5 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | An unforgettable adventure

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 AM and drive to Km 82. Along the way, we’ll stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and some last-minute shopping. Afterward, we’ll head to the starting point of the Inca Trail, where we’ll get ready for the hike and proceed to the checkpoint, where you’ll need to show your original passport. Following the checkpoint, you’ll begin a 4-hour hike along the Urubamba River, passing through local villages and stunning archaeological sites, including Llactapata, a significant Inca site that once served as an administrative, political, and economic hub, located at the base of a mountain.

Lunch will be served in the village of Tarayoc, where our chef will prepare a buffet using fresh local ingredients. The second portion of the day involves a 2-hour hike along the left side of the Cusichaka River, ultimately reaching Wayllabamba. Here, you’ll camp near the village, and upon arrival, your tents will be set up. Your team will provide warm water for washing, and you can relax as we prepare your bed. Enjoy tea time and dinner before heading to sleep in our cozy tents.

• Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
• 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

Start the day early with a cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent, followed by a hearty breakfast to prepare for the toughest part of the Inca Trail: the ascent to Warmiwañusca Mountain at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). The day begins with a 4-hour hike to our lunch stop at Llulluchapampa, located at 3,800 m (12,467 ft). During this trek, you’ll pass through diverse microclimates, including the cloud forest with its lush vegetation, colorful flowers, and hummingbirds, all while walking along the ancient stone-paved Inca Trail that’s over 500 years old.

After a well-deserved lunch, you’ll embark on the final 2-hour climb to the summit of Warmiwañusca Mountain (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trail. At the top, you can take in the views and your guide will explain the significance of these high-altitude locations, performing a ritual to thank the local gods for ensuring a safe passage. The final leg of the day is a 2-hour descent to the Pacaymayo Alto campsite, situated at 3,650 m (11,975 ft).

• Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
• Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 f
• Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Challenging

After breakfast, you’ll begin the climb up the second mountain, Runkuraqay, which reaches 4,000 m (13,123 ft). Along the way, you’ll visit the archaeological site of the same name and take in breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and the Urubamba Mountain range. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have some time to rest and explore the area. From there, you’ll descend into the Cloud Forest and make your way to the third campsite at Phuyupatamarca, perched at 3,680 m (12,073 ft). Along the trail, you’ll stop at Sayamarca and Conchamarca, marveling at the lush vegetation that covers the Inca Trail. Once at the campsite, prepare to witness a spectacular sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range – a perfect opportunity for stargazing!

• Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 m
• 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

This is the most memorable day of the trip, as you’ll wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise from the campsite, offering one of the best views on the Inca Trail. After breakfast with panoramic mountain views, you’ll receive a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca, a stunning archaeological site located near the campsite. Then, you’ll begin your descent down the stone steps to Intipata (Place of the Sun), where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains. After a rest, you’ll continue to Wiñaywayna, located at 2,659 m (8,694 ft), the largest and most beautiful archaeological site after Machu Picchu. Your guide will walk you through the impressive terraces, temples, and urban areas while sharing fascinating insights about Inca history, all while you enjoy the views of the Urubamba River. Meanwhile, your team will prepare a special farewell lunch.

After enjoying your lunch and the farewell song (tipping is optional), it’s time to say goodbye to your team and begin the final section of the Inca Trail. First, you’ll embark on a 1-hour hike to the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first incredible glimpse of Machu Picchu. After taking in the views and the serenity of this spot, you’ll descend for another hour to reach the Citadel. Arriving in the late afternoon gives you a rare opportunity to experience Machu Picchu with fewer visitors. You’ll visit the upper part of the site before taking a bus down to Aguas Calientes. There, you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night at a 3-star hotel (such as Susanna Inn or a similar option).

• 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: Hotel
• Difficulty: Moderate

Start the day with an early breakfast at your hotel, then catch the first bus to Machu Picchu. At the checkpoint, you’ll need to show your original passport before embarking on a guided tour of the most iconic spots of the site, which lasts about 2 hours Approx. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the citadel on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets for these must be booked in advance, as they are separate from the citadel entry). Once you’ve finished exploring, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), and then board the panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will take you back to Cusco, where the tour concludes at your hotel around 7:30 PM.

• Guided Tour Duration: 2 hours Approx
• Machu Picchu Site Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Meals: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy