Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights, is one of the most famous and incredible trekking routes in the world! Inca Trail Trek 5 days 4 nights is one of the most impressive examples of the Inca road were built across the deserts, highlands and jungles stretching from south Colombia throughout Peru, Bolivia, Northern and Central Chile and the Northwest part of Argentina!

The Inca Trail 5 days starts in a typical Andean region and finishes in a jungle region going through cloud forests, Inca tunnels, bridges and snow on the way!!

By booking your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights with Cusco Journeys & Adventure you are choosing the best. Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!

Inca Trail Availability

We offer daily departures on the Inca Trail (excluding February when the trail is closed): Check Availability Here , It is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail Tours at least 4 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out.

Useful Information

• Starting Altitude – 2720m / 8920ft.
• Highest Altitude – 4217m / 13,780ft.
• Walking Distance – 45km / 26 miles
• Coldest Night – Days 2 and 3 around 0º celsius
• Overall Difficulty – Easy to Moderate

Spaces are extremely limited for the Inca Trail Trek, which fills up quickly each season. Don’t miss this unique opportunity. The lush valleys, towering peaks, and eternal magic of the Andes are calling.

Pre-Trek Briefing

You will have an in-depth briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho – Patallacta – Wayllabamba

Today has a relatively relaxed start for the Inca Trail and the walking is easy going to help you settle in to the trek. Beginning at Kilometer (Km) 82 (2,720 m/ 8,922 ft), we slowly make our way along the banks of the Urubamba River with great views of the snow-capped peak of Mount Veronica (5,900 m/19,000 ft).

There will be a variety of native plant and birdlife around us during this stretch. As we continue to follow the trail along fairly flat terrain, we arrive in the small community of Miskay. From here we will gradually ascend for 2 hours and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the extensive Inca city of Llactapata (Patallacta).

You will be able to view over the extensive Inca ruins of Llactapata (also known as Patallacta on some maps). Llactapata means ‘upper town’ in Quechua and was first discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was primarily an agricultural station used to supply Machu Picchu with maize, the staple crop of the Incas.

The settlement comprised over one hundred buildings, houses for the workers and soldiers, including five baths. We will continue  the Inca Trail hike on a path that follows the left bank of the river up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). The name in Quechua means ‘grassy plain’.

We will spend the night here depending on the speed of the group. (This is the last place along the trek that you can buy snacks and drinks).

• Meals: Lunch/Dinner
• Distance Covered: 12 kilometers
• Approximate Walking Time: 5 -6 hours
• Lowest elevation: 2,600 m/ 8,525 ft
• Highest elevation: 2,950 m/9,676 ft
• Difficulty: moderate

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo

After breakfast we will keep hiking the Classic Inca Trail as we climbing up from Wayllabamba following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc River, we arrive in Tres Piedras (three stones). There is stream named after the Huayruro, which is an ornamental tree that has red and black seeds.

Many of the porters from  Ollantaytambo district are also known as Huayruros because of their traditional red and black ponchos. As we trek further up the Classic Inca Trail, we will begin to see spectacular terrain known as Llulluchapampa.

We will walk another 2 hours uphill to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Warmiwañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215m.

Hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The decent from the pass is steep but not difficult. We will follow the trail on the left side of the valley floor and spend our 2nd evening at the Pacaymayo campsite.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Distance Covered: 10 kilometers
• Approximate Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
• Highest elevation: 4,215 m/13,821 ft
• Difficulty: Challenge

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcurakay Pass – Phuyupatamarca

After breakfast, we continue our hike up the opposite side of the valley as we make our way towards the second pass on the trek. Along the way we have fantastic views of waterfalls and flora and fauna all around.

Half way up we stop to have a quick visit to the Inca site of Runcuraccay (an Inca watchtower) and to catch our breath before we continue our climb to the pass (3,900 meters). From the pass we once again begin our descent heading back in to the cloud forest.

After about an hour we arrive to Sayacmarca, one of the most beautiful ruins on the Inca Trail where we´ll have a guided tour for about an hour. From Sayacmarca we continue on down to our lunch spot at Chaquicocha (dry lake) where you can see some of the fantastic flora and fauna the Inca Trail has to offer.

From Chaquicocha onwards we walk along Inca flat (gradual inclines) as we make our way towards our final campsite Phuyupatamarca (3680 meters). This area of the Inca Trail is stunning with beautiful views of the Vilcabamba mountain range in the distance and abundant flora and fauna all around.

It´s about 2 hours walk to our campsite and on arrival we´ll get our first view of Machu Picchu mountain and the Urubamba river far below us. We´ll settle in to our campsite and have the chance to explore the Inca site and as the sun goes down we can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the snow-capped peaks.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Distance Covered: 11 km
• Approximate Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
• Highest elevation: 3,900m / 12,792 ft
• Difficulty: Challenge

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.

