Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
$855
Tour Overview
Embark on a legendary 5-day, 4-night adventure along the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a journey that promises breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Starting in Cusco, Peru, this trek takes you through ancient Inca ruins and stunning mountain passes, including the challenging Dead Woman's Pass. Experience the thrill of reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise, a sight that will leave you in awe. Enjoy delicious Peruvian meals and the comfort of camping under the stars, with professional bilingual guides ensuring a seamless experience. The tour includes all necessary permits, entrance fees, and support from porters and cooks, making it a hassle-free adventure. With a mix of moderate and challenging trekking days, this tour is perfect for those seeking both adventure and cultural immersion in the heart of the Andes. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco, Peru
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hostel Dorm or Private
Arrival Day
Day 2: Cuzco - Wayllabamba Camp, Peru
Location: Cuzco
Accommodation Name: Wayllabamba Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Cuzco, Trek to Wayllabamba Camp via Ollantaytambo (L/D)
Today you will be picked up at your accommodation between 5:00-6:00 am. One day before the trek, make sure you made all of the necessary preparations. Before starting the amazing trek adventure, you will be taken by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will have an hour to eat breakfast on your own and purchase last-minute snacks, water and walking sticks. Then you will hop back on the bus to Piscacucho where the famous Inca Trail journey will begin. Don't forget to bring your original passport, student card (if applicable) for the first Inca Trail checkpoint. Your guide will have your tickets for you. Start hiking along rolling hills in the Vilcanota River Valley where you will spot at several small archaeological sites on the way. During half-way, you will enjoy a tasty lunch and you will have time to relax before reaching Wayllabamba camp. (2,980m)
Trekking:10 kilometers / 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate trek along a rolling path gradually ascending from Piscacucho 82 KM (2,570m) through the Urubamba river valley for 10 KM to reach Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m).
Day 3: Wayllabamba Camp - Pacaymayo Camp, Peru
Location: Dead Woman's Pass
Accommodation Name: Pacaymayo Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Pacaymayo Camp via Dead Woman's Pass (B/L/D)
Enjoy an early breakfast around 6:00 am before starting off on the most challenging day along the trail, with a vertical hike of 6 km (approx. 5 hours) to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m followed by a 3 km hike down stone steps to reach Pacaymayo camp at 3,600m (approx. 2 hours). You can take your time and rest as much as you need, as you will ascend more than 1,200 meters over the course of the morning. Just after you reach Dead Woman's Pass you will be rewarded with spectacular views of nearby snow-capped mountain peaks and roaring waterfalls. Walk slowly down to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) to enjoy the view. You will stop for lunch and a well-deserved nap. Then you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the camp before dinner and an early bedtime.
Trekking: 10 kilometers / 7 hours.
Difficulty: Difficult trekking day starting at Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) with a constant ascent of 6.4 KM to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m), an elevation gain of 1,200 vertical meters. Descend another 2.4 KM along a stone staircase to reach Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m), a decrease in elevation of 800 vertical meters.
Day 4: Pacaymayo Camp - Wiñayhuayna Camp, Peru
Location: Wiñayhuayna
Accommodation Name: Wiñayhuayna Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Wiñayhuayna Camp via Runquracay Pass (B/L/D)
Today, hike for one hour uphill and discover the beautiful Pacaymayo archaeological site. Continue one hour to Runquracay Pass (3,950m) where you can summit the mountain for amazing views of surrounding peaks. You will have the chance to explore two more archaeological sites called Sayacmarca & Phuyupatamarca with your guide before having lunch along the way. By late afternoon you will reach Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m) set above a river valley in a high jungle climate. After dinner, say a big THANK YOU to your porters and guides.
Trekking: 15 kilometers / 9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways for 15 KM from Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) crossing over Runquracay Pass (3,950m) ending at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) with breaks at scenic archaeological sites along the way.
