Embark on an incredible adventure along the Inca Trail, where you'll have the chance to explore its most secluded and little-visited Inca sites. The Ultimate Inca Trai tour 5 day is the only one to take you to places where others don't go, giving you the chance to enjoy these fantastic trails in peace and quiet. The best part? It's available every day, with a minimum of two people to depart.
Experience this 5 day Inca Trail adventure! The trail winds through the awesome Andes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Of course, the trail will culminate in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites worldwide.
Ultimate Inca Trail Tour 5 Days 4 Nights - Go where others have not gone
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best hiking trails in the world! You'll be amazed by its beautiful natural environment, rich history, and amazing views of the Andes. Our expert tour guides are familiar with these ancient Inca Trails and will lead you safely to Machu Picchu.
Now, imagine taking this wonderful hike but passing through remote and rarely visited places that only your expert guide knows about. During our Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 day, you will be treated to breathtaking and exclusive views of high mountain passes, lush tropical valleys, dense cloud forests, rushing rivers, and ancient Incan ruins. And the grand finale? Reaching Machu Picchu through the Intipunku (Sun Gate).
Tour Highlights:
- Explore the unique Inca sites that other groups don’t visit.
- Visit Machu Picchu twice (sunset and sunrise).
- Spend the night at exclusive and beautiful campsites.
- Board the Vistadome panoramic train to return.
Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 day at a Glance:
Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Chamana
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! At 5:00 am, we'll pick you up from your hotel and head to Km 82 for breakfast. Then, we'll begin the Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 days along the right bank of the Urubamba River. There, you'll have the opportunity to visit local villages and important archeological sites such as Salapunku, K'anabamba, Machu Q'ente, Q'oriwayrachina, Wayna Q'ente, and camp near the Patallacta Inca site.
Day 2: Chamana –Patallaqta – Huayllabamba – Llullluchapampa
After breakfast, we'll head up the narrow Kusichaca Valley, where we'll visit several incredible Inca sites. Then, we'll go to Huayllabamba for lunch! Then, we'll take a thrilling climb to our second campsite at Llulluchapampa, where we'll be treated to breathtaking views of Huayanay Mountain and the Queuña or Polyepis tree.
Day 3: Llulluchapampa – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca
Today, you will conquer two mountains! You'll start with an invigorating 2-hour ascent to Warmiwañuska, also called the Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,215 m /13,829 ft, the Inca Trail's highest point! This will be followed by an exciting descent to Runkuraqay (4,000 m /13,123 ft). We'll camp at Phuyupatamarca, a stunning location along the Inca Trail.
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Wake up with the sunrise over the majestic Andes, and experience the most beautiful trek day of the itinerary! You'll be amazed by the number of archaeological sites you'll visit: Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, and Sun Gate. Finally, you'll arrive at the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu in the afternoon and see it in its best light with few other visitors around. Then, you'll spend the night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you can unwind and rejuvenate before the last day of adventure.
Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of The Incas) – Cusco
Take the early buses to Machu Picchu and explore the most important places of the Inca citadel with your guide. After lunch, board the incredible Panoramic train to Ollantaytambo and then jump in a private van back to Cusco.
Included
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel
- All transportation during the Inca Trail tour
- Professional tour guide (2 guides for groups of 9+)
- Personal porter to carry up to 7kg / 15lb of your gear
- All entry fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Chef to prepare your meals
- All meals are included except the last day’s lunch
- 3-night camping with the best equipment
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- 4-men tents for every two trekkers
- Dining tent, tables, and chairs
- Drinkable water after the first lunch
- Private portable toilets
- Panoramic Vistadome train to return
Not Included
- Sleeping bag, trekking poles, or air mattress
- Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entry to Montaña Machu Picchu
- Last day lunch in Aguas Calientes
- 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 the Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 days to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 88 – Chamana
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as we begin our journey at an early hour! At 5:00 am, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley, and off we'll go on a 2-hour adventure to kilometer 82. On the way, we'll make a stop at Ollantaytambo to have a delicious breakfast and visit our Social Project. Then, we'll begin the Ultimate Inca Trail 5 days TreXperience! While other groups will cross the Urubamba River to the left bank, we'll begin our adventure by hiking along the river's right bank, visiting the incredible sites of Salapunku, K'anabamba, and Machu Q'ente.
