The Inca Trail tour is world-famous for its stunning landscapes, majestic Andean mountains, and the incredible challenge of hiking it. And, of course, the grand finale is the magical Machu Picchu. But if you'd prefer a more leisurely experience, where you can take your time enjoying the stunning scenery, breathtaking views, and the incredible Inca archaeological sites, our 5 days Inca Trail - extended version is the perfect choice for you!
Hike the Inca Trail is perfect for experiencing the beauty of the Andes at your own pace, all while enjoying the company of a small group, visiting Machu Picchu twice! In the afternoon and the morning of the next day.
Inca Trail 5 days extended version - Overview
Take your time to enjoy the hike the Inca Trail at your own pace with our extended version of the 5 days Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu - extended version. You’ll walk the same route as the Classic 4-day trek but with shorter hiking days and more time to explore each archaeological site along the way. Furthermore, this Inca Trail tour will give you the chance to visit the Inca wonder of Machu Picchu twice! One visit by the afternoon and the other one the morning of the next day.
This option is ideal for families, couples, kids, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed Inca Trail Peru and smaller groups while still experiencing the magic of the Andes and the legacy of the Incas.
Inca Trail tour highlights:
- Small-group Inca Trail tours for a personalized service
- Spend more time at each archeological site
- Visit Machu Picchu twice (At sunset and sunrise)
- Return on the Vistadome Panoramic trains
Inca Trail 5 days at a glance:
Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba
You'll start your adventure at 5:00 am right from your hotel. Time in which we'll pick you up to transfer you to Km 82, enjoy an energetic breakfast, and begin your slow version of 5 days Inca Trail tour along the Urubamba and Cusichaca river banks. You'll get to visit local villages and important archeological sites such as Willkaraykay, Patallacta, and Wayllabamba.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
This day, you'll wake up with a cup of fresh coffee, ready to embark on a hike the Inca Trail to its highest point: Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass. At an impressive 4,215 meters (13,829 feet), it's a sight to behold. The hike is a bit challenging, but it's so worth it! You'll be treated to breathtaking views of the mountains.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca
Start your day by conquering the second-highest point and the last mountain of the day, called Runkuraqay, at 4,000 m (13,123 ft). And while you're at it, why not visit the archeological sites of Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarka as you enter the cloud forest? Finally, we'll camp at Phuyupamarca (3,680 m - 12,073 ft), where you'll get the best view of the Andes mountain ranges.
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
You're going to love the sunrise over the Andes. It's the most beautiful Inca trail Peru Day. You'll also get to visit several archaeological sites like Phuyupatamarka, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, and the Sun Gate. Then, in the afternoon, you'll arrive at Machu Picchu and you'll see it almost empty, which is a really special experience. Then, you'll spend the night in a cozy 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of The Incas) – Cusco
We would recommend taking the early buses to Machu Picchu. You'll have the chance to explore the most important places with your own personal tour guide before leaving the Citadel. After lunch, you'll board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo and then a private van to Cusco. Finalizing our slowly Inca Trail 5 days hike.
Included:
- Safety briefing the day before the Inca Trail tour
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Professional tour guide (2 guides for groups of 9+)
- All transportation during the tour
- Panoramic Vistadome train to return
- Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Personal porter to carry up to 7 kg (15 lb)
- Experienced chefs and porters
- 3-night camping with the best equipment
- Eureka tents for every 2 people
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- All meals included, except the last day's lunch
- Drinkable water and daily snacks
- Satellite phones, first-aid kit, oxygen supply
- Private portable toilets
- Pillow, sleeping pad, rain poncho, hand towels
Not Included:
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles
- Last day lunch of Machu Picchu Itinerary 5 days
- Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain
- Travel Insurance
Why book with TreXperience?
- Locally Owned Company: TreXperience was started by Juan and Priscila Coronel from Ollantaytambo and is 100% owned by locals in Cusco, Peru.
- Food on the Inca Trail: The food we provide during our Inca Trail treks is always of high quality and great variety. It is made by our professional cooks, who prepare fresh and tasty food that represents the region's most popular dishes.
- High-Quality Equipment: To make the trekkers comfortable during the journey, they are also given high-quality camping gear such as kitchen tents, dining tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and Eureka tents.
