5
DAYSFROM
$870
Overview
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with a 5-day hike across Peru’s breathtaking landscapes, leading you to one of the world’s ancient wonders — Machu Picchu!
Follow the original Inca Trail as it winds through majestic mountains and valleys, past ancient Inca ruins and lush tropical forests, before reaching the iconic Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Day 1: The journey begins | Ollantaytambo to Llaqtapata
- Today we’ll visit the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo, learning how the Incas transported boulders weighing nearly 60 metric tons from one mountain to another, across the river and valley.
- After exploring Ollantaytambo and enjoying a light snack, you’ll take a short drive to the trailhead at Piscacucho (Km 82). Here, you’ll meet the team of porters and cooks who will accompany and support you throughout the five-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Passports, IDs and Inca trail permits must be presented at checkpoints.
- We’ll hike through rural communities and scenic villages, passing fields of corn and potatoes, as well as avocado orchards along the way.
- A gentle two-hour downhill walk leads to Llaqtapata, the most extensive archaeological complex on the Inca Trail.
- Today’s highest point is at 2,800 meters (9,240 ft), which is also the trailhead and tonight’s campsite.
- Hiking time: 2.5 hours
- Distance covered: 6 km / 3 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
Day 2: One step at a time | Wayllabamba to Llulluchapampa
- Walk along the Cusichaca Valley and enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range as you make your way up to our next campsite.
- Experience diverse ecological zones as you gradually adapt to the changing altitude.
- Distance covered: 11 km / 7 miles
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate
Day 3: Reaching the Dead Woman’s Pass | Pacaymayo to Phuyupatamarca
- Today is both the most challenging and the most rewarding day of the hike, as we reach its highest point — the famous Dead Woman’s Pass (“Warmiwañusca”), at 4,215 meters (13,909 ft).
- Learn about the Inca civilization as you explore remarkable archaeological sites along the way.
- Today’s lowest elevation is 3,700 meters (12,210 feet) at the Phuyupatamarca campsite.
- Distance covered: 16 km / 10 miles
- Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours (including a lunch break)
- Difficulty level: Challenging
Day 4: First glimpse of Machu Picchu | Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu
- Today we begin our descent through the cloud forest and into the lush rainforest, where warm air rises from the jungle below.
- In the afternoon, we’ll reach the Sun Gate and enjoy a spectacular view of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast flank — a perspective few travelers ever have the chance to witness.
- Today we’ll walk through Machu Picchu, but the guided visit will take place the next day (Day 5), once you’ve had the chance to rest comfortably at your hotel.
- Head down to the town of Aguas Calientes on a 25-minute ride.
- Distance covered: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking time: 6 hours (including a lunch break)
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Day 5: Machu Picchu Exploration
- Take an early shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride).
- After a restful night at the hotel, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to fully enjoy the Machu Picchu tour and take in its breathtaking beauty.
- We will have an early start in the morning before it gets too crowded, we begin with an introductory two-hour guided tour of the Inca site, After the tour, you’ll have the option to hike up either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain known locally as “Montaña” (ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED – Check availability).
- Take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes (25-minute ride).
- Board the train and bus to your hotel.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure briefing for your tour.
- Transfers to hike’s trailhead at KM 82 & to your hotel on the final day.
- Camping equipment (tents, tables, stools, and other essentials).
- Sleeping pad.
- Inca trail permits and fees.
- Machu Picchu entrance fees.
- Bus tickets: two rides down and one ride up to Aguas Calientes.
- Train tickets back to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy depending on train availability.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide (An additional tour guide for groups of 9+).
- Duffle bag.
- One night of hotel accommodation (at the selected hotel).
- Support staff (professional cooks and porters).
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners (If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian or gluten free, PLEASE let us know).
- Emergency First-Aid kit and oxygen bottle.
BRIEFING: Before the hike, you’ll meet your guide and the other members of your group. Your guide will explain the route in detail and provide all the necessary recommendations to ensure you have a great hiking experience.
×Not Included
- Backpacks.
