INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
5 Days
Challenging
4250 msnm
Trekking
980 USD
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS Summary
Inca Trail trek 5 Days, is one of the alternative treks to Machu Picchu, if the traveler prefers hiking short distances every day furthermore the 5 Day Inca Trail program lessens to possibility to go through altitude sickness issues due to the moderate pacing during the Inca trek to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is Peru’s best-known hike, walk among giant Inca steps, this Inca Trek provides a natural thrill as it takes you through jaw-dropping high-altitude landscapes, Archeological Inca sites, traditional Peruvian communities, high-altitude flora, and the last Inca Citadel Machu Picchu. Please check the Inca Trail availability with our sales department.
BEFORE YOU GO
IMPORTANT TO MENTION
The Peruvian Government is in charge of issuing the Inca Trail tickets, to all the travel agencies and travelers – Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD. An Inca Trail permit to Inca will be issued by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities, and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of Inca Trail ticket.
The Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including passengers and agency staff), when the Inca trail reaches its limit of 500 visitors, the Trail is closed off for a determined date and no further reservations could be made; So, if you wish to travel note that reservation of the Inca Trail tickets must be done at least 4 months in advance.
The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking, this information is to be included in the official Inca Trail ticket
- Complete names and surnames
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of Birth
- Gender
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE INCA TRAIL
- Acclimate before starting the Inca Trail, Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before your Inca Trail
- June, July and August are the busiest season for the Inca Trail
- This 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Our Inca Trail prices are based on an occupancy of 2 people
- The Inca Trail closes February
- There is no access to a wheelchair to the Inca Trail
- If you do not show your Passport at the Inca Trail check-in point you will be denied access
- The Inca Trail permit is non-refundable, or transferable
INCA TRAIL WEATHER
Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night. Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
PORTER
Inca Trail porters quite literally take the load off your back during the 4-day, 27-mile journey to the Sun Gate entrance of Machu Picchu Pack animals are not allowed on this iconic trail, so porters carry all the essential food and camping equipment your group needs. You can also hire a porter to help carry your personal belongings.
ACCOMMODATION DURING THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL
Our accommodation is based on 2 people per tent, in case there is a solo traveler, we accommodate the solo traveler to share a tent with another traveler of the same sex
INCA TRAIL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Adaptation to the high altitude
- No heart or ling issues
- Be in good shape
DIETARY NEEDS
We are able to cater any food restrictions, we work with different dietary requirement; Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more Options are Available Upon Request (please let us know at the time of booking). Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek.
DUFFLE BAG
A duffel bag is provided a day before during your briefing session briefing. The traveler can stuff this duffel with only 7kg, this is divided in 4 Kg of your stuff and 3kg for Sleeping bag and pad. Remember porters will carry only 7kg, this is a regulation by the Government if by any chance a traveler exceeds it, the travel operator will be fined.
INCA TRAIL BRIEFING
One day before we start the Inca Trail hike, you meet your tour guide and receive a detailed briefing of the Inca Trail, briefing last 30 -45 minutes.
INCA TRAIL GROUP SERVICE
Please take into account that during this trek you will meet different individuals, people with trekking skills and ages. Once the traveler books the Inca Trail in group service, agrees that some people may be slower or faster than you. Each of you will go at your own pace for the trek, always under the supervision of you tour guide.
DEMONSTRATION
Demonstration in Peru, can interfere with our Inca Trail groups. When this happens, people block the main roads for a period of 24 hrs. or more. If this happens during your trek. We will let you know in advance and do our best to change the Itinerary. This may entail extra expenses on the Traveler’s side, and modifying the original itinerary.
If a strike is confirmed on the first day of your 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. We will overnight in night before in Ollantaytambo to be as near possible to the starting point of the Inca Trail. If the strike happens during your Inca Trail 4-day hike. We drive to Hidrolectrica, this is the nearest spot we can get to Machu Picchu by car. Implies a hike of 2 hours to reach this point from Aguas Calientes in Machu Picchu. We pick you up from Hidrolectrica and drive you back to Cusco city.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend to travel with an insurance, this can help you claim any refund from the insurance company in case you have to cancel your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu due to manifestations or any critical health issue.
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO CITY – PISKACUCHO KM 82 – PATALLACTA
We pick you up at 7:00 am at your hotel and then drive in our private van towards Ollantaytambo passing by the picturesque villages of Chinchero and Urubamba. From there 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.
- Total distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Walking Time: 4-5 hours
- Highest Elevation: 2,650m(8,331ft)
- Campsite altitude: 2,650m(8,331ft)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities, overnight in a tent
DAY 2: PATALLACTA – WAYLLABAMABA – 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.
