Inca Trail 5 Days / 4 Nights

Accommodation

• Tent: 2 people in a 4-person tent, allowing for greater comfort and backpack storage!
• Camping pillows
• Toilet tent
• Basic foam mattress. If you would like greater comfort during the trek we can rent you an inflatable mattress. See Optional Extras & Upgrades below.
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a Standard Hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hotel with breakfast included and private bathroom. You can also upgrade to a higher quality hotel.

Meals

• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs, and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
• Cook and cooking equipment, plus assistants for larger groups.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Our professional cooks prepare a combination of traditional Peruvian and Western cuisine. Talk to your Travel Consultant during the booking process if you have certain preferences! Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. When served, salads are washed in boiled water.
• Boiled water to drink on the hike (which you can carry in your own reusable water bottle)
• Filtered water provided during the drive on the first day
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
• Lunch on the last day.

Transport

• Collection from your hotel on the morning of the Inca Trail Trek departure
• Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead and return at the end of the trek
• Bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
• Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Trekking Team

• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 8
• Porters, who carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 7kg/15lbs per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire a personal porter. Please contact us for costs.
• Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for our staff to sleep in, plus a budget for their meals

Safety

• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Additional inclusions

• Pre-trek briefing
• Inca Trail Permit
• Entry to Machu Picchu

Meals

• Breakfast on the first morning
• Dinner on the last night

Equipment

• Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you don’t have one with you.

Other

• Tips for the guide, cook and muleteers
• Flights to/from Cusco
• Travel Insurance
• Entrance to the hot springs
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

We offer you the opportunity to personalize your trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades. All options are available during the reservation process; please ask your sales consultant for more information.

Equipment Available for Rent

• Additional Porter to carry your own things (beyond the included 7kg / 15 lbs)
• Sleeping Bag suitable for -5˚C
• Deluxe sleeping bag suitable for -15˚C
• Light-weight aluminum walking stick. Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Thermarest inflatable sleeping pad

Service Upgrades

• Single-occupancy tent & hotel supplement
• Comfort Camping Upgrade
• Aguas Calientes Hotel Upgrade
• If you’d like more flexibility in your return travel to Cusco, consider upgrading to the Vistadome train (Executive Class). This upgrade must be requested at time of booking.

Optional Activities

• Extra Day at Machu Picchu
• If you’d like to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain , let us know at the time of booking as it requires a separate permit.

Important!

• When calculating the cost of renting equipment, calculate using the length of the entire trip, not just the number of trekking days.
• Please be careful with rented equipment! You are responsible for the cost of replacement if something is damaged or broken.
• Any upgrades or trip extensions must be requested at time of booking.

• Students: USD $30 off, in certain circumstances. Please enquire for details about eligibility.
• Youth 12-17: 5% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 5-11 years: 15% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 0-4 years: 75% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking. Children under 4 will not count towards the total number of guests in a group, but will be charged 25% of the per person price based on final group size. For example, a group of 4 adults and one child under 4: adults will be charged the full price per person based on a group size of 4 and the child will be charged 25% of the per person price for a group of 4. Children under 3 will not be considered to occupy a seat on any train or bus, and instead must ride on a parent’s lap. Car seats, cribs and other baby needs may not be included and must be discussed in advance. For more information about travelling with infants and toddlers, please see this blog as well as the Age Requirements section of our Booking Conditions.
• 5% off a day tour listed price when you also book a 3-day or longer trek operated by Apus Peru

The 5 day Inca Trail trek is suitable for anyone between the ages of 10 and 65 who is physically fit and who has experience doing multi-day hikes and overnight camping. You must be able to hike for long periods of time, for several hours each day, and be able to climb steep uphills and downhills.

There are a lot of steep stone steps on the Inca Trail and the descents can be particularly hard on your knees. If you have a knee injury or suffer from asthma, the Inca Trail may not be right for you.

Trekking the Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; make sure you enjoy it! Take the time necessary to prepare by getting fit and doing some practice hikes before you leave home. And once you arrive in Cusco, make sure you take enough time to properly acclimatize to the altitude. Read more of our trekking tips here.

