OVERVIEW
The 5-day Inca Trail follows the same classic route as the 4-day version, but at a more leisurely pace, making it ideal for those who want more time, are in moderate physical condition, or simply want to enjoy the scenery and archaeological sites at a more relaxed pace.Here is a detailed 5-day, 4-night Classic Inca Trail itinerary, based on the most common route operated by several trusted companies in the search results
HIGHLIGHTS
- Wiñayhuayna Considerado el sitio arqueológico más hermoso del camino después de Machu Picchu. Sus terrazas escalonadas en una pendiente empinada son simplemente alucinantes.
- · La increíble calidad y variedad de la comida preparada por los chefs porteadores. Es un lujo inesperado que recarga energías y sube el ánimo.
- La Conexión con la Naturaleza y Cultura Andina
- This is a fantastic day for nature lovers, with opportunities to spot hummingbirds, orchids, and a variety of native plants . Your campsite at Llulluchapampa offers stunning, open views of the surrounding peaks and a peaceful night under the stars .
ITINERARY
- Accommodation: (Tents for every two hikers), foam mattresses, blankets,
- Distance: 6kms/3.7 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Pick up time : 5:30 am
Our adventure through this magical adventure will start very early, we will start the tour at 6:30 am from your hotel.
We will travel by bus for approximately 3:30 minutes, traveling through beautiful landscapes in the Sacred Valley, we can stop on the way to buy breakfast if you wish (not included in the service) ,We can stop very close to Ollantaytambo to buy beakfast , we can stop there for about 30 minutes where you can buy breakfast and use the restrooms and then we will return to board our bus to continue our journey to the beginning of the hike (Kilometer 82).
Today has a relatively relaxed start for the Inca Trail and the walking is easy going to help you settle in to the trek. Beginning at Km82 we slowly make our way along the banks of the Urubamba River with great views of the snow-capped peak Veronica (5900m / 19000ft) and with a variety of native plant and birdlife around us. We'll have a visit to a small Inca fortress called Vilca Raccay that is off a side spur of the main Inca Trail before heading to our main destination, the extensive Inca site of Llactapata (Patallacta) which is also where we will camp.
Llactapata (2840m / 9317ft) is mostly passed by as it is not on the main Inca Trail. As we are taking the Inca Trail at a relaxed pace further along the trail than most groups go; as we're camping further up the trail the next day's trek up to the pass is a little easier for us and with fewer tourists at the campsite we can enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful place.
- Accommodation: (Tents for every two hikers), foam mattresses, blankets.
- Distance: 11kms/6.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Today is another relatively easy day. Most groups would be powering ahead along the Inca Trail today and would be heading over Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point on the trek and one of the hardest and longest climbs on the Inca Trail. We're going to take things at a more leisurely pace and our goal for today is a campsite just before the pass, Llulluchapampa, this breaks the hardest stretch over two days making the climb significantly easier.
On the way to Llulluchapampa we'll once again go off the beaten track to visit the least visited of all the sites on the Inca Trail, the Inca fort of Paucarcancha. As we climb up to Llulluchapampa we'll pass through various biozones including the low sierra, cloud forest and the high puna. There are many opportunities to see a variety of plant and birdlife and if we are lucky we may also spot White Tailed Deer. Our campsite for the night is at 3800m / 12460ft. and just like before it is tranquil and quiet with most trekkers either camping in the valley below or on the other side of the pass.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities (Tents for every two hikers), foam mattresses included in the price, blankets.
- Distance: 15kms/9.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/challenge
Today is our longest day and crosses two high passes; luckily for us we're nearly at the first pass and once we've passed the second the walking is easy with very little ups and downs to contend with. Today sees some of the best views and scenery of the whole Inca Trail and includes visits to two Inca sites (Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca); with fantastic views of the high snow-capped peaks for most of the day and the cloud forest all around us today is by far the most visually stunning.
Our campsite for tonight is at Phuyupatamarca (3680m / 12073ft) from where we'll get our first views of Machu Picchu mountain far in the distance (the site itself is hidden from view). The views of the sunset from here are fantastic and once again the campsite is quiet with the majority of trekkers camping closer to Machu Picchu.
- Accommodation: (Tents for every two hikers), foam mattresses, blankets,
- Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Today is all about the Incas; we visit 3 major sites (Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñay Wayna) before we finally arrive to Machu Picchu itself late in the day. With only a short distance left to cover you'll really have the opportunity to see these sites in detail and learn more about the Inca culture and Machu Picchu in preparation for your visit tomorrow. The area around these Inca sites is also rich in wildlife and with only a handful of people around on this stretch of trail at this time of day it is the perfect opportunity to try and spot some of the more elusive species.