- Total distance: 11 km (6,8 miles)
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 4,200m (13,776ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,500m (11,480ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Cloud forest, Glaciers, Dead woman pass
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities, overnight in tent
DAY 3: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PACAYMAYU – 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 the next 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
- Total distance: 15 km (9,3 miles)
- Walking Time: 9-10 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,952m (12,957ft)
- Campsite altitude: 2,650m (8,692ft)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlights: Cloud forest, Inca Ruins, gorgeous views
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities, overnight in tent
DAY 4: PHUTUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA – 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. We pass by the the upper platform (the Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. Finally we take our bus to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel.
- Total distance:10 km (6.2 miles)
- walking time: 2- 3 hours Maximum Highest elevation: 2,701m(8,857 ft)
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlight: Sungate, and Machu Picchu
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities, overnight in tent
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO CITY
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses 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 a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna 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.
The Expedition Train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:30pm, 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 7:00pm.
- Total distance:10 km (6.2 miles)
- walking time: 2- 3 hours Maximum Highest elevation: 2,701m(8,857 ft)
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlight: Sungate, and Machu Picchu
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities, overnight in a tent
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDED
- Small Group Inca Trail group: 2 people Min – 8 Max
- 7 kgs of your personal items extra clothes, and sleeping bag to be carried by the porters, just carry your daypack
- Camping tent – 2 people per tent
- Foam mattresses
- English-speaking guide
- 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
EXCLUDED
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook, and porters. Bigfoot Machu Picchu Travel pays each staff tips are optional but greatly appreciated by the crew
PACKING LIST FOR INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
- A Backpack 20- 24 liter, with a change of clothes for the 4 Day Inca Trail
- Head lamp with enough batteries
- Rain gear
- Waterproof footwear, make sure to try this in advance before using then at the trail
- Sandals
- Water Reservoirs, not plastic type, metal ones are recommended or camelbacks type. Capacity of 1.5-2 liters
- Warm clothes including jacket, fleeces
- Sleeping bag, if you haven’t booked from us
- Hat or cap
- Sun block
- Hydrating cream for face
- Insect repellent – strong Deet
- Tissues or toilet paper
- Towel
- Snacks, energy snack bars, candies, dried fruit
- Cash Soles or USD$
- Original passport
- Student ID, in case you have a student discount
- Walking sticks rubber tip, if you haven’t booked from us
- Water proof backpack cover
- Inflatable Pillow
- Large plastic bag, to help you organize stuff and keep things clean from dirt
WHAT TO BRING IN THE DUFFEL BAG
Bigfoot Machu Picchu Travel provides a duffel bag at your briefing session. The Duffel bag is carried by the porter, Inca Trail porter 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. Each duffel bag is weighed before at the Inca Trail checkpoint. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. 7 kilos, in a duffel bag should be divided the following way; 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad, and only 4 kilos for your personal stuff.
Clothing
- 1 Pair of waterproof gloves
- 2-3 Hiking pants
- 4 sets of underwear
- 2-4 Short Sleeve t-shirt and 2 long sleeves
- 4 Pairs of hiking wool socks
- 1 Pullover
- 1 War, down jacket, to use it at night when gets colder
- 1 Sun hat and 1 wool hat
- Leggings
Toiletries
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen resistant to sweat
- Cotton wet wipes
- Lip balm
- Bug spray, strong deet
- Towel
- Hand Sanitizer
- Chapstick
- Comb
First aid kit
- Skin Blister pad
- Medication for altitude sickness
- Anti-Diarrhea tablets
- Ibuprofen/Aspirin
- 1 pack – rehydration sachet
Electronic
- Power bank, there is not electricity during the hike
- Outlet adapter, 3 prongs
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK
- Water:
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Strong Deet
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool Hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, dry fruits or candies
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
Why go?
For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archeological site on the continent. The Ina city remained forgotten for almost four centuries after the Spaniards arrived in Cusco in the 16th century. Machu Picchu is also a niche of astounding biodiversity with hundreds of birds, exotic flowers, and dense tropical nature.
When to go?
The best months to visit Cuzco are from March to December, although Machu Picchu is available all year long. Just make sure to reserve the Machu Picchu tickets and Train tickets in advance
Getting here.
All the international flights get to Lima Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez, and from Lima airport, you have to catch another plane all the way to Cusco. Get to Machu Picchu there are only three ways, by train, by bus, and by train through Santa Teresa or by the Inca Trail.
Departure Dates.
