Slow Version Inca Trail 5 Days

Highlights of the 5-Day Inca Trail

Trip Details

• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Depart from: Km 82
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Season: Every day except February (Inca Trail closed)
• Destination: Lost City of Machu Picchu
• Total distance: 43 km / 26 mi

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• 
  Book with Confidence & Flexibility
  
  – change travel dates with no fees and pay your balance online or in Cusco.
• Slow-Paced Route –
  The same Classic Inca Trail, but with shorter hiking days and more time to explore
  each site—ideal for families, couples, and anyone who wants to enjoy every moment.
• More Time at Inca Sites –
  Spend extra time at archaeological treasures like Llaqtapata, Runkurakay,
  Sayacmarca, Conchamarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna.
• Two Entries to Machu Picchu –
  Arrive via the Sun Gate for sunset on Day 4 and return the next morning for sunrise
  and a full guided tour.
• Panoramic Train Return –
  Travel back to Cusco on the
  Vistadome panoramic train, then private transfer to your hotel.
• Small-Group Experience –
  Small groups for personalized guiding and more flexibility on the trail.
• Responsible Travel –
  Fair treatment and wages for porters and support for social projects in Cusco.

Take the time to truly enjoy the Classic Inca Trail—walk slower, explore deeper, and
savor two unforgettable visits to Machu Picchu.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Cusco – Km 82 – Llaqtapata – Wayllabamba

Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 05:00 and drive to Km 82, the
official starting point of the Inca Trail. While you get ready, your chef prepares the
first breakfast. After checking in at the control point (original passport required),
you begin your 4-day journey along the ancient Inca path.

Hike about 4 hours along the left bank of the Urubamba
River, visiting local villages and the impressive Inca site of
Llaqtapata, an important administrative and agricultural center at
the foot of the mountain. Lunch is served in the village of Tarayoc.

In the afternoon, continue for ~2 hours along the Cusichaca
River to reach Wayllabamba (3,000 m), where you’ll camp
near local villagers. Your tents will be ready, with warm water to wash, tea time,
dinner, and a comfortable night under the stars.

• Walking distance: 13 km / 8 mi
• Duration: ~6 hours
• Campsite altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 2 | Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo

Wake up early with coffee or coca tea in your tent, have a nutritious breakfast, and
prepare for the most challenging day of the trek—climbing to
Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 m.

Hike about 4 hours uphill to Llulluchapampa
(3,800 m) for lunch, passing through cloud forest, native flora, and sections of the
original stone-paved Inca Trail along the way. After lunch, continue for another
2 hours to the top of Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the
Inca Trail.

At the summit, enjoy the views while your guide explains the significance of these
high passes and performs a traditional offering to the Apus (mountain spirits). Then
descend for about 2 hours to the Pacaymayo Alto
campsite (3,650–3,700 m).

• Walking distance: ~10 km / 6.2 mi
• Duration: ~6 hours
• Campsite altitude: ~3,600–3,700 m / 11,811–12,140 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 | Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Conchamarca – Phuyupatamarca

After breakfast, begin climbing to the second high pass at
Runkurakay (~4,000 m). Visit the small circular Inca ruin of
Runkurakay on the way, then enjoy sweeping views of mountains, waterfalls, and lakes
from the top.

From the pass, descend into the cloud forest, visiting the stunning sites of
Sayacmarca and Conchamarca. The trail becomes more
lush and moss-covered, with orchids and ferns lining the stone path. Your third
campsite is at Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m), whose name means “Town in
the Clouds.”

This campsite offers some of the most spectacular sunsets and stargazing on the Inca
Trail, with panoramic views over the Urubamba range.

• Walking distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
• Duration: ~8 hours
• Campsite altitude: 3,680 m / 12,073 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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

Wake early to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises on the Inca Trail. After
breakfast, enjoy a guided visit of Phuyupatamarca, then begin
descending down the famous stone steps toward Intipata, with
magnificent views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains.

Continue to Wiñay Wayna (2,652 m), the largest and most beautiful
Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu. Explore its sweeping terraces, temples,
and urban areas while your guide explains its role in Inca times. Meanwhile, your
trekking team prepares a special last lunch nearby.

After lunch and farewells to your porters and chef (tipping optional), hike the final
stretch of the Inca Trail—a ~1-hour climb to the Sun Gate
(Intipunku). From here, enjoy your first and most impressive view of
Machu Picchu. Then descend for about 1 hour to the upper terraces of
the citadel, arriving in the late afternoon to experience Machu Picchu with fewer
people.

After a short visit to the upper viewpoints, take the bus down to
Aguas Calientes, have dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the
night in a 3-star hotel (Intipunku or similar).

• Walking distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Duration: ~8 hours
• Aguas Calientes altitude: ~2,000 m / 6,562 ft
• Hotel: Intipunku or similar (3★)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 | Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas) – Cusco

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel and take one of the first buses up to
Machu Picchu. At the checkpoint, show your original passport and
entrance ticket. Your guide will first take you to the Inca Bridge or
another viewpoint, then begin a 3–4-hour guided tour through Machu
Picchu’s key sectors: temples, plazas, terraces, and hidden corners.

After the tour, you’ll have time to explore on your own or, if you have booked in
advance, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
(optional and separate from the main Machu Picchu ticket).

When your visit is complete, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch
(not included), and then board the Vistadome panoramic train to
Ollantaytambo. A private van will transfer you back to Cusco, with the tour finishing
at your hotel around 19:30.

