5 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Inca Trail Collection 5 Days

8 am
2.8 km
1.5 hours
12 hours
1 day

The Inca Trail Collection 5 Days is our most comfortable and exclusive way to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You follow the same legendary route as the classic 4-day trek, but with shorter walking days, more time at the archaeological sites and a final night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes instead of camping right up to the end.
Over 5 days and 4 nights you will walk original Inca stone paths, cross high mountain passes, visit hidden sites like Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, and finally arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. The next morning, you return for a full guided visit to the citadel before taking the train back to Cusco.

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Short inca trail starting at km 104 the railiway - Peru Private Tours

5-Day Inca Trail Tour from Cusco

Highlights

Extended Route
Complete 5 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, following the classic route with extra time.

Camping Plus
3 nights camping on the Inca Trail + 1 night in a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Gentle Pace
Shorter walking days than the classic 4-day trek, ideal for families and thoughtful hikers.

Inca Sites
Visits to key Inca sites: Patallacta, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)..

Double Entry
Two entrances to Machu Picchu: late-day arrival via the Sun Gate + next-morning guided visit.

Trusted Operator
Operated by an official Inca Trail tour operator with small groups and experienced local guides.

Inca Trail Collection

Start the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 5 days at km 82 - Peru Private Tours

Cusco – Km 82 – Trail Start – First Camp

Early Departure to Km 82
Early in the morning, we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to Km 82, the starting point of the 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Here you meet your full trekking team and pass the official control point.

Along the Urubamba River
You begin walking on gentle terrain beside the Urubamba River.
Enjoy views of snowcapped peaks and small Andean villages along the way.

View of Patallacta (Llactapata)
From a scenic viewpoint, you observe the archaeological site of Patallacta.
Your guide explains its strategic importance within the Inca road network.

First Campsite Experience
In the afternoon, you continue at an easy pace to your first campsite.
Your tents are ready upon arrival, and you enjoy dinner prepared by your cook before resting under the Andean sky.

Day 2: Visit to Dead Woman's Pass, 3-hour hike to Llulluchapampa

Into the Highlands – Towards Dead Woman’s Pass

Gradual Ascent Toward Warmiwañusqa
After a hearty breakfast, you begin a slow climb into the highlands.
The goal is to gradually gain altitude toward Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the Inca Trail.
On the 5-day trek, the ascent is spread out more comfortably than on the classic 4-day route.

Lunch at Llulluchapampa
After about three hours of hiking, you reach Llulluchapampa.
Here you stop to enjoy a well-deserved lunch surrounded by mountain scenery.

Highland Landscapes & Steady Pace
The trail alternates between stone steps, forest sections, and open puna grasslands.
Llamas and alpacas graze nearby as your guide sets a careful, steady pace.
Plenty of breaks allow you to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the views.

Crossing Dead Woman’s Pass
After reaching Dead Woman’s Pass, the trail descends with outstanding panoramic views.
At the campsite, you are welcomed with hot drinks, dinner, and a detailed briefing for the next day.

Day 3 of the Inca Trail tour: Visit Runkuraqay and Sayamarca, ruins steeped in history.

High Passes, Cloud Forest & Inca Sites

Spectacular High Passes & Inca Sites
This is one of the most impressive days of the Inca Trail Collection 5 Days.
You climb toward the second pass near Runkurakay before continuing along the ancient stone path.

Runkurakay & Sayacmarca
Visit Runkurakay, a circular ruin believed to have served as a lookout or checkpoint.
Continue to Sayacmarca, an extraordinary site perched on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views.

From Puna to Cloud Forest
The scenery shifts from high puna grasslands to lush cloud forest.
Orchids, mosses, and tree ferns surround you along the trail.

Phuyupatamarca – Town in the Clouds
Arrive near Phuyupatamarca with more daylight than on the classic 4-day route.
After lunch, enjoy a guided visit of this remarkable archaeological site overlooking the Urubamba River valley.
You have time to relax, explore, take photos, or simply meditate at one of the most breathtaking viewpoints of this extended Inca Trail.

Evening at Camp
The day ends with dinner and a final briefing about your approach to Machu Picchu.

Day 4 Inca Trail Tour: Visited the ruins of Winay, Wayna, cloud forests and the famous hot springs of Machu Picchu

Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes

Phuyupatamarca to Wiñay Wayna
You explore Phuyupatamarca before descending through the cloud forest.
Arrive at Wiñay Wayna, famous for its sweeping terraces and cascading water channels.
After a thorough visit and time for photos, you enjoy an early lunch.

Sun Gate – First View of Machu Picchu
In the afternoon, you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
From here, you enjoy your first full panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Many consider this the emotional highlight of the 5-day Inca Trail.

Evening in Aguas Calientes
You descend to the upper terraces, exit the citadel, and take the shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes.
Check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening to shower, relax, and have dinner.

End of the Inca Trail tour, arriving at Machu Picchu. Hike complete.

Machu Picchu Guided Visit – Return to Cusco

Guided Visit to Machu Picchu
After breakfast at your hotel, you take the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu.
With your guide, you follow a designated circuit through temples, plazas, terraces, and viewpoints.
Learn about the history and function of this remarkable World Heritage site.

Optional Mountain Hikes
If pre-booked and permits are confirmed, you may hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain at your scheduled time.

Return to Cusco or Sacred Valley
After the visit, you return by bus to Aguas Calientes and have lunch.
Later, you board the train toward the Sacred Valley or Cusco.
At the station, our staff meets you and transfers you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening.

5 Day Inca Trail Inclusions

What’s Included

Pre-departure briefing in Cusco before your 5 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco.

Tourist transport between your hotel and the train/bus starting points as needed.

Official Inca Trail permit for 5 days with your chosen start date.

Machu Picchu entrance ticket (standard circuit) for Day 5.

Professional, English speaking trekking guide.

Team of porters to carry camping equipment and a personal weight allowance

Cook and complete meals during the 3 nights on the trail (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) plus Breakfast and Lunch on day 4.

Dinner on day 4 included in a restaurant at Aguas Calientes.

3 nights camping on the Inca Trail (quality tents and dining equipment).

1 night in a 3 stars hotel in Aguas Calientes

Breakfast at the hotel on Day 5.

Train from Machu Picchu area back toward Cusco

Shuttle bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu as per itinerary.

First-aid kit and basic altitude support (oxygen, if needed) carried by the guide.

What’s Not Included

Flights to/from Cusco.

Sleeping bag and trekking poles (rentals available on request).

Extra hotel nights in Cusco or Aguas Calientes before or after the 5 day Inca Trail trek.

Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (optional hikes, available on request and subject to availability at extra cost)

Lunch in Aguas Calientes on day 5.

Travel or medical insurance.

Tips for guide, porters, cook and drivers (optional and based on your satisfaction).

5 Day Inca Trail Trek

Practical Information

Difficulty & Distance

The 5 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu follows the same approximate distance as the classic route (around 42 km / 26 miles) but distributes it over more days.

Daily walking time is generally shorter and more balanced than the 4-day itinerary, which makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a gentler schedule, families with older children or photographers who want more time at each site.

Terrain includes stone steps, steep ascents and descents, and high mountain passes.

Altitude & Acclimatization

Typical altitudes during the trek:

Cusco: 3,400 Meters Above Sea Level

Highest pass (Dead Woman’s Pass): 4,215 Meters Above Sea Level

Second pass near Runkurakay: 4,000 Meters Above Sea Level

Phuyupatamarca: 3,600 Meters Above Sea Level

Machu Picchu: 2,430 Meters Above Sea Level

We strongly recommend at least 2–3 nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting your 5 day Inca Trail trek. Walk slowly, stay hydrated and let your guide know if you feel strong headache, dizziness or nausea.

Best Time of Year for the 5 Day Inca Trail

Best overall: April–October (drier season, clearer views).

Peak months: June–August (more demand for permits; book well in advance at least 1 year).

Rainy season: November–March (more rain but greener landscapes and fewer people).

February: the Inca Trail is normally closed for maintenance.

What to Pack

We will send a detailed packing list, but basics include:

1.Good hiking boots with ankle support.

2. Comfortable trekking clothes in layers (base layer, mid-layer, fleece, waterproof jacket).

3. Sleeping bag suitable for cold Andean nights (or rent one through us).

4. Trekking poles (strongly recommended for descents).
Headlamp, refillable water bottle or hydration system.

5. Personal toiletries and lightweight towel.

6. Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat.

7. Warm hat and gloves, especially May–August.

8. Small daypack (you carry) + duffel bag (carried by porters maximum 7 kilos including sleeping bag).

9. Passport (required for checkpoints).

Why Choose the Inca Trail Collection 5 Days with Peru Private Tours?

Extra time at key sites

More time at places like Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, instead of rushing through them.

Tailored for thoughtful travelers

This 5 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect if you value quality over speed, enjoy photography and want real time to connect with the trail and nature

Small groups & local team

A Cusco-based, locally owned operator with a stable team of guides, porters and cooks who know the route in detail.

Hotel night before Machu Picchu

Sleep in a real bed in Aguas Calientes before your Machu Picchu visit, so you arrive rested and refreshed.

More comfortable schedule

Shorter walking days and better distribution of effort compared to the classic 4-day Inca Trail.

FAQs – Inca Trail Collection 5 Days

Is the 5 day Inca Trail easier than the 4 day trek?

Yes and no. The total distance and highest altitude are the same, but the 5 day Inca Trail spreads the effort over longer time, with shorter days and more time to rest. Many travelers find it noticeably more comfortable.

Do I still need to book permits far in advance?

Yes. All Inca Trail routes use the same government permit system. For high season (May–September), we recommend booking 6–8 months in advance when possible.

Is this trek suitable for families?

Yes, especially for families with teenagers or active older children. The slower rhythm makes it easier to adapt to altitude and enjoy the trek. Let us know ages and experience so we can advise you.

Where do we sleep during the 5 days?

You spend 3 nights camping in prepared campsites on the Inca Trail and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before your Machu Picchu visit.

Can I hire an extra porter for personal luggage?

Yes. Extra porter services are usually available for an additional cost and must be requested at the time of booking, as they also require permits.

Can I hire an extra porter for personal luggage?

Yes. Extra porter services are usually available for an additional cost and must be requested at the time of booking, as they also require permits.

What Travelers Say About Peru Private Tours

We don’t just promise personalized service and unforgettable experiences—our travelers confirm it. Below you’ll find our most recent TripAdvisor reviews that reflects what guests are saying right now. From private Machu Picchu tours to custom Peru itineraries, each review comes directly from real travelers who chose Peru Private Tours for expert planning, local insight, and premium support.

Number of travelers and approximate ages.

Where you will be staying before and after the trek (Cusco / Sacred Valley).

Preferred hotel category in Aguas Calientes – comfort 3 stars Included ( superior / luxury – available on request at an extra cost).

Any special needs (slower pace, honeymoon, family trip, photography, etc.).

We’ll reply with permit options, a detailed itinerary and clear pricing so you can confirm your Inca Trail Collection 5 Days with confidence.

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