- Transportation: We manage all aspects of the journey to offer trekkers a stress-free experience. Our door-to-door service ensures a seamless experience from hotel to hotel.
- Trains from Machu Picchu: The journey back from Machu Picchu has fantastic views of the Urubamba River, the Andes Mountains, and a scenic train ride. We are the only company that provides panoramic Vistadome trains to return.
- Spiritual and Cultural Immersion: The journey with TreXperience is not just a trek but a deep exploration of the rich history, culture, and spirituality of the Incan civilization, including visits to significant archaeological sites and expert native tour guides.
- Sustainable Practices: We are distinguished by our sustainable and responsible tourism practices, which aim to minimize environmental impact while maximizing positive contributions to local communities.
- Safety and Security: All our staff are trained in First Aid and Mountain Rescue. We provide an oxygen tank, a first aid kit, and satellite phones.
- Commitment to Excellence: Our reputation for excellence is reflected in our numerous awards and recognitions, underscoring our commitment to providing an unparalleled trekking experience. We have more than 7000 positive reviews.
- Our Porters: At TreXperience, we set the highest standard for porter welfare on the Inca Trail, ensuring fair wages, health insurance, and quality gear for all porters.
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility: Under certain conditions, we allow travelers to change their tours without penalty, offering peace of mind in uncertain times.
Full itinerary of Inca Trail 5 days - extended version
Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba
We'll pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am and drive to Km 82. On the way, we'll stop at Ollantaytambo for breakfast and last-minute shopping. Then, we'll drive to the trailhead, get ready for the Inca Trail Tour, and start hiking to the checkpoint, where you'll need to show your original passport. After the checkpoint, you'll begin your 4-hour trek along the Urubamba River, visiting local villages and beautiful archeological sites such as Llactapata, an important administrative, political, and economic Inca Site located at the foot of a mountain.
After that, we'll have lunch in the charming village of Tarayoc, where our chef will prepare delicious buffet meals with fresh local products for us. Then, we'll take a 2-hour trek along the left bank of the Cusichaka River until we arrive at Wayllabamba. There, we'll camp near the villagers. When you get there, you'll find your tents all ready and waiting for you! Your team will also have warm water ready for you to wash with, prepare your bed, enjoy tea time and dinner, and go to sleep in our comfortable tents.
- Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
Wake up early in your tent with a cup of coffee or coca tea, have a nutritious breakfast, and get ready for the most challenging day of our Inca Trail 5 days 4 nights: the climb to the Warmiwañusca mountain at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). The day will start with a 4-hour hike to our lunch place at Llulluchapampa at 3,800 m (12,467 ft). Along the way, you'll experience different micro-climates, such as the cloud forest with its lush vegetation, flowers, and hummingbirds, along the ancient Inca Trail paved with stones over 500 years old.
After a delicious lunch, we'll begin the final 2-hour climb to the summit of Warmiwañusca Mountain (Dead Woman Pass), the highest point of the Inca Trail tour. As we take in the breathtaking views and regroup, your guide will share the significance of these high places and perform a special ritual to express our gratitude to the local gods for allowing us to pass safely. The last part of the day is a 2-hour downhill to the Pacaymayo Alto campsite at 3,650 m (11,975 ft).
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca
After breakfast, you'll begin your ascent up the second mountain, Runkuraqay, which sits at an impressive 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). On the way, you'll get to visit an archeological site with the same name, where you'll enjoy beautiful views of mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and stunning views of the Urubamba Mountain range. Once you reach the top, you'll have time to rest and explore the surroundings.
Then, we'll descend into the Cloud Forest, where the third campsite is nestled at 3,680 m (12,073 ft) on top of the mountain, Phuyupatamarca. Along the way, you'll get to visit Sayamarca and Conchamarca, where you'll be amazed by the lush vegetation covering the Inca Trail. When you arrive at the campsite, you'll have the chance to enjoy the most spectacular sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It's the perfect night to stargaze!
- Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,680 m / 12,073 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Waking up early is not a pain on any Inca Trail Peru! You'll be amazed by the sunrise over the Inca Trail, and after breakfast with those stunning mountain views, you'll have a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca, a beautiful archeological site near the campsite. Then, start your descent down the stone steps to Intipata (Place of the Sun), where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and the mountains. After a restful break, we'll head to Wiñaywayna, an archeological site that's not only the largest but also one of the most beautiful, standing at an impressive 8,694 feet (2,659 meters). Your knowledgeable and friendly tour guide will take you to explore the impressive terraces, temples, and urban areas. You'll also enjoy the beautiful views of the Urubamba River as you learn about the Incan history. And to top it off, the team is preparing a special last lunch just for you.
You'll have the chance to sing a friendly farewell song (tipping is optional), and then, after saying goodbye to your new friends, you'll begin the final part of the Inca Trail. First, you'll enjoy a 1-hour hike to Sun Gate, where you'll be treated to the first and most impressive view of the magnificent city of Machu Picchu. After taking in the views and enjoying some quiet time, we'll start our descent into the citadel. We'll arrive in the late afternoon, giving us a special opportunity to experience Machu Picchu with fewer crowds. We'll visit just the upper part, take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, have dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a 3-star hotel (Susanna INN or similar).
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,659 m / 8,694 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3,680 m / 12,073 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel Susanna Inn or similar
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) – Cusco
After an early breakfast at your hotel, hop on the first bus to Machu Picchu and get ready for an unforgettable day. Once at the checkpoint, present your original passport and step into the heart of the Inca Empire. Discover the most impressive areas of the citadel during a guided tour that lasts about 3 hours. Then, enjoy some free time to take photos or, if you booked in advance, hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for incredible panoramic views. After soaking in the magic of this wonder, head back down to Aguas Calientes by bus, enjoy lunch (not included), and board the scenic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will take you back to Cusco, with arrival at your hotel around 7:30 pm.
- Guided Tour Duration: 3 hours
- Machu Picchu Site Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Inca Trail 5 days extended version - Packing list
During your 5 days Inca Trail hike adventure with TreXperience, your belongings will be split between two bags. To make sure you're fully prepared for the journey, we’ve put together this complete Packing List with everything you’ll need along the way!
Essentials
- Comfortable, high-top hiking shoes.
- Hiking pants.
- Sweatshirts.
- Polo shirts.
- Sun hat.
- Raincoat.
What to pack in the daypack
A trusty daypack is your best companion on the Inca Trail. This legendary Inca Trail tour is full of steep climbs, countless steps, and ever-changing weather, so having your essentials within easy reach will make a big difference. You'll use your daypack to carry everything you’ll need during the hike each day while the rest of your luggage goes with the porters.
Here’s what you should always have in your daypack:
- Original passport: Keep it in a dry, secure pocket.
- Water: Bring at least 2 liters in a reusable container.
- Snacks: Chocolate, energy bars, and nuts to keep your energy up.
- Sunscreen: The sun can be strong at high altitudes, so keep it handy.
- Rain gear: TreXperience provides a plastic poncho, but a lightweight rain jacket can also help.
- Basic first aid kit: Include any personal medication, band-aids, and insect repellent.
- Toilet paper: Pack it in a plastic bag to keep it dry.
- Extra cash: Around 400 soles is a good amount, preferably in small bills.
What to pack in the duffle bag
For your Inca Trail tour, TreXperience will provide you with a duffle bag to pack all your gear for the 5 days Inca Trail hike adventure to Machu Picchu. Keep in mind there's a weight limit of 7 kg, so it's important to pack smart and light.
Here’s what we recommend bringing:
- Comfortable clothing: The weather changes a lot along the trail, so layering is key. Go for breathable clothes that allow easy movement and won’t cause discomfort while hiking.
- Hiking boots or shoes: Make sure they’re worn-in and ready for long days on the trail.
- Sandals or flip-flops: Great for relaxing at the campsite after a long hike.
- Jacket or windbreaker: Even if the sun is out during the day, the nights can be cold.
- Hiking pants: Zip-off pants are ideal, giving you the flexibility to switch to shorts when it gets warm.
- Shirts: T-shirts or lightweight long-sleeve shirts are perfect for sun protection.
- Hat or bandana: To shield your face and neck from the sun.
- Sunscreen and lip balm: The high-altitude sun can be intense.
