Go a bit slower on this Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5-day/4-night trek and take in the wonders of Peru!

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu treks generally follow the same itinerary as our Classic 4 Day Incaa Trail Trek, but at a more leisurely pace. You can spend more time at each ruin along the way. This is a great option for those worried about their hiking capability and speed, as well as families with younger hikers.

You can relax and enjoy a stress-free experience when you trek with Alpaca Expeditions. We take care of everything, from offering the best campsites to serving delicious and nutritious meals and providing top-notch equipment. Our dedicated team of a friendly guide, talented chefs and helpful porters will manage your experience flawlessly, so you can appreciate the stunning scenery and make unforgettable memories!

Tour Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture
Total Distance: 43 km/26 miles
Good For: Families with children, or those who wish to take their time
Difficulty: Moderate, but challenging
Considerations: Permit required

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 (PISKACUCHO) – PATALLACTA

We pick you up at 6:00am at your hotelthen drive in our private van towards Ollantaytambo passing by the picturesque villages of Chinchero and Urubamba. We continue towards Km 82, where we start walking for 3 hours toward Patallacta (2,650m/8,747ft) for lunch and set up our first camp. In the afternoon, we explore the amazing archeological site of Patallacta enjoying all the ancient buildings and surrounding snow-capped mountains.

• Meals included: Lunch, afternoon tea,  dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with comfortable tents, inflatable mattresses, blankets and pillows…. All set up by our super team!
• Distance: 6kms/3.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

DAY 2: PATALLACTA – WAYLLABAMBA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA

Your guide will wake you up at 6:30am with a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy in your sleeping bag before you get up for breakfast. After a delicious and hearty breakfast, we start trekking through the Kusichaca Valley enjoying a myriad of flora and fauna, arriving at Wayllabamba for lunch. After lunch, we walk up a moderate hill for the next 4 hours through the Llullucha Valley to reach our second camp at Llulluchapampa (3,800m/12,537ft). Hot drinks and appetizers will be ready when you arrive and your tents will be set up so you can settle in before dinner.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with comfortable tents, inflatable mattresses, blankets, pillows
• Distance: 11kms/6.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PAQAYMAYU – CH’AQICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA

Today is the longest day of our trek and the most beautiful. After a delicious breakfast, we walk uphill for two hours to reach the highest point of our trek: the Warmiwañusca Pass or Dead Woman Pass, located at 4,215m/13,907ft. From here, we may enjoy the spectacular views of different microclimates, magnificent mountains, beautiful green valleys, and a myriad of flora and fauna. After, we have a time to enjoy this beautiful sight, we descend for two hours to Pacaymayu for lunch. Then, we ascend towards the archeological site of Runcurakay (3,800m/12,540ft) to explore it for a while and continue walking to the second Runcurakay pass (3,977m/13,127ft).  Here, we can enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and stunning lakes. Continuing on our journey, we descend for one hour to the next archeological site of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,877ft). Finally, we walk for two more hours until our third campsite at Phuyupatamarca (3,650m/12,047ft). Walking through the Peruvian rainforest, we can enjoy the spectacular views of Machu Picchu Mountain and the stunning Inca citadel, the Urubamba Canyon and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with comfortable tents, inflatable mattresses, blankets, pillows
• Distance: 15kms/9.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate/challenge

DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES

Today is the most anticipated day of our trek! We wake up early in the morning for breakfast, afterwards we walk down stairs towards the archeological site of Intipata, and then down to Wiñay Wayna (2,650m/8,747ft) for lunch. After that, we will visit the stunning Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, continuing for one hour to the SUN GATE (2,720m/8,977ft), where we can enjoy the first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its glory. Then we descend to one of the world’s wonders, Machu Picchu Citadel, which we will fully explore tomorrow, Finally we take our bus to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
• 2* Accommodation: Intipunku Tambo or Wiracocha Hotel
• Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you the full tour, which takes about two hours. You will see all of the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry and the House of the Inca. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. Your train will depart at 14:55 or 15:20.

The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00.

Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
Difficulty: Enjoyable

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Transfer from the airport to your hotel
• Pick up at your hotel
• Private transport from Cusco to Piscacucho (starting of the trek)
• 7 kgs of your personal items extra clothes, sleeping bag to be carried by the porters,  just carry your daypack
• 4 person Igloo tents (large and comfortable) for each 2 trekkers
• Foam mattresses and camping pillows
• English speaking professional guide experienced in mountains and archeology
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• Porter to carry tents, food, cooking equipment
• Hot water for washing purposes
• Boiled water to fill in your bottles after each meal
• Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
• Chef, cooking equipment
• Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco
• Permit for the Inca Trail
• Entrance to Machu Picchu Inca Citadel
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• 3 bus tickets from Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Huayna Picchu mt: $75 USD and Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD – will need to be booked way in advance, if you would like to add an extra hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
• First breakfast and Last lunch – We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and  have the last lunch at Aguas Calientes after the tour of Machu Picchu.
• VISTADOME Train: $67 USD per person extra. (Return Only)

*** Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters SAM TRAVEL PERU – Our staff receives a fair wage immediately after their trip has ended, tips are optional but greatly appreciated by them.

EXTRAS

• Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent- $30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD(depending on availability)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade  -$67 USD per person (RETURN ONLY)
• Huayna Picchu Mt  -$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mt – $75 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Single supplement -$30 USD per night (for solo travellers with single room)

**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour. 

The Inca Trail Tour 5 day is available on any date that is best suited to you  as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!

PRICE – Group Service 

$897 USD per person
Personal porter included!

***This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7kgs, we provide you a duffel bag, where you can put your things.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.  

PRICES – Private Service 

• 2 hikers: $1157 USD per person
• 3 – 4 hikers: $1097 USD per person
• 5 – 6 hikers: $997 USD  per person
• 7 – 8 hikers: $87 USD per person

DISCOUNTS

• 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: $40 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

CHECK YOUR INCA TRAIL TOUR 5 DAYS AVAILABILITY BY CLICKING ON THE DROPBOX AND CHOOSING YOUR MONTH & YEAR

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ADDED VALUE WITH SAM TRAVEL PERU

• EXTRA PORTER: you will receive a small duffel bag at your trek briefing held the evening before you start the trek to pack your clothes and sleeping bag for 3-4 days
• BOILED WATER – for drinking  included along the Inca Trail
• PLASTIC RAIN PONCHO   made by SAM Travel Peru is included
• SMALL GROUPS  – average group 4 to 6 with a maximum of 8 hikers
• FLUENT ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
• DUFFEL BAG – for your belongings
• FOAM MATTRESS AND CAMPING PILLOW

WHAT IF THE INCA TRAIL IS SOLD OUT

FOR YOUR DESIRED DATES?

If permits are sold out for the Inca Trail Tour 5 day on your preferred date, you have so many options that will still allow you to trek and enjoy the Andes on the way to MACHU PICCHU! Alternative treks are just as beautiful as the Inca Trail Tour 5 day. They are less crowded because we take you OFF the beaten track in the Andes and we make sure you don’t miss anything on your trek to MACHU PICCHU.

*Sam Travel Peru requires only  2 participants minimum for our departures!  You can choose any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers.

*If you are a solo traveller and are flexible with your start date, we will make sure you have a group to travel with and you won’t miss out on  any of the fun.

ALTERNATIVE TREK OPTIONS: 

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR THE 5 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel so please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange board SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).

THE BRIEFING 

The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Santa Teresa  Nº383 ; office 107 (second floor). We are next to Subway sandwich shop and share a lobby with Hotel Casona Corrales.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the Inca Trail Tour 5 day, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack only what you will need for the 5 day trek!

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any date(s) after the permit have been bought. Permits are not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Inca Trail Tour 5 day, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE 5 DAY INCA TRAIL TREK?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport as it is very important that it is the same passport, you sent to us at the time of booking your permit. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and board the train.  In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK 

The evening before you start your 5 day Inca Trail trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad (foam or air). This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The 5 Day Inca Trail Trekk is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day of the trek, we climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?

In the unlikely scenario, that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health reasons, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek.  It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

• Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
• Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage:  2-3L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
• Headlamp: essential
• Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.

• 2 t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants at least
• 4 sets of undergarments
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Fleece/ Thermals
• Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
• Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
• Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
• Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD

TOILETRIES

• Face moisturizer
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal medications
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

• Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Headlamp: essential
• Wool Hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Rain plastic poncho (provided by SAM)
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips