Inca Trail Tours 5 Days

5-Day Inca Trail Highlights

The 5-Day Machu Picchu Trek via Inca trail is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Peru. TheInca trail trek offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the most amazing Inca ruins at a slower pace, as well as experience the local culture.

The Classic Inca Trail 5 days includes a immerse yourself in the culture of the local Quechua weaving communities and experience trekking with llamas as our ancestors did. Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress. From there, you will begin your hike on the Inca trail with llamas, which takes you through stunning scenery and traditional Inca villages.

The final destination is Machu Picchu, where you will have the opportunity to explore one of the most famous Inca ruins. The Inca trail 5 days trek is an amazing experience that will stay with you long after you return home.

Our small group size allows us to explore our destination more thoroughly, see locations that other tours skip, and interact with the locals.

Hike with llamas on this Exclusive 5-Day Inca Trail Hike

Altitude Experience is the ONLY operator that offers a Trekking with llamas as our ancestors did on the 5-day Inca Trail tour. One very unique difference between Altitude Experience and other tour operators is that we will pass local Quechua weaving communities and experience on the first day trekking with the Llamas as our ancestors did it. No other company offers this!

Day by Day Inca Trail 5 Days

Day 1: KM82 – Patallacta – Hatunchaca 

Inca trail Hiking Distance: 17 km
Elevation: 3295 mts/ 10979 ft
Weather: Cold
Inca Trail Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: All included
Inca Site Visit: Runcuraccay, Chaquicoocha

Day 2: Hatunchaca – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo

Inca trail Hiking Distance: 11 km
Elevation: 3700 mts/ 12139 ft
Weather: Cold
Inca Trail Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: All included
Inca Site Visit: Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca Pass – Wiñay Wayna

Inca trail Hiking Distance: 6 km
Elevation: 2685 mts/8905 ft
Meals: All included
Inca Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Elevation: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)
Total Distance: 11 km (614 miles)

Day 5: The Most Important Day – Machu Picchu

Elevation: 2685 mts/8905 ft
Weather: warm

Why should you join us for the Inca Trail 5 days?

• Altitude Experience is a fully authorized Inca Trail operator and a 100% locally owned travel agency.
• Hike with llamas on this Exclusive 5-Day Inca Trail Hike
• Maximum 02 to 08 individuals in small groups. This distinguishes us from other travel agencies that cater to larger groups.
• We are a practical, punctual, and trustworthy travel agency that welcomes both individuals and groups.
• Respect is shown toward our porters. Their entire equipment is provided by our business, Altitude Experience, without charge.
• We give them a respectable wage, a tent with a pad, a healthy lunch, hiking boots, hiking clothes, and a winter shelter. We are committed to social programs that will enhance their quality oflife, as well as their health, well-being, and that of their families.
• Our tour guides take delight in staying current and have access to a thorough program of ongoing professional development. We enjoy demonstrating what an interesting and beautiful trail the Inca was.
• Equipment for Camping: Due to its use of high-quality equipment such as tents, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags, Altitude Experience is regarded as the best agent of change.
• Free Baggage Storage: Altitude Experience, all excess luggage and personal items are stored for free.
• Transfers hotel to hotel: Hotel-to-hotel service is provided to all ALTITUDE travelers. All of our services include a direct pick-up from your Cusco hotel and a direct drop-off in Cusco.

5-Day Inca Trail Trip Itinerary

 Day 1: Start Your Inca Trail Hike and Relax in Hatuncancha Valley

KM 82 – Patallacta – Hatuncancha

The starting point of the Inca Trail. After this beautiful hike with llamas, your chef will prepare breakfast before you start your 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 Hatuncancha 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)

Day 2: Trek Dead Woman’s Pass and Tour Stunning Ruins

Hatuncancha – dead Woman’s Pass – 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 pass) 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)

Day 3: Hike Across Runcu Raccay Pass and See Stunning Mountains

Pacaymayo – Runcu Raccay Pass – Sayacmaraca ruins – Phuyupatamarca

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)

Day 4: Cross The Sun Gate and Visit Archeological Sites – Machu Picchu

Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Today, weather allowing, we will be able to see one of the most beautiful sunrises on the Inca Trail. After breakfast, you will be taken on a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca. We will then begin our descent down the long descending stone steps to Wiay Wayna, 2,650m/8,692ft, where we shall eat lunch. We’ll stop by the Intipata (Sun Terraces) site as we reach the foot of the stairs. This hilltop boasts stunning views of the Sacred Valley and was an important agricultural site for Machu Picchu. After Intipata, we will go to Wiñay Wayna, the greatest archaeological site on the Inca Trail other than Machu Picchu.

After Intipata, we will proceed to Wiñay Wayna, the greatest archaeological site on the Inca Trail other than Machu Picchu. It is a magnificent complex comprised of an agricultural center with multiple terraces, a religious sector, and an urban area. This location provides breathtaking views of the already narrowing Urubamba River valley. Following our excursion, we will have our final lunch with the porters. Following that, it is customary on the Inca Trail to hold a thank you ceremony for the porters and cooks’ efforts. You may leave a tip for them at this point if you desire.

After saying our goodbyes to our crew, we’ll go to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we’ll receive our first glimpses of Machu Picchu. The Sun Gate is roughly an hour’s hike through the highland forest along a route of flat stones. It’s probably another hour down to the location from there. When we arrive, we’ll have time to enjoy the sunset and explore Machu Picchu without the crowds before catching the bus to your accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

Maximum Altitude Point: 2,780 m (11,033 ft)
Hotel: Inti Punku (Aguas Calientes)
Total Distance: 10 km (590miles)

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We’ll get up early and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to catch the dawn at the citadel (weather permitting). Starting at 5:30 a.m., these buses are first come, first served. After a two-hour tour of the Inca citadel, you’ll have some free time to explore. If you have obtained Huayna Picchu permits, your guide will show you where the climb begins. It will take you 45 minutes to reach the summit and another 45 minutes to return. Priced at $75 per person, reservations are required.

After the citadel tour, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and gather for our final lunch in town. Lunch with your group is optional and not included in the trek price. Following that, you will board the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private bus will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

What’s Included?

Included

Pick up: From the airport (send fly details)

Professional Guides: Professional English Speaking Tour Guide

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

Price 

Price per person

• USD$ 950 per person.

This means the journey is open for other Altitude Travelers to join you. Our guide is prepared for different walking rhythms.

Private  Service

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 or more Trekkers: $ 950 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: USD$ 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: USD$ 75 per person

Huayna Picchu

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:  USD$ 75 per person

Inca Trail 5 Days – FAQs