We recommend that you bring the following items with you:

• A fleece or down jacket is an essential item at this elevation;
• Hiking trousers with zip off shorts are a good idea, as day time temperatures can be quite warm, yet temperatures plummet as soon as the sun goes down. You can supplement these with leggings or thermals to wear underneath;
• A rain poncho or waterproof jacket is also important. It can rain or even snow at certain times of the year!;
• Water-resistant trekking boots are advisable. The trail on this hike can sometimes be muddy and wet, so we also recommend to bring extra socks!;
• A warm sleeping bag, rated to -15°C (5°F). If you prefer, you can rent one from us;
• A headlamp or torch;
• A high factor (SPF) sunscreen, a sun cap and sunglasses. The sun can be really strong, especially in dry season. Sun protection is essential!;
• A small daypack to carry your necessary items for each day’s hiking.

For our full packing list for treks in the Andes, see What to Pack for the Inca Trail.

Our blog How to Prepare for a Trek in Peru will also give you some great tips for how to get ready for your trek, before you even leave home.

Our whole trekking team is native to Lares region and know the Inca Trail like the back of their hand! They are some of the warmest, endearing and wonderful people you are ever likely to meet.

Our guides are all licensed and receive regular training. They share their experience, professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm with our passengers on every trek.

Get to know our team!

Want to join a trek? Ready to confirm a departure date of your own, but interested in having others join you? Then Trekkers Wanted is for you! Our innovative Trekkers Wanted system matches people up who are interested in hiking the same trek, bringing costs down and multiplying the fun for everyone! Visit the link to read more about Trekkers Wanted, post your trek or search for confirmed departures!

Note: Trekkers Wanted for the Inca Trail ONLY available while permits last for your departure date.

General Information about hiking with Apus Peru

• Each guide has their own preferred route and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group, and the guide may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.

Specific Information About Hiking the Inca Trail Trek 5D

• The Inca Trail is not open in February
• “Relaxed” does not mean “easy”. The 5D Inca Trail Trek goes at a slower pace with shorter hiking days, but the route is still challenging. You must be fit and in good physical health to do this trek!
• Campsites or itinerary are subject to change, depending on the time of booking and availability of campsites. The Ministry of Culture, the government institution responsible for operating the Inca Trail, allocates campsites to authorized trekking companies on a first-come, first-served basis, and so we cannot guarantee that all campsites described in this itinerary will be available when you book.

Booking Your Inca Trail Trek 5D

• A scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit must be provided upon booking an Inca Trail trek. This is due to government regulations which require complete passport details and full payment of the Machu Picchu entrance fee in order to issue a permit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands.
• If your passport number changes after you book, you must tell us immediately or you will lose your booking. If the name or number on your passport is different from the name or number on your Inca Trail permit, you will not be allowed to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund.
• You must carry your original passport with you on the trail.
• If you booked the Inca Trail at a student rate, you must bring your valid student card on the trail with you. If you do not present your student card, you will not be allowed to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund, nor given an opportunity to pay the full rate.

Extras & Upgrades on the Inca Trail Trek 5D

• If you’d like to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain , let us know at the time of booking as it requires a separate permit.
• This trek includes transportation by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on the Expedition service (Tourist Class), followed by bus transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. If you’d like more flexibility in your return travel to Cusco, consider upgrading to the Vistadome train (Executive Class) for an extra $35 per person. This upgrade must be requested at time of booking.

Does this trek sound like just what you were looking for? If you’re ready to book or just want to find out a bit more information, fill out the Inquiry Form in the top right-hand corner of this page to get the ball rolling. You’ll be connected with one of our amazing sales people who will be able to turn your dream of hiking in the Andes into a reality. For more information on the entire booking process, please see our How To Book page.

Travel insurance is a must! World Nomads offers travel insurance for adventure activities.

• Total Walking Distance: 6km
• Total Walking Time: 4.5-5h
• Minimum Altitude: 2600m (8530 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 2800m (9186 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 2640m (8661 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: 3°C (37.4°F)

The 5 day Inca Trail starts with a relatively easy and relaxed day. Your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your Cusco hotel at a comfortable 8:30AM to drive to Ollantaytambo, the last remaining “living Inca city” in the Sacred Valley (about a 1.5h drive).

Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins and time to visit the market before we have an early lunch in a local restaurant. Then we continue to the starting point of the classic Inca Trail, the trailhead at Km 82 (2709m / 8888 ft), also known as Piscacucho. Here we’ll meet our porters, cooks and entire crew who will help us every step of the way on the Inca Trail. At the checkpoint, we will also have to show our entry tickets, passports and student cards (if applicable).

