Inca Trail 5 Days To Machu Picchu
Review
The Comfort Inca Trail 5 days / 4 nights to Machu Picchu is the most popular trek in all of Peru, this sacred trail is full of a lot of history and still contains sections of what it used to be in the time of the Inca empire. This 26mile trail is the only way to access Machu Picchu directly. Starting with 3 amazing treks in the Andes of Peru, it is the most controlled hike in Peru. The permits to walk the trail are controlled by the government and can only be purchased by licensed operators.
All our tours of the Inca Trail To Machu Picchu are completed with tour guides who are specialized in the mountains and their terrain, with extensive knowledge of history & the local culture. Our tour experiences are made up of a great team, fully trained for the trip, providing meals, camps, assistance and personalized service. Our job is to guarantee your safety with integrity and respect.
This hike has a duration of 5 days /4 nights, ideal for people who want to go at a more leisurely pace. If you’re looking for more time to explore the ruins and spend more time on the Inca trail, this is for you.
Tour Location: This tour is located in the district of Machu Picchu, province of Urubamba and department of Cusco.
Type of tour: Adventure, History & Culture.
Recommended: For everyone (previous physical condition).
Considerations: Permit is required (AltitudeXperience will book it for you). It is necessary to book in advance due to its popularity, recommended 3 months in advance.
The short Inca Trail is undoubtedly the best option for travelers who due to the weather in Cusco or could not get the 4 day Inca Trail permit, but still wish to have an experience on the Inca trails. In this experience you will be amazed and surprised because it allows you to enjoy the sunset and sunrise in Machu Picchu. The short Inca trail tour undoubtedly gives you 2 unique opportunities to enjoy this wonder of Peru. “We look forward to taking responsibility for your next adventures in Cusco”.
Itinerary
Día 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba
An Altitude Experience driver will pick you up in the morning from your hotel by bus. This will take us to kilometer 82, arriving at about 11:00 a.m. to meet the entire team of professionals who will make your trip a success. Then we will begin our trek. This first day is beautiful and the first few miles are easy to walk. During this part of the trek, we will have the beautiful sights of the snow-capped Veronica peak and will also be walking near the Vilcanota River. We will travel until we arrive at the Llactapata archaeological complex, where we will have lunch. Later, we will continue up to our first camp at Wayllabamba where will stay have dinner and stay overnight.
Maximum Altitude Point: 2,800 m (7,692 ft)
Campsite Altitude: 3,200 m (9,842 ft)
Total Distance: 10 km (6,500 miles)
Día 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca –Pacaymayo
This day will be the most difficult part, however the effort will be rewarded with beautiful views. You can observe how incredible the area is as we travel through different microclimates, especially as we pass through the “warmiwañiusca” (dead woman) at altitude 4300 m. We will reach the highest point during this part of the trek and have a delicious lunch, after which we will continue with the descent to Pacaymayo. Here we will spend the night and we can enjoy a delicious dinner after a long day.
Maximum Altitude Point: 4,300 m (14,000ft)
Campsite Altitude: 3,800 m (11,911 ft)
Total Distance: 12 km (7,876 miles)
Día 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñayhuayna
Our day will start with the best Andean breakfast, after which we will start our trek to the second step (located at 3,850 m). We will arrive at an archaeological site called runkurakay where we will observe the citadel of Saya Marca. During this part of the trek, we will go through a guided visit of the site, with a tour full of valuable information and incredible stories. After, we will have a rich lunch to recover and continue to our camp of wiñay Huayna (this will be our last camp). You will have a tour with our guide and take advantage of many scenic views to take pictures and videos, and then we will settle in our camp and and enjoy our last delicious dinner together, since it will be our last camp.
Maximum Altitude Point: 4,100 (13,436 ft)
Campsite Altitude: 3,280 m (11,833 ft)
Total Distance: 12 km (7,736 miles)
Día 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Once again, we will get up very early to have a hearty breakfast, since the day is full of a lot of walking and beautiful views await us. We will arrive towards Inti Punku (Sun’s Gate) better known as the control center in the Inca age, From here you will have incredible views of all machupicchu and an unique & magical experience. Once in descent, we will arrive at Machupicchu where you will have a guided tour around and around 3 hours where you’ll be free to walk around and visit the site.
