Legacy of the Incas
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca
(11 days/10 nights)
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca
(12 days/11 nights)
Empire of the Sun
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca
(14 days/13 nights)
Ancient Civilizations of Peru
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Colca Canyon - Machu Picchu
Lake Titicaca
(16 days/15 nights)
Archaeological & Ecological
Treasures
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru & Ecuador:
Galapagos - Machu Picchu
Lake Titicaca (or Amazon)
(18 days/17 nights)
Grand Tour of the Inca Empire
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Colca Canyon - Amazon
Machu Picchu- Lake Titicaca
(22 days/21 nights)
Ancient & Colonial Capitals
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Machu Picchu
(10 days/9 nights)
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Machu Picchu
(13 days/12 nights)
Machu Picchu & Galapagos
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru & Ecuador:
Machu Picchu - Galapagos
(15 days/14 nights)
Galapagos & Machu Picchus
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Ecuador & Peru:
Galapagos - Machu Picchu
(18 days/17 nights)
Enchanted Isles of the Galapagos
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Ecuador:
Galapagos
(11 days/10 nights)
Galapagos & the Kingdom of Quito
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Ecuador:
Galapagos - Andes
(16 days/15 nights)
Galapagos & the Amazon
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Ecuador:
Galapagos - Amazon
(16 days/15 nights)
Historic Haciendas of the Andes
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Ecuador:
Cotopaxi - Antisana - Otavalo
(7 days/6 nights)
© 2013 Inka's Empire Corporation.
All rights reserved.
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel
Before Phuyupatamarca, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
The Inca Trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones,
continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest
through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns...
Land Price (6 days/5 nights with 3 nights of camping)
Frugal Luxury US$ 2,465 De Luxe US$ 3,085 Imperial US$ 3,495 per person
The land price includes escorted transfers, private trek (with professional guide, porters and equipment), entrance fees, selected category of accommodations, gourmet cuisine (see details) with full board while on the Inca Trail, all transportation, and travel insurance for guests through the age of 59 years (over that age, there is a supplementary fee). For US$ 980 per person, Inca Trail Explorer may be addded to any of our tours that include an overnight in Machu Picchu. All prices are per person based on two people sharing a guest room. For a detailed description of our services, see Opulent Itineraries.
Map
Other Treks
Royal Inca Trail
Complete Tours with Lima to Lima
Porter on the trail toward Wiñayhuayna, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
One of the most popular treks in the world is, without doubt, the Inca Trail. It combines ancient archaeological sites, snow-covered mountain scenery, cloud forests and a rich biodiversity that includes many different species of birds and beautiful orchids. The trek ends at "The Lost City of the Incas" -- Machu Picchu. Here, travelers discover the highly sophisticated architecture of the Incas that amazed the American explorer, Hiram Bingham, when he discovered the citadel in 1911. Although the trek is rated as moderate; before starting, we strongly suggest spending at least two days at this elevation to totally adjust to the altitude.
The cities of the Incas were connected by well-made roads, of which the one from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, now called the Inca Trail, has become the most famous trekking route in South America. Our five-day program allows the traveler time to explore and enjoy the amazing archaeological sites, landscapes and nature along the way. While most other programs force trekkers to speed through the stunning high-altitude Inca Trail, We take the time to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We camp the first three nights, enjoy great meals and sturdy tents. The hikes average six to seven hours each day, including some time to explore sites we pass through and to take in the unparalleled scenery. On the fourth afternoon, we arrive at Machu Picchu after the crowds have left, and have time to explore the tranquil ruins. After a well-deserved night in a comfortable hotel, we return to Machu Picchu to see the ruins in the perfect morning light. In the afternoon, we return to Cuzco by train. This program is specially designed to offer a more relaxed trek and a deeper understanding of Inca culture.
Your private trekking party will consist of yourselves, a select guide who is an expert in archaeology and ecology, a chef, a chief porter and two porters per trekker. The porters will carry the tents, sleeping bags and matresses, cooking gear, food, drinks and other necessary camping equipment, all of which will be provided. They also will carry each trekker's pack of personal items. Departure from or return to Ollantaytambo, instead of Cuzco, is optional. For a shorter version of the Inca Trail, we recommend our 4-day Inca Trail Classic trek. For a short version, see the Royal Inca Trail. A list of what to bring and a commentary about the archaeological sites, landscapes and nature appear in the Pre-Departure Information.
Sayacmarca, Inca Trail
to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Renzo Uccelli. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
What our guests have to say:
My deepest appreciation goes to Omar, who really made the time on the Inca Trail special...
Omar Aragón was the best guide on the Inka Trail and for Machu Picchu. Despite inclement weather, he kept everyone's spirits high. His energy is contagious, and his friendly and welcome manner was appreciated. Would highly recommend Omar as a guide for Cusco, Inka Trail and Machu Picchu.
-- Ron Ellis
We camped off the beaten path and felt we had a unique experience
compared to other groups.
We had an wonderful time! Everything went totally smoothly without hitch or hangup. Our guide, Manuel Usca was absolutely incredible. A totally excellent person and master of the Inca Trail. We camped off the beaten path and felt we had a unique experience compared to other groups. I would recommend him HIGHLY to anyone wanting a once in a lifetime experience. Our porters and chef were also top notch -- they earned our admiration and respect. Thank you for arranging an amazing trip!
-- Matthew Dugan, Chelsea Dugan & Brian Jeffery
I'm infinitely glad that I engaged the services of Inka's Empire Tours...
Yes! We had a fantastic time. The tour was incredible and the quality of service impeccable. I must admit that the hike was harder than I had imagined but all the more spectacular and satisfying... Teddy was the best guide we could have hoped for. His knowledge of the flora and fauna combined with his understanding of history and archeology was amazing. We managed to camp in 3 beautiful spots and rarely saw other tourists along the way, except for at the highest pass. I think this had to do with Teddy's understanding of timing and the fact that we were doing the 5-day tour instead of the 4 day one. Most recommended because the feeling of having the Inca Trail all to yourself is well worth it... Both the evenings in the Sanctuary Lodge and the Monasterio were wonderful, a most appreciated luxury after 3 nights in tents.
-- Valerie Seefried
I don't know what to really say about this hike except that it is really amazing...
With respect to the porters, guide, chef everything was perfect. In fact, I actually preferred our chef's cooking to any of the restaurants. A little simpler food, which I enjoy. He did a great job with Jessica's dietary needs, in fact lots of the food was entirely vegetarian and I also enjoyed it. We had fun playing cards and drinking wine with the group. The wine was excellent. Having the portable toilet is a huge plus. I can say without that I don't think Jessica would have enjoyed herself. The tent and sleeping bags were good. We had followed the instructions you provided and were well prepared.
-- Edwin Upson & Jessica Sklute
Pyramidal Temple of
the Sun, Machu Picchu.
Photo: Renzo Uccelli. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
Highlights
Inca Trail (Llaqtapata)
Day 1: Cuzco or Sacred Valley - Inca Trail (Chillca - Llaqtapata). Drive through the Sacred Valley to Chillca, our trailhead at Km. 77 of the Cuzco-Machu Picchu railroad. Forty-seven kilometers away, hidden in the mist, lies the fabled Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Crossing a footbridge, we trek through a dry cactus zone beneath soaring views of Mt. Veronica, with the turbulent Urubamba River on our right. We reach our campsite at the terraces of Llaqtapata, and explore the outlying areas of this ancient and massive complex.
Inca Trail (Llulluchapampa)
Day 2: Inca Trail (Llaqtapata - Llulluchapampa). The trail climbs gently into the mountains through the last inhabited village of Huayllabamba, and then more steeply past a rushing stream through enchanted, native polylepis woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. We camp below mighty crags, looking eastward to the snowpeaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif.
Inca Trail (Phuyupatamarca)
Day 3: Inca Trail (Llulluchapampa - Phuyupatamarca). We climb to the first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200 m/13,776 ft). Descending to the forested Pacamayo Valley, we pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again, past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. We reach the second pass, then descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca, an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba Valley. At the third pass, we camp by pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms overlooking the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca.
Inca Trail (Machu Picchu)
Day 4: Inca Trail (Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu). We explore Phuyupatamarca, then begin a long descent through cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to the site of Wiñay Wayna. In the afternoon, we follow the last stretch of trail to Intipunku and encounter a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. We descend the royal flagstone walkway through the heart of Machu Picchu before staying overnight in the Sanctuary Lodge. Dinner at the hotel's Tampu Restaurant. Overnight in the Orient-Express Sanctuary Lodge.
Cuzco
Day 5: Machu Picchu - Orient-Express Vistadome - Cuzco. We spend the day in both guided and individual exploration. Lunch at the hotel's Tampu Restaurant. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Cuzco. Evening arrival at the Poroy Station, on the outskirts of Cuzco, reception and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in the Orient-Express Monasterio.
Your next destination
Day 6: Cuzco - Your next destination. Breakfast. Transfer to the airport or train station.
Exceptions to the itinerary:
Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicated.
