Trip Overview
Our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu premium service starts with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley; we will drive in our private transport to Km 82 to begin the adventure on the official Inca Trail. Hike further into the Sacred Valley, through the mountains on a carved stone-paved Inca trail, spend three nights at camping spots surrounded by mountains, spend the evening at Aguas Calientes town, and overnight at a 3* hotel room before visiting Machu Picchu citadel, the fifth day get a morning two hours guided tour exploring the citadel. In the afternoon, embark on the Expedition train service back to Ollantaytambo. Lastly, we will continue by private transport to Cusco City. We will drop you off at your designated hotel.
All meals, entrance tickets, and items are included in the service, as mentioned in the itinerary.
A glimpse of our Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco – Ollantaytambo – km 82 – Hatunchaca Camp.
We pick you up from your hotel and drive to Piscacucho (km 82) to enter the official Inc Trail. In its 10 km distance and about seven hours of hiking, you will have the chance to see several archeological sites, and LLaqtapata one of the biggest sites along the way, you will overnight in the valley around Tarayoc community.
Day 2 Hatunchaca – llullucha pampa – Dead Womans Pass – Pacaymayo Camp.
Today we will continue 2 hours uphill to the Huayllabamba community, then descend for 4 hours to the Llulluchapampa Camp for Lunch, continuing upwards to Dead Womans Pass, then the trail continues down to Pacaymayu camp. We will hike a 14 km of distance and roughly 7 hours of hiking.
Day 3 Pacaymayo – Runkuracay – chaquicocha – Phuyu Patamarca.
Today will be an incredible journey, as you will have a chance to visit and see several Inca sites along the way hiking roughly 14 km distance, it is about 7 hours total hiking, but you will have stunning views from Phuyupatamarca camping spot, Andean landscapes, and more Inca sites.
Day 4 Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna Camp – Intipunku – Machu Picchu town.
Today we will start the day downhill for 3 hours to an impressive Incan terrace called Inti Pata from where you will have incredible views of the Vilcanota Valley, have the last Lunch at Wiñayhuayna camp, then continue to the Sun Gate to get to Aguas Calientes town by bus. Overnight in a comfortable 3* hotel in town
Day 5 Discovering Machu Picchu citadel – back to Cusco.
On the last day explore Machu Picchu citadel, and reveal its mysteries on 3 hours guided tour accompanied by your trekking guide; in the afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Then, drive back to your hotel in Cusco City, end of the service.
What to expect
- Venture on one of the world’s top 10 treks.
- Experience a range of micro-climates, from highland tundra to lush cloud forests.
- Explore the unique and extraordinary Inca sites along the way.
- Suitable camp gear equipment to stay overnight in the mountains.
- The best meals for hiking, suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or any restrictions and allergies food.
- Side-by-side Machu Picchu guided tour on the last day.
Degree of difficulty
The Inca Trail 5 days to Machu Picchu is rated as a demanding hike. Considering the altitudes and length of walking is rated as 5th strenuous summits of difficulty; it is suggested to be prepared for a multi-day trekking experience by hiking at altitude and acclimatizing at least two days before the trekking. Inca Trail 5-day trekking tour can be done year-round except in February due to the heavy rainy season and its yearly maintenance. You will have a better experience during the dry season. (May – November)
Why you should go with us
- Kuntur Peru Travel is a fully locally owned tour operator and certified travel company with all licenses to operate Inca trail tours and alternative treks.
- Experience is the key! Long tracking record tour guides, graduated from the university and recognized institutes of Cusco city.
- We deliver our tour services with safety standards, ethics, and responsibility; we rely on the opinions of our travelers.
- Book and travel! Your trip is confirmed once you book the tour service; we don’t transfer the service to other tour groups. So that you book with us, you go with us.
- Quality of services is our personal motto, so we provide both as small groups, no more than 8 pp., and private tour services.
- No hidden charges! You pay the cost of your trip with all services included as mentioned in the itineraries.
- Tailor-made tours and customizable experiences to the needs of our travelers.
- Our guides are natives of Cusco city, fluent English speaking, friendly, and great storytellers.
- Our management center is located in Cusco city. Therefore, we have everything in control nearby.