It is on this day that we will pass through the sector called the Guard's house where we will take the classic photo with very few people, one of the great advantages of doing the Inca Trail, a special 5-day service.
The final stretch of the Inca Trail is completely deserted this time of day so our arrival to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is perfect. With good light and very few tourists about we can get some great photos to the citadel from a distance before carrying on down. After we arrive toaguas calientes town, we'll take the bus to aguas calientes town where we will spend the night at the hotel .
Machu Picchu awaits for you.
we will take the bus to machupicchu citadel. We'll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.
INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES
THE PRICE INCLUDE
- Professional Guides: Our guides possess advanced expertise in the history, geology, and archaeology of this region in Peru.
- 7 Kilograms Of Your Personal Belongings: You will have a personal porter, who will carry 7 kilograms of your personal belongings at no extra cost. The 7 kilograms weight limit includes the sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
- A Duffle Bag:We will provide you with a duffle bag where you will put inside your 7 kilograms (14 pounds).
- Pick-Up And Drop-Off At Your Hotel: We will pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco to start your Inca Trail. After your hike, we will drop you off in your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco.
- Private Transportation from Cusco to Km 82: Once we pick you up, our drivers will then transport you in our private AB Expeditions van to Km 82 (the trailhead).
- Foam Mattress: You will receive a foam sleeping pad.
- Professional Chef: Our chef creates incredible dishes on the Inca Trail expedition.
- Dining Tent With Chairs And Tables: We will provide you with a dining tent, along with chairs and a table where you enjoy your meals. Meals: We will provide you with 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and 4 snacks. We also have options for vegetarians, vegans, those who are gluten-free as well as alternative options for those who have any other type of food allergy.
- Tents: We will provide you with a Eureka Timberline 4 Person Tent, which is shared by up to 2 people.
- Inca Trail Permit: The price of the Inca Trail includes the entrance fee as well as visits to the various archaeological sites.
- Porters: Our porters will carry all of your equipment, which means you only need to carry a small daypack.
- Machu Picchu Ticket: With this ticket you visit Machu Picchu with your own private guided tour.
- Bus Ticket: The bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes is also included 4 day
- Round trip bus ticket on day 05 from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and viceversa.
- Hotel of 3 stars in Aguas Calientes town( Tara Machu Picchu or similar) on day 4
- Train Tickets: We will organize your Expedition Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation To Cusco:
- The transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is also sorted for you.
- Oxygen Tank: Our tour guides always bring a tank of oxygen in case of an emergency.
- First-Aid Kit: During the hikes our guides will be equipped with first-aid kits.
- Briefing:The evening prior to your trek at 18:00, you will participate in a briefing at our office alongside our guide and fellow trekkers.
- Hot Water Bowls: Each and every day (before and after trekking), we provide you with hot water so you can properly clean your hands and face.
- Rain Poncho: We provide you a plastic poncho in order to provide additional protection against the rain.
- Guided Tour Of Machu Picchu: You will explore Machu Picchu with our guide, visiting the most important temples and ruins. This also includes a visit to the unique guardhouse platform.
- Water: We supply you with water during every meal. We will properly boil, filter, and cool it to guarantee cleanliness and safety for consumption.
- Daypack Cover: We also provide you with a backpack cover which shields your backpack from rain, dust, and dirt.
- Free Storage For Your Extra Belongings: We keep your extra belongings safe during the trek in our secure storage space in Cusco.
- T- Shirt: Once you finish the Inca Trail, you will then receive our iconic Inca Trail T-Shirt.
- Radio Communications: Our guides and cooks also make frequent radio communication to stay organized.
THE PRICE EXCLUDES
- Lunch on Day 5.
- Entrance to the Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes town ($5).
- Tips (optional).
- Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance for the Inca Trail to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
- ADDITIONAL OPTIONS TO ADD TO YOUR 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TOUR PACKAGE
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: This has an extra cost of $65.
- Vistadome: This has an extra cost of $50.
- Vistadome Observatory: This has an extra cost of $70
- Sleeping Bag: This has an extra cost of $20.
- Walking Sticks: This has an extra cost of $20.
- Air Mattress: This has an extra cost of $20.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The best time to hike the Inca Trail for four days is generally considered to be from May to August, as these months fall within the dry season. However, each month offers a unique experience, which is why we have created a detailed blog post for each month, outlining the pros and cons of hiking the Inca Trail during that time. Each blog post also includes a video showcasing the landscape of the trail for that specific month. Click on the month links—January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December—to explore more
Yes, there is a waiting list for Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu. However, new tickets usually become available 2 to 5 days before the trek starts. This is because some people get sick when they arrive in Cusco and have to cancel their Inca Trail trip.
