Classic Inca Trail 5D/4N
5 Days
Overview
The 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a relaxed 45 km trek with quieter campsites, rich Inca archaeological sites, stunning mountain scenery, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu—ideal for families and seniors.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – PATALLACTA INCA TRAIL
Your adventure begins with hotel pick-up at 7:00 a.m. in a private vehicle, followed by a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to Km 82, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. After meeting your trekking team, enjoy a relaxed first hike to the impressive Patallacta Inca ruins, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
After a freshly prepared lunch, explore the archaeological site before settling into your first campsite to relax and enjoy the Andean atmosphere.
Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals Included: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea & dinner
DAY 2: PATALLAQTA - WAYLLABAMBA - LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Wake up at 6:30 a.m. with hot tea or coffee delivered to your tent. After breakfast, hike through the scenic Kusichaca Valley to Wayllabamba for lunch, surrounded by rich Andean flora and wildlife.
In the afternoon, continue with a steady ascent through the Llullucha Valley to Llulluchapampa Camp (3,800 m / 12,537 ft). Enjoy hot drinks and snacks upon arrival while your team prepares the campsite, followed by a relaxing evening in the Andes.
Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea & dinner
DAY 3: LLULLUCHAPAMPA - PAQAYMAYU - CH'AQICOCHA - PHUYUPATAMARCA.
Today is one of the longest and most spectacular days of the Inca Trail. After breakfast, hike uphill to Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 m / 13,907 ft, the highest point of the trek, offering breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and diverse Andean landscapes.
After descending to Pacaymayu Valley for lunch, continue to the impressive Inca sites of Runkuraqay and Sayaqmarca, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and high-altitude lagoons. The day ends with a scenic hike to Phuyupatamarca Camp, with panoramic views of the Urubamba Canyon and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Distance: ~13 km
Hiking Time: 9–10 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals Included: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea & dinner
DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA - WIÑAY WAYNA - MACHU PICCHU - AGUAS CALIENTES.
Enjoy one of the most scenic days on the Inca Trail. After breakfast with views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, descend stone steps to the impressive Inca site of Intipata, then continue to Wiñay Wayna Camp (2,650 m / 8,747 ft) for lunch and a guided visit of this remarkable archaeological complex.
In the afternoon, hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After enjoying the views and photo opportunities, descend and take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in a hotel.
Distance: ~10 km (6.2 mi)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Easy
Meals Included: Lunch, snacks & dinner.
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – RETURN TO CUSCO
Enjoy a memorable guided visit to Machu Picchu, starting with an early bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the citadel. Upon arrival, witness the sunrise over this legendary Inca city before a 2-hour guided tour, exploring its most important temples, ceremonial areas, and viewpoints.
For those seeking an extra adventure (not included), you may climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance reservation required, additional cost) for spectacular panoramic views of the entire site.
After the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, take the Expedition or Voyager train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Inclusions
INCLUDED
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Cusco.
- Briefing at our office. This will be done the night before the trek at 5:00pm
- Hotel pick up the first morning of the trek
- Private transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho (in our company van) Km 82
- Extra porter for your belongings (7 kg) you will need only a day backpack to carry what is needed during day.
- 4 season Tents, (large & comfortable).
- Comfortable foam mattresses
- Professional English speaking tour guide who is highly experienced in trekking.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional: vegetarian or other dietary needs upon request)
- First-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
- Porters to carry tents, food and cooking equipment
- Boiled water to fill water bottles or Camelback (the chef will provide clean water after each meal)
- Hot water for washing purposes (in the camp)
- Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transportation to Cusco (in our company van)
- Permit to the Classic Inca Trail & entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological site
- Private toilet tent, with a normal toilet seat – this is only for our group
- 1 1/2 hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Three Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Taxes.
NO INCLUDED
- First breakfast
- Last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance ticket to the hot springs.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD – This needs to be booked in advance and please let us know at the time of booking (it books out very quickly).
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Machupicchu Condor trek!
Packing Check List
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport required (the same used for booking your trek)
- International Student Card (if you booked as a student)
- Daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Machupicchu Condor Trek)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
- Good rain gear
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG
We are direct tour operators, we provide you with a canvas bag at the time of information for the Inca Trail, you will be given more information about an additional porter, who will carry up to (7 kilos), including your sleeping bag, camping mat and extra clothes. We recommend to bring:
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones; you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, Afterwords will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool Hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
Price
PRICES OF THE INCA TRAIL 5D/4N TO MACHU PICCHU
The Inca Trail Tour 5 day is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers and Inca Trail permits are available.
PRICE FOR GROUP SERVICE
$960 USD per person Personal porter included!
This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7kgs, we provide you a duffel bag, where you can put your things.
We provide large 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
PRICES - Private service
- 2 - hikers: $1240 USD per person
- 3 - 4 hikers: $1085 USD per person
- 5 - 6 hikers: $1015 USD per person
- 7 - 8 hikers: $900 USD per person
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and !warm)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD- (For solo travelers only)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $55 USD per person (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade – $67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco at 4:43pm)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
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