Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

Overview

1. Day 1Cusco - km 82 - Huayllabamba
2. Day 2Huayllabamba - Dead Woman’s - Pacaymayu
3. Day 3Pacaymayu - Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca
4. Day 4Phuyupatamarca - Wiñaywayna - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes
5. Day 5Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes – Return Cusco

1. Day 1Cusco - km 82 - Huayllabamba

   We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00am and drive for 2 hours until you reach the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will have a healthy and energetic breakfast (not included). Here you can also get some stuff for the way such as water or energy drinks, coca leaves and some snacks. After that we continue driving for 45 minute more until we reach Km 82 (2800m/9186ft). Once arrived you will have 20 minutes to organize your daypack, and then we start our trip. At around 9:00 am we will be at the main check point to enter the original Inca trail. Where you will have to shown your original passport and entrance ticket (provided by us). After passing the control we will start hiking for 4 hours. During the first part we can enjoy a spectacular valley as well as impressive Inca sites such as Khanabamba and llaqtapata (2900m/9514ft). At each site you will get a guided tour and lots of information about Inca history. We will have lunch at the village of Tarayoc and then continue hiking for 2 more hours until setting up our camping site in the village of Huallabamba (3100m/10170ft). After walking for 6 hours and 12km our tour guide will be proud to introduce our team of porters. Then you will enjoy your first, delicious dinner prepared by our professional chef.

   We recommend a positive mind and attitude. Nothing is impossible you can do it and professionals accompany you.

   Overview:

   • Tour Location: Cusco Inca Trail, Peru
   • Tour Type: Hiking / 6 hours
   • Start/End Time:  Pickup is at 4.00 am from your hotel and you will be finishing at 3.30 pm
   • Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
   •  Starting Altitude - 2100m / 6900ft
   • Total, Walking Distance – 12 km / 7.4 ml
   • Highest Altitude - 2730m / 8,792ft
   • Overall Difficulty - Easy to Moderate
2. Day 2Huayllabamba - Dead Woman’s - Pacaymayu

   We will wake you up at 5:30am with a cup of coca tea in your tent and then enjoy our energetic, healthy breakfast prepared for you by our professional chef. After that we will start trekking, for today we will hike for 4 hours until we get to the dead woman’s pass (4215m/13828ft). Along the way we will go throught the native forest and our tour guide will be able to teach us about this area. On halfway you will find a flat area called Llulluchapampa (3800m/12467ft), where you can see llamas and with a bit of luck the white tail deer. Once arrived at the dead woman’s pass we will have a break in order to enjoy amazing views into the valleys of Pacaymayu and Huayllabamba. Then we descend for 2 more hours until we reach our lunch spot and campsite at Pacaymayu (3600m/11811ft). Here we will have lunch and relax for the rest of the day.

   Overview:

   • Tour Location: Cusco Inca Trail, Peru
   • Tour Type: Hiking / 6 hours
   • Start/End Time:  At 6.00 am starting time and you will be finishing at 1.30 pm
   • Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
   •  Starting Altitude:  3100 m / 10170.6 ft
   • Total, Walking Distance:  12km / 7.4 miles
   • Highest Altitude:  - 4215 m / 13828.74ft
   • Overall Difficulty: - Difulcult - Moderate
3. Day 3Pacaymayu - Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca

   We wake you up at 6:00am with a cup of coca tea in your tent and then have an energetic healthy breakfast. Today we will only have a short hike but we will visit two amazing archaeological sites and walk through the cloud forest. From the campsite we climb up for 1 hour until we reach the Inca site of Runkurakay, where our guide will teach us about Inca history. Then we walk for 1 more hour until we get to the pass of Runkurakay (4000m/13123ft), the second highest point on the Inca trail. Once arrived we will stop in order to enjoy the views and realize a small ceremony to give offering to the Apus (mountain gods) surrounding us. After that we continue going downhill for 2 more hours until we reach our lunch spot. On the way we will visit the Inca site of Sayacmarca and get a guided tour through this site. After lunch we will continue walking for 2 more hours until we reach our campsite at Phuyupatamarca (3760m/12335ft). Along the way you will enjoy beautiful views and follow original Inca pathways. Our campsite is on the top of a mountain and we will already see Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas in distance.

   Overview:

   • Tour Location: Cusco Inca Trail, Peru
   • Tour Type: Hiking / 5 hours
   • Start/End Time:  At 8.00 am starting time and you will be finishing at 1.00 pm
   • Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
   • Starting Altitude:  3600 m / 11811.02 ft
   • Total, Walking Distance:  8 km / 4.9 miles
   • Highest Altitude:  - 3750 m / 12,303 ft
   • Overall Difficulty: - Difulcult - Moderate
4. Day 4Phuyupatamarca - Wiñaywayna - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes

   Today we will try to wake up early at 5:00am in order to enjoy the sun rise and beautiful views. We will enjoy our healthy energetic breakfast and then continue our journey descending for 3 and a half hours until we get to Wiñaywayna (2600m/8530ft). On the way down we will be able to see different Inca sites such as Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñaywayna and some orchids. At each Inca site we will have a guided tour and after visiting Wiñaywayna we will have our last organic buffet lunch together with our master chef and the porters. Then we will say good bye to our team and you can give a little tip (optional) to shown your gratitude. We continue hiking towards Aguas Calientes and after 1 hour we will reach the sun gate from where we can see Machu Picchu in distance. From the sun gate it takes us one more hour until we reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. In Machu Picchu you will be in the afternoon at around 2:00pm, our tour guide will take you to a special spot where you can take a post card picture of the inca city. After exploring the place we will catch up the bus to Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night in a 3 stars hotel.

   Overview:

   • Tour Location: Cusco Inca Trail, Peru
   • Tour Type: Hiking / 6 hours
   • Start/End Time:  At 3.00 am starting time and you will be finishing at 7.00 pm
   • Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
   • Starting Altitude:  2600 m / 8,530 ft
   • Total, Walking Distance:  13 km / 8.07 miles
   • Highest Altitude:  - 2600 m / 8,530 ft
   • Overall Difficulty: - Easy – Moderate
5. Day 5Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes – Return Cusco

   On our last day we have to wake up early in the morning because it is a tradition to go to Machu Picchu very early in order to see the sunrise. We will start the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel and then head to the bus station to catch up our bus that will take us (25 minutes) to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. At 6:00 am Machu Picchu opens its doors and we will go straight to the view point (the postcard picture) where you will take the classic postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. After that the guide will start a guided, 2 hours tour and teach you all the information you will need about Machu Picchu, visiting the most important areas of the citadel. Then you will have free time to explore the site by yourself.

   If you have a ticket to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain you will do that after the guided tour. At mid day you will take bus down to Aguas Calientes in order to have your lunch in aguas calientes which no include. And then  finally  the train will take you to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to Cusco all the way your cusco hotel or where ever your hotel located.

   Overview:

   • Tour Location: Cusco Machupicchu, Peru
   • Tour Type: Day tour / 3 hours Guided
   • Start/End Time:  At 5.30 am starting time in you lobby hotel and you will be in Cusco at 7.00 pm
   • Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
   • Starting Altitude:  2000 m / 6,561.6 ft
   • Total, Walking Distance: None just - walk
   • Highest Altitude:  - 2400m / 7,874 ft
   • Overall Difficulty: - Easy

Included

Recommendations

• Arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek for proper acclimatization.
• Bring your original passport, as it is required at checkpoints and Machu Picchu.
• Use well-broken-in hiking boots with good grip and ankle support.
• Dress in layers to adapt to changing mountain weather.
• Carry a rain jacket or poncho, even during the dry season.
• Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
• Stay well hydrated and drink water regularly during the hike.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during the trek.
• Bring a small backpack for personal items and daily essentials.
• Carry cash in Peruvian soles for tips and small purchases.
• Consider renting trekking poles if you need extra stability.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
• Respect nature, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.

Route map

Approximate route. Your guide will share the detailed map before departure.

Gallery

FAQs