The perfect trek for those who want who want more time to enjoy the Inca Trail. Also great for those who want to avoid the crowds, the 5 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for you. Recommended for everyone also perfect for families and older trekkers.
The Inca Trail itself is an incredible combination of Inca ruins, magnificent snow-capped mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety. The trail goes over high passes and through the national park of Machu Picchu with unforgettable views and great scenery, whilst hiking through cloud forest, and finally into subtropical vegetation. You will have plenty of time to explore all the amazing places and take pictures. The great climax is the joy of visiting Machu Picchu, one of the world’s great wonders!
The distance of the Inca Trail 5 Day Trek is 45 km and spans through altitudes in the valley from (2,700 m/ 8,858 ft.) to mountain passes of (4215 m/ 13,828ft.). Continuing through the cloud forest toward the Sun Gate to arrive to majestic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu itself. Included are 3 nights camping and 1 night hotel.
4200 m.s.n.m
Up to 8
Group or private
Trekking, self-guided
Challenging
5 days / 4 nights
Pick up early at your hotel at 630am, drive through the Sacred Valley in our private van to Ollantaytambo passing through the villages of Chinchero and Urubamba. Later drive to KM82 and the start of the trek. Trek for 3 to 4 hours to Patallacta for lunch and here will be set up the first camp. Later in the afternoon explore the archaeological site of Patallacta. At camp you will be surrounded by high snow capped mountains.
After breakfast start trekking to the Kusichaca Valley, on the trek enjoy many varieties of flora and fauna. Arrive into Wayllabamba for lunch. In the afternoon there will a 4 hour hike through the Llullucha Valley to the second campsite at Llulluchapampa. Afternoon tea will be waiting and the surround scenery will be stunning.
Today is the longest day of our trek, but the most interesting and visually appealing as well. After a delicious breakfast we walk uphill for two hour to reach the highest point of our trek: the Warmiwañusca pass (Dead Woman pass) located at 4,215m/13,907ft above sea level. From here take in the spectacular views of the magnificent mountains, beautiful green valleys and myriad of flora and fauna.
After some time enjoying these beautiful sites, we descend for two hours to Pacaymayu for lunch. After lunch ascend to the archaeological site of Runcurakay (3,800m/12,540ft) and explore. Ascend the second Runcurakay pass (3,977m/13,127ft), from here be mermerized by the breathtaking surroundings of mountains and stunning lakes. Later, walk for one hour to our next archaeological site of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,877ft). Finally we walk for two more hours to our third camp in Phuyupatamarca (3,650m/12,047ft), walking through the Peruvian rain forest, be graced with the spectacular views of Machu Picchu Mountain, stunning Inca sites, the Urubamba Canyon, the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the sunset.
This day is the most anticipated day of our trek. We wake up early in the morning for breakfast, afterward we walk down stairs towards the archaeological site of Intipata, have the opportunity to explore, then down to Wiñaywayna (2,650m/8,747ft) for lunch, after lunch we will visit this stunning Inca site. Walk for one hour to the SUN GATE (2,720m/8,977ft). From this vantage point we get the first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance. Spend some time enjoying the view. We descend to one of the world’s great wonders: Machu Picchu. Enjoy the views and then we take the bus to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel. After a rest enjoy a wonderful dinner in Aguas Calientes.
We leave our hotel after a very early breakfast around 5:30am to take the bus up to the Machu Picchu ruins. Once inside the ruins we provide you with a 2 hour guided tour with plenty of free time for further exploring, pictures and the option to climb Huayna Picchu (has to be booked in advance). Then back to Aguas Calientes and at approximately 2:55pm or 4:00pm, we take our return train to Ollantaytambo with a bus connection to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 8.00pm
The Inca Trail Trek 5 days is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers
This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7kgs, we provide you a duffle bag, where you can put your things.
If permits are sold out for the Classic Inca Trail on your preferred date,” don’t get stressed out,” you have so many options that will still allow you to trek and enjoy the Andes on the way to MACHU PICCHU. Alternative treks are just as beautiful as the Inca Trail. They are less crowded because we take you OFF the beaten track” in the Andes and we make sure you don’t miss anything on your trek to MACHU PICCHU.
INCA TRAIL HIKE Requires only a 2 participant minimum for our departures! “You can Chose any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers.”
If you are a single traveller and are flexible with your start date, we will make sure you have a group to travel with and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
Important Note: We will buy your Inca Trail trek permit using the names and passport numbers that you send us with your trek booking application (they must to complete and accurate)
You must bring the same passport with you to Cusco and take it with you on the Inca Trail.
Very Important Note: If the name or number on your passport does not match the name and number on the trek permit, the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund.
If you plan to renew or change your name on your passport between making your trek booking and starting your trek, you can book your trek or tour with your current passport number or name, but you mustsend us a copy of your old passport and a copy of your new passport when you have them. We can then make the change with the government before you arrive. The extra cost to do the change is US$25 per person. (This will cover the change in number or name for your Inca Trail Permit, Machu Picchu Entrance, and Train.)
If you do not advise us of the change or do not want to pay the fee, bring the original of both passports (the old and new one). You can enter Peru with your new passport but you must show the government authorities your old passport in order to enter the Inca Trial, Machu Picchu or Train. “If you cannot do so, you will not be allowed to start your trek by the government officials. All names and numbers must match!!
“Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the trek to Machu Picchu”
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board INCA TRAIL HIKE at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot enter inside) It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Of course! During the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please don´t pack anything you will need for your hike.
FIRST, to book your Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com.
Unfortunately the answer is “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
If you cancel your Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit. The rangers will check every day and when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number…if so, please send the new passport number as soon as possible.
First I would say that the weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. BUT you will have many different varieties of weather as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you to bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
In general if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatisation to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. INCA TRAIL HIKE specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.
The evening before you start your Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
The Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day of the trek we climb two mountains. The Trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and exercise regularly.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to a fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu.
It has been a highlight for most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! INCA TRAIL HIKE toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu due to a health reasons, INCA TRAIL HIKE will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up from there.
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore you will take the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu
You may upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is US$67 per person which includes the transfer from Poroy (Cusco) train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to the Vistadome Train, the trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco), takes 3.5 hours, and than 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at their hotel by 8pm. If you plan to take the bus to Puno on the same night, that is totally possible.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCA TRAIL HIKE destinations. Of course you are free to tip what you feel is appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and it´s people.
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40 Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
