Take your time on the Inca Trail 5 Days, a less rushed and more immersive trek to Machu Picchu. Explore ancient ruins, stunning Andean landscapes, and hidden gems along this legendary path!
Overview:
5 Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu takes you to the emblematic Inca citadel, Machu Picchu following the same route as the 4 Days Classic Inca Trail hike.
However, the Inca Trail 5 Days Trek is designed in a way that you spend more time in each Inca ruin and get an immersive insight into the Inca civilization and Andean traditions through our English-speaking local tour guide.
Visiting the world’s wonder, Machu Picchu tops the bucket list of travelers in South America. Inca Trail is the most preferred trek to Machu Picchu. Primarily because it offers an authentic experience as you will be retracing the footsteps of the Incas all the way through.
The trail is dotted with several ancient and untouched Inca ruins that can be accessed only by hiking the trail.
Due to its overgrowing popularity and to preserve the trail, local authorities restrict access to 500 people a day. This number includes porters, guides, and chefs from over a hundred tour operating companies, leaving room for barely 200 tourists.
Inca Trail permits are released six months before and are often sold out in just a few hours. Hence it is highly recommended to plan your trip months in advance.
Inca Trail 5 Days covers a total distance of 43 kilometers (26 miles). The highest point of the trail is the Dead Woman’s Pass at 4215 meters above sea level(13821 ft). It is highly recommended that you spend at least 3-4 days in Cusco and acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.
Reasons to choose Machu Picchu Tours for 5 Day Inca Trail Hike:
Machu Picchu tours is a fully locally owned and licensed Inca Trail tour operating company based in Cusco. Our local guides have hiked the trail several times and have extensive knowledge about the history, culture and flora, and fauna that are distinct to the region.
Do take a moment to check our verified travel reviews on Tripadvisor.
Itinerary trip
Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Piskacucho (Km 82) - Hatunchaca
Your epic 5-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning (0500 AM) transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will embark on a two hours drive to the former administrative capital of the Incas, Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.
You can sit back and wink a nap during the drive so you arrive fresh to start your hike. Ollantaytambo is the last big town on the route so you can buy some essentials if needed.
We will continue our drive to the starting point of the 5-Day Inca Trail hike, Piskacucho (Km 82). The place is named after its distance from Cusco, en route to Machu Picchu. Your original passport will be verified here against the Inca Trail permit.
All set, we will begin our 5-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu—we also have a 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour available. Our Andean chef will serve a traditional breakfast.
After breakfast, we will be hiking along the course of the Urubamba river, mostly through flat terrain, to the community of Miskay (2800m/9184ft). This section of the trail is relatively easier. We will be stopping at the Inca site of Patallacta.
After getting an introduction to the Inca civilization, we will be hiking down the hill to the canyons. We will be stopping for lunch here to contemplate the views of the archaeological site of Patallacta.
We will then hike for two hours, soaking in the scenic views of the Peruvian Highlands with immersive information on Incan history through our local expert to our campsite in Hatunchaka (3300 meters/ 10826 ft. ).
Day 2: Hatunchaca - Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayo
The second day of the 5-Day Inca Trail Hike is challenging yet interesting. After relishing an early morning breakfast, we will begin hiking up the hill to the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass, which is the highest point on the trail.
It is a 9 km (5.59 miles) steep ascent. Although this stretch is somewhat challenging, it compensates for the hike with staggering views of the snow-capped Andean peaks and highland farms.
You will also have an opportunity of spotting llamas, alpacas, deer, and Andean condors along the way. Once we reach the top, our local expert will be giving you an insight into the history and local traditions while you soak in the pristine views of the Andean Valley below.
Once you have had your fill, we will begin with a descent to Pacaymayo Valley. The route is dotted with many flora and fauna, most of which are distinct to the region.
As we reach our campsite in Pacaymayo Valley, our chef and support crew will welcome you with Peruvian coffee or Cocoa Tea. This will be followed by lunch.
You will have the rest of the evening to yourself so you can take a rest or simply saunter through the valley.
After witnessing the sunset (depending on the weather), we will be serving dinner.
Day 3: Pacaymayo - Runku Raqay Pass - Sayacmarcca - Phuyu Pata Marca
We will be waking you up to a fresh cup of Peruvian coffee or Coca Tea followed by a traditional breakfast. After breakfast, we will begin hiking to the second-highest pass which lies at the opposite end of the valley.
This part of the trek is dotted with waterfalls and tropical views. Along the way, we will be stopping at the Inca site of Runku Raqay. This served as a watch tower during the Inca civilization. Our local expert will be giving you a detailed tour of the site.
After soaking in the history of the Incas here, we will continue hiking further up to Ruku Raqay Pass (4000 meters / 13123 ft.). We will be stopping here so you can get some rest before continuing the hike on the third day of our Inca Trail Trek.
We will begin gradual descent to the cloud forest. After an hour’s hike, down the hill, we will be reaching Sayacmarca. This is one of the most beautiful Inca sites. Our local expert will be giving you a one-hour guided tour of the complex. You have some free time after the tour to click photos.
After the tour, we will be hiking to Chaquicocha which in Quechua means dry lake. Here you will get to see some beautiful flora and fauna. We will be stopping here for lunch.
After lunch, we will continue hiking for two hours through flat terrain with some inclines to our campsite in Phuyupatamarca (3680m / 12073ft). You will be getting stunning views of Vilcabamba Mountain Range as we near our campsite.
We will be leaving our gear at the campsite and doing a guided tour of the Inca site. After the tour and after witnessing the sunset, we will be returning to the campsite for a well-deserved dinner.