• Guided tour duration: ~4 hours
• Hotel this night: Not included
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)

Everything That’s Covered

• Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco
• Professional Inca Trail tour guide (2 guides for groups of 9+)
• 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 kg of your belongings
• Chef to prepare daily meals on the trail
• All meals on the trek except last day’s lunch (Day 5)
• 4-person tents (Eureka or similar) for every 2 trekkers
• Dining tent with tables, chairs, and tableware
• Drinkable water provided after lunch on Day 1
• Vistadome panoramic train back to Cusco region
• Taxes and booking fees included
• Portable toilets and solar showers available at campsites (where permitted)

Price & Discounts

Tour Price

Price per person: USD $890
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To book the Inca Trail 5 Days tour to Machu Picchu, you need to
make an initial payment of USD $200 per person. The remaining
balance can be paid online, in installments, or in Cusco with any credit card—no
booking fees.

A minimum of 2 participants per booking is required to guarantee departure. Solo
travelers, please contact us to join an existing group departure.

Student Discount

• Travelers under 17 receive a USD $35 discount.
• Travelers 25 or under at the time of travel can also receive a
  USD $35 discount with a valid
  
  student ID
  .
  Please email us in advance so we can provide a discount code.

Smart Packing Guide – 5-Day Inca Trail

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal gear in a duffel bag (including sleeping
bag and air mattress). You’ll hike each day with a small daypack. Pack light, layer
your clothing, and be prepared for cold nights and warm days in the cloud forest.

Essentials

• Original passport (required for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu; no photocopies)
• Valid student ID (if booked with student discount)
• Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots
• Small daypack (15–25 L) suitable for Machu Picchu regulations
• Water storage for at least 2 L (hydration bladder or reusable bottles)

What to Carry in Your Daypack

You’ll have access to your duffel only at camp, so anything you need during the day
must be in your daypack.

• Light rain jacket/poncho (always with you)
• Warm layer (fleece or light down jacket)
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and a small bag for trash
• Personal medication, band-aids, blister care
• Camera/phone, spare batteries, small power bank
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate)
• Cash (small bills) for snacks, drinks, tips, and souvenirs

What to Pack in Your Duffle Bag (up to 7 kg)

• Sleeping bag (–5°C to –10°C rating; rentable if needed)
• Inflatable mattress (if renting; foam mat is included)
• 2–3 pairs of trekking pants
• 1 pair of comfortable pants or leggings for camp
• 4–5 moisture-wicking T-shirts or long-sleeve tops
• 1 warm fleece or down jacket
• Thermal base layers for cold nights
• 5–6 pairs of hiking socks and 3–4 pairs of light socks
• 5–6 sets of underwear
• Warm hat and light gloves
• Quick-dry towel and basic toiletries
• Flip-flops or light shoes for camp and Aguas Calientes
• Plastic bags or packing cubes to separate wet/dirty clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the 5-day Inca Trail different from the 4-day version?

The 5-day Inca Trail follows the same route and campsites as the
Classic 4-day Inca Trail but spreads the distance over more days and extends the final
section into a night in Aguas Calientes. This means shorter hiking days, more time at
the archaeological sites, and two separate visits to Machu Picchu (sunset and sunrise).

How difficult is the 5-day Inca Trail?

It is rated moderate. You should be comfortable hiking 6–8 hours a
day on steep, uneven stone steps at high altitude. However, because the 5-day version
uses shorter stages than the 4-day trail, it is more manageable for families, children,
and travelers who prefer a slower pace.

What is the highest altitude on this trek?

The highest point is Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at
4,215 m / 13,828 ft on Day 2. Other passes such as Runkurakay are
around 4,000 m / 13,123 ft.

When is the Inca Trail open?

The Inca Trail is open every month except February, when it closes
for heavy rains and maintenance. The driest and most popular months are May–August;
April, September, October, and November are great shoulder months with fewer crowds.

Do I need to acclimatize before the trek?

Yes. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek
starts so your body can adjust to the altitude (3,399 m / 11,151 ft). Use these days
for light activities and drink plenty of water.

Are Inca Trail permits included?

Yes. Your Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket are included in the tour
price. Permits are limited and sell out quickly, so early booking is essential.

Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes. You can add Huayna Picchu or
Machu Picchu Mountain for an additional fee. Spaces are limited and
must be reserved at the time of booking your trek, as they require separate tickets.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

The 5-day slow version is often recommended for families and older travelers because of
its shorter daily distances and more relaxed pace. However, everyone should be in
reasonably good health and comfortable walking for several hours each day.

What Covid-19 safety measures are in place?

TreXperience follows current local regulations, including temperature checks when
required, hand sanitizer available for travelers and staff, 100% online payments with
no booking fees, and flexible booking policies in case your plans change due to
COVID-19.

How to Book Your 5-Day Inca Trail Tour

1. Check availability:
   Contact us with your preferred dates and group size, or check live availability on
   our website. Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out months in advance.
2. Choose options:
   Decide if you’d like to add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, upgrade hotels,
   or request a private tour.
3. Pay your deposit:
   Secure your permits with a USD $200 deposit per person via our
   secure online payment system. The remaining balance can be paid online in
   installments or in Cusco.
4. Send your details:
   Fill out the booking form with passport information, student ID details (if
   applicable), dietary needs, and emergency contact information.
5. Receive confirmation:
   We’ll send your confirmed itinerary, permit details, packing list, and the time and
   place for your pre-departure briefing in Cusco.
6. Arrive & enjoy:
   Arrive in Cusco, acclimatize, attend your briefing, and then set off along the
   Classic Inca Trail—at a slower, more enjoyable pace—toward Machu Picchu.

Reserve your 5-Day Inca Trail tour today with a small deposit and let us handle all
the logistics—so you can focus on the journey, the ruins, and that first view of Machu
Picchu through the Sun Gate.