Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu - 5 days

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Tour Overview

This 5-day Inca Trail tour follows the same route as the Classic 4-day Inca Trail, but gives you more time to explore and enjoy each archaeological site along the way. It’s the perfect option for families, couples, children, or anyone who wants to take their time and fully appreciate the beauty of the trail at a slower pace.Tour Highlights:Book with a trusted local tour operator for an authentic experience.Spend extra time at each archaeological site to fully explore.Arrive at Machu Picchu twice, giving you two opportunities to enjoy this iconic site.Indulge in delicious Peruvian gourmet food throughout the journey.Return to Cusco in comfort on the Vistadome train, which has panoramic views.Support local social projects as you travel, making a positive impact on the community. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • This 5-day Inca Trail tour follows the same route as the Classic 4-day Inca Trail, but gives you more time to explore and enjoy each archaeological site along the way

  • It’s the perfect option for families, couples, children, or anyone who wants to take their time and fully appreciate the beauty of the trail at a slower pace

  • Tour Highlights:Book with a trusted local tour operator for an authentic experience

  • Spend extra time at each archaeological site to fully explore

  • Arrive at Machu Picchu twice, giving you two opportunities to enjoy this iconic site

  • Indulge in delicious Peruvian gourmet food throughout the journey

  • Return to Cusco in comfort on the Vistadome train, which has panoramic views

  • Support local social projects as you travel, making a positive impact on the community

Itinerary

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Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your exciting journey begins with a 5:00 AM pick-up from your hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Upon arrival, our chef will prepare a delicious breakfast to fuel you for the day. After enjoying your meal and getting ready, you’ll head to the checkpoint where you’ll need to show your original passport.

With breakfast done, you’ll set off on a 4-hour hike along the Urubamba River, where you’ll pass through charming local villages and visit stunning archaeological sites, like Llaqtapata—an important Inca site at the foot of the mountains.

You’ll stop for lunch in the village of Tarayok, where our team will provide a fresh meal to keep your energy high. The second half of the day takes you on a 2-hour walk along the Cusichaka River, until you reach the traditional Huayllabamba Village, where you’ll spend the night.

When you arrive, your team will have everything ready for you—tents set up, warm water to freshen up, and a cozy bed prepared for you. You can relax with some tea, enjoy a delicious dinner, and settle into your comfortable tent for a good night’s sleep, surrounded by nature.

Trekking Details:

  • Walking Distance: 13 km
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Campsite Altitude: 3,000 meters
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day early with a warm cup of coffee or Coca tea in your tent, followed by a nutritious breakfast to prepare you for the most challenging part of the Inca Trail. Today, you’ll be climbing the famous Warmiwañusca Mountain, reaching an impressive altitude of 4215 meters above sea level.

The day begins with a 4-hour hike to Llulluchapampa at 3800 meters, where you’ll stop for lunch. Along the way, you'll hike through the beautiful cloud forest, where you can spot colorful flowers, hummingbirds, and walk along the ancient Inca Trail, paved with stones over 500 years ago.

After enjoying a well-deserved lunch, it’s time for the final 2-hour ascent to the top of Warmiwañusca Mountain, the highest point on the Inca Trail. Once at the top, you’ll take in the breathtaking views as your guide explains the significance of this sacred place. To honor the local gods, your guide will perform a special ritual, giving thanks for a safe journey.

The day ends with a 2-hour downhill trek to the Pacaymayo Alto campsite, where you'll settle in for the night at 3650 meters.

Trekking Details:

  • Walking Distance: 10 km
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Campsite Altitude: 3,600 meters
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcu Raccay – Phuyupatamarca

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you'll begin the ascent to Runcu Raccay Mountain, standing at 4000 meters above sea level. Along the way, you’ll explore the Runcu Raccay archaeological site, where you can soak in the stunning views of mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and the majestic Urubamba Mountain range.

Once you reach the top, take a well-deserved break, enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, and prepare for the next part of the journey. You’ll then descend into the Cloud Forest, a lush, green landscape that leads to your third campsite, Phuyupatamrca, located at 3680 meters. Along the trail, you’ll pass by the fascinating Inca sites of Sayamarca and Conchamarca, all while surrounded by rich vegetation.

Upon reaching the campsite, get ready to witness one of the most spectacular sunsets over the mountains. As night falls, it’s the perfect moment to stargaze in the clear skies, making it an unforgettable evening.

Trekking Details:

  • Walking Distance: 14 km
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Campsite Altitude: 3,680 meters
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking up early today will be one of the highlights of your entire journey. Thanks to the location of your campsite, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sunrise over the mountains—truly a moment to remember. After a delicious breakfast with the stunning backdrop of the Andes, you'll take a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca, a fascinating archaeological site near the campsite.

From there, you'll begin your descent along ancient stone steps to Intipata, the "Place of the Sun," where you’ll take in magnificent views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains. After a short break, you’ll continue down the trail to Wiñaywayna, the largest and most beautiful Inca site after Machu Picchu, located at 2652 meters.

