The 5-Day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is considered the most scenic route to the Machu Picchu citadel. Historically, this trail was reserved for high-ranking or important individuals during the Incan era. The sanctuary boasts an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, including over 350 species of orchids, which are among the most beautiful flowers in the plant kingdom. Additionally, the area is home to a variety of insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals, with the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) being the most emblematic species of the region.
The trail traverses high mountain passes reaching altitudes of 4200m, meanders through picturesque grasslands offering breathtaking views of majestic mountains, and winds its way through cloud forests before descending into subtropical vegetation. The journey culminates on the final day at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
Level of Difficulty: Medium
OVERVIEW: 5-DAY INCA TRAIL TREK
DAY 1: CUSCO to Km 82 (via Private Bus) – Km 82 to WAYLLABAMBA
DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA to PACAYMAYU
DAY 3: PACAYMAYU to PHUYUPATAMARCA
DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA to MACHU PICCHU
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU
The hotel pick-up occurs quite early, typically between 6:00 am and 6:30 am. After departing from Cusco in a private bus, we will journey through the renowned Sacred Valley, passing through Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Approximately 2 ½ hours later, we will reach “km 82,” the starting point of the trail. During our trip from Cusco to km 82, the bus usually takes a 40-minute break in Ollantaytambo, allowing passengers to enjoy breakfast or purchase snacks and drinks.
Upon reaching km 82 around 10:30 am, you will cross the Urubamba river and continue along its left bank for roughly 1 ½ hours. The initial ascent leads to Wilka Rakay, offering a breathtaking view of the Inca site Patallapta and the Kusichaca Valley. The subsequent descent to the Kusichaca river is uncomplicated. En route to our first camping site, there are impressive vistas of the Urubamba mountain range, including the snow-covered peak of Veronica (5,750 m, Wakay Wilka). We will then proceed along the Kusichaca Valley for about 7 km until we reach Wayllabamba (3,000 m/9,842 ft), where we will spend our first night.
Accommodation: Camping at Wayllabamba.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will embark on a climb lasting approximately 1 hour to reach Tres Piedras, also known as The Three Stones. Continuing further, we will venture into the enchanting cloud forest.
After trekking for about 2 hours through breathtaking vegetation, we will reach the treeline and Llulluchapampa at an altitude of 3,750m. Here, we will take a brief pause to enjoy some tea or coffee and sandwiches, replenishing our energy for the subsequent 1 ½-hour hike to the highest point of the Inca Trail – Abra de Warmihuañusca, commonly referred to as Dead Woman Pass (4,200m).
The predominant vegetation in this section of the Inca Trail consists of expansive grassy plains that you will traverse as you approach the pass. Upon reaching the summit of the pass, we will celebrate our collective achievement of conquering the most demanding segment of the Inca Trail trek. The ensuing 2-hour descent will lead us to the base camp in Pacaymayo (3,600m), where we will spend our second night.
Accommodation: Camping at Pacaymayo.
The third day commences with a 40-minute ascent from Pacaymayo to Runkurakay. These modest ruins occupy a strategic position overlooking the Pacaymayo valley, offering a picturesque view.
Another 45-minute hike will lead you to the summit of the second pass, Abra Runkurakay (3,950m). The descent to Sayacmarka (3,500m) takes approximately 1 hour.
From Sayacmarka, the trail winds its way through the stunning cloud forest, abundant with orchids, hanging moss, ferns, and native flowers. After a 30-minute walk, passing by the minor Inca site of Conchamarka, we will arrive at Chaquicocha (3,550m), where we will enjoy our lunch.
Continuing on the trail towards Phuyupatamarka pass (3,700m), where we will spend our final night, there are opportunities to admire the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Veronica, Pumasillu, and even Machu Picchu Mountain.
Accommodation: Camping at Phuyupatamarka.
On the fourth day, we will rise early to enjoy breakfast before embarking on our hike to Machu Picchu. The descent to Inty Pata, another archaeological site, will take approximately 2 hours. This site was a prominent agricultural sector situated on a hillside facing east. After exploring Inty Pata, we will proceed to visit Wiñay Wayna, a recently discovered archaeological site dating back to 1941.
From Wiñay Wayna, it will take us about 1 hour to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Here, you will behold the breathtaking sight of Machu Picchu for the first time.
The walk from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu takes around 40 minutes, leading us to the iconic viewpoint where you can admire the entire Machu Picchu citadel.
This location offers the perfect opportunity to capture the classic postcard picture of Machu Picchu. We can spend hours here, soaking in the majestic views of the ancient citadel.
Subsequently, we will descend to Machu Picchu town by bus, the nearest city to Machu Picchu, where we will spend our final night in a hotel. The following day, we will return to explore Machu Picchu once more.
Accommodation: Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel *** or similar.
On the final day of the 5-day Inca Trail trek, we will ascend early in the morning to explore the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, either to witness the sunrise or to see the sunlight illuminating the Incan structures. Following this, we will embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which typically lasts about two hours.
Subsequently, after the guided tour of Machu Picchu, those with additional permits have the option to hike up the renowned Huayna Picchu mountain.
The round-trip ascent to the mountain’s summit generally takes between 40 to 50 minutes, totaling approximately two hours. From the peak, we can admire the entire sacred landscape of Machu Picchu, including the sacred river and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Once you feel you’ve explored every aspect of Machu Picchu, we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes.
The bus ride lasts only 25 minutes, and this will be the location for our lunch. Afterward, we will board the train for our return journey to Cusco.
Please note: The hike to Huayna Picchu is optional and is suitable only for trekkers who are in good physical condition. Others may choose to explore other areas within the Incan complex.
SERVICE |
PRICE |
| Sleeping bag adequate for the temperature of minus 10°C | $25.00 |
| Walking stick highly recommended! | $15.00 |
| Single Tent supplement | $30.00 |
| Additional porter for 5 kg. | $80.00 |
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