Trekking Inca Trail 5 Days

Early morning, we pick you up from your hotel and take you by private transport to the point we will start the Inca Trail Trek 5 Days - Piscacucho, also called Km 82 (2,350 m). Once there your tour Guide gives you a briefing about your Inca Trail 5 Day Hike, and then you will cross the Inca Trail checkpoint (this marks the start of your journey on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu). The first day is relatively easy, considered a warm up day since the terrain is mostly flat, you will enjoy wonderful views of the Inca fortress Huillca Raccay. In the afternoon, we will reach the campsite in the Hatunchaca or Chamana sector, near the Inca site of Patallaqta, where we will spend the first night.

Estimated trekking time: 7-8 hours

Trekking distance: 17 km

Max. elevation: 3,850m (12,630 ft)

Min. elevation: 2,600 m (8,530 ft)

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

On this day, you will wake up early and, after a good breakfast, begin the hike towards Wayllabamba. The trail is almost flat until you reach the village of Huayllabamba, the last settlement you will encounter along the Inca Trail. After passing through the village, you will continue to the Ayapata rest stop, where you can appreciate the stunning views of snow covered mountains and cloud forests. This part of the hike is surrounded by lush vegetation, and as you ascend higher, the environment changes, and the hike becomes more challenging. Eventually, you will arrive at Llulluchapampa, our next campsite (this location offers incredible views, and you might spot Andean deer and llamas grazing nearby).

Estimated trekking time: 7-8 hours

Trekking distance: 12 km

Max. elevation: 4,200 m (12,630 ft)

Min. elevation: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Difficulty: Challenging

After starting the day with a delicious breakfast, we will continue towards the first and highest mountain pass on the route: Abra Warmiwañusqa (translated from Quechua: The Dead Woman's Pass). Climbing to the top and conquering the highest point is a strenuous hike, but the scenery beyond the mountain is beautiful, making the effort worthwhile. This ascent may take approximately an hour and a half, plus another two hours to reach Pacaymayo, our designated lunch spot. After lunch in the Pacaymayo area, we will resume our trek along the Inca Trail, which offers beautiful views accompanied by the local flora and fauna. Along the way, we will visit the Inca sites of Runccurakay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarca, enjoying the impressive views of the Salkantay and Vilcabamba mountains. Eventually, we will arrive at Phuyupatamarca, where we will set up our camp.

Estimated trekking time: 5-6 hours

Trekking distance: 10 km

Max. elevation: 3,670 m (12,040 ft)

Min. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)

Difficulty: Moderate

Today, as usual, after breakfast, we will begin our journey through the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca, descending the long stone steps until we reach the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, where we will have lunch. The fascinating thing here is the architectural complexity of the dwellings, with structures in the upper section connected to the lower section by a long staircase. Additionally, the impressive terrace design makes Wiñay Wayna a beautiful Inca site, also offering close views of the Urubamba River. Afterward, we will bid farewell to our support team and continue our hike towards the Sun Gate, walking along a leveled Inca trail for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, until we reach this magical entrance with views of Machu Picchu. As the sun sets, we will gradually approach Machu Picchu, where we will take photographs before boarding the bus that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes for the night.

Estimated trekking time: 3 hours

Trekking distance: 4 km

Max. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)

Min. elevation: 2,400 m (7,875 ft)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

On this last day of the 5 day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, we will wake up early and board one of the first buses to the Inca citadel, which drops us off at the gates of the ancient site. Then, we will start the guided tour of Machu Picchu Peru, where we will explore and observe the various attractions of this place, and during this tour, you will have enough time to take the best photos of this archaeological site; moreover, depending on the chosen circuit, you can hike the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. The Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights ends with an afternoon descent to the town of Aguas Calientes, here you can enjoy some Inca leisure activities; and then take the train back to the city of Cusco.

• Pre-trek briefing with your Tour Guide;
• A duffel bag for your personal belongings;
• Transfer by private vehicle to the initial point of the trail at Km 82;
• Accommodation: Camping (3 nights), Hotel (1 night);
• Inca Trail Permits;
• Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu (Inca City Circuit) is included.
• Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, 3x afternoon´s hot beverages (If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost!);
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide (a group of up to 10 participants has a tour guide. A group over 10 participants receives 2 tour guides);
• A Trekking chef;
• Super Porters to carry food, camping, cooking equipment, and 7 kg of each passenger´s stuff;
• Camping equipment: Timberline SQ 4XT 4 personal double tents;
• Inflatable mattress (Term-a-rest mattress);
• Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining, toilet tents, and bottled gas;
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C);
• A blanket per person;
• An air Pillow;
• A pair of hiking poles;
• Rain Poncho;
• A T-shirt of the Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu ;
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town;
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;
• First aid kit;

• Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town
• Travel Insurance
• Panoramic Trail from Machu Picchu to Cusco
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu mountain
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory)
• Other extras are not mentioned.

Meal budget: Please allow USD 20-50 for meals not included.
Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, you also receive your own single tent.
Local flights: No local flights are included in any of our Inca Trail packages!