Maximum Altitude Point: 2,780 m (11,033 ft)
Hotel: Inti Punku (Aguas Calientes)
Total Distance: 10 km (590miles)
Day 5: The Most Important Day (The Lost City of The Incas) – Cusco
We will get up very early to be one of the first to take the bus to Machu Picchu. We will get enjoy a magical sunrise since we will leave at 5:40 AM. Once we are in the Inca citadel, we will have 2 hours of tour with your guide and then you will have free time to
explore. If you have the permission for Wayna Picchu, your guide will show you where you enter. The ascent lasts 50 minutes to Wayna Picchu and another 50 minutes to go down. Remember that to obtain this permit, there is an additional cost of 75 dollars and it must done a month in advance, due to its popularity. Once the tour in Machu Picchu is finished, we will be ready to take the bus down to aguas calientes, where you will meet for our last lunch in that city (not included, optional), and then we will take our train back to ollantaytambo. In ollantaytambo, our private bus will be ready to take you to Cusco (hotel).
Included/No Included
Included
Professional Guides: Highly trained guides for high mountain terrain and Inca history
Briefing: We will have an information session and briefing held in our office or hotel at 6:30 PM on the night before your trip starts. Briefings will last 20-30 minutes but we are always available for questions. You will receive a travel bag at this briefing, the contents of the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
Permits: All permits are guaranteed according to availability. As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.
Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag.
Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions or preference for a train service, please let us know. Additionally, your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be included.
Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, and two person dormitory tents.
Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.
Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.
Travel bags: you will be delivered our travel bags, where you will take your clothes and other personal items, taken out sleeping and mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos
Transfers: Free shuttle to airport, round trip
First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.
Satellite Phones: For us security is very important, and keeping our customers safe is our priority. We have satellite phones for emergencies or any situations that may require them.
Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price
Not included
Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. This trek has a duration of about 50 minutes and is quite the walk. It has a cost of 75 USD, and for us to be able to get permission for this mountain, you must let us know a month in advance due to its popularity.
Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest:
Inflatable air mattress : $ 15
Walking sticks: $ 10
Sleeping bag: $ 20
Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb.
Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.
Flights: it is recommended to arrive one day before to Cusco or 2 days before. Flight delays are common in Cusco due to the frequent change of weather, therefore we recommend arrival to be a couple days before.
Safe airline: Latam
Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek
Packing List
Essentials:
Immigration card
Backpack ( small)
Water bottles
Mountain shoes ( light on recommendation)
Passport
Student card ( if you booked as a student)
Duffel:
Absorbent shirts
Pants (for walks)
Warm jacket (preferably feather)
Hat (For sun)
Flashlight (personal use)
Waterproof jacket
Garbage bag (trash)
Sleeping bag (preferably feather)
Toiletries:
Repellents
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Personal medication
Sunscreen
Price
Group Tour: $695 per person. This means the journey is open for other Altitude Travelers to join you. Our guide is prepared for different walking rhythms.
Private tour: depends on the size of the group
2 Trekkers: $ 1350 per person
3 Trekkers: $ 1300 per person
4 Trekkers: $ 1250 per person
5 Trekkers: $ 1150 per person
6 Trekkers: $ 1050 per person
7 Trekkers: $ 950 per person
8 o más Trekkers: $ 850 per person
Student discount: The student discount only applies for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. We need you to send us a copy of your university ID Tt award the discount. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport.
Discount: $ 30 per person
Vistadome Train: All our services include the regular train service, Expeditions or Voyager. The vistadome train or panoramic train is an upgraded train.
Vistadome train: $ 75 per person
Huaynapicchu: This mountain is a 50 minute walk to the top and another 50 minutes return. If you are planning to do this hike on your own, your guide will give you all the information you need. An additional ticket is required for this hike and we can reserve it for you.
