Luxury Cruise Planning • Groups • Honeymoons • Milestone Travel
Elevated Travel Experiences
← Back to Peru Experiences
Cusco · Peru

Inca Trail Tour To Machu Picchu 5 Days

Starting From From $1,644.82 per person Current Project Expedition rate
5 Days 4.17 / 5 0 reviews Moderate activity level Multiday Trip Operated by TreXperience
Share This Experience Facebook X WhatsApp Email Postcard
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by Project Expedition
The Experience

What your day looks like

Experience the legendary Inca Trail at a slower, more immersive pace, uncovering hidden treasures along the way. This 5-day trek follows the same route as the Classic 4-day Inca Trail but with more time to explore ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, and Andean culture without feeling rushed. Designed for families, couples, children, and travelers who want to soak in the experience fully, this journey allows you to connect with nature, history, and yourself on one of the most spectacular hikes in the world.

At a Glance

The experience, in brief

  • ✅ Personalized SmallGroup Experience – Enjoy an intimate tour with fewer people, ensuring more interaction with your guide and a deeper connection to the journey.
  • ✅ More Time at Each Site – Take your time exploring stunning Inca ruins without feeling rushed. Immerse yourself in history, architecture, and breathtaking views.
  • ✅ See Machu Picchu Twice – Experience the magic of both sunset and sunrise at Machu Picchu, capturing the site in two completely different lights for an unforgettable experience.
  • ✅ Travel in Comfort – Relax on the Vistadome Panoramic Train, where you’ll soak in spectacular Andean landscapes on your way back to Cusco.
Your Itinerary

Your day, step by step

Day 1

Cusco

Hiking. Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba We’ll pick you up at your Cusco hotel at 5:00 am to begin the drive to KM 82. Along the way, we’ll stop at Ollantaytambo for a hearty breakfast and any last-minute shopping. Upon arriving at the trailhead, you’ll show your original passport at the checkpoint—then your Inca Trail adventure officially begins. Your first four hours of hiking follow the Urubamba River through local villages and fascinating Inca ruins like Llactapata, an important administrative and economic center at the foot of a mountain. We’ll break for lunch in Tarayoc, where our chef will prepare a fresh, buffet-style meal, then continue for about two more hours along the Cusichaka River. By late afternoon, we’ll reach Wayllabamba, where your tents will be ready and waiting. Enjoy warm water to freshen up, tea time, a delicious dinner, and a restful night’s sleep under the stars. - Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi - Estimated Duration: 6 hours - Campsite Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft - Highest Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Accommodation: Camping - Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2

Cusco

Hiking. Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo Wake up early with a warm cup of coffee or coca tea, then enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for the most challenging section of the Inca Trail: the ascent to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). You’ll hike for about four hours through diverse microclimates, from lush cloud forests alive with colorful flowers and hummingbirds to centuries-old Inca pathways paved with stones. Stop for lunch at Llulluchapampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) before tackling the final two-hour climb to the top of Warmiwañusca, the highest point of your journey. Here, pause to admire breathtaking views and learn about Andean traditions from your guide, who will perform a ceremonial offering of gratitude. Finally, descend for about two hours to Pacaymayo Alto (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), where dinner and your cozy campsite await. - Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi - Estimated Duration: 6 hours - Campsite Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft - Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Accommodation: Camping - Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3

Cusco

Hiking. Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarca Start the day with a nourishing breakfast before hiking up to the second pass, Runkuraqay (4,000 m / 13,123 ft). Along the way, explore the archaeological site bearing the same name and take in marvelous views of mountains, waterfalls, and lakes. Once you reach the top, savor a well-deserved break and soak up the scenery of the Urubamba Mountain range. Descend into the enchanting cloud forest as you make your way to Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft) for your third campsite. On the route, you’ll pass Sayamarca and Conchamarca, two more intriguing Inca sites shrouded by lush vegetation. Upon arriving at the campsite, settle in for a spectacular sunset over the Vilcabamba range—and if the skies are clear, this is the perfect spot for stargazing. - Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi - Estimated Duration: 8 hours - Campsite Altitude: 3,680 m / 12,073 ft - Highest Altitude: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Accommodation: Camping - Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4

Cusco

Hiking. Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes Wake up early to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the Andean peaks. After breakfast with breathtaking mountain views, explore the nearby Phuyupatamarca ruins, then descend the ancient stone steps to Intipata—where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramas of the Urubamba River below. Continue on to the impressive Wiñaywayna site (2,659 m / 8,694 ft), the largest Inca complex after Machu Picchu. Here, marvel at the remarkable terraces and temples, and learn about the rich history of the Incas as you enjoy views of the Urubamba River. Meanwhile, your team will prepare a special farewell lunch. After lunch, bid goodbye to your porters and continue for about an hour to the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first thrilling glimpse of Machu Picchu. Soak up the awe-inspiring scene, then head down into the Citadel for a late-afternoon arrival, enjoying the rare chance to see Machu Picchu with fewer tourists. Finally, take the bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable, three-star hotel (Susanna Inn or similar). - Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi - Duration: 8 Hours - Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,659 m / 8,694 ft - Highest Altitude: 3,680 m / 12,073 ft - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Accommodation: Ferre Machu Picchu or similar - Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5

Cusco

Sightseeing at Machu Picchu. Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) – Cusco Begin your day with an early breakfast at your hotel, then catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu. Show your original passport at the checkpoint, and enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the Citadel’s most fascinating spots. You’ll have time afterwards to hike on your own or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked in advance). When you’ve had your fill of exploring, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Finally, board the panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private van transfer to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:30 pm. - Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft - Meals: Breakfast - Difficulty: Easy

Before You Go

What to know before booking

Included

Pick up and drop off from your hotel Professional tour guide (2 guides for groups 8+) All entrance fees to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu All transportation during the tour from hotel to hotel Personal porter to carry up to 7 kilos from you Chef to prepare your meals 4-men tents for every 2 trekkers Dining tent with tables and chairs Vistadome train back to Cusco Taxes

Not Included

Sleeping Bag, Trekking poles, or air mattress Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain Entrance to Montaña Travel Insurance Last day lunch in Aguas Calientes

What to Bring

Original Passport Rain gear, rain ponchos Sun protection Hiking clothes Personal medication Snacks, chocolates, powers bars Water container for 2 liters Extra money

Restrictions

 

Meeting & Pickup

We will pick you up from your hotel at around 5.00 am.

Planning Notes

Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business

Share This Inspiration

Know Someone Who Would Enjoy This?

Send this page to a friend, family member, or fellow traveler as a personal digital postcard.

Send a Travel Postcard