird species, from hummingbirds to falcons and black-chested buzzard eagles.
Traverse through the captivating cloud forest and treeless grasslands of the puna, glimpsing the highest pass ahead. The path ascends for two more hours, featuring a multitude of steps, some freshly laid to preserve the mountain from erosion.
Take your time, savoring the journey, as this challenging climb culminates at Dead Woman’s Pass, the first of two we’ll conquer today. Upon reaching the pass, we pause for a well-deserved rest before descending steeply into the Pacaymayo Valley on the other side, invigorated by the downhill stretch leading us to a satisfying lunch break and rejuvenation.
In the afternoon, we embark on a second ascent to the ruins at Runcuracay, nestled slightly below the Runcuracay Pass (3,950 m / 12,956 ft). From the pass, weather permitting, marvel at the panoramic views encompassing the Dead Woman’s Pass and a captivating panorama of snow-capped peaks, including the towering Pumasillo (Puma’s Claw) massif.
Most of the trail ahead is downhill or gently undulating until we arrive at the remarkable ruins of Sayacmarca.
After exploring these ancient marvels, a brief 20-minute walk brings us to Chakicocha (3,400 m / 11,000 ft), where we prepare for our coldest night on the trail, with temperatures reaching around +3 degrees C in December and -4 C in June. Indulge in a comforting tea time followed by a satisfying buffet dinner.
Day Statistics
Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventure. We’ll set off on a captivating trek, immersing ourselves in the lush jungle scenery as it gradually thickens. After about an hour and a half of walking, prepare to be awe-struck by the breathtaking sight of the Salkantay glacier, the second most prominent mountain in Cusco. Take in the panoramic vistas ofthe Vilcabamba mountain range unfolding before you.
Descending into the heart of the vegetation, we’ll spend the next 2.5 hours making our way to Intipata, an extraordinary agricultural site boasting expansive terraces. Take a moment to capture photographs and marvel at the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the meandering Urubamba River, gracefully winding its way through the valley’s embrace.
After another thirty minutes of trekking, we’ll reach our campsite near the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, renowned as one of the most remarkable stops along the Inca Trail, rivaled only by Machu Picchu itself. We’ll arrive at camparound 1:00 pm, where a delicious lunch awaits. At approximately 3:00 pm, accompanied by your guide, you’ll embark on a guided exploration of the Wiñay Waynacomplex, whose name translates to “forever young,” a testament to its timeless beauty and significance along the trail.
Upon returning to camp, join in a celebratory gathering with our entire team of guides, porters, and chefs. After the
festivities, it’s time to retire early to ensure a well-deserved rest, as tomorrow will begin with an early rise.
Day Statistics
We’ll wake you up bright and early today to ensure you arrive at the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) in time for the sunrise. Our Chef will provide you with water and a breakfast box to fuel your journey, and then we’ll be on our way. As one of the first groups to enter the checkpoint, we’ll embark on a one-hour trek to the Sun Gate. Brace yourself, as this will be your first glimpse of the incredible wonder that awaits.
Prepare to be humbled by the sacredness of this place, patiently awaiting your presence. This experience will
undoubtedly stir something deep within you. With just one more hour of walking, we’ll finally reach the awe-inspiring site of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Upon arrival at the final checkpoint, we’ll commence our 2-hour guided tour.
After immersing yourself in its unparalleled beauty and capturing your initial photographs, our expert private guide will lead you on a 2–3-hour exploration of the site. Machu Picchu emanates a profound spiritual energy.
Follow yourguide as you traverse the main thoroughfares of this marvel of ancient engineering. Gain insights into the history and layout of the site as you visit the town square, significant religious sites, an intricate network of agricultural terraces, and elaborately crafted stone staircases. After spending a few hours absorbing the essence of the site, we’ll descend by bus to the Aguas Calientes train station.
There, you’ll have the opportunity to dine at a fine restaurant before boarding the return train. At the designated time on your ticket, you’ll embark on the journey back to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting to pick you up and transport you back to your hotel in Cusco. Expect to arrive around 18:30 PM.
Day Statistics
Embarking on the Luxury Inca Trail Trek was an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes, blending breathtaking landscapes with rich cultural immersion. From the moment we were picked up from our hotel in Cusco, every detail was meticulously arranged, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