Today, we will have the chance to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises on the Inca Trail, weather permitting. After breakfast, you´ll have a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca. We will then start our way down the long descending stone steps to Wiñay Wayna 2,650m/8,692ft, where we will have lunch.

As we near the bottom of the staircase, we will visit the site of Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). This site has beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and was an important agricultural site for Machu Picchu. After Intipata, we will continue to Wiñay Wayna, the archaeological site that is the largest on the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu.

It consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center, with numerous terraces, a religious sector, and an urban sector. This site offers spectacular views over the already narrower Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we will have our last lunch with the porters.

Following, it is a tradition on the Inca Trail to have a thanking ceremony for all the hard work the porters and cooks have provided. If you wish, you may leave a tip for them at this time. After we´ve said goodbye to our team, we will carry on to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will get our first views of Machu Picchu.

It takes about an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones in the highland jungle to reach the Sun Gate. From there, it is about another hour down to the site itself. Upon arrival, we´ll have a chance to enjoy the sunset and to see views of Machu Picchu without crowds, before taking the bust to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

*Private groups can arrange to camp this evening, instead of staying at a hotel

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel Vista Machu Picchu or similar.
• Distance Covered: 11 km (614 miles)
• Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours
• Lowest elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
• Highest elevation: 3,680 m/12,033 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Aguas calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco. 

On our last day, you will get up very early to visit one of the 7 wonders of the World ¨Machu Picchu¨. At 5:30 am. We will go directly to the line to wait for the first buses to Machu Picchu.

We will arrive at the gate when the sky lights up and ascend to the top of Machu Picchu, while taking in the impressive views of the city. On a clear morning, the sunrise over Machu Picchu is magnificent; This moment is unforgettable.

Our tour guide will take you on a 2-3 hour guided tour, where we will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience.

If you have booked Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price).

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft.
• Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft.

Includes:

• Pre-trek briefing with your Inca trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights tour guide.
• Collection from your hotel in the morning of the trek departure.
• Private Transportation by bus to Km 82 (starting point of the trek).
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu.
• English speaking, experienced professional guide.
• Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent).
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request).
• All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientas to Machu Picchu and return.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
• Celebration dinner.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom.
• Basic foam sleeping mattress.
• Private guided tour within Machu Picchu.
• Excellent Meals (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners) – (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request).
• Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coco, biscuits, popcorn).
• Boiled water provided from 2nd day (for drinking).
• Wake up coca tea in your tent.
• Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day.
• Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel.
• Cusco Journeys & Adventure uses walkie-talkies on all treks.
• Oxygen Tank & First aid kit.
• All local taxes.

Not include:

• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us).
• Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain $ 75.00.
• Extra energy snacks.
• Sleping Bag.
• Walking Stick.
• Travel Insurance.
• **Tips for the crew (Porters, chef and guide).

What you need to take

Inca Trail to Machu picchu 5 Days 4 Nights is like any other high altitude trek, so it is essential to be well prepared. As it begins in the dead of night morning, consider to pack the following Items:

• A good day pack: such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (Appropriate pack to carry your personal belongings.)
• Original passport.
• Travel insurance.
• Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support).
• 3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. 
• Layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
• 1 rain jacket.
• 1 warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf and woolen hat for cold nights).
• 4 pairs of underwear.
• 4 shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts.
• 1 good sleeping bag. 
• Travel-size tissues and wet wipes. 
• Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. 
• Sun protection cream (SPF 35 or higher recommended).
• Bug spray with 30% DEET.
• Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camel-back.
• Water (Only for first day of the hike, as we will provide you with water throughout the rest of the hike).
• Camera and film.
• A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
• Bandages or moleskin.
• Flip flops to change into at night. 
• Toiletries.
• Medication.
• Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes.
• Something to read in the evenings.
• Extra money for drinks.
• Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220).

We can leave any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date.

Group Price: $939 Per person

*** Guaranteed to operate with just three guests, this small-group tour offers a truly personalized travel experience.

Private Price:

Private tours are available and priced by party size.

• 2 Trekkers: $1219 per person

• 3 Trekkers: $1069 per person

• 4 Trekkers: $939 per person

• 5 or more Trekkers: $899 per person

Important: Price includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).

Discounts:

• 18 to 25 years old: $25 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: $25 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: $30 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

• Machu Picchu Mountain climbing:  USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
• Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).

Upgrades:

Hotel Upgrades:

• InkaTerra (5 star hotel) – US $480 per person per night (double occupancy).
• Hotel el Mapil (4 star hotel) – US $145 per person per night (double occupancy).
• Santuario Hotel  (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy).

Train Upgrades:

• Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
• Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Need to book in advance).

Rentals:

• Hiking poles – US$20.00
• Sleeping bag – US$25.00
• Private Tent – US$30.00

1.- What is the Inca Trail anyway?