Ticket to Huaynapicchu: 75$ per person
Inca Trail Permit
The Ministry of Culture in Peru is in charge of all regulations of the Inca Trail, including permits and campsites. To enter the Inca Trail, you must have a permit that matches your NAME, PASSPORT NUMBER, NATIONALITY, and AGE (issued by the Ministry o Culture). Only licensed Inca Trail tour operators can secure these, and they are not transferable in date or name at any time. If you are unable to start your Inca Trail trek on your start date, you cannot transfer to another person. If you need to change your start date, you will need to make sure the permits is still valid for the new date and if not, you must purchase a new permit. These are all rules of the government of Peru that we need to follow.
If permits are sold out for your desired start date, there are lots of other roads that lead to Machu Picchu. We can help you find the perfect trek for you.
Inca Trail Permit
The Ministry of Culture in Peru is in charge of all regulations of the Inca Trail, including permits and campsites. To enter the Inca Trail, you must have a permit that matches your NAME, PASSPORT NUMBER, NATIONALITY, and AGE (issued by the Ministry o Culture). Only licensed Inca Trail tour operators can secure these, and they are not transferable in date or name at any time. If you are unable to start your Inca Trail trek on your start date, you cannot transfer to another person. If you need to change your start date, you will need to make sure the permits is still valid for the new date and if not, you must purchase a new permit. These are all rules of the government of Peru that we need to follow.
If permits are sold out for your desired start date, there are lots of other roads that lead to Machu Picchu. We can help you find the perfect trek for you.
Itinerary
Día 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba
An Altitude Experience driver will pick you up in the morning from your hotel by bus. This will take us to kilometer 82, arriving at about 11:00 a.m. to meet the entire team of professionals who will make your trip a success. Then we will begin our trek. This first day is beautiful and the first few miles are easy to walk. During this part of the trek, we will have the beautiful sights of the snow-capped Veronica peak and will also be walking near the Vilcanota River. We will travel until we arrive at the Llactapata archaeological complex, where we will have lunch. Later, we will continue up to our first camp at Wayllabamba where will stay have dinner and stay overnight.
Maximum Altitude Point: 2,800 m (7,692 ft)
Campsite Altitude: 3,200 m (9,842 ft)
Total Distance: 10 km (6,500 miles)
Día 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca –Pacaymayo
This day will be the most difficult part, however the effort will be rewarded with beautiful views. You can observe how incredible the area is as we travel through different microclimates, especially as we pass through the “warmiwañiusca” (dead woman) at altitude 4300 m. We will reach the highest point during this part of the trek and have a delicious lunch, after which we will continue with the descent to Pacaymayo. Here we will spend the night and we can enjoy a delicious dinner after a long day.
Maximum Altitude Point: 4,300 m (14,000ft)
Campsite Altitude: 3,800 m (11,911 ft)
Total Distance: 12 km (7,876 miles)
Día 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñayhuayna
Our day will start with the best Andean breakfast, after which we will start our trek to the second step (located at 3,850 m). We will arrive at an archaeological site called runkurakay where we will observe the citadel of Saya Marca. During this part of the trek, we will go through a guided visit of the site, with a tour full of valuable information and incredible stories. After, we will have a rich lunch to recover and continue to our camp of wiñay Huayna (this will be our last camp). You will have a tour with our guide and take advantage of many scenic views to take pictures and videos, and then we will settle in our camp and and enjoy our last delicious dinner together, since it will be our last camp.
Maximum Altitude Point: 4,100 (13,436 ft)
Campsite Altitude: 3,280 m (11,833 ft)
Total Distance: 12 km (7,736 miles)
Día 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Once again, we will get up very early to have a hearty breakfast, since the day is full of a lot of walking and beautiful views await us. We will arrive towards Inti Punku (Sun’s Gate) better known as the control center in the Inca age, From here you will have incredible views of all machupicchu and an unique & magical experience. Once in descent, we will arrive at Machupicchu where you will have a guided tour around and around 3 hours where you’ll be free to walk around and visit the site.
