overview
This five-day trek is an excellent option with a relaxed schedule, allowing trekkers to avoid the crowds found on the classic four-day hike. Peru’s Inca Trail is rated by National Geographic as the best destination trek in the world. It is 39 km/24 miles long. It combines beautiful mountain scenery, original Inca trails, archaeological sites, and lush cloud forest rich in flora and fauna. On the fourth day, it leads through the famous Sun Gate where trekkers have their first view of the magnificent Inca city of Machu Picchu. Trekkers have the chance to see Machu Picchu during sunset (on day four) and sunrise (on day five).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Personalized service from beginning to end
• Original Inca trails, Inca archaeological sites
• Beautiful landscapes and snow-capped peaks
• 400 species of orchids and 423 species of birds registered by the government
• Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate to enjoy Machu Picchu at sunset
• Return at sunrise to explore Machu Picchu
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco-Km 82-Hatun Chaca
We will pick you up from your hotel at the prearranged time to travel by private transportation to Km 82, the starting point of the trek. The trail follows the Urubamba river valley with magnificent views of snowcapped mountains. On the way we pass by Wilkarakay Inca site with impressive views of the beautiful Inca site Llaptapata. Then we leave the Urubamba valley to follow the Cusichaca valley to reach our first campsite Hatunchaca. Team porters will set up the tents at each camping site.
Total distance trekking: 9 km / 5.60 miles
Campsite altitude: 2850 m / 9350 ft
DAY 2: Hatun Chaca to Pacaymayu
This is the most strenuous day on the route, ascending through the Wayllabamba valley, passing houses inhabited by local people. We climb steeply through beautiful native vegetation to Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman Pass) at 4200 m / 13,780 ft, the highest pass on the trail. The magnificent stone trail descends to the camping site at Pacaymayu.
Total distance trekking: 11 km / 6.84 miles
Campsite altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft
DAY 3: Pacaymayu to Phuyupatamarka
Considered the best day of the entire hike, and the shortest. After a healthy breakfast, we will hike over the second-highest point of the trail, Runkurakay Pass (3900 m / 12,800 ft) and descend to explore the Inca site Sayacmarka. Our hike will be through beautiful cloud forest and over the original stone-paved Inca trail, which shows the master craftsmanship of our ancestors. We continue along the ridge with beautiful landscapes and views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Pumasillo to our campsite at Phuyupatamarka, situated above the clouds and with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Total distance trekking: 7 km / 4.35 miles
Campsite altitude: 3650 m / 11,975 ft
DAY 4: Sun Gate-Machu Picchu-Aguas calientes
The day we have been waiting for, when we reach the Sun Gate for the first view of Machu Picchu. We wake up early with the spectacular sunrise, then descend through the cloud forest to explore the impressive Inca site Wiñay Wayna. After lunch, we continue on the Inca trail to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for one of the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu and some time to enjoy the magical Inca city at sunset. Then we go by bus to Aguas Calientes, where our hotel and dinner will be waiting for us.
Total distance trekking: 12 km / 7.45 miles
Aguas Calientes altitude: 2050 m / 6726 ft
DAY 5: Machu Picchu to Cusco
After an early breakfast at the hotel and a half-hour bus ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu, we start our walking tour of the amazing Inca citadel. Later, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation will take us back to the hotel in Cusco.
Total distance by bus: 6 km / 3.73 miles
Machu Picchu altitude: 2400 m / 7874 ft
Included
Items that are included in the tours price:
• Pre-departure briefing at your hotel
• Private transportation from Cusco to trek starting point
• Inca trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance fee
• Professional licensed trilingual tour guides
• Personal tents: two person capacity with room for personal gear
• One inflatable sleeping pad per person
• A duffle bag for personal belongings provided at the briefing
• Dining tent with table and stools
• Kitchen tent and cooking equipment
• Porters to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment
• Porters to carry up to 6kg of personal gear per traveller (for more baggage, more porters can be hired)
• Meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners), daily snack and hot drinks (Vegetarian and special diets are available)
• Filtered boiled drinking water from the second day on
• Warm water every morning and afternoon for bathing
• Biodegradable hand soap
• Toilet tent with biodegradable toilet facilities
• First- aid kit including emergency oxygen.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day four
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes on day four
• Round trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu on day five
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Transfer from the train station to hotel in Cusco
Items that are not included in the tour price:
• Breakfast on the first day
• Lunch on day five after Machu Picchu
• Sleeping bag (you can rent one from our company for $25)
• Ticket for Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. If you would like to climb either of these mountains, please let us know when you are booking
• Tips and extra spending
Price
Group Tour
- Price from 790 USD per person
Private Tour
Private tours are available and priced by party size
- Price for 2-3 guests: 1350 USD per person
- Price for 4-5 guests: 1065 USD per person
- Price for 6-7 guests: 905 USD per person
- Price for 8 or more guests: 790 USD per person
PACKING LIST
WHAT WE RECOMMEND BRINGING:
- Current passport is required. If your passport expired between booking and starting your tour, bring both the old and new passports!
- Short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, fleece, thermals, wool socks, lightweight pants, warm hat
- Small pack to carry things that you will need during the day
- Rain gear or poncho
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera, film and batteries (batteries die faster in cold conditions)
- Hydrating face and body lotion
- Sun block and insect repellent
- Water bottles (Nalgene or metal ones are required, plastic bottles are not allowed)
- Toilet paper and tissues
