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INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

Inca Trail 5 days watch your step

The 5 Days version of the Classic Inca Trail really gives you the opportunity to take in all the sights and experiences of the Inca Trail at your leisure. Staying at campsites that few people use you get to enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains and see the sunsets and sunrises in peace and tranquility. Trekking the Inca Trail is one of those things that everyone should do once in their life and the 5 day version allows you to enjoy it to the full.

 

If you think you’ve done it all? you shouldn’t miss the ancient Inca Trail!

 

Overview

Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 Days/4 Nights

Location:  Inca trail Machu Picchu runs 45km of distance  through the Peruvian Andes and the cloud forest  which is an extraordinary habitat for thousands of wild animals some of them in dangerous of extinction. The last day we will explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This 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 distant and beautiful campsites. It is also recommended for families with children, as it allows a better acclimatization to altitude and the daily walking distance is lower than in the 4-day version.

Trek Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Trek grade: Moderate
Trek Style: Active
Type of Trek : Archaeological, Cultural and Adventure
Altitude: 2,650 m/8,692 ft (Llactapata) – 4,220m/13,779ft (Dead Woman's Pass)
Departure Day: Daily
Accommodation:

3 nights in tent

Group Size: Private Group
Short Itinerary Walking Distance 

Day 1: Cusco - Km82 - Llactapata
Day 2:  Llactapata - Paucarcancha - Llulluchapampa
Day 3: Llulluchapampa - Phuyupatamarca
Day 4:  Phuyupatamarca - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu
Day 5: Machu Picchu

Day 01:  5 km/3,11 miles
Day 02: 12 km/7,46 miles
Day 03: 15 km/9,32 miles
Day 04: 11 km/6,84 miles

Useful Information

Starting Altitude: 2,650 m/8,692 ft (Llactapata)
Highest Altitude: 4,220m/13,779ft (Dead Woman's Pass)

T° Maximum: 23°C
T° Minimum: 0°C

Itinerary

Inca Trail break time with the groupDay 1 - Warming Up

Today we pick you up from your hotel at 7am and travel by bus to Piskacucho (you will hear this be called kilometer 82) where the trail starts. On arrival at kilometre 82, it is necessary to show entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) student card. To start the inka trail (2720m/8923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow it. This first day will be relatively easy. We will go to the Inca Fortress of Huillcaraccay from where we will have great views of the area. Then we will walk down to the last Inca site Llactapata sometimes called Patallacta where we will spend the night (2620m/8595ft).

 

 Inca Trail 5 days watch your step

Day 2 - Off the Beaten Track

Today we will wake up at 7am and after breakfast we will start walking towards the village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft). Here we will take a fork-off the 'beaten track' in order to see the beautiful and least-visited sight on the trail, the Inka fort of Paucarcancha. After seeing this we will walk back down to Wayllabamba village for lunch. We will finally take a 3-4 hour walk uphill (800m/2624ft) to reach our second campsite (3800m/12467ft) - 2 hours from Abra de Huarmihuañusca - Dead Woman's Pass'.

 

Inca Trail very beautiful scenery o f the cloud forestDay 3 - Beautiful Views!

This day will be our longest day as we will walk 16 kilometers and go over the 2 highest passes on the trail. After breakfast we will continue our walk uphill from the previous day to reach Abra de Huarmihuañusca - Dead Woman's Pass (4200m/13779ft), the highest point on the trail. After this, we will walk down to the valley where we will have lunch. This is followed by an ascent to the circular Inca fortress of Runkurakay and then to the second pass of the same name (4000m/13123ft). We will then begin our walk down to the campsite, visiting the lovely Inca site of Sayacmarca (High Rising Town) on the way. Our campsite (3680m/12073ft) is located an hour and a half walk from this site, on the third pass, Phuyupatamarka.

 

Inca Trail climbing to Inti Punku

Day 4 - Incredible Incas!

Today will be the most extraordinary day of the trek. We will visit lots of Inca sites along the way; Phuyupatamarka, Intipata (Sun Site) and the most beautiful on the trail Wiñayhuayna (Forever Young). Finally we will see Machu Picchu! We will pass through the ancient Inca site before arriving at our campsite which is down in the valley of Machu Picchu. We will have an early night in order to prepare ourselves to properly explore the mysterious city next early morning. If desired, we can arrange hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (town near the campsite). You can also go the thermal springs in this town a real treat after finishing the trail.

