For those who want to experience the Inca Trail with more time to take in its wonders, the 5-day / 4-night trek is the ideal choice. This route follows the same legendary path to Machu Picchu as the 4-day trek, but the experience is designed with shorter walking distances each day—giving you more time to enjoy the landscapes, visit ancient ruins in more depth, and settle into the rhythm of the Andes.
Rather than covering long distances in fewer days, this itinerary stretches the journey to let you explore with ease and intention. You’ll visit the same remarkable archaeological sites along the trail—such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna—but with added time to explore, reflect, and connect with the surroundings.
Along the way, you’ll be guided by expert locals who were raised in these mountains, dine on fresh, organic meals prepared by your private trekking chef, and be supported by a team of porters who carry your gear so you can focus fully on the experience.
This is more than a hike—it’s a fully immersive journey through history, nature, and culture, with Machu Picchu as your unforgettable final destination.
If you’re seeking a more expansive and enriching version of the Inca Trail, the 5-day trek offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and discovery.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) | Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Morning departure
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 AM and drive about 2 hours to Ollantaytambo. Here, you can enjoy a healthy breakfast (not included) and prepare any last-minute supplies like water, snacks, or coca leaves.
Start the hike at Km 82
Next, a 45-minute drive takes us to Km 82 (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), where you’ll organize your daypack before entering the trail around 9:00 AM. You’ll present your passport and entrance ticket (provided by us) at the checkpoint.
Explore Inca sites on the trail
We hike for about 4 hours through stunning valleys, visiting ancient Inca sites like Khanabamba and Llaqtapata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), with guided explanations about their history.
Arrival at Huayllabamba camp
After lunch at Tarayoc village, we hike 2 more hours to reach our campsite in Huayllabamba (3,100 m / 10,170 ft). Meet our porter team and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our master chef.
Come ready with a positive mindset—our team is here to support you throughout this incredible adventure.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) | Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Early morning start
We wake you up at 5:30 AM with a cup of coca tea served in your tent, followed by a nutritious breakfast prepared by our professional chef.
Hike to Dead Woman’s Pass
Today’s trek lasts about 4 hours, ascending through native forest to reach the highest point of the trail: Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft). Along the way, your guide will share insights about the local flora and fauna.
Midway stop at Llulluchapampa
At Llulluchapampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), a flat area where llamas graze and, with luck, you might spot white-tailed deer, we take a brief rest.
Summit views and descent
At the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacaymayu and Huayllabamba valleys before descending for 2 hours to reach our lunch spot and campsite at Pacaymayu (3,600 m / 11,811 ft).
Afternoon rest
After lunch, take time to relax and recharge for the next day’s adventure.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) | Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Morning start
We wake you up at 6:00 AM with a cup of coca tea in your tent, followed by a healthy, energizing breakfast.
Short but rich hike
Today’s hike is shorter but packed with highlights. From camp, we climb for 1 hour to the Inca site of Runkurakay, where your guide will share fascinating Inca history.
Reach the second highest pass
We continue hiking for another hour to Runkurakay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft), the trail’s second highest point. Here, enjoy panoramic views and participate in a traditional offering ceremony to the Apus (mountain gods).
Descent with archaeological visits
We descend for 2 hours to our lunch spot, visiting the Inca site of Sayacmarca along the way for a guided tour.
Afternoon walk and campsite
After lunch, we hike 2 more hours along original Inca paths to reach our campsite at Phuyupatamarca (3,760 m / 12,335 ft). From here, enjoy stunning views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the Sacred Valley.
Distance: Approx. 10 km (6.2 miles) | Hiking time: Around 7 hours
Early start
We wake you up at 5:00 AM to enjoy the sunrise and stunning views. After a healthy, energizing breakfast, we begin our descent.
Explore iconic Inca sites
The hike down takes about 3.5 hours, visiting Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna, where your guide will provide detailed tours. You’ll also see beautiful orchids along the way.
Lunch and farewell
At Wiñaywayna, enjoy an organic buffet lunch prepared by our master chef. Then, say goodbye to our porters and team with the opportunity to tip if you wish.
Final stretch to Machu Picchu
We continue hiking for 1 hour to the Sun Gate, with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. From there, it’s another hour to reach the Inca citadel.
Afternoon at Machu Picchu
Arriving around 2:00 PM, your guide will take you to the perfect spot for postcard-worthy photos.
After exploring, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stay overnight in a comfortable 3-star hotel.
Early morning start
We rise early to experience the tradition of watching the sunrise at Machu Picchu. After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, we head to the bus station for a 25-minute ride to the main entrance.
Sunrise views & guided tour
At 6:00 AM, Machu Picchu opens, and we go straight to the iconic viewpoint for those classic postcard photos. Then, enjoy a 2-hour guided tour covering the key areas of the citadel, packed with fascinating history and insights.
Free time & optional mountain climbs
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. If you have tickets, this is when you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Return journey
In the afternoon, we descend to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus ride returning you to Cusco.
We offer daily departures from March to January. This tour can be done any day of the week and 11 months a year except in February because the Inca trail is closed. We recommend you to book the Inca Trail at least 5 months in advance because there are only limited spaces available.
