5 Days Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

A Complete & Relaxed Trek with Local Experts

The 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most complete version of the legendary trek, designed for travelers who want to enjoy the journey at a slower pace, with more time to explore Inca sites, adapt to the altitude, and truly connect with the Andes before reaching Machu Picchu.

This extended itinerary follows the same route as the Classic Inca Trail (4 Days), offering the same iconic highlights, but with an extra day that allows for a more comfortable, immersive, and rewarding experience. If you’re short on time, our Short Inca Trail (2 Days) or Sacred Valley + Short Inca Trail (3 Days) may be a better fit. Operated by Inca Trail Classic, a local Cusco-based company registered with the Cámara Nacional de Turismo del Perú (Canatur), this trek combines professional guiding, small groups, and carefully planned logistics for travelers who value quality, safety, and authenticity.

Why Choose the 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

Slower hiking pace and better altitude acclimatization
More time at key Inca archaeological sites
Ideal for travelers who prefer comfort over speed
Less physical pressure, more enjoyment of nature and history
Small groups guided by licensed local experts

Tour Overview


Duration	5 Days / 4 Nights
Difficulty	Moderate
Maximum Altitude	4,215 m / 13,828 ft (Dead Woman’s Pass)
Start Point	Km 82 – Inca Trail
End Point	Machu Picchu
Group Type	Small groups, personalized service
Best Season	April to October
Trail Closed	February (annual maintenance)
Price	$1,500 USD per person

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day	Route	Distance	Max Altitude
Day 1	Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba (via Llactapata)	~11 km	3,000 m
Day 2	Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo	~11 km	4,215 m
Day 3	Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca	~10 km	3,650 m
Day 4	Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes	~12 km	2,700 m
Day 5	Aguas Calientes – Train – Ollantaytambo – Cusco	—	—

The extra day (compared to the Classic Inca Trail (4 Days)) is distributed across the itinerary to shorten daily walking hours, allow more time at archaeological sites like Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, and give the body more time to adjust to altitude before Dead Woman’s Pass.

Who Is This Trek Recommended For?

Travelers looking for a complete Inca Trail experience
Couples and mature travelers
Photographers and nature lovers
Guests who value comfort, organization, and local expertise

What’s Included

Included	Not Included
Professional bilingual guide	International flights
Entrance permits (Inca Trail + Machu Picchu)	Travel insurance
Camping equipment	Sleeping bag (rental available)
Porters	Tips for guide & porters
Meals during the trek	First night hotel in Cusco
Train ticket back to Ollantaytambo

Packing List

Category	Items
Clothing	Moisture-wicking layers, fleece/warm jacket, waterproof rain jacket, hiking pants, hat for sun, warm hat & gloves for nights
Footwear	Broken-in hiking boots, camp shoes/sandals
Gear	Trekking poles (rubber tips required), headlamp + extra batteries, daypack (25-35L)
Health	Sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medication, altitude sickness tablets, basic first-aid items
Documents	Original passport (required for trail checkpoints — copies not accepted), printed permit confirmation
Other	Reusable water bottle, cash (soles) for tips and extras, dry bags for electronics

Best Time to Hike the 5-Day Inca Trail

The best season for the 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, same as the Classic Inca Trail (4 Days), is from April to October, the dry season with clearer skies and stable trail conditions. The trail is closed every February for annual maintenance, per the Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura Cusco — no Inca Trail departures run that month.

Season	Months	Conditions
Dry season (best)	April – October	Clear skies, cold nights, busiest months (June–August)
Shoulder season	April, October	Fewer crowds, still good weather
Wet season	November – March	Rain likely, trail closed all of February

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for the 5-Day Inca Trail? Yes. Inca Trail permits are limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters) and sell out months in advance — especially for June to September departures, according to PromPerú, Peru’s official tourism board. Booking early is essential.
How fit do I need to be? Moderate difficulty. No technical climbing skills are needed, but daily hiking of several hours at altitude is required. The extra day compared to the classic trek makes this version more manageable for less experienced hikers.
What is the maximum altitude? 4,215 m (13,828 ft) at Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), reached on Day 2.
Can I do this trek independently? No. Peruvian law requires all Inca Trail trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed tour operator.
Is this different from the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail? Yes — it follows the same route and highlights but adds one extra day, spreading out the walking distance for a slower, more comfortable pace with more time at archaeological sites.

Briefing for the 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The information briefing for the 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu takes place one or two days before the trek begins. During this meeting, you will receive important details about the itinerary, trail conditions, required equipment, and final recommendations. This pre-trek briefing helps you understand how the hike will be organized, ensuring a friendly, safe, and comfortable walking experience from the very first day.

Book with Confidence

Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out months in advance.

Book your 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Inca Trail Classic
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Experience the Inca Trail in a relaxed, authentic, and unforgettable way

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Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Patallacta – Wayllabamba. We begin with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and travel to Km 82, the official entrance of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After the permit check, we start hiking through the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River. Along the way, we visit Patallacta, an impressive Inca agricultural and residential complex. We continue to Wayllabamba, where we camp surrounded by Andean mountains.

Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Camping in Wayllabamba

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo This is the most challenging day of the Inca Trail 5 days. We ascend gradually to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa – 4,215 m). Thanks to the extra day, the ascent is well paced, allowing time for rest and acclimatization. After enjoying panoramic views from the highest point of the trek, we descend into Pacaymayo Valley for the night.

Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Camping in Pacaymayo

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca One of the most scenic days on the 5-Day Inca Trail. We cross mountain passes and explore remarkable Inca sites such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca, located high above the cloud forest. This day offers spectacular views, stone paths, and a deeper understanding of Inca engineering and culture.

Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Camping in Phuyupatamarca

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes We descend through lush cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites on the trail. After lunch, we hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we enjoy a first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu. We then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and stay overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco Early in the morning, we enter Machu Picchu for a guided tour led by an expert guide. You will explore the main temples, terraces, and ceremonial areas while learning about the history and significance of this sacred site. After free time or optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability), we return to Cusco by train and private transport. Meal: Breakfast