luxury short inca trail
Experience the supreme Luxury Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu a 100% private, two day bespoke expedition that seamlessly merges raw Andean adventure with uncompromising five star elegance.
Leave the heavy gear behind and allow our elite team to orchestrate every detail with white-glove precision. This highly curated journey is meticulously designed for discerning travelers who crave the thrill of trekking the original Inca stone pathways and the triumph of arriving through the iconic Sun Gate, entirely bypassing the rigors of a multi day camping expedition. Instead, you will hike through a vibrant emerald cloud forest, savor a gourmet multi course picnic crafted by your private chef right on the mountain, and retreat to the refined sanctuary of a world-class luxury boutique lodge by nightfall. This is the definitive way to experience the grandeur of Peru's greatest wonder with absolute exclusivity, sophistication, and unhurried comfort.
ALL - INCLUSIVE NARRATIVE EXPERIENCE
per person based on double occupancy
Essential Tour Information
Permit Scarcity: The Peruvian government strictly caps this trail at 250 permits per day (including guides and support staff). Securing your spot 4 to 6 months in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your preferred dates.
Physical Demand: Rated as moderate. The hike spans roughly 13 km (8 miles) over uneven stone steps and steady inclines. A baseline level of cardiovascular fitness is required to comfortably enjoy the trail.
Altitude Considerations: The highest point is the Sun Gate at 2,720 m (8,923 ft). Because this is significantly lower than the city of Cusco, severe altitude sickness is rare, though spending at least two days in Cusco prior to the trek is advised for optimal comfort.
Itinerary
Morning: Your private concierge will pick you up from your Cusco hotel in a premium vehicle. Transfer to the Ollantaytambo station and board the scenic train to Km 104, the official trail checkpoint.
The Hike: Trek upward through the vibrant cloud forest. Your private specialist guide will provide in-depth historical context as you explore the ceremonial ruins of Chachabamba and the spectacular Wiñay Wayna complex.
Lunch: Stop at a scenic, shaded rest area for an elevated, freshly prepared gourmet picnic lunch served by your private trekking chef.
Afternoon: Conquer the final steps to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for a stunning first look at Machu Picchu. Descend to the citadel gates and take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes.
Evening: Check into your luxury boutique hotel, where a hot shower and premium amenities await, followed by an elegant, chef-crafted dinner.
Morning: Take an early, priority bus up to the citadel. Embark on a 2.5-hour private, VIP-paced guided tour of Machu Picchu's official circuits, exploring its temples, astronomical observatories, and residential sectors.
Optional: Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked in advance).
Lunch: Savor an upscale, celebratory lunch at the exclusive Sanctuary Lodge—the only hotel located right at the gates of the archaeological site.
Afternoon: Board the Vistadome Observatory train to Ollantaytambo. Enjoy majestic Andean scenery and onboard entertainment before your private driver transfers you directly back to your Cusco hotel.
Inclusions
What is included?
Included
Permits & Tickets: Official Short Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
Expert Guide: Private, bilingual professional guide specializing in Andean archaeology and history.
Premium Transport: White-glove private overland transfers (Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco) and round-trip Vistadome Observatory train tickets.
Luggage Concierge: Your overnight luggage is sent ahead via train directly to your hotel so you hike with only a light daypack.
Luxury Accommodation: 1-night stay in a premier 4-star or 5-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (e.g., Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or Sumaq Hotel).
Elevated Dining: Chef-prepared picnic breakfast and lunch on Day 1, premium dinner at your hotel, and a luxury lunch on Day 2 at the Sanctuary Lodge.
Bus Tickets: Round-trip shuttle bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Safety Equipment: First aid kit, emergency oxygen tank, and 24/7 private concierge support.
No Included?
Not Included
Extra Hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permits (can be seamlessly added upon request).
Dinner on Day 2: Leaving you free to dine at your leisure upon returning to Cusco.
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for all high altitude trekking.
Gratuities: Discretionary tips for your guide, chef, and driver.
Hotels and Camping
5 Star Luxury Stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
After an exhilarating day trekking the original Inca pathways, retreat to the ultimate Andean sanctuary. The 5 star Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an exclusive eco luxury lodge nestled within a 12-acre private cloud forest reserve.
Relax in your premium whitewashed casita, beautifully appointed with authentic Andean décor, plush bedding, and spa like amenities designed for absolute tranquility. Unwind with a hot shower, stroll through lush gardens home to hundreds of native orchid species, and cap off your evening by savoring an exquisite, chef crafted dinner at the hotel's award-winning restaurant before your early morning ascent to the citadel.
Pricing
Pricing
This expedition is operated strictly as a 100% private service to guarantee uncompromising quality, exclusivity, and personalized attention.
| 1 Person | $1,690 USD |
| 2 People | $1,250 USD per person |
| 3 to 4 People | $1,050 USD per person |
| 5+ People | $950 USD per person |
(Note: Final pricing scales based on the exact luxury property selected for your overnight stay. Upgrade your return journey to the ultra-luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train upon request).
Packing List
The Packing List
- Original Physical Passport: Must match your permits exactly to pass strict government checkpoints.
- Premium Daypack: A lightweight 20–30L backpack for your daily essentials.
- Hydration System: A CamelBak or reusable water bottles (at least 1.5L capacity).
- Hiking Footwear: Fully broken in, high top hiking boots with deep traction for uneven stone steps.
- Weather Protection: A waterproof shell jacket, moisture-wicking base layers, and a warm fleece for shifting mountain microclimates.
- Sun Defense: SPF 50+ sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Toiletries & Meds: Hand sanitizer, insect repellent (crucial for the humid cloud forest), and personal prescription medications.