After a 3-hour hike, we'll arrive at the control point of KM 88 – Q'oriwayrachina, where you'll show your passports and cross the river using a hanging bridge with Inca foundations. Then, we'll have a delicious lunch in Chamana, where our campsite is located. Later in the afternoon, our knowledgeable tour guide will take you to the awe-inspiring Inca Site of Wayna Q'ente, a unique Inca Site located in the middle of the mountain, offering spectacular views of the valley and the mountains. We'll camp in the charming village of Chamana, right near the awe-inspiring Inca Site of Patallacta.
- Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Duration: 7 Hours
- Campsite Altitude: 2,200 m / 7.217 ft
- Highest Altitude: 2,790 m / 9,153 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Chamana – Patallacta – Huayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
After a delicious breakfast prepared by your trekking chef, you'll start your day by visiting the impressive Inca Site of Patallacta. Most Inca Trail hikers will be back to km 82, but we'll stay there and have the place all to ourselves. Next, we'll hike along the beautiful Cusichaca River until Wayllabamba Village, where we'll visit the fascinating Patawasi and enjoy a deserved lunch.
The second part of the trek is even more thrilling as we'll climb to our second campsite in Llulluchapampa. The final stretch is a treat, with diverse ecosystems that will blow your mind, including a thick cloud forest with an abundance of flowers and birds.
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft}
- Highest Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Llulluchapampa – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca
This day, we'll begin our journey with an invigorating climb to Warmiwañuska or the Dead Woman Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). Here, you'll have the opportunity to take in breathtaking views before continuing your journey for an invigorating two-hour hike to Pacaymayo Alto, where you'll savor a well-deserved lunch.
Then, we'll begin the second part of our journey with a thrilling 2-hour climb to the Inca Trail second pass, the Runkuraqay Pass, which sits at an impressive 4,000 m (13,123 ft). After that, we'll continue for three more hours to the final campsite at Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft). During the day, you'll have the incredible opportunity to explore the ancient Inca sites of Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarca. And the views of the Salkantay and Vilcabamba mountains will be breathtaking!
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Duration:10 Hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,660 m / 12,073 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Awaken to the most breathtaking campsite of the Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 day, where you can sip a steaming cup of coffee or tea while taking in the awe-inspiring sight of the sunrise. Today's route is mostly downhill along the cobblestone trail, making for an easy and enjoyable descent. You'll have the opportunity to explore the incredible Inca Sites of Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna before lunch.
After a hearty lunch in Wiñaywayna, where you'll have the chance to bid farewell to your fellow porters, we'll set off on a one-hour hike to the breathtaking Sun Gate (Intipunku). From there, we'll be treated to the first and most amazing view of Machu Picchu with the sunset. Then, we'll spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes Town (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), where we'll have the chance to explore this incredible town during the day.
- Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
- Duration: 7 Hours}
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast in the hotel, we'll hop on the first bus to Machu Picchu and explore the Inca Citadel at its best time. Your expert tour guide will escort you to the most incredible places, like the awe-inspiring Inca terraces, temples, and palaces. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, after the Machu Picchu tour, you can join an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain! (Entrances not included)
After Machu Picchu, we'll board the Vistadome Panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. And, don't worry about getting back to your hotel in Cusco because our private transportation will be waiting for you to move to your hotel! The estimated arrival time in Cusco is around 7:30 p.m., ensuring enough time to take a deserved bath, a nap, or a tasty dinner. A perfect end to an unforgettable day!
- Hiking Duration: 2-3 hours
- Machu Picchu Site Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 days to Machu Picchu - Packing List
Getting ready for your Inca Trail tour? Whether you're planning to hike the Inca Trail for the first time or preparing for the full Inca Trail tour 5 day, packing right is key. Here's a list of essential items to bring along for a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable adventure.
Essentials
- Comfortable, high-top hiking shoes.
- Hiking pants.
- Sweatshirts.
- Polo shirts.
- Sun hat.
- Raincoat.
- Shorts.
- Warm jacket.
What to pack in the daypack during the Inca Trail hike?
