Inca Trail 5 Days To Machu Picchu

Detailed Itinerary – Inca Trail 5 Days

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Patallacta – Hatunchaca

We will depart from your hotel at 7:00 AM for the 5-day Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour in private transportation. After about 1 hour and 30 minutes, we’ll stop in Ollantaytambo to explore the town. We’ll then continue driving for approximately 40 minutes to the Trailhead. The starting point of the Inca Trail is located beyond the Ollantaytambo village, about 3 hours from Cusco, making for a long but beautiful drive. We’ll arrive at the checkpoint after all 4-day hike groups have left (around 2 hours ahead). Once everyone has their entrance permits validated (including the support crew porters), we will start our hike by crossing the suspension bridge and continuing along the left bank of the Urubamba River.

The trek is relatively easy for the first couple of hours as we make our way to the Mesqay where we will have our lunch. After our meal, we will hike to  Inca site named Patallacta. This is the place that welcomes everyone for the rest of the adventure on the Inca trail with great views above the Urubamba river. After getting the explanation, we will hike to our campsite. The campground for the first night is at the Hatunchaca. We will spend the with very few people because the 4 day group sleep in Huayllabamba and Ayapata campsites.  

• Elevation Gain: 455 m / 1,492 ft
• Elevation Loss: 292 m / 958 ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
• Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 2,847 m / 9,340 ft
• Campsite Altitude: 2,847 m / 9,340 ft
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Day 2: Hatunchaca – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayo

Our Pureq Travel will wake you up at 6:00 am, giving you 30 minutes to get ready and have breakfast at 6:30 am. We will start the hike at 7:00 am and head toward Wayllabamba. The path is mostly flat until you reach the town of Huayllabamba, which is the last village along the Inca Trail. During this part of the hike, you will still have access to private toilets and small shops where you can buy snacks and water.

Once you pass the town, the trail becomes steeper as you hike uphill to the Ayapata resting point. The views of the snow-covered mountains and cloud forests are breathtaking. The first section of the trek goes through lush vegetation, and the path climbs steadily higher. After resting in Ayapata, we will continue hiking to Llulluchapampa, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

After lunch, we will continue to the first and highest point of the hike: Abra Warmiwañusqa, or “Dead Woman’s Pass” in Quechua. Reaching the top of this mountain is challenging, but the reward is the beautiful green valley beyond. It will take about an hour and a half to reach the summit, and then another two hours to descend to the Pacaymayo campsite, where we will have dinner. At the summit, there will be very few people, so you won’t have to deal with crowds to take pictures with the “Dead Woman” sign. With some luck, we may also spot Andean deer and local birds along the way.

• Elevation Gain: 1,374 m / 4,507 ft
• Elevation Loss: 628 m / 820 ft
• Distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles
• Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,786 ft
• Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 12,113 ft
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca

On the third day, our team will wake you up at 6 a.m., and you will have 30 minutes to get ready. We will have breakfast and begin our hike around 7:30 a.m. We will start walking on the Inca Trail, heading towards the second pass. Along the way, we will see amazing waterfalls, plants, and animals. Shortly after we start, we will reach an Inca site called Runcu Raqay, where our guide will explain its history before we continue our hike, far from any modern cities, through valleys covered in bushes. At the top of the pass, you’ll be able to take incredible photos of snow-capped mountains and stunning natural landscapes.

After that, we will begin the descent down to the Sayac Marca Inca Complex. As we go, we will gradually enter the jungle, where the plants will start to surround the path. At Sayac Marca, we will have a guided tour, followed by a visit to Qonchamarca for another guided tour. We will then continue hiking to Chakicocha, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we will keep hiking to Phuyupatamarca. The trail has both uphill and downhill sections. In the afternoon, we will watch the sunset and get a view of Machu Picchu Mountain and the Urubamba River down in the valley. After dinner, everyone will go to bed early to rest for the next day’s beautiful sunrise observation.

• Elevation Gain: 570 m / 1,870 ft
• Elevation Loss: 503 m / 1,650 ft
• Distance: 7 km / 4.36 miles
• Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 3,944 m / 12,939 ft
• Campsite Altitude: 3,645 m / 11,958 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we descend stone steps toward Wiñay Wayna, visiting Intipata viewpoint and exploring one of the most impressive Inca sites along the trail. After lunch, we say farewell to our trekking team and continue toward the Sun Gate.

From the Sun Gate, enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. We then enter the citadel via Circuit 01 to visit the best viewpoints before descending by bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner and overnight in a hotel.

• Elevation Gain: 224 m / 734 ft
• Elevation Loss: 1,440 m / 4,724 ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
• Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,692 ft
• Hotel Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Early morning bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour following Circuit 03, visiting the main temples and ceremonial areas. After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), then take the train to Ollantaytambo and private transport back to Cusco.

