Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

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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

  • Hike the original and legendary Inca Trail.

  • See ancient Inca ruins along the trek.

  • Reach Machu Picchu in the early morning.

  • Explore the Sun Gate for stunning views of Machu Picchu.

  • Discover the beautiful Pacaymayo archaeological site.

  • Visit the archaeological sites of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca.

  • Enjoy delicious Peruvian food during the trek.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Cuzco, Peru

Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Hostel Dorm or Private

Arrival Day

Today you can arrive in time that fits you the best and find your way to your accommodation of choice. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own and get ready for the adventure ahead!

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

Machu Picchu, 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Activities

    The tour includes a 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail Trek, and a visit to Machu Picchu.

  • Guides

    A professional bilingual guide is included for the trek and Machu Picchu tour.

  • 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

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.

  • Tips

    Tips for guides and porters are not included.

  • Meals on specific days

    Day 2 breakfast, Day 5 lunch and dinner, and bottled water are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses are not covered in the tour package.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport pick-up and drop-off are not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Jonas Nesset(Norway)  

The company is exceptional. When...

Dec 10 2019

The company is exceptional. When I had questions, I always got prompt and professional answers. The excursions that Bamba organized were fantastic! Thank you once again for everything!

Shane Alce(United Kingdom)  

For true explorers....

Aug 12 2019

For true explorers.

Marian Reder(Germany)  

To this day, this is...

Oct 2 2019

To this day, this is the best tour we've ever done together as a couple! The fun activities, great hotels and nice guides worth the money! We were always taken care of and they made sure that we had a good time. This tour is definitely worth taking.

Tanja Ottosen(Denmark)  

The Bamba Team really made...

Jan 9 2020

The Bamba Team really made my journey one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Still so nice and supportive! They handled everything and responded to each question within a few minutes. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Especially if you want to do a lot of activities and travel to a lot of different places without feeling rushed. They've also helped me with specific issues that weren't covered by the tour, as well as answering general questions. Thank you so much for making my journey so enjoyable! ...more ...less

Braiden Rowe(United States)  

The tour was fantastic; I...

Feb 12 2020

The tour was fantastic; I was able to visit some of Japan's most beautiful locations, and the accommodations were excellent, with convenient access to the city's best attractions. Also, our tour guide was fantastic. I will pick bamba again and recommend the tour to anyone who wants to see Japan while having a good time!! ...more ...less

Aaron Davies(Australia)  

I only have good words...

Oct 23 2019

I only have good words about our trip to Kenya. The entire experience was totally magical and I struggle to say how fantastic it was. We were fortunate enough to have a brilliant vehicle for ourselves, but we had great luck with David for our guide too. He was very knowledgeable, courteous and nice. Thank you for helping to create this fantastic safari experience. I Highly recommend this company. ...more ...less

Matteo Hoffmeister(Germany)  

Bamba Experience has been the...

Jun 5 2019

Bamba Experience has been the best tour guide I've ever had. Every tour has been a thrilling experience. There are so many things to choose from. Bamba has been extremely helpful in providing us with all of the necessary information for our departures and activities! Bamba has made this a simple and enjoyable experience. I'll certainly tell my friends and family about it! Thank you very much, Bamba!! ...more ...less

Melanie Liu Chang(Australia)  

We organized a trip through...

Feb 20 2020

We organized a trip through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia on the hop-on, hop-off bus. It made the trip so much simpler for us as first-time travelers because we just had to send an email to arrange the bus, which avoided the hassle of looking for the best price and so on! We also had a number of tours included, they were all amazing and saved us the trouble of trying to find the best offers on our own; it also meant we got to see a lot of stuff we wouldn't have seen otherwise. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that I will strongly suggest and use again! ...more ...less

Marius Halvorson(Norway)  

Our Bamba tour of Vietnam...

Jun 25 2019

Our Bamba tour of Vietnam was fantastic. We had a lot of new experiences and all of the help we needed to make this a stress-free vacation. The well-organized accomodation and transportation were excellent. We will certainly use Bamba in the future.

Alexis Helman(Australia)  

I had booked our Uyuni...

Jun 25 2019

I had booked our Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure 3D/2N (Uyuni to Atacama) tour via an Australian travel agency, but they had made an error and refused to assist us or take responsibility. This was very difficult for us because we wanted to have a stress-free honeymoon. I contacted Bamba and I asked if we could talk on the phone so they made the improvements to our tour reservation that our travel agent declined to make. The quality of service was exceptional and they generously offered to us a complimentary gift because it was our honeymoon. I can't say enough good things about Bamba. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Monday

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025
$855 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025
$855 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Mar 24, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
$855 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Mar 25, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$855 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Mar 27, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025
$855 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025
$855 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
$855 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

Bamba Travel

Tour code:

58156

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 18

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

18-90

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $855 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 17-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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