During your Inca Trail trek, carrying a small daypack with essentials is crucial. Since the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu involves long hours of hiking each day, having water, snacks, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and other basics on hand ensures you're comfortable and prepared at every step of the journey.
- Original passport: You will need it to enter Machu Picchu. Please check that it is not expired or has a distant expiration date.
- Plastic Ponchos: TreXperience will provide you with a reusable plastic poncho for the rain.
- Sunscreen: You will hike in open spaces exposed to direct sunlight; bring the correct sunscreen or buy it in Cusco before heading for the trek. Also, get some lip protectors.
- Toilet paper: You will find a toilet from the locals; you must always carry toilet paper in your backpack.
- Insect repellent: Apply insect repellent every day and wear long sleeves.
- One rain jacket and one warm/winter jacket: The temperature will be icy in the first two nights; keep a jacket while hiking.
- Snacks: We recommend bringing energy bars, granolas, chocolate, and candies.
- Water Container: You need a container of at least 2 liters of water: camel bag, reusable bottle.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: You must walk around the camp and use the restroom.
- Hat and Sunglasses: For nighttime and early mornings, bring a sun hat with a neck cover, gloves, and a beanie.
- Extra Money in Cash: Bring around 600 soles (200 USD) for the Inca Trail; make sure to have some small coins. This is emergency money, and you will not spend all of it.
- Personal medication: Bring band-aids, Diamox, Pepto, Ibuprofen, Imodium, motion sickness pills, and feminine products.
- Devices: Cameras, cellphones for photos. Portable batteries.
What to pack in the duffle bag
For your Inca Trail trek, TreXperience will provide you with a duffel bag to store everything you don't need for your day-to-day hike (For this purpose, you'll have your daypack where you carry your daily essential things). Our porters will be in charge of carrying your duffel bag from camp to camp.
Remember that the weight limit is 7 kg in each duffle bag, so travel light, bringing only the essentials for your Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 days to Machu Picchu, and prepare for the journey of a lifetime.
- Sleeping bag: The first 2 nights on the Inca Trail can be below 0 degrees Celsius; you will need a suitable sleeping bag that can withstand -10 degrees Celsius.
- You can also bring your own or rent it from us.
- Hiking Boots: Lightweight and waterproof; we strongly recommend hiking boots instead of sports shoes. Please ensure you have used them before to avoid blisters.
- Sandals: After a long day hike, you must wear light clothes and shoes at the campsite. For this reason, we recommend that you wear sneakers or sandals.
- 6 pairs of wool hiking socks: To use with trekking boots.
- 3 pairs of light socks: You will wear them at night or walk around in sandals at the campsite.
- 5+ pairs of underwear: Just in case, please bring more things in case they get wet.
- 2 or 3 hiking pants: Breathable. Ladies' leggings are also perfect.
- 1 Sweatpant: For the evenings and early morning
- 5 sets of T-shirts: Long-sleeved shirts are better
- Trekking poles: We strongly recommend bringing your own or renting them from us.
- Inflatable mattresses: We provide foam mattresses; however, you can bring or rent air mattresses for more comfort.
Price for the Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 days
Price per person:
- US$ 998 - Adults
- US$ 958 - Children and students
- 4+ Travelers, contact us to get a special price
Are you ready to experience the incredible journey of a lifetime on the ultimate Inca Trai 5 day trek to Machu Picchu? For an amazing adventure, you'll need to make an initial payment of just US$ 200 per person. Then, as the excitement builds, you can seamlessly pay the remaining balance online or at our office in Cusco.
Student Discount:
- US$ 40 off per person
All travelers under 17 have a $40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the discount with your Student ID. Please send us an email to receive a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
To get the awesome student discount, all you have to do is show your valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or younger at the time of entering Machu Picchu.
- If you're over 25, no worries! Just present another form of ID that meets the requirements.
- Make sure your ID shows your name, university name, and a photo of you.
- And don't forget, it must have a valid expiration date.
Invalid Student IDs
We're sorry, but these student IDs cannot be used to get a discount:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid
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Ultimate Inca Trail 5 day tour - FAQs
Planning your Inca Trail tour? We know you may have lots of questions before starting this unforgettable journey. In this section, you'll find answers to the most common questions about the Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 day—covering everything from permits and packing tips to what to expect along the way.