Yes, we offer secure luggage storage for all travelers joining the 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Any extra luggage or personal belongings that you do not need during the trek can be safely stored at our office in Cusco.
You may bring your additional belongings to our office one day before your departure, or you can hand them to our driver when our guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco. If you choose to give your luggage to the driver, it will be transported back to Cusco after you are dropped off at the Inca Trail trailhead.
Once back in Cusco, your belongings will be securely stored by our team until you complete your Inca Trail hike. All stored items will be returned to you upon your return to Cusco after finishing the trek to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail 4-day permit automatically includes access to Circuit 1 – Route 1C (Sungate) and Circuit 3 – Route 3B (Designed Royalty Route).
Upon arriving at the Sungate, you will continue hiking directly to Machu Picchu for approximately 45 minutes, following Route 1C. Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will proceed to the Upper Terrace, an area that offers the iconic panoramic view of the citadel. Here, your professional guide will provide a comprehensive introduction to the site, including its historical context and cultural importance.
After completing the visit to the Upper Terrace, you will exit the citadel and then re-enter to continue along Route 3B. This circuit leads through some of the most important temples and architectural structures of the ancient Inca city, allowing you to explore areas closely associated with Inca royalty and ceremonial life.
The outstanding balance, you should pay 2 days before your departure at our office . Our office hours are in the morning from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and in the afternoon from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. You can also pay us with a Credit Card (a 5% service fee applies). Please let us know what you prefer. If you want to pay with Cash, you should pay us 2 days prior to your departure.
Yes, it is possible. However we have to buy another Inca Trail permit for your new desired date, and we will also have to pay a penalty to change train tickets. So the extra cost to change the departure date is $100 per person.
Note: If you want to change your departure date, you have to first see our availability for your new departure date. If there is no availability for your new departure date, then it will not be possible.
On day 4, all the porters will leave the campsite at 4:00 am to catch the train at 5:30 am back to Ollantaytambo. However, some of our porters will hike to Aguas Calientes bringing the duffle bags where they will leave them in our secure storage point. After visiting Machu Picchu you will head down to Aguas Calientes and pick up your duffle bags, before going to the train station to take the train to Ollantaytambo.
e usually book return train tickets at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm for our Inca Trail tours, so you arrive in Cusco at 7:30 pm. This means you will have enough time to sleep and do any tour the next day, such as to Rainbow Mountain.
In case our country closes its borders, we refund you all the deposit. But if you don’t make it to our country for whatever other reason (such as getting sick, missing your flight, there is a strike or natural disaster etc). You will lose USD $200 automatically. Once we buy the Inca Trail permit, it unfortunately becomes non-refundable and non-transferable – even for ourselves. The entity in charge of issuing the Inca Trail permits is the Ministry of Culture of Peru. They don’t provide any refunds.
We understand that nothing is guaranteed and things may change, therefore we will do our best to be reasonable and charge you only for things that we have already spent and cannot reclaim ourselves.
To avoid altitude sickness, we highly recommend you arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance. On the first day, you can walk around the city visiting some museums and local markets, or you can take a tour around Cusco. On the second day, you can hike to Cristo Blanco. It is 3 km from Cusco and is all uphill which is a good test. You can also take the Sacred Valley tour to visit some Inca sites outside of Cusco.
Also during the first day, try to eat soft foods. If you eat heavy foods, the oxygen will go to your stomach instead of your brain which can cause nausea.
Yes, it is possible. In case you cancel your trip one day before your departure or you return from the trail on day 1, we will help you organize your Machu Picchu Tour. You can do a 1-day trip or a 2-day tour to Machu Picchu. If you are doing a day trip, you will need to buy a train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes ($70 per person), transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo ($30 in total), as well as a ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu ($12 per person). In case you want to stay overnight, you will need to add a hotel in Aguas Calientes which costs roughly anywhere from $30-90 (we recommend the Tara Machu Picchu which is a 3-star hotel).
You will still use things that were already included in your Inca Trail 4-day package, such as your Machu Picchu ticket, bus ticket from Mapi to Aguas Calientes, train ticket from Aguas Calientes as well as your transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
However, public toilets are available along the entire Inca Trail, typically spaced about every two hours of hiking. On the first day, local residents offer access to their private toilets for a fee, so it is advisable to carry coins; each use costs 1 sol, and these toilets are generally clean. From the second day onward, only public toilets are available. If you are among the first hikers to use them,
Of course, we will arrange your Inca Trail vacation for your family or group of friends. Since there are more than 10 people in your group, we will organize a private Inca Trail tour just for you, without including other groups.
We usually work with Peru Rail because they offer more frequent departures. Additionally, in the event of strikes or delays, Peru Rail is often the first to resume service. For these reasons, we prefer to collaborate with them.