As we arrive at the trailhead hours later than the ‘madding crowd,’ we will have the Inca trail to ourselves as we start out by crossing the Vilcanota River. From here we head towards the Inca fortress of Huillca Raccay (2800m / 9186 ft) where we’ll have stunning views of the area, including our campsite!

Next, there is a steep descent into the  expansive Inca site of Llactapata (2788m / 9146 ft) where we will spend the night. Time permitting, we will take a 40 min walk to the Llactapata ruins, the first ruins we come across on the Inca Trail, before settling in at the campsite. This is a special treat as most 4-day Inca Trail hikers don’t visit these amazing Inca ruins, actually the largest on the whole Trail!

Remember: Included in the price of the 5 Day Inca Trail trek is a duffel bag in which to pack your belongings which is carried by the porters. Our tireless trekking team will prepare the campsite before you arrive, including setting the tents up for you, and our outstanding cook will prepare delicious meals! All you need to carry is a day pack and water.

• Total Walking Distance: 9 km
• Total Walking Time: 6h
• Minimum Altitude: 2640m (8661 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3750m (12,303 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 3750m (12,303 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: -5˚C (23˚F)

On Day 2 of Inca trail 5 day trek to Machu Picchu, we wake up early to continue hiking along the Kusichaca River Valley, gradually climbing until we reach the farming community of Huayllabamba, the last community on the Inca Trail (3000m / 9840 ft). All along the way we see spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Mt Veronica reigns at a breathtaking 5832m (19,134 ft) in altitude! We’ll also pass an incredible diversity of wild flora and fauna along the way.

Continuing on the trail, we leave Huayllabamba (also spelled Wayllabamba) behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek: an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km up to the first mountain pass on the Inca Trail, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass; 4200m / 13,780 ft).

As we climb, the landscape changes from sierra (alpine) to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation), and we have the chance to spot llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, a type of grass and one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of cloud forest which is home to much of the flora and fauna the Inca trail is famous for, including many different species of birds, such as hummingbirds and sparrows, as well as the elusive Andean bear, also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus).

We will only climb half way up the pass today, stopping at Llulluchapampa instead where we will spend the night. This is a beautiful grassy campsite and if you are lucky, local wildlife might come in and graze near the tents!

• Total Walking Distance: 11km
• Total Walking Time: 10h
• Minimum Altitude: 3550m (11,647 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4215m (13,829 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 3680m (12,073 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: -3°C (27°F)

Today is the most difficult day of your 5 day trek to Machu Picchu, and we will wake up earlier than usual in order to beat the crowds.

After breakfast we will head to the highest point on the Inca Trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (4212m / 13,819 ft). As we have camped higher up than the 4-day Inca Trail trekkers, we should be well ahead of them and have the path to ourselves, and we should reach the highest point after about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. It is a tough hike, but you’ll feel an amazing sense of achievement upon reaching the top! Another benefit of having left early is that you will have clear views across the whole mountain range; this is the best view of the whole trek!

Immediately after the Dead Woman’s Pass, our 5-day itinerary has us descending into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m / 11,808 ft), where we will likely stop for morning tea around mid-morning in order to get a burst of energy for the second pass on the trek, Abra Runkurakay (3970m / 13,022 ft).

Halfway up to the pass, we visit the Runkurakay archaeological complex (3800m / 12,464 ft). This site consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served as an Incan watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lake) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m / 11,887 ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals.

Depending on our progress we will likely stop for lunch at Chaquicocha (Dry Lake) around 2pm. After lunch, we hike the best part of the Inca trail (in our opinion!). The hike from Chaquicocha to Phuyupatamarca takes about 1.5 hours, where you can see beautiful orchids, glimpse hummingbirds, and again have a view of the Sacred River, the Willka Mayu, or Urubamba River (also known as the Vilcanota River). 

As we reach the third pass, Abra Phuyupatamarca (3680m / 12,073 ft), we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas’ ancient craftsmanship, walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain and noticing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. From here, the rest of the day’s trek is relatively easy. 

Phuyupatamarca, which means “town above the clouds,” is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and is located on the highest point of a mountain. While we enjoy a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca, our porters set up our tents and we will spend the night here. 

