Extend Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at approximately 10:00 am. From there, enjoy a comfortable transfer of about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the Ollantaytambo train station, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

At around 12:55 pm, board your Expedition or Voyager train to Aguas Calientes. During the 1.5-hour ride, take in breathtaking views of the Andes, winding rivers, and lush cloud forest as you approach Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the town, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at the foot of the mountains.

Around 7:00 pm, you will meet your professional guide for a detailed orientation about the visit to Machu Picchu the following day. This briefing ensures you are fully prepared and ready for an unforgettable experience.

We begin early as we hike toward the highest point of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (Abra Warmihuañusca). This steady uphill section is the most physically demanding part of the journey.

Along the way, we stop at Llulluchapampa to rest and enjoy the mountain scenery. After reaching the pass at 4,215 meters, we celebrate with coca tea and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.

The afternoon is downhill as we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley, where we enjoy lunch and a well-earned rest at camp. Distance: 10 kmWalking Time: Approx. 8 hoursHighest Altitude: 4,215 m (13,821 ft)Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)

After breakfast, we ascend toward the second mountain pass. Along the route, we visit Runcu Raccay, an Inca watchtower with impressive valley views.

After reaching the pass (4,000 m), we descend into the cloud forest and arrive at Sayacmarca, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites on the Inca Trail, where we enjoy a guided tour.

Following lunch at Chaquicocha, we continue along original Inca pathways with gradual inclines until reaching Phuyupatamarca. From here, we enjoy panoramic views of the Vilcabamba range and even our first distant glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain. Distance: 13 kmWalking Time: Approx. 9 hoursHighest Altitude: 4,000 m (13,123 ft)Campsite Altitude: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)

Weather permitting, we wake up to one of the most spectacular sunrises on the trail. After breakfast and a guided visit of Phuyupatamarca, we descend stone steps toward Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), an important agricultural site.

We continue to Wiñay Wayna, the largest Inca complex on the trail after Machu Picchu. After lunch, we hold a traditional thank-you ceremony for our porters and cooks.

We hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where we experience our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. From there, we descend to the citadel and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for the night. Distance: 11 kmWalking Time: Approx. 5.5 hoursHighest Altitude: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)Hotel: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes

We take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise (weather permitting). Your guide will lead a comprehensive two-hour tour of the Inca citadel.

Travelers with Huayna Picchu tickets will complete the hike independently after the guided tour, while others have free time to explore additional sectors such as the Temple of the Condor.

After visiting Machu Picchu, we descend by bus to Aguas Calientes. Lunch is not included, giving you flexibility to choose your preferred restaurant. Later, we board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.