Maximum Altitude Point: 2,780 m (11,033 ft)
Hotel: Inti Punku (Aguas Calientes)
Total Distance: 10 km (590miles)
Day 5: The Most Important Day (The Lost City of The Incas) – Cusco
We will get up very early to be one of the first to take the bus to Machu Picchu. We will get enjoy a magical sunrise since we will leave at 5:40 AM. Once we are in the Inca citadel, we will have 2 hours of tour with your guide and then you will have free time to
explore. If you have the permission for Wayna Picchu, your guide will show you where you enter. The ascent lasts 50 minutes to Wayna Picchu and another 50 minutes to go down. Remember that to obtain this permit, there is an additional cost of 75 dollars and it must done a month in advance, due to its popularity. Once the tour in Machu Picchu is finished, we will be ready to take the bus down to aguas calientes, where you will meet for our last lunch in that city (not included, optional), and then we will take our train back to ollantaytambo. In ollantaytambo, our private bus will be ready to take you to Cusco (hotel).
Included/No Included
Included
Professional Guides: Highly trained guides for high mountain terrain and Inca history
Briefing: We will have an information session and briefing held in our office or hotel at 6:30 PM on the night before your trip starts. Briefings will last 20-30 minutes but we are always available for questions. You will receive a travel bag at this briefing, the contents of the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
Permits: All permits are guaranteed according to availability. As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.
Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag.
Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions or preference for a train service, please let us know. Additionally, your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be included.
Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, and two person dormitory tents.
Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.
Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.
Travel bags: you will be delivered our travel bags, where you will take your clothes and other personal items, taken out sleeping and mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos
Transfers: Free shuttle to airport, round trip
First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.
Satellite Phones: For us security is very important, and keeping our customers safe is our priority. We have satellite phones for emergencies or any situations that may require them.
Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price
Not included
Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. This trek has a duration of about 50 minutes and is quite the walk. It has a cost of 75 USD, and for us to be able to get permission for this mountain, you must let us know a month in advance due to its popularity.
Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest:
Inflatable air mattress : $ 15
Walking sticks: $ 10
Sleeping bag: $ 20
Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb.
Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.
Flights: it is recommended to arrive one day before to Cusco or 2 days before. Flight delays are common in Cusco due to the frequent change of weather, therefore we recommend arrival to be a couple days before.
Safe airline: Latam
Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek
Packing List
Essentials:
Immigration card
Backpack ( small)
Water bottles
Mountain shoes ( light on recommendation)
Passport
Student card ( if you booked as a student)
Duffel:
Absorbent shirts
Pants (for walks)
Warm jacket (preferably feather)
Hat (For sun)
Flashlight (personal use)
Waterproof jacket
Garbage bag (trash)
Sleeping bag (preferably feather)
Toiletries:
Repellents
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Personal medication
Sunscreen
Price
Group Tour: $695 per person. This means the journey is open for other Altitude Travelers to join you. Our guide is prepared for different walking rhythms.
Private tour: depends on the size of the group
2 Trekkers: $ 1350 per person
3 Trekkers: $ 1300 per person
4 Trekkers: $ 1250 per person
5 Trekkers: $ 1150 per person
6 Trekkers: $ 1050 per person
7 Trekkers: $ 950 per person
8 o más Trekkers: $ 850 per person
Student discount: The student discount only applies for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. We need you to send us a copy of your university ID Tt award the discount. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport.
Discount: $ 30 per person
Vistadome Train: All our services include the regular train service, Expeditions or Voyager. The vistadome train or panoramic train is an upgraded train.
Vistadome train: $ 75 per person
Huaynapicchu: This mountain is a 50 minute walk to the top and another 50 minutes return. If you are planning to do this hike on your own, your guide will give you all the information you need. An additional ticket is required for this hike and we can reserve it for you.
Ticket to Huaynapicchu: 75$ per person
Inca Trail 5 Days To Machu Picchu
per person
43KM/26 Miles
March 1st through January 31st.
For All
Permit required.
Cultural & Trekking
Student discount: The student discount applies only for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of your university ID. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport for the reservation.
