Five Day Inca Trail Tour

• Total Walking Distance: 9 km
• Total Walking Time: 6h
• Minimum Altitude: 2640m (8661 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3750m (12,303 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 3750m (12,303 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: -5˚C (23˚F)

On Day 2 of the 5-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, we start early, hiking along the Kusichaca River Valley as we gradually ascend to the farming community of Huayllabamba (3000m / 9840 ft), the last inhabited village on the trail. Throughout the morning, we’ll enjoy stunning views of the Vilcanota mountain range across the Urubamba River, dominated by the towering Mt. Veronica, which rises to an impressive 5832m (19,134 ft). The trail also offers a rich variety of flora and fauna, adding to the scenic beauty of the hike.

Leaving Huayllabamba (or Wayllabamba) behind, we begin the most challenging segment of the trek: a steep 9 km climb toward the first mountain pass, Abra Warmihuañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass (4200m / 13,780 ft).

As we ascend, the terrain shifts from sierra (alpine) to puna, a high-altitude, dry environment with sparse vegetation. Along the way, we might spot llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few grasses adapted to this altitude. The trail also passes through sections of cloud forest, home to the Inca Trail’s famed biodiversity, including various bird species like hummingbirds and sparrows, as well as the elusive Andean (Spectacled) Bear (Tremarctos ornatus).

Rather than climbing the entire pass in one day, we stop halfway at Llulluchapampa, a beautiful grassy campsite where we’ll spend the night. Here, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you might even see wildlife grazing near the tents, adding a special touch to the experience.

• Total Walking Distance: 11km
• Total Walking Time: 10h
• Minimum Altitude: 3550m (11,647 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4215m (13,829 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 3680m (12,073 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: -3°C (27°F)

Day 3 of your 5-day trek to Machu Picchu is the most challenging, so we will rise earlier than usual to get a head start and avoid the crowds.

After breakfast, we’ll head towards the highest point on the Inca Trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (4212m / 13,819 ft). Since we’ve camped at a higher altitude than the 4-day trekkers, we will be ahead of them and have the trail mostly to ourselves. The hike is tough, but reaching the top will give you an incredible sense of accomplishment. Starting early means we will have clear, unobstructed views of the entire mountain range, which is one of the highlights of the trek.

Once we’ve conquered Dead Woman’s Pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley (3600m / 11,808 ft). Here, we’ll take a well-deserved break for morning tea to recharge for the next challenge: the second pass, Abra Runkurakay (3970m / 13,022 ft).

On the way up to Runkurakay, we’ll stop to visit the Runkurakay archaeological site (3800m / 12,464 ft), which consists of a small, oval structure thought to have been an Incan watchtower. After crossing the pass, we’ll descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lake) and enter the cloud forest, finally arriving at Sayacmarca (3624m / 11,887 ft). This beautiful site features a semicircular structure, multiple enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios, and irrigation canals.

Depending on our pace, we’ll likely stop for lunch around 2 pm at Chaquicocha (Dry Lake). Afterward, we’ll embark on what we consider the best part of the Inca Trail! The 1.5-hour hike from Chaquicocha to Phuyupatamarca is filled with vibrant orchids, hummingbirds, and stunning views of the Sacred River, the Willka Mayu (Urubamba River).

Upon reaching the third pass, Abra Phuyupatamarca (3680m / 12,073 ft), we’ll marvel at the Incan engineering that allows the trail to seamlessly navigate the rugged Andean geography. The path is cleverly constructed along the mountainside, with rocks carefully placed to fill ravines and stabilize the trail.

Phuyupatamarca, meaning “town above the clouds,” is one of the most impressive and well-preserved archaeological sites on the Inca Trail, perched at the top of a mountain. While we enjoy a guided tour of this incredible site, our porters will set up camp, and we’ll spend the night here.`

• Total Walking Distance: 11km
• Total Walking Time: 5h
• Minimum Altitude: 2000m (6,562 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3680m (12,073 ft)

On the final day of the 5-day trek to Machu Picchu, we’ll begin with an early start. If the weather is favorable, enjoy your morning tea, hot chocolate, or coffee while watching one of the most stunning sunrises along the Inca Trail. From here, you'll have panoramic views of the Palccay and Salkantay mountains. Your guide may even lead a small ceremony to honor the mountain gods (apus) in gratitude, all set against this breathtaking landscape.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to our porters, who will head home as we continue our journey. Our next stop is the ruins of Intipata, a series of terraces believed to have been used for agricultural purposes to support the people of Machu Picchu.

From there, we descend the long, stone steps toward Wiñaywayna (2700m / 8858 ft), the most extensive archaeological site on the Inca Trail after Machu Picchu. Also known as Wiñay Wayna or Wiñayhuayna, this site is made up of an agricultural center with multiple terraces, a religious sector, and an urban area, offering fantastic views of the Urubamba River valley. The One Day Inca Trail, a shorter alternative, also reaches this site.

After exploring the ruins, we’ll continue along the undulating trail toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate (2715m / 8907 ft). The one-hour hike through the highland jungle will bring us to the point where we get our first views of Machu Picchu. This narrow, stone-lined trail hugs the cliff edge, and from the Sun Gate, we’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of the sacred citadel, weather permitting. For many trekkers, this is the most memorable moment of the entire 5-day Inca Trail, while for others, it’s simply the perfect culmination of the journey.

A short walk beyond Inti Punku will take us to the entrance of Machu Picchu, where we can stop for a photo at the Caretaker’s House to commemorate our achievement. From here, we’ll take a side path leading down to Aguas Calientes, saving the full exploration of Machu Picchu for tomorrow. We’ll board a bus to Aguas Calientes, check into our hotel, and enjoy a celebratory dinner. Afterward, we’ll rest for the night in preparation for an early start the following day.

On the final day of your 5-day Inca Trail journey, you’ll have a guided tour of the magnificent Machu Picchu!

After a restful night at your selected hotel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we make our way to the bus stop at 7:15 AM. While some tours recommend boarding the first buses or arriving at dawn, we believe that a good night’s sleep and a proper breakfast are essential for fully appreciating your visit to Machu Picchu. This will ensure you’re energised and ready to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We may have to wait briefly in line to board the bus, but our goal is to enter Machu Picchu between 8 and 9 AM. The 8 AM entry is ideal because, by this time, the morning clouds that often obscure the site will have cleared, and the crowds will be smaller. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the views and experience the site with a brief window of tranquility before the day trippers arrive by train around 11 AM or noon. If necessary, we can arrange for a different entry time based on your preferences.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of the Inca citadel. Afterward, we’ll head to the Tinkuy Restaurant at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, just outside the site, where you can indulge in a delicious buffet lunch while reflecting on your journey and all that you’ve accomplished during your adventure.

Following lunch, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. If you're feeling adventurous, you can opt to walk down, but your bus ticket is included in the tour. While in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have time to browse the local markets for souvenirs.

We’ll then board a 2-hour train ride to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll transfer to private transport for the return journey to Cusco. The total travel time will be around 4 hours. Our carefully planned train schedule ensures you’ll travel during the day, giving you a chance to enjoy the stunning views of the Urubamba Valley and the Sacred Valley mountains on your way back to Cusco.