• Includes
• Personal porter (7 kg allowance)
• Private transportation and train tickets
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance
• All camping equipment and porter service
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, snacks
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (3-star)
• Bus tickets Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
• First-aid kit and emergency oxygen

• Not Included
• Lunch on Day 5
• Hot springs entrance in Aguas Calientes

IMPORTANT:

A maximum of 500 people per day are allowed to access the Inca Trail 5 days at km. 82; This number includes all support staff such as authorized porters, cooks, and tour guides and is most tightly controlled; when the Inca trail reaches its limit of 500 visitors, the Trail is closed off for the day and no further reservations could be made; Booking are not held on the Trail and all permits must be purchased a year in advance, if possible.

THINGS TO KNOW

• No departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before your Inca Trail 5 day hike to get used to the altitude.
• For peak season, June to August, you should book your permits to a year in advance.
• Bottled water is available for purchase at some places along the trail on the first and second days, and then not until Machu Picchu.
• This 5 day trek to Machu Picchu is not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Make sure your trekking shoes are broken in before the hike.
• Daily departures with a group of 2 or more.
• There is no accessible for wheelchair.
• DON’T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, insurance card, and personal medications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This hike is difficult, it’s highly recommended to be in good physical condition; The classic Inca Trail elevation changes make the hike tough as there are three passes during your trek.

DUFFLE BAG

We will give you duffel bags at our office at the end of your briefing. Our porters will carry them and you will have access to them only at the campsites. Put your clothes and other personal items that you won’t need hiking. Things like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and rain gear should be in your day pack.

The duffel should weigh 7kg. Remember only 4kg will be for your personal belongings. The remaining 3kg is going to be for your pad, and sleeping bag.

STRIKES

Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our Inca trail to Machu Picchu 5 hike and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your hike to Machu Picchu continues as planned with some changes.

If the strike happens on the first day of your Machu Picchu 5-day tour, we will take you to the trailhead the night before your start date. So you will sleep at the trailheads in tents.

If the strike happens the day that you finish your Inca Trail 5-day hike. We will send our vans to Hidrolectrica. So you will need to hike extra 2 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. Then we will drive by van to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 11:00 pm. Another option will be that you will visit Machu Pichu on day 4 in the afternoon and take the train the same day to Cusco.

How To Book The Inca Trail 5 Day Trek With Pureq Travel?

In order to book your Inca Trail 5 days with us, Click on the BOOK NOW button, then select the day of your departure, then, fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment of your deposit of $200 per person.

Once we get your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trek and the booking form to fill out. Here is all the detail that you need to send us.

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
• Nationality
• Gender
• Passport number
• Date of Birthday (dd / mm / yyyy)

***We need copies of the Passports of each participant because they are required when buying Inca trail permits.

Once your Inca trail permits are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

I See That Other Companies Use The Tarayoc, Llulluchapampa, And Phupatamarca Campsites. Can You Arrange A Trip With Those Campsites For Your Inca Trail 5 Day?

We used to work with those campsites before. When you stay on those campiste, there are usually fewer people both at the campsites and along the trail. However, the campsites are not evenly spaced, so on the first and second days, you walk shorter distances, while the third day is very long and challenging. Most of our groups would arrive at third campsite late, and some didn’t even make it to Phuyupatamarca, instead staying at Chakicocha. Based on customer feedback, we now use Hatuchaca, Pacaymayo, and Phuyupatamarca, and this change has been successful.

However, if you are specifically interested in using Tarayoc, Llulluchapampa, and Phuyupatamarca, please send us a message. We can still arrange that option, but be aware that the third day will be particularly tough, as you will have to cross both Dead Woman’s Pass and Runkurakay Pass in one day.

Can I Store My Luggage At Your Office?

Yes! During the Inca Trail 5 day trek to Machu Picchu, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your Machu Picchu 5 day hike.

What About The Outstanding Balance?

The Outstanding balance can be made in cash one day earlier your trek in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal at least one week prior to your trip(a 7% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card only Visa(5% service fee applies).  Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.

How About The Student Discount?

According to Peruvian Law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to the Inca trail 5 days (if you are 18 or over, you need to have valid student cards). Below is a sample of a valid student card

• All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old a discount is $40 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy to info@puruqtravel.com

May I Change The Departure Date After The Permits Have Been Bought?

Sadly it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn t allow us to change once the Classic Inca Trail 5 days permits have been purchased. Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. . The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.

Do I Need To Bring My Original Passport On The Inca Trail 5 Days To Machu Picchu?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your  Inca Trail 5 days permit. Your passport will be checked at 3 Inca trail checkpoints, Machu Picchu, and when you board the train.

Updating Passport Numbers

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Inca trail 5 days permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.

What Is The Schedule Of My Train Ticket?

It will depend on the train availability. We usually book a return train tickets at 02:55 pm on day 5 so you arrive in Cusco at 06:30 pm and you have enough time to sleep and do any tour the next day, like Rainbow Mountains.