- Toiletries: Don’t forget essentials like toilet paper and wet wipes.
Price for the 5 days Inca Trail tour extended version
Price per person:
- From US$ 998 - Adults
- From US$ 958 - Children and students
- 4+ Travelers, contact us to get a special price
To book our 5 days Inca Trail hike tour to awesome Machu Picchu, you just need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person. Then, you can pay the rest of the balance online or at our office in the city of Cusco.
Student discount:
- US$ 35 off per person
Traveling with kids or students? Travelers under 17 get a US$35 discount! And if you're 25 or younger, you can also save with a valid Student ID. Just send us an email to get your discount code and start planning your adventure!
Valid student ID for Inca Trail tours:
Want to access the student discount? Make sure you have a valid student ID!
- You must be 25 or younger on the day you enter Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, travelers over 25 don’t qualify.
- Your ID should clearly show your full name, photo, and the name of your university.
- Your ID must have a valid expiration date.
Invalid student IDs:
Please note that student discounts won’t apply if:
- You're over 25 years old.
- Your student ID is expired.
- Your ID doesn’t show an expiration date.
- If you're using an ISIC card, this is not accepted.
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Inca Trail 5 days extended version FAQs
Trekking the Inca Trail is an unforgettable adventure, but we know it comes with lots of questions. How long does it take? What should you pack? To help you get ready, we’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about this Inca Trail and Machu Picchu itinerary 5 days.
What is the Inca Trail 5 days - Extended version?
The Inca Trail 5 days hike follows the same route as the Classic version but at a slower pace, giving you more time to explore every part of this ancient path to Machu Picchu in Peru. Along the way, you'll walk through breathtaking Andean landscapes and immerse yourself in Inca history and culture.
While it’s a physical challenge, it’s totally doable for those in good shape—and truly unforgettable.
The main difference from the 4-day Classic Inca Trail is the pace: on the 5-day trek, you’ll hike fewer hours and shorter distances each day, making it a more relaxed journey overall.
How many miles is the Inca Trail 5 days extended version?
The Inca Trail 5 days is approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) long, the same as the Classic Inca Trail, as we follow the same route.
What is the difficulty of this Inca Trail tour?
The Inca Trail 5 days extended version is a moderate to difficult trek, especially on the second day to reach the Dead Woman's Pass summit. The final ascent is a steep climb that will test your stamina and resolve. However, the Inca Trail is a fantastic experience worth the effort.
Which Inca Sites do you visit during the extended Inca Trail?
This Inca Trail tour includes several different sites along the way, including:
- The Inca site of Wilkarakay
- The Inca site of Wayllabamba
- The Inca site of Runkuraqay
- The Inca site of Sayacmarca
- The Inca site of Phuyupatamarca
- The Inca site of Intipata
- The Inca site of Wiñayhuayna
- The Inca site of Intipunku
- Finally, explore Machu Picchu
When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail extended version tour?
The Inca Trail can be enjoyed year-round, but the dry season is generally the most popular time to go. Each season has its own charm, so it all depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. In the Dry Season expect sunny skies and clear views during the day, with colder temperatures at night—perfect for those who prefer drier trails.
How do I get the Inca Trail permits?
To hike the Inca Trail, you’ll need a special permit issued by the Peruvian government. These permits are limited and can only be obtained through an authorized operator like TreXperience.
When you’re ready to reserve your spot, just send us your personal information, passport number, and preferred travel dates through e-mail. Once everything is confirmed and payment is completed, our team will handle the permit process for you and send a personalized confirmation with all the details.
How should I prepare for the 5 days Inca Trail extended version tour?
The key to preparing for the Inca Trail is gradually increasing your mileage in the weeks following your hike.
- Aim to hike at least 10 miles weekly, with a few long weekend hikes. If you can't fit in that much time, try to hike at least every other day.
- In addition to mileage, be sure to focus on hill training.
- The Inca Trail has many steep ascents and descents, so it's important to be comfortable hiking hills before you attempt the trail.
- Try incorporating some hills into your weekly hikes, and if possible, do a few practice hikes on trails with significant elevation gain.
- Finally, don't forget to pack all the essential gear for the Inca Trail; this includes hiking boots, a first-aid kit, warm clothes, and rain gear.