Join us on the 5-Day Classic Inca Trail, a 43-km adventure that weaves through ancient Inca cities, amazing mountain scenery, and vibrant cloud forests filled with diverse Andean wildlife. This trek offers a tranquil and scenic alternative to the traditional 4-day route, featuring secluded and picturesque campsites perfect for a more peaceful experience. Suitable for families and mature travelers, the journey culminates in an unforgettable guided tour of Machu Picchu, the legendary Sacred Inca City. Discover the magic and mystery of the Inca Trail with our expert guides.
Morning Departure: Start your adventure bright and early at 7:00 AM with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll drive in our comfortable van to Ollantaytambo, passing through the picturesque villages of Chinchero and Urubamba.
Start of the Trek: From Ollantaytambo, we continue to Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. Here, we begin our trek with a three-hour walk towards Patallacta (2,650m/8,747ft).
Lunch and Camp Setup: Upon reaching Patallacta, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch and set up our first camp. Our team will handle all the camp setup, ensuring your tent is comfortable and ready for you.
Afternoon Exploration: In the afternoon, we’ll explore the impressive archaeological site of Patallacta. Enjoy the ancient buildings and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Meals and Accommodation:
This first day is designed to ease you into the trek, allowing you to acclimatize and enjoy the stunning scenery and historical sites right from the start.
Morning Routine: Your day begins at 6:30 AM with a hot mug of tea or coffee brought to your tent. Enjoy this warm start in your sleeping bag before getting up for a hearty breakfast.
Morning Trek: After breakfast, we start our trek through the picturesque Kusichaca Valley. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a diverse array of flora and fauna, making the journey to Wayllabamba both beautiful and interesting.
Lunch at Wayllabamba: We will stop for lunch at the charming village of Wayllabamba, where you can rest and refuel for the afternoon hike.
Afternoon Ascent: Post-lunch, we continue trekking uphill for about four hours through the serene Llullucha Valley. This moderate climb leads us to our second camp at Llulluchapampa, situated at 3,800m (12,537ft).
Evening Arrival: Upon arrival at Llulluchapampa, hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you. Our team will have your tents set up, allowing you to settle in and relax before dinner.
Meals and Accommodation:
This day combines a mix of gentle valley trekking and a moderate uphill climb, offering varied landscapes and a rewarding hike up to Llulluchapampa. Enjoy the scenic beauty and the comfortable camp setup by our dedicated team.
Morning Ascent: After a delicious breakfast, we’ll start the day with a two-hour uphill trek to the highest point of the trail: Warmiwañusca Pass, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, at an altitude of 4,215m (13,907ft). From this vantage point, enjoy breathtaking views of diverse microclimates, magnificent mountains, lush green valleys, and an array of flora and fauna.
Descent to Pacaymayu: We then descend for two hours to Pacaymayu, where we’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch.
Afternoon Exploration: Post-lunch, we ascend towards the archaeological site of Runcurakay at 3,800m (12,540ft). After exploring this intriguing site, we continue to the second Runcurakay Pass at 3,977m (13,127ft), where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of surrounding mountains and stunning lakes.
Descent to Sayacmarca: Our journey then takes us downhill for an hour to the next archaeological site, Sayacmarca, located at 3,600m (11,877ft).
Final Trek to Camp: The final leg of the day is a two-hour walk to our third campsite at Phuyupatamarca, situated at 3,650m (12,047ft). As we walk through the lush Peruvian rainforest, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of Machu Picchu Mountain, the stunning Inca Citadel, the Urubamba Canyon, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Meals and Accommodation:
This day, the longest and most beautiful of the trek, offers a perfect mix of challenging ascents, fascinating archaeological sites, and stunning natural scenery, making it a highlight of the journey.
Morning Descent: Today promises to showcase the best of the Inca Trail. After breakfast, we begin our descent down the stairs towards the archaeological site of Intipata. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating site before continuing our journey.
Lunch at Wiñay Wayna: We descend further to Wiñay Wayna (2,650m/8,747ft), where we’ll stop for lunch.
Afternoon Exploration: Post-lunch, we will visit the stunning Inca site of Wiñay Wayna. After exploring, we continue our trek for about an hour to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at 2,720m (8,977ft). Here, you will be rewarded with your first spectacular view of Machu Picchu sprawling below.
Descent to Machu Picchu: We then trek down for another hour to the Guard House, the perfect spot for taking the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes: After our time at Machu Picchu, we take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Meals and Accommodation:
This day combines the awe-inspiring archaeological sites with the breathtaking first views of Machu Picchu, culminating in a comfortable stay in Aguas Calientes.
Early Morning Ascent: This is the day you’ve been eagerly anticipating! After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise over this extraordinary site—an experience you won’t want to miss.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Upon arrival, your guide will lead you on a two-hour tour of Machu Picchu, highlighting many of the most significant parts of the citadel. You’ll learn about its history, architecture, and the mysteries that surround this ancient wonder.
Exploration and Descent: After the guided tour, spend some time exploring Machu Picchu on your own, soaking in the breathtaking views and taking photos. When you’re ready, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included).
Afternoon in Aguas Calientes: Depending on your train departure time, you may have time for some shopping, sightseeing, or a visit to the local museum or hot springs.
Return Journey: The Expedition Train departs for Ollantaytambo at either 2:55 PM or 3:30 PM, following the scenic Urubamba River. Enjoy the beautiful views of the canyon and whitewater sections of the river. Look up to spot Wiñay Wayna perched high on the steep canyon wall.
Evening Arrival in Cusco: Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the train station exit and transport you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. Expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00 PM.
Meals and Accommodation:
This final day is the culmination of your Inca Trail adventure, offering the unforgettable experience of watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu and exploring its ancient wonders before returning to Cusco.
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Not Included:
Extras:
Note on Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is an optional hike within the Machu Picchu Citadel and is usually done on your own after the guided tour. If you prefer a guided hike for this part, please request it in advance; an additional fee applies for the guided tour.
The 5-Day Inca Trail Tour is available on any date that suits you, provided we have a minimum of 2 hikers and Inca Trail permits are available.
Price – Group Service:
Prices – Private Service:
Discounts:
As a direct local tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and include an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your belongings, including your sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing. Peruvian law mandates that a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kg (15 lbs) to protect the health of the porters. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If your bag exceeds this limit, you will need to carry the extra weight in your daypack.
In this 7 kg, please account for 2 kg for your sleeping bag and 1 kg for your sleeping pad, leaving you about 4 kg for your personal gear.
We highly recommend a small backpack (30 to 40L) for hiking during the day. Large backpacks are not allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
