Photo gallery
5-day Inca Trail photos
Tour overview
5-day Inca Trail at a glance
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
Highlights of the 5-day Inca Trail
- The full 40 km Inca Trail in shorter stages
- Quieter campsites away from the main groups
- More time at every Inca site
- A hotel night in Aguas Calientes before your visit
Detailed itinerary
5-day Inca Trail itinerary: day by day
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Day 1 — Km 82 to Ayapata
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.
Day 2 — Dead Woman's Pass
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.
Day 3 — Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna
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.
Day 4 — Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
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.
Day 5 — Second visit or Huayna Picchu, and back to Cusco
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
What's included in the 5-day Inca Trail
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 (two guides for groups of 10), chef and porters
- Personal porter who carries 7 kg for you in the duffel bag we provide (sleeping bag and pad count toward the 7 kg)
- 4-person tents shared by 2, foam mattress and pillow
- Dining tent with tables and chairs, and a private portable toilet tent
- Satellite phone, radios, emergency oxygen and first-aid kit
- Hot water for washing every morning and evening
- Boiled and filtered water at every meal from Day 2 (bring 2 liters for Day 1)
- Rain poncho and daypack cover
- Pre-trek briefing in Cusco the evening before
- Free luggage storage in Cusco during the trek
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 snacks, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on request
- bus down from Machu Picchu
- Expedition train to Ollantaytambo
- transfer to Cusco
- 1 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
- Huayna Picchu +US$ 75 (Machu Picchu Mountain is not possible after the trek because of its entry times)
- second Machu Picchu ticket to visit the citadel again +US$ 55
- Vistadome return train +US$ 55
- sleeping bag rental (rated to −15 °C) US$ 20
- trekking poles US$ 20
- air mattress US$ 20
- extra porter: 5 kg US$ 50, 10 kg US$ 100, 15 kg US$ 150
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
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Entrance route
This tour uses Circuit 3 (route 3B) and Circuit 1, route 1C, confirmed in your quote. See Machu Picchu circuits explained.
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- 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
5-day Inca Trail FAQs
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.
Who is the 5-day Inca Trail best for?
Active travelers over 50, photographers, families with children aged 10 or older, and anyone who wants to enjoy the trail rather than race it.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu?
Yes, on Day 5 (+US$ 75), because you sleep in Aguas Calientes the night before. Machu Picchu Mountain is not possible after the trek because of its entry times.
How long are the daily stages?
4–6 hours on most days, instead of up to 8–9 hours on the 4-day trek, with quieter campsites away from the main groups and no 3:30 am rush on the last morning.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, the same personal Inca Trail permit as the 4-day trek, issued with your passport details. The trail closes in February.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about our team
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Incredible experience
“An unforgettable experience. Super punctual, good transportation, and very good treatment.”
Translated from Spanish
★★★★★
Highly recommended
“This agency is super responsive, unlike others that can take weeks to get back to you.”
★★★★★
Seamless Last-Minute Machu Picchu Trip!
“The entire process was seamless, and everyone was absolutely wonderful to work with.”
