5-Day Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tour

5 days | USD 1580 | Hard

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure on the Machu Picchu 5-day Inca Trail! By extending your journey by an extra day, you’ll have the opportunity to fully savor the magic of Machu Picchu. On the fourth day, prepare to be spellbound as you witness this ancient wonder in the afternoon light. And on the fifth day, you’ll have the chance to delve deeper into the mesmerizing mysteries of this iconic site.

Season: Apr to Dec.

Anual temperature

Sep to Apr: Min 6°C – 43°F | Max 22°C – 68°F

May to Aug: Min 0°C – 32°F | Max 21°C – 70°F

Trip details

Highlights

Machu Picchu Magic

Experience the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu twice to explore and connect more deeply with the mystical energy that surrounds this iconic archaeological site.

Less Crowded Adventure

Enjoy the serenity of the trail with a five-day journey, immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature and savoring each moment away from the crowds, enhancing your connection with the Andean landscape.

Ruins Exploration

Traverse the trail adorned with ancient Inca ruins, each offering a glimpse into the past, evoking a sense of wonder and admiration for the architectural prowess of the Incas.

Inti Punku Majest

Stand in awe at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where ancient travelers beheld their first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, a moment of profound significance and awe-inspiring beauty.

Andean Mountain Immersion

Embrace the rugged beauty of the Andean mountains, their majestic peaks piercing the sky, offering a backdrop of grandeur and a sense of adventure that ignites the spirit.

Lush Green Forest Treasures

Wander through lush green forests teeming with life, their verdant canopy sheltering ancient secrets and vibrant ecosystems, inviting you to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.

Itinerary

River Explorers let you embark on the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a five-day journey that takes you through ancient ruins, towering Andean peaks, and lush forests. This transformative experience offers a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the afternoon of the fourth day, allowing you to explore the site after the crowds are gone. After the tour, you’ll rest in a comfortable hotel, preparing for an unforgettable day at Machu Picchu the following day.

Day 1: Cusco – Huayllabamba

On this first day, you are picked up at your Cusco hotel and driven directly to the head of the trail.  The trail-head is approximately three hours from Cusco.  The highlights of this day’s trek include the rushing Vilcanota River and the Nevado Veronica.  You will first hike to the Inca ruins of Patallacta, before heading to the south and climbing up the valley near the Cusichaca River.  The Opuntia and Cholla cactus are quite common along the beginning of the trail and you will see many animals that are unique to this part of the world.  As the daylight begins to fade, the porters will set up camp near the charming village of Hatunchaka.  You get to sit down, relax, and visit with your fellow hikers, as dinner is being prepared and you choose how early you turn in and get some sleep.

  • Hiking distance: 12.1 km – 7.52 miles / 5 to 6 hours
  • Altitude at campsite: 3000m – 9843ft
  • Highest altitude: Chicheros pass 3980 m – 13058 ft.
  • Camping Facilities: Tents, sleeping pads, portable camping toilet, no showers and no shops.
  • Meals included: 1 lunch – 1 dinner.

This day begins early and you start by climbing up to Dead Woman’s Pass, which is locally known as Abra Warmihuañusca. You will see breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding cloud forest. This is the most difficult part of the trek, with an abrupt and steep ascent that is approximately 10 km in length. Once you accomplish that, you will continue on to Llulluchapampa and it is the perfect place to grab a few purchases of items that you may have forgotten or didn’t know you needed. You may spot a few deer and falcons prior to leaving this area behind, but be prepared for the dry area, puna, which has very little vegetation and is your next destination. It is here where you will see llamas and alpacas and it is all downhill from there until you reach the area where you will eat lunch. The afternoon is spent wandering through the Pacaymayo Valley and the nighttime hours bring Happy Hour and an amazing meal.

  • Hiking distance: 11 km – 6.8 miles / 5 to 6 hours
  • Altitude at campsite: 3600 m – 11811 ft
  • Highest altitude: Wamiwañusca pass 4212 m – 13819 ft.
  • Camping Facilities: Tents, sleeping pads, portable camping toilet, no showers and no shops.
  • Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch – 1 dinner.

On the other side of the valley is the second pass of this incredible journey. You will want to spend hours at the waterfalls, but we will urge you on, so you can truly appreciate the Inca ruins of Runcuraccay. It is after you see the ruins that you will reach the second pass and you will once again descend into the cloud forest. It will not take you long to reach the most incredible Inca ruins on the trail, Sayacmarca. There is so much to see at these ruins that we spend an hour taking you around and showing you all the details.

You will be more than ready for lunch at this time and you will dine near the dry lake of Chaquicocha. You are not too far from the campsite for the night, so once you have eaten your meal, you can start off for Phuyupatamarca. You may be in a rush to reach camp, but make sure you take the time to stare out at the marvelous views of the Vilcabamba mountains. Once you reach your campsite, you will see Machu Picchu in the distance, as well as the Urubamba River. You are going to be so intent on exploring the nearby Inca site, but make sure you are back in plenty of time to eat dinner and attend Happy Hour!

