Inca Trail Leisure: 5-Day Machu Picchu Hiking Experience
Serene Inca Trail: 5-Day In-Depth Exploration to Machu Picchu
Embark on ‘Inca Trail Leisure,’ a 5-day private tour specially designed for a serene and in-depth exploration of the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Ideal for those who prefer a less hurried journey, this itinerary offers ample time to acclimatize to the high Andes and immerse deeply in the rich Incan heritage. Traverse ancient paths through diverse landscapes, from mystical cloud forests to majestic snowy peaks, uncovering the Incan civilization’s secrets. Daily shorter treks allow you to savor breathtaking Andean views and explore significant Incan sites, culminating in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Witness the iconic ruins from the Sun Gate, a moment that encapsulates the grandeur of Incan architecture and history. This tailored experience ensures intimate encounters with Peru’s natural wonders and cultural treasures, aligning with sustainable tourism practices.
Highlight
- Serene Inca Trail Trek: Experience the Inca Trail like never before with our leisurely 5-day hike, offering breathtaking Andean landscapes and a comfortable pace for all.
- Machu Picchu Sunrise: Witness the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate at sunrise, capturing the essence of Incan architecture and history in a tranquil setting.
- Private High-Altitude Journey: Enjoy a private tour tailored for gradual high-altitude acclimatization, ensuring a comfortable and profound exploration of the Incan trail.
- Sustainable Andean Exploration: Embrace sustainable tourism practices while trekking through diverse ecosystems, ensuring a minimal environmental impact and cultural respect.
- Tranquil Trekking Experience: Our tranquil trek along the Inca Trail offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with Peru’s natural wonders in a serene, crowd-free environment.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Begin the Inca Trail Adventure
Start with a transfer to Km 82, marking the official beginning of the Inca Trail.
Embark on the first hike to Llactapata, a site known for its enchanting ruins and scenic views, offering an excellent introduction to the Inca landscape.
Spend the evening in the tranquility of the Andean mountains, preparing for the upcoming trek.
Day 2: Llactapata to Llulluchapampa
Continue the journey from Llactapata to Llulluchapampa.
This leg of the trail is characterized by its diverse flora and the chance to observe the unique cloud forest ecosystem.
The hike provides a gradual acclimatization process, making it ideal for trekkers adjusting to the altitude.
Day 3: Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca
The trek from Llulluchapampa ascends to Phuyupatamarca, known as the ‘City Above the Clouds’.
Experience breathtaking views of the Andes and encounter various archaeological sites along the way.
The evening offers a serene atmosphere as you camp near Phuyupatamarca, with the stars illuminating the Andean sky.
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Descend from Phuyupatamarca, with the majestic Machu Picchu getting closer with every step.
Reach Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu, providing a comfortable setting to relax and anticipate the final day’s exploration.
Spend the night in Aguas Calientes, enjoying the local cuisine and culture.
Day 5: Explore the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
The final day is dedicated to visiting the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Early morning exploration allows for witnessing the sunrise over the iconic ruins, a truly magical moment.
A guided tour reveals the history and secrets of this ancient wonder, culminating the Inca Trail experience.
Prices for this trek
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE | |
---|---|
1 person | US$ 2395 per person |
2 people | US$ 1535 per person |
3 people | US$ 1355 per person |
4 people | US$ 1208 per person |
5 to 8 people | US$ 1150 per person |
9 to 14 people | US$ 1059 per person |
More than 15 people | US$ 963 per person |
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
* Prices are based on the number of people traveling together.
Includes and excludes
Included
- The clients will receive a briefing the night before the trek.
- Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Km. 82 (starting point of the trail).
- Entrance fees to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (but not Huayna Picchu Mountain).
- Personal tents accommodate two people for greater comfort and security. Our tents are 4-season and well-maintained for field performance.
- Each individual should bring an inflatable sleeping mat.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs. Kitchen tent.
- Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities.
- English-speaking tour leader plus an assistant guide for groups of over eight trekkers
- Chef and cooking equipment.
- Porters (to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment)
- Personal porter for personal equipment 7kg (15lbs).
- Meals (3 breakfast, 3-lunches, three dinners + daily morning snack + daily tea service except for last day). Vegetarian or special diets are available at no extra cost.
- Lunch on the last day after visiting Machu Picchu.
- A cloth bag for everyday snacks saves plastic bags and decreases waste.
- We will provide boiled water from lunchtime on the first day.
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
- Our kitchen staff uses bio-degradable dishwashing detergents.
- Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in the water bottle every morning and night, and at lunchtime.
- We bring a first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- One night at a Tourist Class hotel in Aguas Calientes town (double or triple room), a single room has an extra cost of US$ 35. Upgrade Hotel accommodation upon request; please ask the travel agent.
- Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu citadel – Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (Expedition train or similar) according to availability – we can upgrade Vistadome service upon request.
- Transfer from Poroy or Cusco train station to Cusco Hotel.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Entrance fee to the Aguas Calientes thermal springs.
- Sleeping bag.
Trip code: HITM5D01-PVT
Day 1 – Transfer to Km 82, Hike to Llactapata
- At 07:00, we are picked up from the hotel and sent to Piscacucho, Km 82 (2,850m/9,350ft), where we meet the porters. The drive from Cusco to Piscacucho takes around three hours. On the route, our van often makes an hour-long stop at Ollantaytambo so that passengers may have breakfast.
- We begin the Inca Trail crossing a suspension bridge above the Urubamba River. Then, we stroll along the Urubamba River’s left bank as it flows northwest into the Sacred Valley.
- Arrive at Llactapata (2788m/9147ft), the remnants of a magnificent administrative and astronomical structure. Set up camp with the assistance of our staff, dine on a freshly-prepared dinner, and reflect on the success of our first day.
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2 – Hike from Llactapata to Llulluchapampa
- We awaken to continue our trip through the valley formed by River Kusichaca; we begin rising for around five hours until we reach Huayllabamba (3,000m/9,840ft).
- All along the route, there are breathtaking views of the Vilcanota mountain range on the other side of the Urubamba River. The imposing Veronica peak stands at 5,832 meters (19,134 feet). Begin the most challenging stretch of the hike, a 9-kilometer ascent to the first mountain crossing on the Inca Trail, the Warmiwausca Pass, also known as the Dead Woman’s Pass.
- We halt halfway up the pass at Llulluchapampa and only ascend halfway up the pass. A steeper Inca path will lead us to the lovely cloud woods, where flora and wildlife thrive. Possible to see hummingbirds amid the tropical plants. The route goes to Llulluchapampa (3680m/12073ft), a grassy area favored by Andean deer with a spectacular vista. Here, we conclude the day and set up camp.
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 3 – Hike from Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca
- Our difficult day begins with a steep ascent to the Warmiwausca Pass, commonly known as the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m/13,780ft). Along this walk, the landscape changes to a hilly area where alpacas and llamas graze on Ichu grass.
- We go down to the Paqaymayu valley (3,500 m/11,480 ft), where we start the climb to the Runkurakay Pass (3,955 m/12,970 ft). From here, we keep going down a winding path around a valley. We also go through the “cloud forest,” where birds like sparrows, hummingbirds, and the Andean bear, also called the “Spectacled Bear,” live.
- About halfway along the Inca trail, we will see what is left of Runkurakay. This half-circle Inca home looked out over the Paqaymayu valley. After a short stop, we head into the Cloud Forest to the Archaeological site of Sayacmarca, which we can explore. Then we keep going to the third mountain pass at Abra Phuyupatamarca and down to the Phuyupatamarca archaeological site (3600m/11811ft).
- We set our camp in Phuyupatamarca and spent the night there.
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4 – Hike from Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- We leave after breakfast. If the sky is clear, we may view one of the most stunning Inca Trail sunrises from Phuyupatamarca.
- We descend a long stone stairway to reach Wiñayhuayna (2,700m/8,858ft), a neighboring Inca city with an agricultural complex, urban sector, and religious core.
- After our visit, we will have lunch with the porters. Then, the porters and chefs say thank you for their hard work.
- We leave Wiñayhuayna to hike to Sun Gate (2,670m/8,759 ft). We face truly memorable scenery, a blend of natural beauty and man’s creativity in the form of the enchanting city of Machu Picchu framed by spiraling canyons and forested peaks. The final 45 minutes are spent walking down the royal flagstone pathway into Machu Picchu’s core.
- On arrival, we will watch the sunset and visit Machu Picchu sans crowds before boarding a bus to Aguas Calientes.
- Our day ends at Aguas Calientes (2,050m/6,726ft); take 30 minutes of buses down.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:00. Take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
- Around 07:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Board the train to return to Cusco later in the day. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.