5 Day Classic Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu

Your journey begins at approximately 5:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will travel in private transportation through the Sacred Valley, passing the historic town of Ollantaytambo before continuing to Piscacucho, better known as Km 82 and the official starting point of the hike.

Ollantaytambo is the final major town before the trailhead, so we may make a brief stop for any last-minute personal items. At the checkpoint, you must present the original passport used to reserve your permit. Once the registration process is complete, our trekking chef will serve breakfast before we begin walking.

The first section follows the Urubamba River toward the community of Miskay. The terrain is mostly gradual, making this a good introduction to the days ahead. Our first major archaeological stop is Patallacta, where your guide will explain the history and purpose of the site.

After lunch overlooking the surrounding valley, we continue at a steady pace toward Hatunchaca. Our support team will have the campsite ready, allowing you to rest and enjoy dinner after completing your first day on the trail.

Day 1 at a glance

• Pickup time: Approximately 5:00 a.m.
• Walking time: Approximately 4–5 hours
• Main archaeological site: Patallacta
• Overnight: Hatunchaca campsite
• Difficulty: Moderate

After an early breakfast, we begin the most physically demanding climb of the five-day route. The trail ascends steadily through changing vegetation toward Llulluchapampa, where we will take a break before continuing to Dead Woman’s Pass.

Known locally as Warmiwañusca, the pass stands at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet) and is the highest point of the trek. Your guide will maintain a manageable pace and provide regular opportunities to rest. Along the route, you may see llamas and alpacas grazing among the high-altitude grasslands.

Reaching the pass provides extensive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, weather permitting. After resting and taking photographs, we begin the descent toward Pacaymayo Valley. This section includes steep stone steps, so trekking poles are particularly useful.

At Pacaymayo, our team will welcome you with a hot drink followed by lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is available for resting at the campsite before dinner.

Day 2 at a glance

• Walking time: Approximately 7–8 hours
• Highest point: Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m (13,829 ft)
• Campsite elevation: Approximately 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
• Overnight: Pacaymayo campsite
• Difficulty: Challenging

The morning begins with a hot drink followed by breakfast at the campsite. We then climb toward Runkurakay, a small semicircular archaeological site positioned above the Pacaymayo Valley. Your guide will explain what is known about the structure before we continue toward the second mountain pass.

Runkurakay Pass stands at approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). From this high point, the trail descends into the cloud forest, where the dry mountain landscape gradually gives way to denser vegetation.

Our next major stop is Sayacmarca, an impressive Inca complex built along a narrow mountain ridge. After a guided visit and time for photographs, we continue to Chaquicocha for lunch.

The afternoon section follows original stone pathways through the cloud forest, with views of the Vilcabamba mountain range when conditions are clear. We finish the day at Phuyupatamarca, whose name means “Town Above the Clouds.”

After settling into camp, your guide will take you through the nearby archaeological complex. We then return to the campsite for dinner and, weather permitting, sunset views across the surrounding mountains.

Day 3 at a glance

• Walking time: Approximately 8–9 hours
• Highest point: Runkurakay Pass at approximately 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
• Archaeological sites: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca
• Campsite elevation: Approximately 3,680 m (12,073 ft)
• Overnight: Phuyupatamarca campsite
• Difficulty: Challenging

Weather permitting, the morning may begin with sunrise views from the Phuyupatamarca campsite. After breakfast, we start a long descent along original stone steps into the cloud forest.

Before reaching Wiñay Wayna, we stop at Intipata, an extensive system of agricultural terraces overlooking the Urubamba Valley. Your guide will explain how these terraces were constructed and integrated into the mountain environment.

We then continue to Wiñay Wayna, one of the largest and best-preserved archaeological sites along the route. Its agricultural terraces, water channels, ceremonial areas, and residential structures demonstrate the sophistication of Inca planning and engineering.

After the guided visit, we will have lunch and say goodbye to the porters and trekking staff. We then continue through the cloud forest toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.

From this historic entrance, you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After taking time to enjoy the viewpoint, we descend toward the archaeological site’s main entrance and take the bus to Aguas Calientes.

Once you have checked into your hotel, the evening is available for resting. You may also visit the local hot springs independently if time and energy allow.

Day 4 at a glance

• Walking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
• Archaeological sites: Intipata and Wiñay Wayna
• Main highlight: First view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate
• Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty: Moderate, with an extended stone-step descent

After breakfast, we take an early bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic and local conditions.

Inside the archaeological site, your guide will lead an approximately two-hour tour following the circuit assigned to your entrance ticket. During the visit, you will learn about the construction, history, and cultural importance of Machu Picchu while seeing the principal areas included in your designated route.

If you reserved an additional ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, your guide will direct you to the appropriate entrance after the guided visit. These optional climbs are subject to availability and must be booked in advance.

After leaving Machu Picchu, we take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. You will have time to purchase lunch at a local restaurant before boarding the tourist train to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival at the train station, our driver will meet you for the private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival is expected at approximately 9:30 p.m., although the exact time will depend on the confirmed train schedule and road traffic.

Day 5 at a glance

• Guided Machu Picchu visit: Approximately 2 hours
• Machu Picchu elevation: Approximately 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
• Optional hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain with advance booking
• Return transportation: Bus, train, and private vehicle
• Estimated arrival in Cusco: Approximately 9:30 p.m.