Details
Trail toward Llaqtapata, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
Day 1: Cuzco or Sacred Valley - Inca Trail (Chillca - Llaqtapata)
A spectacular drive through the Sacred Valley takes us to Chillca, our trailhead at Km. 77 of the Cuzco-Machu Picchu railroad. Forty-seven kilometers away, hidden in the mist, lies the fabled Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Crossing a footbridge, we take an undulating trek through a dry cactus zone beneath soaring views to the snows of Mt. Veronica, with the turbulent Urubamba River on our right. We reach our campsite at the imposing, sculpted Inca farming terraces of Llaqtapata, and explore further downstream to the outlying areas of this ancient and massive complex.
Sayacmarca, Inca Trail
to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Renzo Uccelli. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
Day 2: Inca Trail (Llaqtapata - Llulluchapampa)
The trail climbs gently into the mountains through the last inhabited village of Huayllabamba, and then more steeply past a rushing stream through enchanted, native polylepis woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. We camp below mighty crags, looking eastward to the snowpeaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif.
Sayacmarca, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
Day 3: Inca Trail (Llulluchapampa - Phuyupatamarca)
We climb to the first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200 m/13,776 ft), with spectacular views of the trail ahead to the second pass. Descending to the forested Pacamayo Valley, we pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again, past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. We reach the second pass, where the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snowpeaks of the Pumasillo range, then descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba Valley. The Inca Trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass, we camp by pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms overlooking the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town).
Intipata, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
Day 4: Inca Trail (Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu)
We explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways spilling down the mountainside at Phuyupatamarca, then begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to the site of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites. In the afternoon, we follow the last stretch of trail across a steep mountainside through a lush, humid cloud forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. Suddenly, we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry -- a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu.
We descend the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and through the heart of Machu Picchu before staying overnight in the Sanctuary Lodge. From its terrace and nearby lookouts, we'll be able to watch the sunset, southern constellations and sunrise over the citadel, from high above the canyon of the Urubamaba River. A gourmet dinner of Peruvian-Mediterranean cuisine by chef Paulino Huaman at the hotel's Tampu Restaurant. Overnight in the Orient-Express Sanctuary Lodge
Citadel of Machu Picchu.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
The temples and royal chambers, throughout the Empire, were lined with gold, and, in preparing the stone, they left niches and empty spaces in which to put all sorts of human or animal figures: birds, or wild beasts, such as tigers, bears, lions, wolves, dogs and wildcats, deer, guanacos, vicuñas and even domestic ewes, all of which were made of gold and silver....
Imitation of nature was so consummate that they even reproduced the leaves and little plants that grow on walls; they also scattered here and there, gold or silver lizards, butterflies, mice and snakes, which were so well made and so cunningly placed, that one had the impression of seeing them run about in all directions....
In all the royal mansions there were gardens and orchards given over to the Inca's moments of relaxation. Here were planted the finest trees and the most beautiful flowers and sweet-smelling herbs in the kingdom, while quantities of others were reproduced in gold and silver, at every stage of their growth, from the sprout that hardly shows above the earth, to the full-blown plant, in complete maturity. There were also fields of corn with silver stalks and gold ears, on which the leaves, grains, and even the corn silk were shown.
In addition to all this, there were all kinds of gold and silver animals in these gardens, such as rabbits, mice, lizards, snakes, butterflies, foxes, and wildcats... Then there were birds set in the trees, as though they were about to sing, and others bent over the flowers, breathing in their nectar. There were roe deer and deer, lions and tigers, all the animals in creation, in fact, each placed just where it should be.
-- Garcilaso de la Vega, The Royal Commentaries of the Inca, 1609
Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
Day 5: Machu Picchu - Orient-Express Vistadome - Cuzco
We spend the day in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the best-known features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. One memorable possibility is the steep trail to the top of Huayna Picchu (Young Peak), a strenuous, two-hour round-trip. Other trails lead to the Temple of the Moon (a moderate, four-hour round-trip), the Inca Drawbridge (an easy, one-hour round-trip) or Machu Picchu's multitude of hidden nooks and crannies. A lunch by chef Huaman at the hotel's Tampu Restaurant.
After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Cuzco. Evening arrival at the Poroy Station, on the outskirts of Cuzco, reception and transfer to your hotel. A dinner of inspired dishes influenced by French cuisine and created with local produce of the highest quality by executive chef Federico Ziegler at the Restaurante El Tupay. Overnight in the Orient-Express Monasterio.
Vistadome from Machu Picchu to Cuzco.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel. Machu Picchu Luxury Tours & Travel.
Day 6: Cuzco - Your next destination
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport or train station.
© 2013 Inka's Empire Corporation, Machu Picchu Luxury Tours. All rights reserved.