- Hiking poles (You can bring your own or rent it locally in the city of Cusco).
- Sleeping Bag (You can bring your own or rent it locally in the city of Cusco.).
- Breakfast on Day 1, and lunch and dinner on Day 5.
- Entrance fees to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain known locally as Montaña (ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED – Check availability).
- Tips for cooks, guides and porters.
- Travel Insurance (You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip).
NOTE: The itinerary above is a sample. Hiking times, campsites, and lunch spots are subject to change at our guide’s discretion, depending on weather conditions, availability, group progress, and any safety restrictions imposed by the Peruvian Government.
Ξ Packing List:
- Original Passport
- Valid ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun cream (SPF 35 or higher)
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Small denominations of cash (useful for restrooms and small purchases).
- Sandals
- Personal medication
- Camera and chargers
- Headlamp with spare batteries
⇒ Considerations:
- Due to government regulations, only 500 people — including hikers, cooks, and porters — are permitted on the Classic Inca Trail each day.
- To secure Inca trail permits and the Machu Picchu entrance tickets, governm ent regulations require THE FULL AND CURRENT PASSPORT INFORMATION of all the hikers.
- Inca Trail permits are non-transferable and often sell out months in advance, so we strongly recommend booking as early as possible (at least 3 months in advance).
- Each hiker is responsible for carrying their own personal belongings and should carefully evaluate their physical readiness for the trek. If a personal porter is desired, it is very important to request one at time of booking, as they are included in the 500 people/day limit.
- Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain known locally as “Montaña” or Huayna Picchu is a terrific add-on experience since they both offer outstanding views of the Inca citadel, but the entrance fees are limited (400 people a day) and at scheduled times. If you are considering climbing either of them YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR A SPOT IN ADVANCE.
BUSINESS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Peru Machu Picchu Tours S.A. is committed to responsible travel that respects local people, their culture, local economies, and the environment. With your support, we can help conserve the areas we visit and bring positive benefits to the communities that welcome us.
How to Travel Responsibly: What You Should Know…
- Protecting the natural environment is essential. If you need to go to the bathroom, please do so away from water sources and bury the waste. Pack out or bury used toilet paper, and remember that tampons and sanitary pads must always be carried out. Avoid using soap or shampoo in rivers or lakes. Your guide will advise when washing with soap is not suitable for the environment.
- Many travelers choose to bring a small extra bag to collect any litter they find along the trail—and to carry out their own. This simple action helps keep the landscape clean. Remember that you may need to carry your rubbish until reaching the next town where proper disposal is available.
- Help us reduce plastic waste by avoiding single-use water bottles. Instead, bring a reusable canteen, a CamelBak hydration system, or a water filter to refill safely along the route.
¶ Types of Services:
You can choose between two service options for your trekking experience:
Group Service: This is a high-quality shared service with a maximum of twelve travelers per group. Groups of up to eight hikers are led by one guide, and groups of 9+ are accompanied by two guides. This is a great option for those who enjoy meeting new people and sharing the trekking experience. Our GROUP SERVICE operates on set departure dates.
Private Service: This service is organized exclusively for you and your group, allowing you to choose the departure date, group size, and trek duration. It offers the flexibility to adjust the hiking pace to your comfort level and typically provides a quieter experience on the trail, with fewer travelers along the route.
| Hike duration | 5 Days /4 Nights |
| Hike level | Moderate to Challenging |
| Hike style | Active |
| Type of hike | Archaeological, Cultural and Adventure |
| Distance | 42 km / 26 miles |
| Hiking time | Day 1: 2.5 hours / Day 2: 4 to 5 hours / Day 3: 8 to 9 hours / Day 4: 5 hours |
| Elevation | The trek’s lowest point is 2,800 m (9,240 ft), while the highest point reaches 4,215 m (13,909 ft) at the famous Dead Woman’s Pass |
| Accommodation | 3 nights in camping tents and 1 night in a hotel |
| Group size | Group service up to 12 hikers maximum – Private service (as requested) |
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