 

Inca Tail great view fron Huayna Picchu MountainDay 5 - Sunrise at Machu Picchu!

We will have breakfast at 5.45am then catch the first bus to Machu Picchu (25 minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent sunrise over the city. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) will be given by your guide and after this you can explore the remarkable city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8923ft) It takes 45 minutes to reach the top. You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and also to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. Then we will arrive back in Cusco.

Included / Not Included

 What is Included?  What is not Included?
 
  • Pre trek briefing
  • Collection from your hotel in the morning of departure.
  • Transport from Cusco to km 82
  • Inca Trail Permit (includes entry to Machu Picchu, but not to Huayna Picchu)
  • Professional guide English/Spanish speaking (assistant guide for groups over 8 people).
  • Tents 2 people in a 4 person tent
  • Inflatable mattress
  • Cook and Cooking equipment
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food).
  • Extra porter
  • Duffle bag (to put 7 kilos of personal belongings)
  • Camping equipment, dining tents, kitchen, tables, chairs.
  • Toilet tent
  • 2 bus tickets (From/to aguas calientes on day 5)
  • Train tickets
  • First aid kit
  • Oxygen bottle
  • Breakfast on the first morning.
  •    Lunch on the last day is not included
  •    Sleeping Bag
  •    Entrance to the thermal springs
  •    Entry to Huayna Picchu ($60)
  •    Tips
  
 What you Need to Take?  Optional Items to Take:
  • Original passport (International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
  •    Travel Insurance is essential
  •    Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us)
  •    Walking boots
  •    Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  •    Warm jacket, hat and gloves
  •    T-shirts
  •    Comfortable trousers
  •    Handsanitizer
  •    Sun hat
  •    Re-usable plastic or metal water container or camel bags.
  •    Water (only for first 4 hours of trek, then we will provide you with drinking -previously boiled- water)
  •    Sun protection cream
  •    Insect repellent
  •    Toiletries paper
  •    Personal medication
  •    Camera and films
  •    Torch with spare batteries
 
  • Shorts
  • Walking stick (with rubber tip)
  • Plasters and bandages
  • Sandals
  • Extra money
  • Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
 

Price

BOOK THE FAMOUS INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU AND GET ENJOY A FREE CITY TOUR OF CUSCO!

Private Service:
$.  Price is based on two people
Discounts Optional Extras
  • Student Discount: US$40 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
  • Under 16's Discount: US$40
  • Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Sleeping bag
  • Air matresses 
  • Inflatable pillow
  • Pair of Walking poles

F.A.Q.

When is the Inca Trail permits available?

Permits to hike the Inca Trail go on sale at the beginning of February. There are 500 available for each day of the month.
When you know your dates for travel, contact us to book your trek. The permit is for the first day that you start the Inca Trail.
The permits for May, June, July and August sell out quickly. By the end of April, there are usually only permits available for September and beyond.

Why do you need my passport number and birth date        ?

The Peruvian INC (InstitutoNacional de Cultura) requires the nationality, passport number and birth date of all persons buying a permit for the Inca Trail.

Can I change the date for the permit?

No, the permit is for a specific date. If you need to change your date, another permit must be purchased, and is based on availability.

Can the permit be transferred to someone else?

No, the permit is only for the person to whom it is issued.

Is there student discount for the Inca trail permits?

There are discounts available to Students with valid ISIC Student Cards and to young persons under the age of 17 years old ($45).
Other student cards are not accepted by the park authority or at booking time. You most bring your student valid card and valid passport for the Inca Trail, without two documents or expired passport or student card you can’t do the Inca Trail.

When the Inca trail is going to be closed?

The Inca Trail is closed every February to clean and maintenance the trail, the toilets, the campsites and the bridges along the Inca Route.

How is the weather on the Inca Trail?

We recommend doing the Inca Trail Trek during the dry season, this is between May to November. Even the dry season is possible to get some rain in the Inca Trail. The rainy season in Cusco region (Inca Trail) is from December to May.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum Temperature °C 19 19 19 20 20 20 19 20 20 21 21 21
Minimum Temperature °C 7 7 6 5 3 0 0 2 4 6 6 6
Rainy Days 18 13 11 8 3 2 2 2 7 8 12 16

How many people in the groups?
Our groups are between 2-8 persons. we operate small groups and offer a personalized service.