The Inca Trail is the name given to a walking route that partially follows the course of an old Inca roadway leading to the city of Machu Picchu. For most people, the trail begins at the point of “Km82” on the railway between Cuzco and Machu Picchu and ends at Machu Picchu itself.

The Inca Trail is not the name of a particular travel company’s itinerary, although many travel companies offer Inca Trail tours.

2.- Do I need a guide or porters? Do I have to join an organized tour?

Yes, it is mandatory to hire the services of a guide and an authorized travel agency for this Inca Trail trek.

3.- Is the Inca Trail difficult?

The Inca Trail is considered a moderate to difficult hike.

4.- How many hours will I hike a day?

Make sure you pack your comfortable hiking boots, because it is estimated you’ll be walking six to nine hours for each of the first three days and about two hours on the last day.

5.- What are the requirements to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights?

To trek the Inca Trail with Cusco Journeys & Adventure, you must be over the age of 12, with a moderate level of fitness, and hold a passport that is valid for up to six months.

6.- How high is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights?

The trek begins at 2,800m (9,186 ft). The highest point you’ll reach on the trek is approximately 4,215m (13,780ft). You’ll also sleep at 3,700m (11,811 ft) for at least one night.

7.- Is altitude sickness common?

It’s impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude sickness, as adaptation capacity varies from person to person. Most of our travelers experience no problems at all, as long as they take the time to properly acclimatize to Cusco.

8.- When is the high season on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights?

Hiking the Inca Trail is popular all year round, however May to September is considered the high season. This means that permits can be sold out months in advance. However, if permits are not available, there are some options to Hike to machu Picchu.

9.- How far in advance should I book my tour?

To reserve a spot on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights, we recommend you book your tour at least six months in advance during high season (May to October) and three months in advanced during low season (November to April).

10.- Do I need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?

Yes. We require the following information for the purchase of an Inca Trail permit:

• Full name (as it appears on your passport)
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Date of passport expiry (*Must be valid for the date of travel)

Please note that any attempt to modify your personal information will result in the loss of your permission. No refunds will be issued, so be sure to verify your information.

11.- Is it true that the Trail is going to be closed?

Yes, the Inca Trail is temporarily closed during the month of February for maintenance and cleaning.

12.- Can I spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes?

Of course, if you don’t mind taking the same train that departs from Aguas Calientes, according to your original itinerary.

If you decide to spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes, be sure to inform the Cusco Journeys office at least a month in advance so your train ticket is purchased for the correct day.

13.- How do we get back to Cuzco?

After you’ve taken in all the beauty of Machu Picchu, your group will travel by bus to Aguas Calientes and then catch a train back to Ollantaytambo, where you meet you’ll take a bus back to Cusco.

14.- Is it possible to skip the Inca Trail even if the tour includes it?

Yes! Let us know that you don’t want to hike the Inca Trail when you book. We’ll arrange for you to spend two nights in Cusco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. You will rejoin your group at Machu Picchu.

15.- Do porters carry our luggage on the Inca Trail?

Yes! We’ll provide you with duffle bags with a capacity of 6 kg for your belongings so our expert porters can carry them throughout your Inca Trail trek.

16.- Will I be given a sleeping bag and mat?

Sleeping bags are not provided, so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. You can also rent a sleeping bag in Cusco; just let us know when you book. We provide our travellers with foam mats.

17.- What type of food will be served on the Inca Trail?

Our cooks prepare excellent high-quality meals that are perfect for a day of trekking. The menu usually includes: pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables, oatmeal, and eggs. If you’re a vegetarian, no problem! We’re able to cater to your needs. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

18.- Is purified water available on the trail?

We usually offer boiled water from the second day to Machu Picchu, but some tourists prefer to buy it from locals to help the local population.

19.- Can I climb Huayna Picchu (optional)

Yes, you just need to let us know, and we’ll make the purchase to climb this mountain. Remember that reservations must be made at least 4 to 3 months in advance; there’s an extra cost of $75 per person.

20.- Can I bring my own walking stick?

Yes, as long as it’s not a metal-tipped walking stick, as it’s not permitted on the trail. These must have rubber tips.

21.- What is the suggested amount that I should tip the guides and porters?

Tipping is at your discretion, but is always appreciated. If you enjoyed the service you enjoyed from your guides, cook and porters.

By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking:

1. Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
2. You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
3. You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
4. The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.

Cancellations:

1. Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:

ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.

Inca Trail Tours:

1. Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
2. In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
3. Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

Medical Information:

1. You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
2. You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
3. Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
4. Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
5. It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.

Tours and Treks:

1. All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
   You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
2. All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
3. If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
4. Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
5. Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
6. Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
7. Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
8. All tours are done in English.

Delays:

1. Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.

Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!