Classic Inca Trail 5D/4N
Inca Trail 5 Days: The Classic Route at a Relaxed Pace
The Inca Trail 5 days route follows the Classic Inca Trail with shorter stages, less crowded campsites and more time at each archaeological site. Then you arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and, finally, you visit the citadel calmly the next day.
A sacred trail, without the rush
Summary
Trip overview
The Inca Trail 5 days itinerary is designed for those who want to experience the route with more time and less daily effort. Its stages are shorter, so there is room to enjoy the landscapes, the archaeological sites and camp life on the way to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You walk the same sections of original Inca trail as the four-day version, including the Warmiwañusca pass at 4,215 meters and the sites of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna. However, you camp in quieter spots away from the larger groups.
You reach Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku in the afternoon and then spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. The next day, you return early to the citadel for a relaxed guided tour. If you have less time, the Short Inca Trail is also a good alternative.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco, Km 82 and Ayapata
Start of the Inca Trail while you follow the Urubamba Valley.
We pick you up at your hotel and drive to kilometer 82 (Piscacucho), where we start hiking after the permit check. Then we walk along the Urubamba Valley and visit the archaeological complex of Llactapata. Later, we continue past Wayllabamba to the Ayapata campsite (3,300 m a.s.l.), which shortens the next day’s climb. Overall, the stage is about 14 kilometers with moderate slopes.
Day 2
Warmiwañusca pass and Pacaymayo
Climb to the highest point of the route at a relaxed pace.
We begin the climb to the Warmiwañusca pass (4,215 m a.s.l.) through native forests and the Andean puna. Since we start from Ayapata, the ascent is shorter and done with frequent breaks. Then, after descending along stone steps, we arrive early at the Pacaymayo campsite (3,600 m a.s.l.), with the afternoon free to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Day 3
Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca
Inca trail sections and archaeological sites above the clouds.
We climb to the Runkurakay pass and take our time exploring the sites of Runkurakay and Sayacmarca, while we follow one of the best-preserved sections of Inca trail on the entire route. Later, we camp near Phuyupatamarca (3,650 m a.s.l.), a spot with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba range and, on clear days, spectacular sunsets.
Day 4
Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku and Aguas Calientes
Arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
We descend through the cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, where we take time to explore its terraces and temples. Then we continue to the Inti Punku, where you get your first view of Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate, we descend toward the citadel to admire it in the afternoon. Afterwards, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hotel.
Day 5
Guided tour of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Complete visit of the citadel at a calmer pace.
After breakfast, you take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the main sectors of the citadel, well rested and in better light. Finally, in the afternoon you board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation takes you to your hotel in Cusco.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Pre-trek briefing
- Hotel pickup and transfer to Km 82
- Inca Trail permit and entrance to Machu Picchu
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Cook and porters for the camping equipment
- Double tents, sleeping mats, dining tent and kitchen tent
- 1 night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals during the trek and breakfast at the hotel
- Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu on the last day
- Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
What's not included?
- Breakfast on the first day
- Dinner on day four and lunch on the last day
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Personal porter for your belongings
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- 25 to 35 liter daypack
- Sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures
- Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots
- Thermal clothing, warm jacket and gloves
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
- Trekking poles with rubber tips
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Reusable water bottle and water purification tablets
- Original passport
Weather
In the higher areas, nights are very cold and can drop below freezing; however, in the cloud forest the climate is mild and humid. Also, rain is more frequent from November to March.
Best season
May to September is the driest season. However, the Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance, and permits usually sell out months in advance.
Acclimatization
Spend at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek. Although the stages are shorter, altitude is still an important factor during the first days.
Recommendations
Bring your original passport, because the permit is issued with its details. We also recommend travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Campsites and hotel
Three nights at campsites with double mountain tents and one night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Transportation
Transfer to Km 82, then buses to Machu Picchu and, finally, the return from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Return train
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo when the visit ends.
Meals
Meals prepared by our cook during the trek and breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Support team
Guide, cook and porters who take care of the camp while they accompany you throughout the route.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who is the 5-day version recommended for?
The Inca Trail 5 days route is ideal for travelers who prefer a calmer pace, including families, fit seniors or anyone who wants to enjoy the archaeological sites with more time.
Do I visit Machu Picchu twice?
Yes. On day four you arrive at the citadel through the Inti Punku and can admire it in the afternoon. Then, on day five, you enjoy the full guided tour.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking four to six months in advance, because Inca Trail permits are limited.
Do I have to carry my luggage?
The porters carry the camping equipment. You carry your personal belongings, unless you hire an additional personal porter.
Where can I leave my main luggage?
You can leave it at your hotel in Cusco, since most hotels offer free luggage storage for their guests.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate it as a private service, upgrade the hotel category in Aguas Calientes or include Huayna Picchu, although this is subject to availability.
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