Itinerary
The itinerary below has been designed according to technical criteria based on the experiences of expert trekking guides who have hiked the 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for years; the timings are average to a regular trekker under favorable conditions. However, this may vary depending on physical preparation, health, age, weather conditions during the hike, and the number of participants in the group. In addition, lunch spots and campsites may change consequently to adapt to the circumstances and needs of the group.
Day 1 Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Piscacucho – Hatunchaca Camp
The 5-day Inca trail to Machu Picchu on our program begins from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. We will pick you up at your hotel on our private transport to drive beyond the Sacred Valley towards Piscacucho village (Km 82, railroad to Machu Picchu), the trailhead of our adventure. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a well-regulated road, as we will find checkpoints throughout the trail, for that reason, you need to carry your passports in the daypacks; once we pass the first checkpoint, we will be officially allowed to embark on our expedition.
The first day hiking on Inca Trail is moderate, as we will be trekking in the valley, enjoying the views of the Vilcanota mountain range, snow-capped Mt. Veronica 5,713 m / 18,745 ft., and Inca remains such as LLaqtapata, a fascinating and great archeological sites made up for temples, complex residences, and enclosures; it’s near our first lunch spot at Tarabamba community, in the afternoon, we will continue through the narrow Cusichaca valley for two hours towards Hatunchaca village, our official first campsite; during the hiking day, we will see a wide variety of native flora, great views of mountains, archeological sites, small villages, and local farms.
Meals Included
Lunch, & Dinner.
Hiking Distance
11 km / 6.8 miles.
Difficulty
Moderate.
Hike Duration
6 – 7 hrs. approx.
Highest elevation
3,000 m / 9,840 ft.
Camp elevation
3,000 m. / 9,842 ft.
Day 2 Hatun Chaca –Llullucha Pampa – Dead womans Pass – Pacaymayo Camp
The second day of our adventure is the most strenuous and Challenging day of the whole Inca Trail; though, as we are doing in 5 days, we might hike a calm pace to maximize our wonderful experience.
After breakfast, we will leave the campsite to conquer Warmywañusca’s pass (Dead Woman’s pass at 4,215 m. / 13,825 ft.); the trail goes on a slightly uphill path to Wayllabamba community, then it continues on an abrupt ascend on the side of the Mountain having impressive views of the valley, it will take us about two hours to reach Ayapata camp, where we can take a short break, as you can use the restrooms of the campsite if necessary, the trail continues on two more hours up to our lunch place in LLullucha Pampa at (3,800 m. / 12,464 ft.) Good chance to capture great photos. After lunch, we will continue two more hours uphill; to finally get to the highest point of the Inca Trail, the dead woman’s pass at 4,215 m / 13825 ft. After a short break and photos, we continue two more hours on stone steps descending to Pacaymayo, our campsite at 3,650 m / 11,972 ft. Today’s views are more of the Andean scenic landscape, highland straw grassland, and steep mountain peaks; we will camp at cloud forest ecosystems facing the Vilcanota Valley.
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. - Hiking Distance
12 km / 7.45 miles. - Difficulty
Demand - Hike Duration
7 hours approx. - Highest elevation
4,215 m / 13825 ft. - Camp elevation
3,650 m / 11,972 ft.
Day 3 Pacaymayo – Runkuracay pass – Chakicocha – Phuyupatamarca
The third day on the Inca Trail is a combination of the two previous days’ exploration, as we will have the chance to visit archeological sites and scenic because of the landscapes and panoramic views we will be witnessing today.
After breakfast, we will embark on the trail, which will take us to Runkuracay ruins, a small archeological site made up of narrow enclosures and an open circular construction facing toward the sunrise; after a brief explanation of the ruins, then it continues on one hour to Runkuraqay pass 3,950 m / 12,956 ft. where we will take a short break enjoying the scenic views around it, from the pass, we will head the trail downhill on stone steps for one and half hours toward Sayaqmarca, an archeological ruins on the slopes of a rocky mountain, the site is made up of platforms, a ceremonial room, water fountains, several enclosures, which some of them are facing towards the sunset; from Sayaqmarca, it takes 15 minutes to our lunch spot at Chaquicocha campsite; the last part of the hike takes about two hours to Phuyupatamarca, on a carved stone pathway attached to the mountain leading to Phuyupatamarca pass at 3,650 m. / 11,972 ft.