Here, your guide will lead you through the impressive terraces, temples, and urban areas while you enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba River. As you explore and learn more about Incan history, your team will prepare a special farewell lunch to celebrate your journey. You’ll have a chance to say goodbye to the crew (tipping is optional) and sing a farewell song together.

The final stretch of the Inca Trail begins with a 1-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), where you’ll have your first and most awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu. After taking some time to savor the moment, you’ll descend for about an hour into the citadel of Machu Picchu, arriving in the late afternoon. This timing allows for a unique opportunity to explore the site with fewer visitors, making the experience even more special.

After a short visit to the upper part of Machu Picchu, you'll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where a delicious dinner awaits at Local Restaurant. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel (Intipunku or a similar option).

Trekking Details:

  • Walking Distance: 12 km
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 meters
  • Hotel: Intipunku or similar

Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Lost City Of The Incas) – Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel, and take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you'll pass through the checkpoint by showing your original passport. Your guide will take you on a 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, where you’ll explore its fascinating history and secrets.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to wander around the citadel on your own, or if you’re up for a challenge, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (different from the citadel) for stunning panoramic views.

Once you’ve finished exploring, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch (not included) before boarding the panoramic Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you’ll arrive around 7:30 PM, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.

Tour Details:

  • Guided Tour Duration: 3 hours
  • Hotel: Not included

What's Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off directly from your hotel
  • Professional tour guide, with two guides for groups of 8 or more
  • All entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • All transportation during the tour, from hotel to hotel
  • Personal porter to carry up to 7 kilos of your belongings
  • Chef to prepare fresh and delicious meals
  • All meals included, except for lunch on the last day
  • Spacious 4-person tents (shared between 2 trekkers)
  • Dining tent with comfortable tables and chairs
  • Drinkable water provided after lunch on Day 1
  • Return to Cusco on the Vistadome train with panoramic views
  • All taxes included

What's Not Included

  • Sleeping bag, trekking poles, or air mattress (available for rent)
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional, must be booked in advance)
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu Montaña (optional, must be booked in advance)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes

Requirements

  • Original passport (required for checkpoints)
  • Rain gear or a rain poncho (weather can be unpredictable)
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • Comfortable hiking clothes
  • Personal medication (if needed)
  • Snacks (chocolates, power bars for extra energy)
  • Water container (enough for 2 liters)
  • Extra money (for tips, souvenirs, or emergencies)

Please Note

  • Student discount: $30 (for travelers under 25 with a valid student ID)
  • Price is based on double occupancy (shared room for 2 people)
  • Single supplement: $35 if you prefer a private room

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    During the trek, you will always have time to explore the Inca sites on your own after the tour guide's explanation.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    All our tours guides are fluent English speakers

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Children must be always with their parents,

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Guest must have a moderate fitness leve

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Solo Travelers must pay a 35.USD as a single supplement, you can be pair up with another traveler as well (during this pandemic single supplement is mandatory)

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    During our tours, we visit local villages where you can buy souvenirs and you need Peruvian Nuevos Soles

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    We use 3-star hotels, based on double occupancy.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    You will always have a tour guide during our trekkings.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Final schedules and hotel names will be provided 48 hours before departure

  • When is the best time to travel to Cusco?

    The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is perfect for trekking and exploring the city, with clear skies and little chance of rain. This is also the peak travel season, so it can be busier. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a little rain, the shoulder seasons (April and October) can also be great times to visit.

  • When do you have to arrive in Cusco?

    It’s a good idea to arrive in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek starts. This gives your body time to adjust to the high altitude, which is crucial since Cusco sits pretty high up at 11,152 feet (3,400 meters). The extra days also give you time to explore the city and its surroundings before your big adventure begins.

  • How to prevent altitude sickness?

    Altitude sickness is pretty common when you head to places like Cusco, so it’s smart to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do to avoid or lessen it: - Arrive early: Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate. - Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is key. - Try coca tea: Locals swear by it. It's made from coca leaves and can help with altitude adjustment. - Avoid heavy meals and alcohol: These can make it harder for your body to adjust. - Take it easy: Don’t push yourself too hard on the first day or two. - Medication: Talk to your doctor about altitude sickness pills like Diamox if you're worried. If you start feeling dizzy, tired, or get a headache, slow down, rest, and stay hydrated.

  • Which is better, Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek?

    Both treks offer incredible experiences, but they’re different in key ways: - The Inca Trail is all about history, as you’ll walk the same paths the Incas did and pass through several archaeological sites. It’s a shorter trek but highly regulated, with limited permits. - The Salkantay Trek is a bit more off the beaten path. It’s longer and tougher but offers stunning scenery, including glaciers and cloud forests. There are fewer crowds, and no permit is required. If you want the classic Machu Picchu experience, go for the Inca Trail. If you're looking for a more rugged adventure, Salkantay might be the better choice.

  • How many people are allowed in each group?