What is the difference between the Classic Inca Trail 4 days and the Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 day?
The Ultimate Inca Trail tour 5 day will take you to explore unique places that cannot be visited during the Classic Inca Trail. The 5-day option also allows you to arrive twice at Machu Picchu, one in the afternoon of day 4, where you will enjoy the sunset, and one in the morning of day 5, where you will enjoy the sunrise early in the morning.
How high are the campsites of the Ultimate Inca Trail 5 day trek?
| Cusco City | 3400 m (11,155 ft) |
| The starting point of the Inca Trail is KM 82 | 2,600 m (8,530 ft) |
| The average altitude of the Inca Trail | 3,000 m (9,843 ft) |
| The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass | 4,215 m (13,828 ft) |
| The second highest mountain pass is Runccuracay | 4,000 m (13,123 ft) |
| Machu Picchu, where the Inca Trail ends | 2,430 m (7,972 ft) |
| First campsite | 3,000 m (9,843 ft) |
| Second campsite | 3,680 m (12,073 ft) |
| Third campsite | 3,600 m (11,811 ft) |
| The last night at Aguas Calientes town | 2,040 m (6,693 ft) |
How challenging is the Ultimate Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is considered moderate to difficult; you must train, exercise, and go short hiking before coming to Peru to complete this trek.
Where does the Ultimate Inca Trail start?
The Inca Trail 5 days and 4 nights starts at Km 82 – Piscacucho, a small village in the Ollantaytambo district. The main control point is located at Km 88 - Coriwayrachina.
Where does the Ultimate Inca Trail end?
After completing 4 days of hiking, you will reach the Sun Gate in the afternoon, where you will finally have a distant view of Machu Picchu. The tour concludes at your hotel on the 5th day after visiting Machu Picchu and boarding the Vistadome train for the return journey.
How long is the Ultimate Inca Trail 5 days?
The Inca Trail 5 days 4 nights to Machu Picchu Trek covers 48 km – 30 miles from Km 82 to Machu Picchu.
When is the best time of the year to hike the Ultimate Inca Trail?
This question is often tough to answer. Inca Trail is Inca Trail, and you will be amazed by the sun, rain, wind, cold, or any weather you might encounter on your trip. You must have the proper equipment and always be prepared for all types of weather. Inca Trail is located in the cloud forest and is famous for having the most unstable weather in Peru and perhaps the world.
- The best months to hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu are April to October.
- The driest months on the Inca Trail are May, June, July, and August. However, these are the busiest in Machu Picchu.
- The rainy season lasts from November until March; however, it is possible to go whole weeks without rain.
- February is permanently closed due to heavy rains and maintenance.
How many days in advance do I have to arrive in Cusco before the 5 day Inca Trail hike?
We recommend arriving at least two days before your trip departure. This way, you will have time to adapt to Cusco City’s altitude and prepare for the Inca Trail.
When is the Classic Inca Trail closed?
The Inca Trail is closed for the entire month of February due to the heavy rains and maintenance.
Where do I have to book Inca Trail Permits?
Authorized registered tour operators can only book the Inca Trail permits in Cusco City. You can not secure the permits and must travel with a tour guide, chef, and porters.
How to get Inca Trail Permits?
The Inca Trail permits are released during the first days of October for the following year. We will book the permits for the 2024 season this October 2023.
A few months, like May, June, and July, may sell out fast, so it is essential to get manual confirmation that the tour operator has secured the permits.
How to book the Ultimate Inca Trail?
Booking the Inca Trail is easy with TreXperience; click the BOOK NOW button, select your departure date, fill out the form with all requested details, including passport information, and finally submit the initial payment required. Due to the permits’ strict booking policy for the Inca Trail administered by the Peruvian Government, all Inca Trail bookings must be confirmed manually.
Is the Inca Trail Hike Dangerous?
There are always risks involved in any adventure trip. Negligence or the forces of nature can lead to dangerous situations on the Inca Trail. The best way to stay safe is to follow your tour guide's instructions closely.
Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
You can not enter the Inca Trail without hiring a registered tour company. You must hike the Inca Trail with a tour guide, chef, and porters.