Extra Porter for your Inca Trail: On the Machu Picchu trek has included a personal porter, our super porter will carry 7 kg of your personal belongings including the sleeping bag (2 kg). In case you want to take extra personal equipment, you can rent an extra porter, its cost is the following:

• Super Cool Porter 14 Kg = If you want to carry more than 7kg, we recommend you to book the extra porter. U$ 130 or if you want to share with another traveler, it is the price is U$ 70 per person. This porter will carry only 7 kg of your personal belonging.

Inca Trail Machu Tour operator will provide the double tent. Our tents are of the brand TIMBERLINE SQ 4XT TENT designated for 4 seasons. We provide 4-person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use them! In this way, we provide you with more space and comfort. In case of a single traveler, we provide a 2-person capacity tent. After each trek, we carefully check our tents and fix them if necessary Inca Trail Machu will provide a clean Sleeping bag, Inflatable pillow, and blanket. Our porters will leave inside your tent. Once arrived at the camping, you will find inside your all camping equipment.

The last night you spend at a small hotel in Machu Picchu Peru. All of the hotels we reserve for you are located within walking distance of the train station and are safe and comfortable with friendly and very helpful staff. They have private Twin, Double and Triple rooms, with small private bathrooms and a hot gas water system. Also, this hotel is located 10 minutes walk from the hot springs pools.

We try to include an economical accommodation option for this trek to make it accessible for everyone but if you would like to stay in a Hotel 3 star or more, you have to pay extra. Please request this at the time of booking.

The following hotels are used to accommodate you during your tour:

Hotel Casa de Luz

All Inca Trail Machu travel groups are accompanied by their Inca Trail Machu tour guides, a representative or our personal staff. The aim of our Tour Guides is to take the hassle out of traditional trips and have the best trip experience as is possible. The Tour Guides provide information on places visited, offer suggestions of what to see and do, recommend a good place to eat and introduce to his/her colleagues. The Guides have a broad general knowledge of each country visited during a tour, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also work with local Tour Guides in the tours where we think that more specific knowledge could help to add more enjoyment to the visited places.

Inca Trail guides

Our guide will take the oxygen tank, first-aid kit, and portable communication radios. These portable radios are to contact the trekking chef and porters. We use these radios to coordinate your food, campsite, and any emergency during the hike. Also, these radios are programmed with the Sernanp and Ministry signs.

• Passport original.
• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount).
• Cash in soles.
• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco). 
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
• Sandals or jogging shoes for higher comfort while at camp. 
• Warm clothes, including a jacket, fleeces.
• Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for Sleeping Flashlight/headlamp and batteries.
• Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain, and cold.
• Sunblock.
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET. 
• Toilet paper. 
• Snacks.
• Walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail).

Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies to all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection. Also, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem

Here is everything you need to know about Machu Picchu Trek, one of our most impressive routes.  

What does "Machu Picchu" mean?

"Machu Picchu" means 'Old Mountain' in the indigenous Quechua language. "Machu Picchu", the lost city of the Incas, is an unprecedented historical, natural and architectural complex, a tourist destination that has earned the category of inescapable.

Where is located the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, between Cuzco, the Capital of the ancient Inca Empire, and the citadel of Machu Picchu Peru. The alternation of mountains and valleys along the walk offers incredible and diversified landscapes.

Altitudes during Inca Trail route

During Inca Trail, we will find the following altitudes: 

• "Piscacucho" at 2,350 m.a.s.l. 
• "Veronica Mountain" at 5,850 m.a.s.l. 
• "Llullucha Pampa" at 3,850 m.a.s.l. 
• "Dead Woman´s Pass" at 4,200 m.a.s.l. 
• "Pacaymayo Valley" at 3,300 m.a.s.l. 
• "Abra Runkurakay " at 3,860 m.a.s.l. 
• "Chaquicocha" at 3,670 m.a.s.l. 
• "Phuyupatamarca Pass" at 3,670 m.a.s.l. 
• "Phuyupatamarca Inka complex" at 3,600 m.a.s.l. 
• "Wiñay Wayna" at 2,700 m.a.s.l. 

How many kilometers is walked during the Inca Trail Trek 5 Days and how many hours do we walk per day?

• Piscacucho to Llullucha Pampa: 17 Km (Trekking time: 7 - 8 hours) 
• Llullucha Pampa to Chaquicocha: 12 Km (Trekking time: 7 - 8 hours) 
• Chaquicocha to Wiñay Wayna: 10 Km (Trekking time: 5 - 6 hours) 
• Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu: 4 Km (Trekking time: 3 hours)

How difficult is the Inca Trail 5 Day Hike?

The Inca Trail is considered an intermediate level trek. Since it does not include rock climbing, or hiking on snow, isn´t required previous experience. The most difficult part comes the second day, when we climb a number of stairs and start from 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) to climb to more than 4000 meters (13,123 feet) walking through a small space, later things become more easy as the road continues downhill. Keep in mind that you will carry your personal items, which may include clothing, camera, water, camp equipment, etc; which may add difficulty to the trek because of the weight. 

Is it possible to do the Inca Trail on my own?