Day 5: Wiñayhuayna Camp - Machu Picchu - Cuzco, Peru
Location: Machu Picchu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trek to Sun Gate, Explore Machu Picchu, Return to Cuzco (B)
Today, you will wake up between 3:30 and 4:30 am and have breakfast early to live an incredible experience. You will head to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint and join the lineup to wait for the gate to open at 5:30 am. Once the gate opens, you will hike about an hour to reach the Sun Gate. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a clear day! Catch the first glimpses of light over the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then continue down the final length of the trail for 40 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu archaeological complex.
Explore this magical site on a 2-hour guided tour and learn about the history of this incredible Inca citadel. Afterward, you will be free to visit on your own and take pictures at your leisure. If you're feeling adventurous, take an optional trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes from where you will catch a train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus back to Cuzco, arriving back around 20:00. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your way back to the accommodation of your choice. We wish you the best for your onward travels!
Trekking: 7 kilometers / 2 hours
Difficulty: Follow an easy, flat and narrow 7 KM path from Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) to the Sun Gate (2,720m) and finally descend into the impressive archaeological site of Machu Picchu (2,400m)
Important Information
Inca Trail Trek permits (INCLUDED in your booking) sell fast, so we recommend booking in advance. If there are no more permits we will suggest you an alternative hike or you can get a full refund.
What's Included
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Accommodation
The tour includes 4 nights of accommodation with 1 night in a hostel dorm or private room and 3 nights camping during the trek, including a tent for 2 people and basic sleeping provisions.
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Transport
Transport includes accommodation pick-up, train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, mixed transport, and roundtrip bus to/from the start and end point of the tour.
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Activities
The tour includes a 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail Trek, and a visit to Machu Picchu.
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Guides
A professional bilingual guide is included for the trek and Machu Picchu tour.
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Extras
Extras include Inca Trail permits, Machu Picchu entrance fees, snacks, emergency oxygen bottle, first aid kit, thermal sleeping bag, foam sleeping mat, duffel bag, porter, pre-departure briefing, and porters and cook to carry all shared camping equipment.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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Tips
Tips for guides and porters are not included.
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Meals on specific days
Day 2 breakfast, Day 5 lunch and dinner, and bottled water are not included.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses are not covered in the tour package.
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Airport transfers
Airport pick-up and drop-off are not included.
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Guide for transfers
A guide for bus and train transfers is not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes accommodation pick-up, a train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, mixed transport, and roundtrip bus service to and from the start and end points of the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights of accommodation with a mix of hostel dorm or private room for 1 night and 3 nights of camping during the trek, including a tent for 2 people and basic sleeping provisions.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Inca Trail Trek?
The tour includes 4 nights of accommodation: 1 night in a hostel dorm or private room and 3 nights camping during the trek. The camping includes a tent for 2 people and basic sleeping provisions.
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Are meals included during the trek?
Yes, meals are included during the trek. You will receive 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 snacks with typical menus. A vegetarian option is available.
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What should I bring for the Inca Trail Trek?
You should bring your original passport and student card (if applicable) for the first Inca Trail checkpoint. It's also recommended to bring snacks, water, and walking sticks, which can be purchased in Ollantaytambo before the trek begins.
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What is the difficulty level of the trek?
The trek includes moderate to difficult sections. Day 2 involves a moderate trek with gradual ascents, while Day 3 is the most challenging with a difficult vertical hike to Dead Woman's Pass. The other days involve moderate ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways.
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Is there a guide provided during the trek?
Yes, a professional bilingual guide will accompany you on the trek and during the Machu Picchu tour.
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What is included in the tour's extras?
The tour includes Inca Trail permits, Machu Picchu entrance fees, snacks, an emergency oxygen bottle, a first aid kit, a thermal sleeping bag, a foam sleeping mat, a duffel bag, and porter services. A pre-departure briefing is also included.
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What happens on the final day of the trek?
On the final day, you will wake up early to reach the Sun Gate and catch the first glimpses of Machu Picchu at sunrise. After a guided tour of the site, you will have free time to explore before returning to Aguas Calientes to catch a train to Ollantaytambo and then a bus back to Cusco.
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Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
5 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Cuzco, Dead Woman's Pass, Wiñayhuayna, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
58156
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
18-90