    The size of each group on the Inca Trail is typically limited to 16 people. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easier management on the narrow paths of the trail. TreXperience, like most tour operators, adheres to this limit to comply with government regulations and to preserve the environment along the trail.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Mary G  

Inca Trail- 5 days

17-Oct-2019

I had a wonderful experience on the 5 day Inca Trail. Our guide Elisban, was very knowledgeable and funny. He helped motivate and support along the way whilst making it fun. Carlos organized for my emergency passport to be driven safely to our location halfway through the trip, which was an incredible relief. Leonardo and Margot did a superb job catering for my sister and I who are vegan. The meals were always interesting and so, so tasty. The porters Julian and Gregorio had everything under control, looking way too relaxed for such a big job. Elvis added his upbeat personality and happy smile, telling us little anecdotes along the way. My favorite part of the experience was the focus on community and respect for the land, which Elisban upheld throughout the trek. Meeting the children and families enriched the whole experience. It was lovely being welcomed and shown a glimpse into their lives. Carlos’ dedication to supporting his community, particularly the women and children, is truly admirable. I highly recommend TreXperience. ...more ...less

Jesse L  

Best Inca Trail Hike!

19-Dec-2019

First of all this tour was simply amazing... Of course being on such a hike as the Inca Trail you would expect spectacular views and a great workout but that is not why this tour was so great.. I was with a group of 4 people and the TreXperience service was 11/10 from beginning to end! The service provided by our tour guide (Walter) and by our porters was fantastic. The whole TreXperience team had a real family vibe which made all of us feel very welcome and comfortable. This travel company helps support the local Inca (Kechua) communities by hiring locals to help run the tour. A lot of their proceeds also go towards helping the local Inca communities develop and thrive. This makes for a much more genuine experience and one you won’t forget. Walter’s knowledge of Inca history was inspiring and his passion for the local Inca (Kechua) community heart warming. Hearing the history from a direct descendent of the Incas makes for a really genuine experience. The food as well was perfecto and we actually had our own cook the entire time! Each time we had lunch and dinner it was a three course meal and every time we arrived to our campsite our Porters had already set up our tents and sleeping bags (one would think you were glamping!) Our tour guide Walter was always very clear and well prepared and would make it a point to check in on us and make sure we had everything we needed as well as making sure we were well aware of possible weather changes. Walter also has a great sense of humor which makes for a fun and memorable 4-day hike. We always felt safe and always felt looked after. If I was to ever recommend an Inca Trail Tour Company to anyone it would be with TreXperience. ...more ...less

Lorraine  

Ultimate 5 Day Inca Trail - Excellent experience!

13-Nov-2019

I had an unforgettable experience on the Ultimate 5 Day Inca Trail. The porters are incredible people, carrying everyone's belongings, food, camping equipment etc. It's a tough job however they were constantly laughing and joking which would indicate that they like their job and have good working conditions which is very important to me. They all wore TreXperience branded clothing with back supports and sturdy boots. The chef Jubenal was absolutely brilliant! I told him he was wasted on the Inca Trail and should be working in a restaurant but he said he loved the adventure! We never ate the same meal twice which is some feat when you consider all the ingredients are carried on the backs of the porters. I have a very sensitive stomach and was sure I would experience a bad belly however everything was so well cooked and the hygiene was good so I did not suffer at all! We had warming soups on cold evenings and pancakes with smiley faces early in the morning! Too much food actually, I think the altitude affected my appetite! You will certainly not go hungry on this hike! Our guide Victor was patient and encouraged plenty of rest stops, especially when hiking the difficult Dead Woman's Pass! Trexperience included a free airport transfer with my package which was greatly appreciated. The only negative point I can make is that the itinerary mentioned yoga and meditation on 2 of the days of which there was none and our guide seemed completely unaware of, however our days were jam packed with activity anyway so I didn't miss it too much! Also the toilet facilities are pretty grim at some of the campsites, and there were no porta-potty's as advertised on the website, however I would expect less than perfect facilities when trekking in a developing country so you just have to deal with it! ...more ...less

Kai S  

Trexperience is the best!

15-Aug-2019

I would have been happy just being able to hike the Inca Trail, getting to Machu Picchu at the end was just a bonus! The trek is amazing, it is beautiful, challenging and totally rewarding! But what I will remember more than anything are the people that made it possible. Our chef Carmelo is truly a master of his craft, unfortunately you will have to book a trek to experience this mouth watering adventure. Without our team of porters this would have been impossible. But our head guide Elisban and assistant guide Maribel made this trip an experience that my fiancé and I will never forget. The trekking team truly made this a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you all for sharing your country, culture, and history with us! ...more ...less

Rory  

I did the Ultimate 5 day Inca Trail.

16-Dec-2020

It was amazing from start to finish. Parts were harder than I had imagined, but our guide was amazing and paced things well. When you finally walk through the Sun Gate, you feel an enormous sense of accomplishment. The food was amazing, the guide fantastic. I would highly recommend the 5 day over the 4 day, as it moves a little slower, giving you time to fully appreciate and enjoy the experience. ...more ...less

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    TreXperience requires a minimum deposit of 140 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 2 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trexperience charges.

    Up to 3 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 0 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu - 5 days

5 Days Starting and ending in Cusco

Visiting: Peru

Tour operator:

TreXperience

Tour code:

247327

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

CHALLENGING

Age range:

3-70

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Gluten Free

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Activities:

Hiking

From: $1580 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 28-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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