Ultimate Inca Trail Tour 5 days

Trip Details & Highlights

Trip Details

• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Depart: Cusco
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Season: All year round, except February
• Destination: Machu Picchu Citadel
• Total hiking distance: 48 km / 30 mi
• Type: Adventure tour

Highlights of the Ultimate Inca Trail

• Explore unique and rarely visited Inca sites that most groups skip.
• Arrive at Machu Picchu twice—once for sunset and again for sunrise.
• Spend the night at exclusive, quiet, and spectacular campsites.
• Travel back to Cusco on panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°).
• Enjoy private portable toilets and solar showers on the trail.
• Support local social projects and fair-wage porter programs with a 100% Peruvian operator.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 82/88 – Chamana

Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 05:00 (or from
the Sacred Valley around 07:00) and a 2-hour drive to the Ollantaytambo
area. On the way, you’ll stop for breakfast and visit our
Social Project.

At Km 82 you enter the Inca Trail. While other groups cross to the
left bank of the Urubamba River, we follow the right bank to more
secluded sites such as Salapunku, K’anabamba, and
Machu Q’ente.

After roughly 3 hours, reach the control point at Km 88 – Q’oriwayrachina,
where you’ll show your passport and cross a hanging bridge with Inca foundations. Lunch
is at Chamana, where our first campsite is located, near the
Patallaqta Inca site. In the afternoon, your guide will take you to
visit Wayna Q’ente, a beautiful, rarely visited Inca ruin perched on
a mountainside with superb valley views.

• Hiking distance: ~13 km / 8 mi
• Duration: ~7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 2 | Chamana – Patallaqta – Huayllabamba – Llulluchapampa

After a delicious breakfast, begin the day by exploring
Patallaqta, an impressive Inca complex that most hikers only see from
a distance or skip entirely. Because of our unique route, you’ll often have this site
almost to yourself.

Continue along the Cusichaca River to Huayllabamba,
visiting Incarakay and other smaller sites along the way. Lunch is in
Huayllabamba, the last inhabited village on the trek.

In the afternoon, the trail becomes steeper as you climb through diverse ecosystems
toward Llulluchapampa, your second campsite. This section passes
through thick cloud forest with quenua (polylepis) trees, orchids, and abundant bird
life, with fantastic views of Huayanay Mountain.

• Hiking distance: ~12 km / 7.4 mi
• Approximate time: ~8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 | Llulluchapampa – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runqurakay – Phuyupatamarca

Today you’ll conquer two mountain passes. After breakfast, climb about 2 hours to
Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass) at around 4,200–4,215 m, the highest
point of the Inca Trail. Take time at the summit to enjoy the views and catch your
breath.

Descend about 2 hours to Pacaymayo Alto for a well-deserved lunch.
Then begin a steep 2-hour ascent to the second pass,
Runqurakay Pass (3,956–3,968 m). On the way you’ll visit the small
circular ruin of Runqurakay and enjoy views of the Vilcabamba and
Salkantay ranges.

From the pass, continue about 3 hours along magnificent stone paths to your campsite at
Phuyupatamarca (3,660–3,680 m), “Town in the Clouds.” En route you’ll
visit Sayacmarca and Conchamarca, surrounded by lush
cloud forest. This is one of the most scenic and peaceful campsites on the Inca Trail.

• Hiking distance: ~12 km / 7.4 mi
• Approximate time: ~10 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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

Wake up at one of the most spectacular campsites on the Inca Trail with coffee or coca
tea and watch the sunrise over the Andes. Today’s trail is mostly downhill along
beautifully preserved cobblestone paths.

First, enjoy a guided visit of Phuyupatamarca, then descend stone
steps through cloud forest to Intipata, where you’ll have panoramic
views of the Urubamba River and the valley below. Continue to
Wiñay Wayna, the largest and perhaps most beautiful Inca site on the
trail after Machu Picchu.

After a special final lunch with your porters at Wiñay Wayna and a farewell ceremony
(tipping optional), say goodbye to your trekking team and hike about 1 hour to the
Sun Gate (Intipunku). Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy your
first dramatic view of Machu Picchu as the light softens and the site
empties out.

Descend for about 1 hour to the upper terraces of Machu Picchu, then take the bus down
to Aguas Calientes. Have dinner in a local restaurant and spend the
night in a comfortable 3-star hotel.

• Hiking distance: ~11 km / 6.8 mi
• Approximate time: ~7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

After breakfast at your hotel, board one of the first buses back up to
Machu Picchu for sunrise and your main guided tour. Your guide will
take you to the most fascinating spots such as the Inca Bridge,
temples, plazas, and royal quarters, and explain the history and significance of this
extraordinary citadel.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore further or, if pre-booked,
climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Later, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), then board the
Vistadome panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo. Your private
transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around
18:30–19:00.

• Hiking / walking time: ~3 hours in the citadel
• Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

• 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 (hotel ↔ trailhead, bus, train, etc.)
• Personal porter to carry up to 7–8 kg of your personal gear
• Chef to prepare fresh, hot meals on the trail
• All meals during the trek except the last day’s lunch
• 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers (spacious double occupancy)
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Drinkable water provided after lunch on Day 1
• Private portable toilets and portable solar showers
• Panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°) back to Cusco region
• All taxes and booking fees

Price & Discounts

Price per person: USD $890
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To book the Ultimate 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 or PayPal—no booking fees.

We require a minimum of 2 participants per booking to guarantee departure. If you are a
solo traveler, contact us to join an existing group.

Student Discount

• All travelers under 17 receive a USD $40 discount.
• Travelers 25 or under at the time of travel can also receive a
  USD $40 discount with a valid
  student ID.
  Please email us in advance so we can provide a discount code.

5-Day Inca Trail – Packing List

Daypack

You’ll need a small, light, and comfortable daypack for daily hiking. For Machu Picchu,
backpacks should not exceed 25 liters; if yours is larger, you can leave extra gear in
lockers or at the hotel on the last day.

Duffle Bag

TreXperience will provide a duffle bag the day before departure. Porters carry these
bags; the weight limit is 7 kg (15 lb) including your sleeping bag and
air mat. Pack only what you need for the 5-day trek.

Passports

You must bring your original passport to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Ensure
it’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Students must also show a
valid student card if booked with a discount.

Sleeping Bags & Mats

• Warm sleeping bag rated to –10°C (14°F); rent from us if needed.
• Foam sleeping mats are provided; bring or rent an inflatable mattress for extra comfort.

Recommended Gear

• Trekking poles: Highly recommended for steep ups and downs (bring your own or rent).
• Hiking boots: Waterproof, broken-in, with thick wool socks.
• Sandals or sneakers: For evenings at camp and the night in Aguas Calientes.
• Rain gear: Waterproof jacket, pants, gloves, poncho (poncho provided on the trail).
• Warm clothes: Fleece/down jacket, gloves, beanie, thermals for cold nights.
• Toiletries: Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, dry shampoo, moisturizer, small towel.
• Water container: Reusable bottles or bladder with 2 L capacity (no single-use plastic bottles).
• Toilet paper & wet wipes: Always carry your own in your daypack.
• Personal medication: Painkillers, Pepto/Imodium, Diamox (if prescribed), band-aids, sanitizer.
• Sun protection: Sun hat, long sleeves, high-SPF sunscreen.
• Insect repellent: DEET-based recommended; consider a mosquito head net for July–Oct.
• Headlamp: Essential for nights in camp and early starts.
• Snacks: Power bars, chocolate, candies, crackers, granola (we provide snacks too).
• Extra money: Carry soles for water, toilets, snacks, souvenirs, and tips.

Inca Trail 5 Days – FAQs

What is the difference between the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail and the 5-Day Ultimate Inca Trail?

The 5-day Ultimate Inca Trail visits unique sites that are difficult or impossible to
include on the standard 4-day itinerary. You hike at a slower pace, spend more time at
each archaeological site, and camp in less crowded, more scenic campsites. You’ll camp
for 3 nights in the mountains and spend 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
You also arrive at Machu Picchu twice: at sunset on Day 4 and at sunrise on Day 5.

How high are the campsites?

• Cusco city: 3,399 m
• Start point (Km 82): 2,642 m
• Average altitude on trail: ~3,000 m
• Highest pass (Dead Woman’s Pass): 4,215 m
• Second pass (Runquracay): ~4,000 m
• Machu Picchu: 2,430 m
• First campsite: ~3,000 m
• Second campsite: ~3,600 m
• Third campsite: ~3,600–3,680 m
• Last night (Aguas Calientes): 2,040 m

How challenging is the 5-day Ultimate Inca Trail?

It’s rated moderate. You should be comfortable hiking 6–10 hours per
day on steep stone steps at altitude. Training with regular walks and some uphill
hikes before coming to Peru is recommended.

Where does the 5-day Inca Trail start and end?

The trek starts at Km 82–88 (Piscacucho) in the Ollantaytambo
district. After 4 days of hiking, you reach the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu in the
afternoon. The tour ends at your hotel in Cusco on Day 5 after your visit to Machu
Picchu and the Vistadome train ride back.

When is the best time of year to hike?

Weather is highly variable, so you must be prepared for sun, rain, wind, and cold in
any month. Generally:

• 
  Best months for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu: April–October.
• Driest months: May–August (also the busiest).
• Rainy season: November–March (but it’s still possible to have entire weeks without rain).
• Trail closed: Entire month of February for heavy rains and maintenance.

Why is the Inca Trail important?

Since its rediscovery in 1915, archaeologists have found many temples, ceremonial
sites, and administrative centers along this route—such as Llaqtapata, Runkurakay,
Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku. The sheer number of
ruins, well-preserved stone paths, remote setting, incredible scenery, and unique flora
and fauna make it one of the most important hikes in South America.

How many days before the trek should I arrive in Cusco?

We recommend arriving at least 2 days before your trek starts. This
allows time to acclimatize to Cusco’s altitude and prepare for the Inca Trail.

When is the Inca Trail closed?

The Classic Inca Trail is closed every year in February due to heavy
rains and maintenance work.

How do I get Inca Trail permits?

Only authorized, registered tour operators in Cusco can book Inca Trail permits. You
cannot secure the permits yourself, and you must hike with a guide, chef, and porters.
Permits for the next year are usually released in October and popular months (May–July)
sell out quickly.

Is the Inca Trail dangerous?

Any adventure trip has inherent risks. On the Inca Trail, dangers mainly come from
steep steps, slippery terrain, weather, or not following safety instructions. The best
way to stay safe is to hike with an experienced operator, listen to your guide, and use
proper equipment.

Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?

No. You cannot enter the Inca Trail without a registered tour company. A licensed guide
and support team are mandatory.

How to Book the Ultimate Inca Trail 5 Days

1. Check availability:
   Click “Book Now” on our website or contact us with your preferred dates and group
   size. Inca Trail permits are limited and must be booked early.
2. Choose options:
   Decide on group vs. private tour, and whether you’d like to add Huayna Picchu or
   Machu Picchu Mountain and any upgrades for trains or hotels.
3. Pay your deposit:
   Secure your permits with a USD $200 deposit per person using our
   secure online payment system. The remaining balance can be paid online in
   installments or in Cusco—no booking or credit card fees.
4. Send your details:
   Complete the form with passport information, student ID (if applicable), dietary
   needs, and emergency contacts.
5. Receive confirmation:
   We’ll manually confirm your Inca Trail permits and send your detailed itinerary,
   packing list, and briefing information.
6. Arrive & trek:
   Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days early, acclimatize, attend your pre-trek briefing,
   and then set off to explore the most remote corners of the Inca Trail—ending with
   two unforgettable days at Machu Picchu.

Reserve your Ultimate Inca Trail 5-Day tour today with a small deposit and let us take
care of every detail—so you can focus on the mountains, the ruins, and the magic of
arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.