Photo gallery
A glimpse of the journey
Tour overview
Inca Trail 5 Days, thoughtfully organized
The same 40 km as the classic route, split into five days. Shorter stages, quieter campsites away from the main groups, and time to enjoy every Inca site. Ideal for active seniors, photographers and families.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
What makes this trip special
- Classic trail at a more relaxed pace
- Three camping nights and one night in Aguas Calientes
- Optional second Machu Picchu visit with an extra ticket
Detailed itinerary
Your journey, step by step
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Km 82 to Ayapata
Pickup 4:30 am · 14 km, 6–7 h · Max altitude 3,300 m · Overnight: camp at Ayapata · Meals: lunch, dinner After breakfast in Ollantaytambo, you pass the checkpoint at Km 82 and follow the Urubamba River on a gentle trail past the Inca sites of Willkarakay and Llactapata. The afternoon climb past the village of Wayllabamba brings you to the Ayapata camp, set among cloud forest and mountain streams.
Dead Woman's Pass
10 km, 7–8 h · Max altitude 4,215 m · Overnight: camp at Chaquicocha · Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner The hardest day, taken slowly. You climb through the Llulluchapampa valley to Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point of the trail, then descend to Pacaymayo for lunch. In the afternoon you cross the Runkurakay Pass and visit Sayacmarca, an Inca town perched on a rocky spur, before reaching camp.
Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna
9 km, 5–6 h · Overnight: camp near Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m) · Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner The "Peruvian flat" leads along the mountainside to Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds", with views of Salkantay and the Urubamba canyon. You descend thousands of Inca steps through the cloud forest to Intipata and Wiñay Wayna. Because this is the 5-day version, you have time in the afternoon to visit Wiñay Wayna calmly, with an optional walk to the Sun Gate before the crowds of the next morning.
Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
About 1 h to the Sun Gate + 2-hour guided tour · Overnight: hotel in Aguas Calientes · Meals: breakfast You walk to the Sun Gate for the classic view of the citadel, then down into Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour on Circuit 3 (route 3B). Instead of rushing for the train, you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a hotel, with a hot shower and the thermal baths.
Second visit or Huayna Picchu, and back to Cusco
Optional morning visit · Afternoon train · Meals: breakfast With an extra ticket (+US$ 55), you return to Machu Picchu early for a second, unhurried visit, or climb Huayna Picchu (+US$ 75). In the afternoon you take the train to Ollantaytambo and a transfer to Cusco.
What's included
Clear inclusions, no guesswork
Included
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entry (Circuits 1C and 3B)
- hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- private transport to Km 82
- Professional guide, chef and porter team
- Personal porter for up to 7 kg in a provided duffel bag
- Shared camping tent, mattress and pillow
- Dining tent, portable toilet tent and camp equipment
- First-aid kit and emergency communication equipment
- Boiled and filtered water with meals from Day 2
- Pre-trek briefing and luggage storage in Cusco
- Trek meals and hotel breakfast as detailed in your quote
- bus down from Machu Picchu
- Expedition train to Ollantaytambo
- transfer to Cusco
- One basic hotel night in Aguas Calientes
Not included
- lunch on Day 4
- water for Day 1
- sleeping bag
- hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- travel insurance
- tips for the crew
Optional extras
Ways to tailor this trip
- Second Machu Picchu visit on Day 5 requires another ticket, from +US$ 55, subject to availability
- Huayna Picchu on Day 5 +US$ 75, subject to available entry times
Optional services are subject to availability. Mention your preferences in the booking form notes; your quote will list the selected extras and final total.
Plan with confidence
Essential trip details
Good to know
Before you travel
Entrance routes
Understanding Machu Picchu circuits
Machu Picchu uses timed tickets and set routes. The circuit available for your trip depends on tickets, trek permits and your itinerary.
Panoramic
Elevated viewpoints and selected mountain routes.
Classic
Classic viewpoints and the urban sector.
Royalty
Lower-sector temples and royal spaces.
Routes depend on official availability. Your quote will identify the proposed ticket route.
Planning guides
Useful reading before you book
What to bring
Pack light for the day
- Original passport (and student ID if applicable)
- Daypack of 20–30 liters (larger packs are not allowed inside Machu Picchu)
- Sleeping bag rated to −5 °C or colder (or rent one), and a sleeping bag liner
- Broken-in hiking boots, sandals for camp and 4 pairs of wool socks
- Rain jacket and rain pants (essential from November to March), fleece, warm jacket, wool hat and gloves
- Headlamp, power bank, refillable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent and toilet paper
- Personal medication, blister plasters and snacks
- Cash in soles for tips, drinks and toilets along the trail
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Before you book
Is the 5-day trek much easier than the 4-day one?
The distance and the high pass are the same, but each day is shorter, which makes a big difference to tired legs.
Which Machu Picchu circuits are included?
You arrive through the Sun Gate (Circuit 1, route 1C) and get a guided tour on Circuit 3 (route 3B). A second visit on Day 5 needs an extra ticket (+US$ 55).
Can I do it as a private trek?
Yes. Ask for the private price in your quote.
