Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Per person
Peru’s best-known hike, visited by thousands of tourists every year. This 43-KM 5- day Classic Inca Trail combines visits mysterious and religious Inca cities, amazing mountain scenery, lush cloud forests rich in Andean flora and fauna, and culminates in the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu! The 5-day program is an excellent alternative to avoid most of the crowds found on the 4 day classical route and to reach quieter, more beautiful campsites. It is also recommended for families with children and mature adults, as it gives an extra day for acclimatization to the altitude and the daily walking distance is shorter because its spread out better.
Please see the Inca Trail availability online and make sure that your preferred departure date or backup dates are available. Live our experience and have a look at our equipment, packing checklist, and our meals which have been highlighted by our clients.
Standard-comfortable mid-tier accommodation. Comfortable camping with private chef and a portable toilet. Modern vehicles with private driver.
Some steep inclines at high altitudes, that can be regarded as strenuous. With sufficient pre-trail training, its easily achievable.
Hiking, trekking, and camping.
Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..
5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Take the chance to walk like the Incas did! Join our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5-day trek and discover with us the enigmatic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 5 days. With this unique experience you will walk less distance each day but enjoy the same route as the Classic Inca Trail 4 days.
Starting from Cusco, crossing the colorful Sacred Valley to immerse yourself in the mythical ancestral path of the Incas that will surprise you from the first moment. Thanks to its unique beauty, this trek is considered the most famous hike in South America and is the most popular among travelers seeking to visit Machu Picchu. During these 5 days you will walk through Inca terraces, cloud forests of the Cusco jungle and visit archaeological sites such as Patallacta, hiking up to the Death Woman’s pass to Wiñay Wayna, ending at the Sun Gate and finally, arriving at Machu Picchu. It is always the best time to hike the Inca Trail.
Discover the exciting 5-day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
DAY 1: Cusco – Km 82 (Piskakucho) – Patallacta
Adventure time! We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the starting point of the Inca Trail. Hike in the ancient path of the incas and visit archeological sites such as Patallacta. Enjoy delicious meals in the middle of the mountains and rest for the next day of adventures.
DAY 2: Patallacta – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
Our second day will be also to assure that you are well acclimated. Your guide will lead you through the Llullucha Valley until our campsite. Enjoy and relax by afternoon.
DAY 3: Llulluchapampa – Paqaymayu – Ch’aqicocha – Phuyupatamarca
Today is the challenge begins! You will hike up until Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft) and Runcurakay pass (3,977m/13,127ft). We will learn from the history while walking to our last campsite.
DAY 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Our last day hiking will begin visiting Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna archeological site. Finally, you will arrive at Machu Picchu by the Sun Gate. Rest in a local hotel in Aguas Calientes
DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Enjoy a second visit to Machu Picchu for sunrise! Return to Cusco with a scenic train, arrive at your hotel around 7 p.m after a day full of memories.
5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu top highlights
- Walk short distances each day for a better comfort.
- Visit the enigmatic archeological sites along the route,
- Tasty meals carely crafted by our chefs.
- Get the chance to visit Machu Picchu 2 times by the morning and afternoon.
Loose yourself in this 5 day journey that will meet all your expectations! In case you don’t have enough time, you could also choose the Classic Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE 5 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel
- Pick up at your hotel
- Private transport from Cusco to Piscacucho (starting of the trek)
- 5 kgs of your personal items extra clothes, sleeping bag to be carried by the porters, just carry your daypack
- 4 person Igloo tents (large and comfortable) for each 2 trekkers
- Foam mattresses and camping pillows
- English speaking professional guide experienced in mountains and archeology
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Porter to carry tents, food, cooking equipment
- Warm water to freshen up
- Boiled water to fill in your bottles after each meal
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Chef, cooking equipment
- Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco
- Permit for the Inca Trail
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Inca Citadel
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- 3 bus tickets from Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- One night hotel in Aguas Calientes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Huayna Picchu: $75 USD Please let us know at the time of booking.
- Machu Picchu: $75 USD Please let us know at the time of booking.
- Hotel before and after the trek
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Flight tickets
- First breakfast and Last lunch – We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and have the last lunch at Aguas Calientes after the tour of Machu Picchu.
- VISTADOME Train: $57 USD per person extra. (Return Only)
*** Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters ORANGE NATION PERU – Our staff receives a fair wage immediately after their trip has ended, tips are optional but they do greatly appreciated them.
The Inca Trail Tour 5 day is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers and Inca Trail permits are available!
PRICE – Group Service
$897 USD per person – Personal porter included!
***This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7kgs, we provide you a duffel bag, where you can put your things.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
PRICES – Private Service
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 hikers | $1227 USD per person |
| 3 – 4 hikers | $ 1077 USD per person |
| 5 – 6 hikers | $ 977 USD per person |
| 7 – 8 hikers | $ 777 USD per person |
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD – (tent for solo trekker only)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade -$57 USD per person (For the return to Cusco at 4:43pm)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain -$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Single supplement -$35 USD per night (for solo travellers with single room)
***Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU ?
- Original Passport: (Must be the same you used for booking your trek)
- Valid, University Card: (Only if you booked as a student)
- Good Daypack: One with extra room for a box lunch (the smaller, the better)
- Water: 2-3L (Camelbak bladders are encouraged)
- Boots: Comfortable broken in hiking boots or shoes (Boots with ankle support recommended).
- Sleeping Bag: 4 season bag (can be rented from ORANGE NATION)
- Headlamp or flashlight: Headlamp frees up hands (Back-up flashlight & batteries are recommended)
- Toilet paper: Make sure to bring your own.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG ?
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 lbs. including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
- Warm clothes
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer your own
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20USD
TOILETRIES
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK ?
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 – 40 Liters for hiking. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Drinking Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal. Please bring your canteens or bottles
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Rain gear
- Snacks like chocolate bars, ice cream, cereal bars, protein bars
- Coca leaves
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?
We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.
Learn more
EXPERT GUIDES :
Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry -
they are our secret to success
SMALL GROUPS:
Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of
strangers in an organized tour.
OUR EXPERIENCE:
With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team
knows how to deliver a successful expedition.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for
the protection of all wilderness areas.
Our Reviews
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
Jaffet hasan c
The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.
Written June 22, 2025
Friends
Glen
We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.
Written July 14, 2025
Family
Kendall C
Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.
From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is
Written July 8, 2025
Couples
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