Explore the Inca Trail in solitude and visit the most remote and isolated Inca Sites. The Ultimate Inca Trail tour takes you to places where others don’t arrive and enjoy these fantastic trails with few people around. Available every day with a minimum of 2 people to depart.
The Ultimate Inca Trail is a multi-day trek that takes 5 days to reach Machu Picchu. The trail winds through the Andes Mountains, passing by several Inca ruins. The final destination is Machu Picchu, one of the world's most well-preserved archaeological sites.
Ultimate Inca Trail Tour: 5 Days of Epic Exploration
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is rated as one of the best hiking trails in the world due to 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.
During the Ultimate Inca Trail trek, you will visit high mountain passes, lush tropical valleys, dense cloud forests, rushing rivers, and ancient Incan ruins. Finally, you will reach Machu Picchu through the Intipunku (Sun Gate).
Tour Highlights:
- Explore the unique Inca sites that other groups don’t visit.
- Arrive in Machu Picchu twice (sunset and sunrise).
- Spend the night at exclusive and beautiful campsites.
- Board the Vistadome panoramic train to return.
Ultimate Inca Trail at a Glance:
Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Chamana
Pick up from your hotel at 5:00 am, drive to Km 82 for breakfast, and begin the Ultimate Inca Trail along the right bank of the Urubamba River. You will 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, continue up the narrow Kusichaca Valley, visiting several Inca sites until Huayllabamba, where lunch is served. The second part is a steep climb to our second campsite at Llulluchapampa, with magnificent views of Huayanay Mountain and the Queuña or Polyepis tree.
Day 3: Llulluchapampa – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca
Today, you will conquer 2 mountains. Start with a 2-hour ascend to Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman Pass) at 4,215 m /13,829 ft, and then Runkuraqay (4,000 m / 13,123 ft). We camp at Phuyupatamarca, the most beautiful campsite along the Inca Trail.
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: Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, and Sun Gate, and finally, arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon and see the great citadel, almost empty. Spend the night in a 3-star hotel.
Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of The Incas) – Cusco
Take the early buses to Machu Picchu and explore the most important places with your guide. After lunch, board the Panoramic train to Ollantaytambo and 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 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
Full Itinerary of the Ultimate Inca Trail 5 days tour to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 88 – Chamana
The day starts with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco (5:00 am) or the Sacred Valley (7:00 am) and a 2-hour drive to kilometer 82. On the way, we will stop at Ollantaytambo for breakfast and visit our Social Project. Upon arrival at Km 82, we will start the Ultimate Inca Trail TreXperience. While other groups cross the Urubamba River to the left bank, we will begin hiking along the river's right bank, visiting Salapunku, K'anabamba, and Machu Q'ente.
After a 3-hour hike, we will arrive at the control point of KM 88 – Q'oriwayrachina, where you will show your passports and cross the river using a hanging bridge with Inca foundations. Lunch is served in Chamana, where our campsite is located. Later in the afternoon, your tour guide will take you to the impressive Inca Site of Wayna Q'ente, a unique Inca Site located in the middle of the mountain, offering fantastic views of the valley and the mountains. We camp in Chamana village, near the Inca Site of Patallacta.
- Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
- Highest Altitude: 2,790 m / 9,153 ft
- Duration: 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Chamana – Patallacta – Huayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
After a delicious breakfast prepared by your trekking chef, you will start the day by visiting the impressive Inca Site of Patallacta. Most Inca Trail hikers will be back on km 82, and we will have the place for ourselves. Next, you will hike along the Cusichaca River until Wayllabamba Village, where we will visit Patawasi and enjoy lunch. The second part gets more challenging as we climb to our second campsite in Llulluchapampa. During the last part, you can enjoy various ecosystems, including the thick cloud forest with numerous flowers and birds.
- Campsite Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Llulluchapampa – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca
The day starts with an early climb to Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman's Pass), the Inca Trail's highest point at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). Here, you will take some time to enjoy the amazing views before going for 2 hours to Pacaymayo Alto for a well-deserved lunch.
The second part goes on a steep 2-hour climb to the second pass, the Runkuraqay Pass, at 4,000 m (13,123 ft). Next, continue for 3 more hours to the final campsite at Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft). Throughout the day, you will visit the Inca sites Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarca and enjoy stunning views of the Salkantay and Vilcabamba mountains.
- Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi
- Campsite Altitude: 3,660 m / 12,073 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
- Duration: 10 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Wake up on the most spectacular campsite of the Ultimate Inca Trail with a cup of coffee or tea while you enjoy the sunrise. Today's route is mostly downhill along the cobblestone trail; you can visit the Inca Sites of Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna before lunch.
After enjoying the last lunch in Wiñaywayna with the porters and saying goodbye to them, we will hike for 1 hour to the Sun Gate (Intipunku). From there, we will have the first and most amazing view of Machu Picchu with the sunset. We will spend the night in a hotel at Aguas Calientes Town (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Hiking distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Highest altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
- Duration: 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast, we will board the first bus to Machu Picchu and explore the best of the Inca Citadel. Your tour guide will take you to the most amazing places, like the terraces, temples, and palaces, and give you free time to explore independently after the guided tour. You can also participate in an extra hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountian.
After Machu Picchu, you will board the Vistadome Panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. Our private transportation will be waiting for you to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. The expected arrival time is around 7:30 p.m.
- Hiking Duration: 2-3 Hours
- Machu Picchu Site Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Ultimate Inca Trail 5 days to Machu Picchu Packing List
What to pack in the daypack during the Inca Trail hike?
- Original passport: You will need it to enter Machu Picchu.
- Plastic Ponchos: TreXperience will provide you with a reusable plastic poncho.
- 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 the 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: 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.
What to pack in the duffle bag:
- The sleeping bag: The first 2 nights during the Inca Trail can be below 0 degrees Celsius; you will need a suitable sleeping bag that can withstand -10 degrees Celsius. You can 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 them 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 5 days
Price per person:
- US$ 998 - Adults
- US$ 958 - Children and students
- 4+ Travelers, contact us to get a special price
To book the Ultimate Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid 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 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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Ultimate Inca Trail FAQs
What is the difference between the Classic Inca Trail and the Ultimate Inca Trail?
The Ultimate Inca Trail 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?
| 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 5-day 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 Inca Trail Trek?two
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 during 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.