  • Hiking distance: 13 km – 8.1 miles / 6 to 8 hours
  • Altitude at campsite: 3680 m – 12073 ft
  • Highest altitude: Runkurakay Pass 4000 m – 13123 ft
  • Camping Facilities: Tents, sleeping pads, portable camping toilet, no showers and no shops.
  • Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch – 1 dinner.

The Royal Highway is where you will start this beautiful day on the Inca Trail, and you will be thrilled that your final destination is so close! Rare orchids blossom within the cloud forest and you will see many of them before you arrive at the Wiñay Wayna ruins. The last part of Machu Picchu Mountain is stunning, and you will make a stop at the infamous Gate of the Sun before finally arriving, under the afternoon sun, at the ruins of Machu Picchu, time where there are not so many people inside the park and you will be able to enjoy Machu Picchu by your self.

After your guided tour, your entire group will board a shuttle bus to a hotel. We been running this trip including a hotel at the end of the four day and it had been a success. After long 4 days hiking you will be able to sleep well in a nice comfortable bed, take a nice shower, eat in a nice restaurant and you will be totally ready to enjoy Machu Picchu again but this time will be with your guide. Also you will have the chance to hike Huayna Picchu or Montaña mountain that is already included in the price.

  • Hiking distance: 8.8 km – 5.5 miles / 6 to 8 hours.
  • Altitude at hotel: 2040m – 6692ft
  • Highest altitude: Phuyupatamarca Pass 3580 meters – 11745 ft
  • Accomodation: Comfortable strong 3 star hotel.
  • Meals included: 1 breakfast and 1 lunch.

After a good breakfast, you will take the shuttle bus back to Machu Picchu. Our guides are all experts and they will share their knowledge of the history and all unknown wonders of this magical destination.

The site’s precise layout, intricate stonework, and sophisticated water management systems showcase the advanced engineering skills of the Inca civilization, inspiring awe and admiration for their mastery of architecture in such a challenging terrain.
At a specified time, you will rejoin your group to descend down to Aguas Calientes. Before departing by train, you will have a little time to visit the local hot springs for a cost of 10 soles. This will allow you relax those sore muscles before traveling by train to Cusco. You will arrive at your final destination around 9:30 pm and then transported to your hotel.

  • Guide tour: 2 to 3  hours.
  • Highest altitude: Chicheros pass 3980 m – 13058 ft.
  • Meals included: 1 breakfast.

Also See the complete guide to Machu Picchu Tours!

Included

What is included?

The Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour includes meals, train and bus tickets, porterage for up to 8 kg of personal gear, camp gear including tables, chairs, dining and sleeping tents, therma-rest sleeping pad and a water filter. You will not be short of any equipment or amenity with our tour.

  • Permits: Entrance fee for admission to the Inca Trail National Park, entrance fee to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary, permits and fees for the tours porters and cook.
  • Porters: Porters to carry equipment (tents etc.). The cost of portage for a maximum of 8 kg of personal gear, communal camp equipment, including camp chairs, tents, a comfortable inflatable mattress.
  • Camping tent gear: Spacious 4 season – 2 men tents, pillows, sheets, sleeping bag liners, 5 cm 2 inches inflatable mattress, sleeping bag according the weather condition (North Face), personal duffel bag.
  • Dining and a kitchen tent: camping tables, chairs, eating and kitchen ware.
    There are portable toilet tents for only your group to use, these are very private.
  • Meals: There are 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners and 4 lunches, morning and afternoon snacks during the trek. All of these meals are prepared by our cook and assistants. Delicious coca tea is brought to you each morning, so you can start the day on the best footing. We provide you with boiled water after every breakfast, lunch and dinner for your water bottles
    Happy hours, you receive a mate de coca and some local coffee which is prepared by the cook. Nutritious snacks every morning for the trek day ahead. Special foods are available on request.
  • Guides: We have 2 guides when there are 8 or more guests. They are graduates who have studied tourism and the Inca history at the university. They are also English speaking. A two hours guided tour of the wonders of Machu Picchu
  • Transportation: A bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes village, train to Ollantaytambo and then by bus to Cusco City, private transportation from your hotel to the Inca Trail and back.
  • Hotel: Hotel in a 3 star category in a single or double classic room. Hotel are rated with 4 to 5 points put of 5 in TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
    (Local Taxes included)

What is not included?

Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu: Huayna Picchu provides stunning views of Machu Picchu for U$75. Trekkers must navigate steep paths.

Hotels: The standard accommodation provided is a 3-star hotel. However, if you prefer a higher level of luxury, you have the option to upgrade to a 4-star or 5-star hotel upon request. e.

Poles: Trekking poles are not included in the provided equipment or gear. You can rent a par of hiking poles for 15 dollars a day.

Hotsprings entrance: Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes, also known as “Machu Picchu town” (10 soles)

Meals: Dinner 4th day, lunch and dinner of the last day.

Gratuities: It is suggested to leave a 10% tip for your guides as a way to show gratitude for their services.

Tour map

Customer Testimonial

THERESA B 1 contribution
THERESA B 1 contribution
5 stars isn't enough!!
River Explorers planned an amazing journey in Peru with impeccable service and top-notch quality. Boris and Erika were dedicated, patient, and provided excellent assistance. Their attention to detail and quick responses elevated the experience. We highly recommend them.

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