If you are an experienced hiker, you may want to go hiking to the Inca Trail on your own, without a tour operator, without a guide, without a carrier, just you and the way. However, that is NOT possible. Government regulations do not allow it, since 2001 hiking independently on the Inca Trail is prohibited. The regulation states that each hiker must be accompanied by a qualified professional guide. The UGM (Management Unit of Machu Picchu) is the regulatory entity that supervises companies fulfill certain requirements to operate this route. The license of each company is renewed annually, likewise, the list of authorized guides and agencies is published on the official website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe

• The camping equipment for the Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights will be returned to Cusco on day 4, you must give the chef the sleeping bag and the mattress.
• The Machu Picchu trek includes porters, who will carry the equipment. You will only need to carry your backpack with a camera, water bottle, snacks, and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in the dry season from May to October), but for your camping equipment, our doorman will take it all the way.

Working conditions of porters

We are sure that completing the Inca Trail 5-Day Hike to Machu Picchu is a life experience and represents the fulfillment of one of your personal ambitions. The satisfaction of having completed the 43 km walk and visiting the spectacular Inca city of Machu Picchu is difficult to overcome. However, this feeling is even better if you know that all the goalkeepers who helped you along the way have been treated well and with the respect they deserve.

Inca Trail Machu DOES NOT ALLOW this exploitation! We guarantee that our chargers carry only an amount given by Peruvian law!

So when you book with us, you not only ensure an unforgettable travel experience, but you can also be sure that you are helping the porters to bring extra money to their homes and that they are valued as the fundamental pillar of our company.

Tips and extra money

It is very important to carry ADDITIONAL MONEY. You must take at least 200-300 soles of emergency money:

• The local people built small markets on the route and you can find water, snack, chocolate, cola, etc. Your first breakfast, last lunch are not included
• Tips to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: If at the end of your walk you felt that your trekking guide (s) and the staff did an excellent job, the tip is appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this. Porters and Chef prefer soles if possible. Guide is happy with US or soles. The amount is entirely a personal preference: however as a guideline we suggest each hiker contributes 40 - 60 soles for the porters, and 60 - 80 soles for the chef. More is always appreciated.

In case there are no more spaces left for the Inca Trail Trek 5 Days, you can still enjoy one of our amazing alternative walks to the Inca Trail!

Inca Trail Treks

If you want to do a short version or a classic trail, we recommend you the following Inca Trail treks:

• Short Inca Trail
• 2 Day Inca Trail with camping
• Machu Picchu hike
• Sacred Valley to Inca Trail
• 4 Day Inca Trail
• 7-Day Inca Trail

Machu Picchu Trek

If the Inca Trail is sold out, don´t worry, you can choose the best alternative hike to Machu Picchu:

• Salkantay Trek 4 days
• Lares Trek (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Inca Quarry Trek (4 days/ 3 nights)
• Salkantay Trek (5 days/ 4 nights)

Peru Machu Picchu Trek

• Choquequirao to Machu Picchu (9 days/ 8 nights)
• Inca Trail Trek (9 days/ 8 nights)
• Amazon Rainforest to Inca Trail (11 days/ 10 nights)
• Inca Trail to Lake Titicaca (13 days/12 nights)
• Peru Treks (18 days/ 17 nights)

When can you book the Inca Trail?

Reservations for the Inca Trail typically open around October 5th each year. However, this date can vary by a few days or weeks depending on the organization established by the Ministry of Culture of Peru.

How many people can hike the Inca Trail daily?

Each day, 500 permits are available for the Inca Trail. However, only 200 of these are allocated to tourists. The remaining permits are for the support team, including porters, guides, and cooks.

How to book the Inca Trail 2025?

To secure a spot on the Inca Trail, you must book through a travel agency. Follow these steps to ensure your reservation:
Visit the website of an authorized travel agency for the Inca Trail.

• Select the date you wish to hike the Inca Trail and check the availability for the 4-day trek. (The 2-day trek can be booked just a few weeks in advance).
• If there are spots available, proceed to make your reservation. Click on 'Book' and fill in the personal details for yourself and your companions.
• Pay for the tour (which includes access to the Inca Trail) using a credit or debit card; Visa, MasterCard, and American
• Express are generally accepted.
• Check your email to receive the payment receipt.
• The night before the start of the Inca Trail, you will meet with your tour guide for a briefing on the next day's itinerary.

When is the best time to book the Inca Trail?

The famous 5 day trek can only be undertaken with an "authorized" travel agency. It is advisable to purchase tours approximately 6 months in advance. Permits become available each October 5th and start to sell out quickly, especially for the months of May to August, which is the peak tourist season.

Where to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Peruvian government ensures the welfare of hikers by requiring them to be part of a group led by a guide with support staff. Therefore, it is not possible to hike the Inca Trail independently; it must be done through an authorized travel agency. Several travel agencies offer tours for the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, including the entry permits. Each agency has its own prices based on the quality of the service they provide. Generally, a tour on the Inca Trail includes the following:

• Entry permit to the Inca Trail
• Official tour guide
• Entry to Machu Picchu
• Cooks
• Porters
• Return transportation
• Camping equipment