Day 4: Phuyu Pata Marca - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
This is one of the rewarding mornings of the Inca Trail 5 Days Hile to Machu Picchu. Depending on the weather, you will witness the sunrise. This is certainly an unmissable sight on the trail. After breakfast, we will be hiking down the long fleet of stone steps to Wiñay Wayna (2650m/8692ft).
As we will get closer to the bottom of the steps, we will be visiting Intipata (Terraces of Sun). Our local expert will be giving you detailed information and the prominence of the site to the Incas. You will have staggering views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas from here.
Wiñay Wayna
After contemplating the views, we will continue hiking to Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. In Quechua, the name signifies forever young. This is one of the largest and most beautiful archaeological sites on the trail.
The complex consists primarily of farming terraces. It also houses urban and religious sectors. Our local expert will be giving you an immersive tour here.
We will stop at the campsite here for lunch. This will be our last lunch with the support team. After lunch, you may express your gratitude by leaving a tip, if desired. After lunch, we will be hiking to the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku). You will get the first view of Machu Picchu citadel tucked amidst Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains from here.
After relishing the view, we will descend to the main entrance of the citadel. Here we will be boarding the bus down to Aguas Calientes town.
We will be accommodating you in an ensuite hotel room here for the night.
Aguas Calientes, as the name suggests is home to Natural Hotsprings. It will be the best retreat to spend a few minutes taking a dip in the thermal waters after a full day hike.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will be embarking on a 25 minutes bus ride up the hill to Machu Picchu citadel. Our crew will help you clear the security and enter the citadel. Depending on the weather, you will witness the sun rising above the surrounding peaks as the blanket of clouds would unfurl Machu Picchu to you.
We will begin the tour with a detailed introduction to the Inca Empire. Our local expert will walk you through different parts of the citadel on two hours guided tour.
After the tour, you will have some free time to soak in the views of Machu Picchu, If you have booked to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our local expert will be directing you to the respective trail head.
Once you have had your fill of Machu Picchu, we will be exiting the citadel and taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes town. You can stop by one of the restaurants for lunch or simply check out the shops.
Later in the evening, we will be taking the trail back to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will meet you here and will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco City on our private transport. You will be reaching Cusco by 09:30 PM.
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
5:00 a.m.
Price Includes
- Pick up and drop off in your hotel
- Inca Trail Permit and Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu citadel
- Licensed tour leader
- Profesional Chef
- Personal porter to carry 7 Kilos/15.42 Pound of your equipment
- All Transportations as mentioned in the itinerary
- 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
- 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 morning snacks, 4 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day ( lunch in Aguas Calientes are not included)
- Bus tickets from Machu Picchu site to aguas calientes on day 4 and 5
- Return transportation by train and Bus to Cusco
- Duffle bags
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
Price Excludes
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu
- Sleeping Bag USD 40
- Walking stick USD 10
- Additional extra porter 7kg USD 120
- Travel Insurance
- Lunch and on the last day
- Any Private Expenses
Packing list
- Original Passport ( Same as used at time of booking for permits)
- Student Card (if you are a student and have booked in advance to qualify for the discount)
- Backpack / Daypack (With a supportive hip belt)
- Water storage for at least 2 litres; either a camel bag or water bottle
- Headlamp / flashlight
- Sun hat/ Sunglasses
- Cash (snacks, tipping)
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Toiletries and hand-sanitizer
Small Group Tour (Personalized Experience) :
2 -3 People – 990US$ Per person
4+ People – 970US$ Per person
Children/students 940US$ Per person
Exclusive Private Tour:
2 -3 People – 1140US$ Per person
4+ People – 1090US$ Per person
Children/students 1090US$ Per person
Frequently Asked Questions – 5 days Inca Trail Hike
The 5 day Inca Trail covers a total of 43 kilometers (26 miles), but unlike the classic 4 day version, it’s designed for a slower, more comfortable pace. Each day involves hiking 8–12 km (5–7 miles), giving you time to rest, enjoy the views, and fully explore the archaeological sites along the way.
This longer itinerary allows hikers to truly appreciate the diverse landscapes from high Andean valleys to lush cloud forest while visiting Inca ruins such as Llactapata, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna without feeling rushed. It’s an excellent option for travelers who want a deeper cultural experience and a more relaxed journey.
The main difference is the pace and overall experience:
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Shorter, easier hiking days: the 5-day version spreads out the distance, making climbs like Dead Woman’s Pass less demanding.
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More time at archaeological sites: you can fully explore ruins such as Llactapata, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna with your guide and take photos at your own pace.
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Fewer crowds: the different itinerary means you’ll encounter fewer hikers on certain sections, creating a more peaceful experience.
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Better acclimatization and rest: the extra day allows your body to adjust to altitude and recover after each stage, making the journey more enjoyable.
It’s the perfect choice for those who prefer a less rushed adventure, want to savor every part of the trail, and avoid the pressure of longer hiking days.
Yes. All routes of the Inca Trail, including the 5 day trek, require an official permit issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. This permit is personal and non-transferable, linked to your passport, and must be arranged through an authorized tour operator.
Permits sell out quickly, especially for the dry season (May–September), so it’s best to book 4–6 months in advance. In high season, spots can be gone within weeks, so planning early is essential.
Even though the 5 day itinerary is more gradual, it’s still a high altitude, endurance trek. Recommended preparation includes:
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Doing long hikes before your trip, especially on uneven and uphill terrain.
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Training with stair climbing, hill walking, or cardio workouts (running, cycling, treadmill on incline) to build leg strength and lung capacity.
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Arriving in Cusco at least 2–3 days beforehand to acclimatize to the altitude.
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Staying well hydrated and avoiding alcohol in the days leading up to the trek.
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If possible, take a short acclimatization hike in the Sacred Valley to prepare your body.
Proper preparation will help you feel stronger, adapt better to altitude, and enjoy the experience without unnecessary exhaustion.