Our campsite is one of the most fascinating spots on the Inca trail, as we will have an incredible view of the Vilcanota Valley, mountains, and archeological sites.
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. - Hiking Distance
12 km / 7.45 miles. - Difficulty
Mod – Demand. - Hike Duration
7 – 8 hours approx. - Highest elevation
3,950 m / 12,956 ft. - Camp elevation
3,650 m. / 11,972 ft.
Day 4 Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna – Sun gate – Aguas Calientes town
Today’s adventure is, as well as fascinating as the previous day but incredibly wonderful, as we will have the first chance to see Machu Picchu citadel in the afternoon. The Inca Trail tour 5-day trekking is the only trekking tour that offers to visit twice Machu Picchu citadel.
After enjoying our breakfast, we will head on the path to continue the fourth day of our expedition, ten minutes down the stone steps, we will find Phuyupatamarca, an archeological remain that may have been the residence of a high priestess, as we will see stone altars near the water fountains, a ceremonial platform on top of the structure, and his enclosure facing towards a sacred mountain, after brief information and historical reference of the site, we will continue two and half hours downhill over stone steps toward the archeological remain colled Intipata, a site built up for farming purposes, as we will find long terraces on the hillside on the mountain, from Intipata its 20 minutes left to reach our lunch place at Wiñayhuayna campsite 2,400 m / 7,872 ft. there is an Inca site, also called Wiñayhuayna, which became famous because of its similarity to Machu Picchu citadel, but small; after lunch the adventure continues for two extra hours on an impressive narrow trail that surrounds the mountain toward Inti Punku (The Sun Gate at 2,400 m / 7,872 ft. ) from where we will have the first view of Machu Picchu citadel, it is hard to describe the feeling when you reach the Sun Gate, four days trekking in the mountains to see your long-awaited dream coming true, depending on the time we get to Machu Picchu we could go ahead and take some pictures of the citadel closer from the guard house, if not we can go to the bus station to go Aguas Calientes town.
Tonight you will stay in a 3-star hotel with cozy rooms, proper facilities, and hot showers. After all, you deserve to get a good bedroom and be reenergized for the following day.
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. - Hiking Distance
10 km / 6.21 miles. - Difficulty
Mod. – Deman. - Hike Duration
7 – 8 Hrs. Approx - Highest elevation
3,650 m. / 11,972 ft. 
Lodging
3* Hotel
Day 5 Discovering Machu Picchu Citadel – back to Cusco
Upon the fifth day of adventure on the Inca trail, we will be exclusively dedicated to exploring, interpreting, and learning about the most iconic archeological site in Peru, Machu Picchu Inca citadel, in the companion of our experienced local guide. How great is it to get all the information by the hand of someone who has visited Machu Picchu hundreds of times; Machu Picchu is not a simple site, it is a whole complex full of mysteries and enigmas, and for us, it is the core of our tour package.
For today, your trekking guide will pick you up early from the hotel, and together you will take the 25 minutes bus ride to Machu Picchu; it is crucial to carry your passport, as it must be shown before you enter the citadel; once is done your trekking guide will take you upwards the terraces area to get the panoramic views of Machu Picchu citadel; the enclosures, Huaynapicchu mountain, the entire site surrounded by Vilcanota river; if you go in the early mornings, you will witness delighting the mist rising between the mountains and the sun rising behind the mountain peaks; after you have done with your amazing photos, the guide will start with a historical introduction, then, two-plus hours guided in the citadel tour exploring the residences, enclosures, temples, altars, and more, after the tour, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will have enough time for lunch, in the afternoon, board the train back to Ollantaytambo town to meet a Kuntur Peru Travel representative who will transfer you in our private transport back to your hotel in Cusco city.
Please, note if you have purchased the admission ticket to climb Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, your guide will bring you to the respective entrance gate.
- Meals Included
Breakfast. - Difficulty
Easy. 
Tour Duration
3 hrs Guided.
Activity
Site Exploration.