Daily departures are available through the year, although this activity is subject to the Machu Picchu tickets and Train tickets, the sooner you book the better is for your travel agency in Cusco to book all the tickets required.
Price information.
The price of this tour is based on two people, if you are a solo traveler you will need to contact our sales department so they can quote a price for a solo traveler.
Group size.
Group size is decided by the client, to reserve this tour we require at least 2 travelers. If you on a small group of 2 people, you will be able to hear the guide better, explanations can be geared toward your particular interest, you can decide which sites you want to see, and you can stay as long as it’s permitted rather than being herded back on to the bus before you are ready.
Huayna Picchu.
Limited to 400 visitors daily, to climb this mountain a permit is required and this is subject to availability, there are only 2 entrance times 7 am to 8 am, and 9 to 11 am, the hike takes around 2 to 3 hours back and forth. At the top of the Huayna Picchu,you will find the temple of the moon. The craggy 8,924-foot mountain of Huayna Picchu that looms behind the citadel is a recognizable and stunning backdrop to Machu Picchu. However, only two kilometers long, the trail to the summit is a challenging climb. The steep and exposed route ascends a stone paved trail that has stair steps and steel cables in sections.
Machu Picchu Mountain.
Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain, the hike is longer than the Huayna Picchu but less steep. The last time to enter Machu Picchu Mountain is 9 am.
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS PRICING
Group service is only USD $980 per person, you can book your spot with a pre-payment of USD $150, and pay the remaining balance once a day before your hike starts
ADDITIONAL EXTRAS TO INCLUDE
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train: USD $35, per person
- Huayna Picchu: USD $70, per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: USD $70, per person
- Sleeping Bag – Additional $20 USD per person
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
DO WE NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes, to get the Inca Trail you must show your passport at the checkpoint of the Inca trail Passport information must match your Inca Trail ticket.
CAN WE BOOK THE INCA TRAIL WITH AN EXPIRED PASSPORT
Yes, the Inca Trail can be booked with your current passport and update the information in your ticket when you get your new passport.
HOW MANY KINDS OF INCA TRAIL THERE ARE?
There are only two types of Inca Trail treks. The 2 Days Inca Trail, that includes a hotel night or camping or camping option, and the 4-Day Inca Trail or the so-called Classic Inca Trail.
CAN WE CANCEL THE INCA TRAIL TICKET?
Not, the Inca Trail permit is not subject to a cancellation of the ticket, if you decide not to show up to the Inca Trail, your spot remains valid and no one is able to claim your spot.
WHAT IS THE ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL?
Highest point of the Inca Trail is at 4,200 m, campsites are located at 3.600 m.
HOW MANY KILOS CAN A PERSON TAKE TO THE INCA TRAIL?
There is no weight limit per person; you can carry a big backpack or only a 25 liters Backpack. The weight limitation works for the staff and porters – Each porter carries 20 kilograms.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE DEPARTURE OF THE INCA TRAIL TICKTES?
No, once the Inca Trail is issued under the name of a traveler, we cannot modify the Inca Trail departure date.
WHEN AND AT WHAT TIME DO WE REACH MACHU PICCHU?
You get to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail on Day 4th, at around 08:00 am.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE INCA TRAIL
No, there is not any age limit for the Inca Trail 4-day hike.
WHO WILL CARRY ALL THE LOGISTIC AND SUPLLIES DURING THE HIKE?
The traveler carries only their personal backpack; all the logistic and our team of porters will carry all supplies such as food, tents, etc.
WHERE DO WE OVERNIGHT?
During the Inca Trail hike, we will overnight at campsites in tents; the Government for the Inca Trail hikers facilitates campgrounds
IS WATER INCLUDED DURING THE INCA TRAIL HIKE?
Our staff will provide boiled water to the travelers during the 4-Day trek
IS THERE ANY DISCOUNT IF WE ARE STUDENTS?
Yes, the discount is USD $30, and you need to present a valid student card, that show the participant picture photo, full name and surname, name of university, and a date of expiration. If the date of expiration is not the same year that you are hiking the Inca Trail, the discount will not proceed.
CAN WE SHOWER DURING THE INCA TRAIL?
Yes, it’s possible to take a shower along the way, although the water is at freezing temperature, you can shower on the third day at extra cost using the facilities of the local people, coordinate this with your tour guide.
IS THERE ELECTRICITY AT THE INCA TRAIL?
No, there is no electricity along the Inca Trail.
WHERE DO WE LEAVE OUR SUITCASES
You can store your luggage in our storage and we will return it when to you when we meet you after the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu video
Here is a complete video of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, with unpublished images!
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