How difficult is the Inca Trail?

Most people have that concern but don`t worry. Only in extremely rare circumstances does a passenger need to come back early. You just need to remember that you are able to go at a speed that is comfortable for you. Take your time, pace yourself, and enjoy this awesome walk.
The Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike. It's not a technical hike but there are a lot of Inca stairs to walk up and down, and the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend using a trekking poles and have an early night before the trek.

How high is the inca trail altitude?

For the Inca Trail, the highest point is Warmihuanusca at 4200 m (13860 ft) and the highest campsite is Phuyupatamarka at 3650 m (12045 ft).

 

What happens if we get sick or hurt and cannot continue on the trek?

If someone in your group is sick, the guide will monitor that person to determine if rest is needed, a lower altitude is needed or if the person needs to return to the starting point or city for medical help. A trained assistant guide or porter will accompany this person back, if they can walk. Otherwise, the INC gives permission for horses to be used to evacuate someone. This person either gets medical help, or if he/she feels better, that person can join the group when it reaches Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
If there is a serious medical emergency, the guide will arrange for immediate evacuation of the individual to the nearest hospital.

Can I have vegetarian meals?

Our cooks can provide vegetarian meals no problem. Just let us know your dietary requirements when you book your trek.

What About Trip Leaders And Tour Guides?

Having a good guide is an essential part of having a good trek. Our guides are knowledgable in the areas of history, archaeology, ecology, and are natives of the Cuzco area.
They take great pleasure in sharing their insights and expertise and will make your adventure an unforgettable experience

Will the guide have a first aid kit and oxygen?

Yes, the guide will carry a first aid kit and have oxygen with them while hiking. It is a good idea for someone in your group to also have a first aid kit, with items that you normally need.

Are there any facilities to use toilets?

Yes, there are many toilets along the Inca Trail but very basic,when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents.

Should I hire an extra porter?

About 70% of the people hired the services of a porter to carry their personal items.
A personal porter can be hired for the 4 day trek (includes porters entrance fees, meals, transport and wages). If you hire the services of a porter you can give him a maximum of 7kg to carry which is usually sufficient for your personal clothes .The porter will not walk at your side during the trek so you will still need to bring a day pack to carry essential items. We will give you a duffle bag so that you can put your items into. This you will give to the porter on the day of the trek and return to us after use.

Will I need to bring water?

We recommend that you purchase a 2 liters bottle of water to take with you on the first day. Every night during the trek, we will boil water so you can refill the same bottle every morning before setting out. If you are planning to drink from any streams or waterfalls, we strongly suggest you bring water purification tablets or filters.
Also, you will be able to buy water along the way on Day 1 and  Day 2 and of course at Machu Picchu.

Will I need any extra money?

YES, so that you can take part in options such as bottle water/drinks,the natural hot springs in Aguas Calientes (10 soles), tips for your trekking staff, souvenirs, snacks in Machupicchu, drinks in your lunch in Aguas Calientes, etc. You should take at least 350 soles as emergency money.

What should I pack?

  • Original passport (International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
  • Travel Insurance is essential
  • Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us)
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  • Warm jacket, hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Handsanitizer
  • Sun hat
  • Re-usable plastic or metal water container or camel bags.
  • Water
  • Sun protection cream
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletries paper
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and films
  • Torch with spare batteries

What do we do with our travel luggage while we are trekking?

The hotel where you stay in Cusco will keep your luggage that you do not need. Most hotels have a locked storage room for your use. Most hotels also have a security box for a small fee.

Is Altitude Sickness A Problem? What Should I Do To Avoid Altitude Sickness?

To avoid altitude sickness, give yourself time in Cuzco to acclimatize to the change in altitude. Two days minimum is recommended. Try to avoid alcohol before and during your trek, and make sure you eat lightly and drink plenty of water. Make sure to stay hydrated during the trek, don’t force yourself to walk faster than your body wants to, and take frequent breaks. Drinking coca leaf tea helps a lot, and you may wish to speak with your doctor about Diamox pills.

Can I Use My Mobile/Cell Phone On The Mountain?

You will get sporadic phone coverage during the trek and there will not be anywhere whilst trekking to charge your phone.

TREKS NOT REQUIRING A PERMIT

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