Transportation
Train / Private Bus.
Accommodation
Hotel in Cusco.
Including
Inca Trail Premium service 5D Includes
Transportation
- Pick up from your hotel.
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Km 82.
- Bus ticket to Aguas Calientes Town on day 4
- Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu on day 5.
- Expedition train service to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Accommodation
- 3 Nights camping outdoors.
- Lodging at Aguas Calientes town. Hotel 3*
Meals
- 3 Days Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- 3 Every day water to fill up your bottles.
- Dinner at Machu Picchu town.
- Everyday snack.
All entrance fees for the trip
- Ancascocha route permits.
- Inca Trail Permits.
- Machu Picchu entrance fees.
Camping Equipment
- 4-man Sleeping tent for two people.
- Foam mattress.
- Dinning tent and kitchen tent.
- Packable table and sits.
- Backpack cover and Rain poncho.
- Duffle back to carry 7kg of extra clothing.
- All kitchen items for the trip.
Trekking crew menbers
- English-speaking local Tour Guide.
- Guide assistant for 8+ participants
- Trekking Chef.
- Porter to carry the equipment
Extras & Safety items
- Walkie talkie
- Small oxygen bottle.
- First Aid Kit.
- Additional Pillow.
The trek does not include
- Trekking poles for rent
- Sleeping bags for rent
- Inflatable mattress for rent
- Huayna Picchu Mountain Additional activity
- Machu Picchu Mountain Additional activity
- Last Lunch at Aguas Calientes town.
- Any personal expenses
Pricing
The pricing below is subject to a new Peruvian law governing the employment of porters on the Inca Trail. These changes are expected to substantially raise the cost of operating Inca Trail tours for all accredited tour companies. Please, contact us for further details.
$1250.00 per person Price based on 8 ppl in the group
- Price for 2 trekkers: 1700.00 USD per person
- Price for 3-4 trekkers: 1500 USD per person
- Price for 5-6 trekkers: 1350 USD per person
- Price for 7-8 trekkers: 1250 USD per person
Discounts
Students have benefits traveling in Peru! Museums, tourist tickets, archaeological sites, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and more. Get discounts by presenting your International Student Identity Card (ISIC); students under the age of 17 and children do not need the ISIC. To apply for a discount, email us with a copy of the ISIC and passport at the time of booking for a trek or tour to info@kunturperu.com
We will be glad to help you.
- Student discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$ 25.00
- Students from 12 to 17 years. US$ 30.00 Discount
- Children from 5 to 12 years. US$ 30.00 Discount
Rentals
Good offer! The prices of items set in the following list are adjusted for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 5 days. However, for a group booking 8+ hikers, we will consider a discount on the price of an item or a free walking tour in Cusco City.
- Set of pro trekking poles – US$25.00 available to rent
- Sleeping bag – US$30.00 available to rent
- Inflatable mattress – US$ 30.00 available to rent
- Single Tent – US$50.00 available to rent
- Foam mattress – included in the tour service
Upgrades
The Machu Picchu and Huaynapicchu mountains are additional hikes within the Machu Picchu citadel; these admission tickets are subject to availability since they are usually sold out quickly.
- Huaynapicchu Mt. entrance fee: USD 75.00 extra per person.
- Machu Picchu Mt. entrance fee: USD 75.00 extra per person.
Round trip Expedition train service is included on the Quarry trek, we go to board the train at Ollantaytambo train station. However, there is a chance to upgrade the train service, it requires advance booking.
- Vistadome Train service (one-way trip): USD 75.00 additional per person
- 4 Stars Hotel at Macchu Picchu town: USD 70.00 additional per person
- Cusco City tour: USD 80 per person, if booked together with this tour
- Sacred Valley tour: USD 125 per person, if booked together with this tour
Groups booking
We reward your preference! More details will be available if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, such as walking tours in Cusco City, discounts on items for camping activities, and personal discounts. Contact us at info@kunturperu.com
GO ON GROUP SERVICE:
From USD 1150.00 per person. 8+ up to 12 participants in the group, Please note advance required
Details on Equipment
We care about the safety and satisfaction of our adventurers during the trekking tours, Kuntur Peru provides the best quality items for outdoor adventures, igloo-type tents resistant to snow and heavy rain are perfect for camping in the mountains, branded inflatable mattresses and trekking poles, first aid kid and oxygen bottle to prevent high altitude sickness. Safety is our main priority in every trekking activity.
