INCA TRAIL 5D/4N
Group size
Up to 8 people
Maximum altitude
4200 m.s.n.m
Type of service
Group/Private
Transportation
Trekking/Train/Bus
Difficulty
Extreme
Duration
5D/4N
The most well-known hike in Peru, visited by thousands of travelers each year, the 5-day Classic Inca Trail (43 km), combines the exploration of mysterious and sacred Inca cities, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and lush cloud forests rich in Andean flora and fauna, culminating at the majestic Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu.
The 5-day program with Enjoy Machupicchu Travel is an excellent alternative to avoid most of the crowds found on the classic 4-day route, allowing access to quieter, more remote, and more beautiful campsites. In addition, it is highly recommended for families with children and older adults, as it offers better altitude acclimatization and shorter daily hiking distances than the traditional 4-day program.
Check Inca Trail availability online and make sure that your preferred date and one alternative date are available.
Live the Enjoy Machupicchu Travel experience and get to know our equipment, packing checklist, and our gastronomy, which is consistently highlighted by our travelers.
Inca Trail Trip Details
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 (PISKACUCHO) – PATALLACTA
We will pick you up at 6:00 a.m. from your hotel in our private Enjoy Machupicchu Travel transportation and head toward Ollantaytambo, passing through the picturesque towns of Chinchero and Urubamba. We then continue to Km 82 (Piskacucho), where we begin a 3-hour hike to Patallacta (2,650 m / 8,747 ft) for lunch and set up our first campsite.
In the afternoon, we explore the amazing archaeological site of Patallacta, enjoying its ancestral constructions and the snow-capped mountains that surround it.
Meals: Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with comfortable tents, inflatable mattresses, blankets, and pillows, all prepared by our team
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
DAY 2: PATALLACTA – WAYLLABAMBA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA
We wake up at 6:30 a.m. after a delicious breakfast and begin hiking through the Kusichaca Valley, enjoying a great variety of flora and fauna, until we reach Wayllabamba for lunch.
Then we continue along a moderately ascending hill for approximately 4 hours through the Llullucha Valley until we arrive at our second campsite in Llulluchapampa (3,800 m / 12,537 ft), where we will enjoy afternoon tea surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with comfortable tents, inflatable mattresses, blankets, and pillows
Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 3: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PACAYMAYU – CH’AQICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA
This is the longest day and one of the most spectacular of the journey. After breakfast, we ascend for two hours to the highest point of the trek: Warmiwañusca Pass or Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m). From here, you can enjoy incredible views of diverse microclimates, mountains, and Andean valleys.
We then descend to Pacaymayu for lunch and continue ascending to the archaeological site of Runcurakay, followed by the second pass (3,977 m). Afterwards, we visit Sayacmarca and hike დაახლოებით two more hours until we reach our campsite in Phuyupatamarca (3,650 m), surrounded by tropical forest and panoramic views of the Urubamba Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with comfortable tents, inflatable mattresses, blankets, and pillows
Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging
DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, we descend by stone stairways to Intipata and then to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m), where we have lunch. We visit this impressive archaeological site before continuing toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), from where you will get the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Afterwards, we descend to the citadel and take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Intipunku Machupicchu or Hotel Wiracocha Inn
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
After a very early breakfast, we take the bus to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. You will enjoy a private guided tour of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, visiting the main sectors such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Quarry, and the agricultural terraces.
You will have free time to explore or take part in optional activities such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with prior reservation).
In the afternoon, we return by Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and then by private Enjoy Machupicchu Travel transportation to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Pleasant
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
INCLUDES
- Airport transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- Pickup from your hotel.
- Private transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho (starting point of the hike).
- 7 kg of personal luggage (clothing and sleeping bag) carried by porters; you will only carry your day backpack.
- Spacious and comfortable igloo-style tents (2 people per tent) with inflatable mattresses.
- Professional tour guide with extensive experience.
- Meals according to the itinerary (vegetarian option available upon prior request).
- First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen tank.
- Porters for tents, food, and kitchen equipment.
- Hot water for personal hygiene.
- Boiled water to refill bottles during the hike.
- Expedition tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Official permit for the Inca Trail.
- Entrance to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Professional guided tour in Machu Picchu.
- 3 bus tickets Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Camp dining and kitchen equipment with tables and chairs.
- Professional chef and specialized cooking team.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- (It must be booked in advance; subject to availability)
- First breakfast and last lunch
- (The first breakfast will be in Ollantaytambo and the last lunch in Aguas Calientes)
- Vistadome train: $67 USD per person (return only).
