Inca Trail 5 days 4 nights Slow Version to the famous lost city of Machu Picchu allows us to explore this iconic trail slowly, stay at unique campsites, explore the ancient Inca sites, and enjoy the spectacular place’s hidden treasures with a few people around. Available every day with a minimum of 2 people to depart.
The Inca Trail is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Peru. Every year, thousands of people worldwide come to hike the Inca Trail, which leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail 5 Days Slow Version Overview
The Inca Trail 5 days slow version tour to Machu Picchu follows the same route as the Classic Inca Trail 4 days but allows you more time at each archeological site and hiking shorter distances daily. This is a perfect option for families, couples, children, and anybody who wants to take their time to enjoy the Classic Inca Trail and spend more time exploring the Inca Sites in smaller groups.
Trip details:
- Duration: 5 days 4 nights
- Depart: Km 82
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Season: Every day except February
- Destination: Lost city of Machu Picchu
- Total Distance: 42 km / 26 miles
Highlights of the Inca Trail 5 days tour
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility
- Small-group tours for a personalized service
- Spend more time at each archeological site
- Arrive twice at Machu Picchu (Sunset and sunrise)
- Return On the Vistadome Panoramic trains.
Inca Trail 5 days at a Glance!
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Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba
Start in your hotel at 5.00 am, drive to Km 82, have Breakfast, and begin the Inca Trail 5 days along the Urubamba and Cusichaca river banks. You will visit local villages and important archeological sites such as Willkaraykay, Patallacta, and Wayllabamba.
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Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
Wake up with a cup of fresh coffee in your tent and get ready for the hike to the highest point on the Inca Trail, Warmiwañusca or Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4215 m (13829 ft); the hike is challenging and yet very enjoyable, with spectacular views of the mountains.
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Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca
Start the day conquering the second and last mountain for Runkuraqay at 4000 m (13123 ft) while visiting the archeological sites of Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarka as you enter into the cloud forest. We camp at Phuyupamarca (3680 m - 12073 ft), with the best view of the Andes mountain ranges.
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Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Wake up with the sunrise over the Andes; this is the most beautiful trek day. Visit several archaeological sites: Phuyupatamarka, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, Sungate, and finally arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon and see the great citadel almost empty. Spend the night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
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Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of The Incas) – Cusco
Take the early buses to Machu Picchu and explore with your tour guide the most important places; before leaving the citadel, you will have time to explore yourself. After lunch, board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo and a private van to Cusco.
Included
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel.
- Professional tour guide (2 guides for groups 9+)
- All entrance fees to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- All transportation during the tour from hotel to hotel
- Personal porter to carry up to 7 kilos
- Chef to prepare your meals
- All meals are included except the last day’s lunch.
- 4-men tents for every two trekkers
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Drinkable water after day one lunch
- Vistadome train back to Cusco
- Taxes Included and booking fees included
Not Included
- Sleeping Bag, Trekking poles, or air mattress
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain
- Travel Insurance
- Last day lunch in Aguas Calientes
Full Itinerary of the Slow Inca Trail 5 days tour
Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba
Pick up at your hotel in Cusco at 5.00 am and drive to Km 82. On the way, we will stop at Ollantaytambo for breakfast and last-minute shopping. Next, we will drive to the trailhead, prepare for the Inca Trail Tour, and start hiking to the checkpoint, where you must show the original passport. After the checkpoint, you will begin a 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.
Lunch will be in the village of Tarayoc, where our chef will prepare buffet meals with fresh local products. The second part is a 2-hour trek along the left bank of the Cusichaka river until we arrive at Wayllabamba, where we camp near the villagers; once you reach, the tents will be ready. Your team will provide you with warm water to wash, prepare your bed, enjoy tea time and dinner, and go to sleep in our comfortable tents.
- Walking Distance: 13 km
- Duration: 6 hours
- Campsite altitude: 3,000
- Included: B, L, D
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 the Inca Trail, climbing the Warmiwañusca mountain at 4215 m (13829 ft). The day starts with a 4-hour hike to our lunch place at Llulluchapampa at 3800 m (12467 ft). Along the way, you will experience different micro-climates, such as the cloud forest with dense vegetation, flowers, and hummingbirds, along the ancient Inca Trail paved with stones over 500 years ago.
After a well-earned lunch, you will start the final 2-hour ascend to the top of Warmiwañusca Mountain (Dead Women’s Pass), the highest point of the Inca Trail; as we enjoy the views and regroup, your guide will explain the importance of these high places and perform a ritual to thank the local gods for letting us pass safely. The last part of the day is a 2-hour downhill until the Pacaymayo Alto campsite at 3650 m (11975 ft).
- Walking Distance: 10 km
- Duration: 6 hours
- Campsite altitude: 3,650 m
- Included: B, L, D
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca
After Breakfast, you will start ascending the second mountain called Runkuraqay at 4000 m (13123 ft); on the way, you will visit an archeological site with the same name, enjoy the beautiful view of mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and spectacular views of the Urubamba Mountain range. Once reaching the top, you will have time to rest and explore the surroundings. Next, you will start descending into the Cloud forest, where the third campsite is on top of the mountain, Phuyupatamrca, with 3680 m (12073 ft). Along the way, you will visit Sayamarca and Conchamarca and enjoy the lush vegetation covering the Inca Trail. Upon arrival at the campsite, you will get ready to watch the most spectacular sunset over the Vilcabamaba mountain range. The best night to stargaze!