- Thermarest inflatable mattresses 1.5 inches thick.
- Four-season tent (Eureka K-2 tx) for two people.
- Adjustable Black Diamond, Leky, or Branded Trekking Poles.
- Expeditions train service. Standard windows at the sides and ceiling, additional front table.
- Vistadome train service. With panoramic windows and ceilings, snack service, and a dance show on board included.
- We provide 3* hotel rooms in Machu Picchu town if you want a private bedroom, select single accommodation when booking for an additional cost.
Trip Info
Weather on trek
Trekking through the Inca Trail is an altitude activity, therefore, the weather may be cold and unpredictable depending on the season. In the dry season (May – November) the temperature may vary between 5 C / 41 F to 3 C / 37.4 F. in the early mornings and at night; during the day, it can get quite warm if the sun is out, anywhere from 15-24C. / 60-75F. Keep in mind that if the weather is cloudy or rainy, it will be windy and colder and it may change instantaneously particularly at the high passes on the trek so you should bring enough layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions as well as appropriate sun protection.
Pre-departure notes
It is highly recommended to spend at least two days before any trekking activity acclimating to the altitude in the Andes; drinking enough water and avoiding heavy meals also help you to adapt quickly to the environment. Cusco is an Andean city located at 3,399 m. / 11,151 ft. We suggest doing short day tours in and around the city.
It is imperative to attend the pre-trek briefing a day before the scheduled date of the trip, usually set at 17:00 hrs. See the itinerary instructions section of the tour and its details. For additional information, speak directly to your trekking guide.
Note on Itinerary
The current itinerary described accurately expresses the trekking activities we offer. However, please notice that due to circumstances such as natural disasters, weather conditions, strikes, and others that may force us to deviate from our original plan, in which case, we will provide you with the best alternative option available, so then you won’t miss the wonderful experience.
Note on Price
Please note. All our trekking tours, and the Inca trail tours, include a duffle bag, which means you can take additional clothing with your sleeping bag and mattress for the trek; these must be 7 kg/14 pounds max weight.
All Inca trail trekking tours are run with a group of a trekking team (our porters), who are appointed to carry all camping equipment during the hike; the number of porters in the group is according to the number of travelers booked for the tour; for more details see Inca Trail FAQs.
Camping accommodation on the trek is based on double occupancy per tent.
Accommodation in towns is at 3* hotels; Twin-bed room (matrimonial if requested), triple occupancy in case of families or friends; the single rooms are subject to a single supplement fee.
Trip Payment Schedule
At the time of booking, you must be paid 30% of the total cost of the tour; this will allow us to make the corresponding reservation and purchase some tickets that may be sold out rapidly. A month before the departure date, the balance must be paid or upon your arrival in Cusco city, the 70% left of the final balance must be paid fully.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee (hike permit fee): $130 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost.
Gratuities for the trekking crew
One of the greatest ways to express your gratitude to your trekking crew for everything they do to help you make your adventure trip is by tipping. This is a tradition of years since the beginning of the tourism industry in our region, a personal appreciation based on the team’s effort during your adventure experience. Giving gratuities might not be customary in your country, however, it’s of the utmost importance to those who will be taking care of you during the trip. Tipping inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature in the tourism industry on many Kuntur Peru Travel destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you wish, depending on your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Usually, participants in a group gather the tipping money for the guides, porters, and cooks; you can either do it individually, or your trekking guide will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Tipping your tour guide is more personal and should be decided based on your relationship, quality, and length of service with them and is done separately from the group or could be done individually, this generally happens once you end the tour at Machu Picchu Citadel or Machu Picchu town.
Porters: Each porter is $20 – $40 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all the group or participants)
Trekking Chef: $35 – $70 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all groups or participants)
Trekking guide: The amount is an entirely more personal preference, however, as a guideline, $40 -80 USD per person can be used.
Faqs
Booking
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