- Tips for the team (guide, cook, and porters of Enjoy Machupicchu Travel).
- Our staff receive a fair salary; tips are optional but greatly appreciated.
Extras (Optional)
- Sleeping bag rental: $20 USD per person (clean and thermal).
- Thermal inflatable sleeping mat: $20 USD per person.
- Professional trekking poles: $15 USD per pair.
- Personal tent: $30 USD (ideal for solo travelers).
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes: from $60 USD (subject to availability).
- Upgrade to the Vistadome train: $67 USD per person (return only).
- Single supplement: $30 USD per night (single room).
Classic Inca Trail 5 Days Price
Group Service
US$ 779 per person
This price includes an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kg of your belongings. We provide you with a duffel bag where you can place your clothes and sleeping bag.
We use spacious Eureka tents for 4 people, occupied by only 2 hikers, for greater comfort.
PRICES – Private Service
- 2 hikers: US$ 997 per person
- 3 – 4 hikers: US$ 957 per person
- 5 – 6 hikers: US$ 817 per person
- 7 – 8 hikers: US$ 777 per person
DISCOUNTS
- Ages 18 to 25: US$ 30
A valid student card is required with: university name, student name, photo, and expiration date. A copy must be sent at the time of booking and is subject to government approval. - Under 18 years old: US$ 30
Please send a copy of the passport at the time of booking. - Under 11 years old: US$ 40
Please send a copy of the passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping bag: US$ 20 per person (clean and thermal)
- Inflatable sleeping mat: US$ 20 per person
- Trekking poles: US$ 15 per pair
- Personal tent: US$ 30
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes: From US$ 60 (subject to availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade (return only): US$ 67
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$ 75
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 75
- Single supplement: US$ 30 per night
ADDED VALUE WITH ENJOY MACHUPICCHU TRAVEL
- Extra porter included: you will receive a duffel bag during the briefing session before the hike to pack your clothes and sleeping bag (3 to 4 days).
- Boiled water included throughout the entire Inca Trail.
- Plastic rain poncho provided by Enjoy Machupicchu Travel.
- Small groups: average of 4 to 6 hikers (maximum 8).
- Highly experienced professional guide.
- Duffel bag included for your personal belongings.
WHAT IF THE INCA TRAIL IS SOLD OUT FOR YOUR DATES?
- If permits for the Inca Trail are not available on your preferred date, Enjoy Machupicchu Travel offers you excellent alternative routes that will allow you to fully enjoy the Andes and reach Machu Picchu, with fewer tourists and equally spectacular landscapes.
- Enjoy Machupicchu Travel requires only 2 participants as a minimum to confirm a departure.
If you are traveling solo and are flexible with your date, we will do our best to place you in a group.
Important Note
Inca Trail permits are issued with the exact passport details sent in the booking. If the name or number does not match, the authorities will not allow entry and there will be no refund.
You must carry the same original passport throughout your stay in Cusco and on the Inca Trail.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL
ABOUT OUR LICENSE
Enjoy Machupicchu Travel is an authorized tour operator based in Cusco. You can find us on the official Ministry of Culture website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.
Our office is located at Av. Manco Ccapac #306 (second floor) and is open from 09:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
HOW DO I BOOK THE INCA TRAIL?
You must complete the form located at the BOOKINGS link and make a deposit of USD 200 per person via VISA or PayPal to the email: info@enjoymachupicchutravel.com.
The commission is 5.5%, so the total deposit amount will be USD 211.
Once we receive the form and the deposit, we will proceed with the official booking and send you the confirmation along with the invoice. The remaining balance is paid during the briefing at our office.
WHEN DO I HAVE TO PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE?
The remaining balance is paid in cash (dollars or soles) during the briefing.
You may also pay with PayPal or VISA card, adding the 5.5% transaction fee.
CAN I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE TICKETS?
Unfortunately, NO. The Ministry of Culture does not allow changes.
Permits are non-transferable, non-refundable, and valid only for the assigned date.
If you cancel the Inca Trail, you will lose your deposit.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes, it is mandatory.
You must carry the original passport, and it must match exactly the details sent for the booking.
Park rangers and the train company check passports daily.
If you renew your passport after booking, you must inform us immediately by email.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE INCA TRAIL?
There are two seasons:
Dry season: April to November
Rainy season: December to March
Andean weather is unpredictable, and the trail crosses different microclimates. Enjoy Machupicchu Travel recommends bringing varied clothing, warm layers, rain gear, and proper trekking footwear.