• Total Walking Distance: 11km
• Total Walking Time: 5h
• Minimum Altitude: 2000m (6,562 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3680m (12,073 ft)

If the weather is good this morning, enjoy your early morning tea, hot chocolate or coffee in front of one of the most spectacular sunrises on the entire Inca Trail 5 days / 4 nights itinerary, with views of Palccay and Salkantay mountains. Your guide may even perform a small ceremony to show gratitude to the mountain gods (apus) before breakfast, in front of this breathtaking vista

After breakfast we will say goodbye to our porters as they will head home during the course of the morning. We then continue our hike through the ruins of Intipata, a collection of terraces that it is believed were used to grow food for the inhabitants of Machu Picchu. 

We continue down the long descending stone steps which will lead us to Wiñaywayna (2700m / 8858 ft), which is the most complete archaeological site on the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu. Also spelled Wiñay Wayna or Wiñayhuayna, this site consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, and offers spectacular views over the Urubamba River valley. The One Day Inca Trail hike – a shorter alternative to the classic hike – also reaches this archaeological site. 

After our tour of the ruins, we leave Wiñaywayna to hike along undulating terrain to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate (2715m / 8907 ft), where we are rewarded with our first views of Machu Picchu! This will take an hour of hiking through highland jungle, along a narrow trail of flat stones that line the cliff edge. From this fabulous spot, we may enjoy spectacular views over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu, weather permitting. For many, this is the most special moment in the entire Inca Trail 5 days / 4 nights itinerary; for others it is just the “icing on the cake” of all that the Inca trail has to offer! 

A short walk beyond Inti Punku brings us down to the entrance of Machu Picchu where we will get a chance to take a picture from the Caretaker’s house in celebration of all that we have achieved. From here, we will take a side path off the trail to go down to Aguas Calientes, as we will save Machu Picchu for tomorrow. We take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where we’ll check into our hotel, before enjoying a celebratory dinner. Then it’s off to bed as we’ll have an early start tomorrow!

A Standard Hotel is included in your trek price, but we also offer the option to upgrade if you’d like a little more comfort!

Today is the final day of your 5 day Inca Trail tour and includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Getting to Machu Picchu

After a restful sleep in your carefully selected hotel, you will have breakfast at a reasonable hour before we make our way to the bus stop at 7:15 AM. While many companies say that you need to board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, or even be there are dawn, we disagree. At Apus Peru, we believe that rest and a good breakfast are important so that you are not too tired to really enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime visit to Machu Picchu.

We will have to wait in line for a bit to board the bus up to this marvellous site, but we will aim for an 8-9 AM entry. 8 o’clock is the best time to visit Machu Picchu because any clouds that often cloak the ancient city in the morning will have burned off by this time, and the site is likely to be a little less busy. It’s the best time of day to visit Machu Picchu, with great views, and a window of time between the Classic Inca Trail hikers and the day trippers arriving by train at around 11 AM or 12 noon. If you book late or have different requirements, we may need to buy a different entry time.

Your Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

Once we reach Machu Picchu, your tour guide will give you a 2 hour guided tour of the Inca citadel. After the tour of Machu Picchu has completed, we will head to the Tinkuy Restaurant located inside the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge hotel, just outside the grounds, and enjoy a wonderful buffet lunch while you reflect on your visit and all that you’ve achieved on the 5 day Inca Trail hike.

Then we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. (If you are feeling adventurous you can walk, but your bus ticket is included.) There are lots of markets that keen shoppers can browse while you wait for your train.

We will take a 2-hour train ride to Ollantaytambo and then connect with our private transport back to Cusco. (Total travel time is around 4 hours.) Our carefully chosen train schedule sees you travelling during the day, getting to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Urubamba Valley and the Sacred Valley mountains.

Feeling Adventurous?

You may wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, but take note: this requires an extra permit, and they can sell out well in advance! Be sure to tell us at booking if you would like to add one of these short hikes, and your Travel Consultant will discuss how adding one of these Machu Picchu hikes may change the itinerary of Day 5 of your 5-day Inca Trail trek.

Not sure which hike to choose? While Huayna Picchu Mountain is the more famous of the two hikes, we think that Machu Picchu Mountain offers better views, plus an incredible understanding of why the Incas built this sacred city in such a special place. For more details about each hike, see our Machu Picchu Hikes blog.

For more tips on what to expect at Machu Picchu, check out our Comprehensive Guide on Visiting Machu Picchu as well as our blog on things to do at Machu Picchu.

Want even more time to explore?

Ask your Travel Consultant about adding an extra day at Machu Picchu.