- Walking Distance: 14 km
- Duration: 8 hours
- Campsite altitude: 3,680 m
- Included: B, L, D
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Waking up early this day is the highlight of the trip. Due to the campsite’s location, you will witness the most spectacular sunrise on the Inca Trail tours; after breakfast with the mountain views, you will have a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca, a beautiful archeological site near the campsite. Then start descending the stone steps to Intipata (Place of the Sun), where you enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River and the Mountains. After resting, you will continue to the Archeological site of Wiñaywayna at 2652 m, the largest and most beautiful site after Machu Picchu. The tour guide will explore the impressive terraces, temples, and urban areas and enjoy the Urubamba river’s spectacular views as you learn about the Incan history. At the same time, the team prepares a special last lunch.
You will sing a farewell song (tipping optional); after saying goodbye to your team, you will start the final part of the Inca Trail, first is a 1-hour hike to Sun Gate, from where you will have the first and most impressive view of the great city of Machu Picchu. After enjoying the views and solitude of this place, you will start descending for 1 more hour into the citadel; we arrive late in the afternoon, giving us a unique chance to see Machu Picchu with fewer people. We 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).
- Walking Distance: 12 km
- Duration: 8 hours
- AC altitude: 2000 m
- Hotel: Susanna INN or Similar
Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) – Cusco
Enjoy an early breakfast in your hotel and take the first bus to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, you need to show the original passport; you will explore the best places of Machu Picchu. The guided tour takes about 3 hours. You will have time to explore the citadel by yourself and climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (different from Machu Picchu citadel, and tickets must be booked far in advance). After exploring the fortress, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch( not included), and take the panoramic Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo and then a private van back to Cusco. The tour will finish back at your hotel around 7.30 pm.
- Duration of Guided tour: 4 hours
- Hotel: Not Included
Inca Trail 5 days tour packing List
When hiking the Inca Trail 5 days with TreXperience, you will have your stuff in 2 bags. To ensure you have all the essentials for your journey, we’ve compiled this comprehensive Packing List to help you prepare for the trek.
In your daypack
A daypack is essential for any hiker, but it's especially important on the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail is a challenging hike with steep sections and many steps. A good daypack will help you carry your essentials, including water, snacks, and layers. This backpack will carry all the items you need during the day.
- Original Passport (put in a dry and safe compartment)
- Water (2 liters - you need to take have a reusable container)
- Snacks (Have chocolates, power bars
- Sunscreen (have it all the time with you)
- Rain gear (TreXperience will provide you with a plastic poncho)
- Basic first aid kit (pills, band-aids, insect repellent)
- Toilet paper (inside a plastic bag)
- Extra cash (better if it is in soles, around 400 soles)
In the duffle bag
TreXperience will provide a duffle bag where you can put all the hiking gear you will take for the 4 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It's important to mention that you can put in a maximum of 7 kilos.
- Comfortable clothing: You'll want to layer your clothing to account for the varying temperatures on the trail. Choose clothes you can easily move in that won't chafe when you sweat.
- Walking boots or shoes – ensure they are comfortable and broken in before you go!
- Sandals or flip-flops for camp
- Jacket or windbreaker – even if it’s warm during the day, it can get chilly at night.
- Pants – preferably ones that can convert into shorts (zip-offs are ideal)
- Shirts – t-shirts or light long sleeves to protect from the sun
- Hat or bandana to keep the sun off your face and neck
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Toiletries – including toilet paper and wet wipes
Price for the Inca Trail 5 days tour
Price Per person:
- 890.USD for adults
- 850.USD for children and students
To book the Inca Trail 5 days tour to Machu Picchu, you need to make an initial payment of 200.USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or Cusco with any credit card at no booking fees at all.
Student Discount:
All travelers under 17 will have a $35 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the 35$ discount with your student ID. Please advise by email to give you a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student Id without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
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Inca Trail 5 days Frequently Asked Questions
The Inca Trail is an iconic journey; understanding everything from how long it takes to what you need to bring can be daunting. To help shed some light on this incredible experience, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the 5-day trek to Machu Picchu.
What is the Inca Trail 5 days?
The Inca Trail 5 days follows the same route as the Classic Inca Trail. However, it allows you to go slower with more time to explore this ancient trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail passes through some of the most stunning scenery in the Andes Mountains and offers hikers an opportunity to experience a taste of Inca history and culture. Although the trek is challenging, it is doable for anyone with a good fitness level and is an unforgettable experience.
The main difference with the Classic Inca Trail is the daily hiking hours; during the 5 days version, you will hike daily for fewer hours and distance.
How long is the Inca Trail 5 days slow 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 the Inca Trail 5 days?
The Inca Trail 5 days is a moderate to difficult trek, especially on the second day to reach 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 Slow Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail 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 slow version Inca Trail?
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season. However, each season has its benefits.
- The Dry season is from May to October (Sunny days, cold nights)
- The Shoulder seasons are April and November (Cooler days and nights)
- The Rainy season is from December to March (Rainy days and nights but cooler temperatures)
How do I get the permits?
To hike the Inca Trail, you must first obtain a permit from the Peruvian government. You can only book and enter the Inca trail with an authorized Inca Trail tour operator like TreXperience.
You must provide your personal information, passport number, and intended travel dates. Once you have paid and entered all details, we will manually book your Inca Trail permits and send you a manual confirmation.
How should I prepare for the Inca Trail 5 days?
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.
What are some alternative hikes in Peru?
There are many alternative hikes in Peru, but the most popular ones are the Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek. These treks offer stunning views of the Andes Mountains and end at Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek is a bit more challenging than the Lares Trek, but both are doable for people of all fitness levels.