OUR EQUIPMENT
We provide:
- Spacious 4-person tents (2 hikers per tent)
- Inflatable sleeping mats
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Exclusive toilet tent for the group
- Shower tent (with hot shower on the second day)
If you are taller than 1.95 m, we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
- If you acclimatize beforehand in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, there are generally no problems.
We recommend the Cusco City Tour before the trek. - Coca tea is a traditional recommended drink. We always suggest consulting with your doctor.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
Maximum 8 hikers per group.
Usually between 2 and 7 people.
Enjoy Machupicchu Travel specializes in small and private groups.
HOW MANY COOKS AND PORTERS ARE THERE?
1 cook per group
Porters depending on the group size:
- 2 hikers: 4 porters
- 4 hikers: 6 porters
- 6 hikers: 9 porters
- 8 hikers: 12 porters
HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU
The night before, we hold a briefing at our office, where we provide a duffel bag (up to 7 kg).
The porters carry the equipment; you will carry only a personal backpack (30–50 L).
WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE?
You may leave your luggage at your hotel or at our office, with prior coordination.
WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL CONDITION IS NEEDED?
Good general physical condition. You do not need to be an athlete.
The hike is done at a moderate pace with frequent breaks.
People with medical conditions should consult their doctor beforehand.
HIGH SEASON
The Peruvian government authorizes only 500 daily permits, including guides and porters.
We recommend booking several months in advance.
We also offer alternative treks such as Salkantay or Lares.
ARE THERE BATHROOMS ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Yes, but due to high demand they are not always in good condition.
For this reason, Enjoy Machupicchu Travel provides exclusive biochemical portable toilets for our groups, located near the campsites.
DO I NEED AN EXTRA PORTER?
50% of travelers hire one.
Cost: USD 60 for the entire hike (max. 6 kg).
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANNOT FINISH THE TREK?
We will transfer you to the nearest town for medical attention.
We carry emergency oxygen.
There is no refund in these cases, but we coordinate so you can rejoin the group in Aguas Calientes.
DO YOU TAKE US TO THE HOTEL AT THE END?
Yes. We pick you up at your hotel at the beginning and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley at the end.
WHAT TIME DOES THE TRAIN LEAVE?
Generally at 14:55 or 15:20, depending on availability, prioritizing more time in Machu Picchu.
UPGRADE TO THE VISTADOME TRAIN
Cost: USD 67
Includes panoramic windows, snacks, and an onboard show.
It must be requested in advance.
TIPS
They are not mandatory, but very appreciated if you were satisfied with the service.
IS ENJOY MACHUPICCHU TRAVEL SUSTAINABLE?
Yes. We are a responsible operator, committed to protecting the environment and respecting Andean communities.
WHY IS THE INCA TRAIL UNIQUE?
It is the only route that arrives directly at the Sun Gate, with deep historical, spiritual, and scenic value, as well as an exclusive guided experience in small groups.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING WITH YOU
Essential Items
- Original passport (it must be the same one used to book your trip)
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
- Good backpack (the smaller, the better)
- Hydration system: 2 – 3 L
- Comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Enjoy Machupicchu Travel)
- Headlamp / flashlight (essential)
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG
As a local direct operator, Enjoy Machupicchu Travel will provide you with a duffel bag during the briefing, and we include an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kg / 14 lb, including your sleeping bag (2.5 kg), sleeping mat, and extra clothing.
- 2 T-shirts
- At least 2 hiking pants
- 4 sets of underwear
- 3 pairs of trekking socks
- Fleece / thermal jacket
- Warm clothing (at the second campsite, the temperature can drop to 3 °C)
- Waterproof gloves (even ski gloves are recommended)
- Comfortable shoes for the campsite
- Quick-dry towel (we offer small ones, but you may bring a larger one)
- Small bottle of soap (we provide warm water every day for washing)
- Battery charger (there is no electricity during the hike)
- Large plastic bags (they are provided at the office, please request them)
- Sleeping bag rated for -15 °C (rental available for USD 20)
TOILETRIES
- Facial moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Basic first aid kit (Band-Aids, moleskin, etc.)
WHAT TO PUT IN THE BACKPACK
We recommend a 30 to 40 L trekking backpack for the day. Large backpacks are not allowed in Machu Picchu. The rest of your belongings will go in the duffel bag.
- Water: bring enough until the first lunch; afterwards, cold boiled water will be provided at every meal
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Light jacket or fleece
- Snacks (energy bars, dried fruit, chocolate)
- Coca leaves
- Plastic rain poncho (provided by Enjoy Machupicchu Travel)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips