Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5D/4N Classic Trekking
Experience the complete Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: five days of history, nature, and culture, entering through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with unforgettable views of the wonder of the world.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5D/4N – Classic Trekking
Cusco – Machu PicchuExperience the complete Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5D/4N with trekking, archaeological sites, expert guide, and unforgettable landscapes.
This tour takes you through spectacular landscapes, sacred mountains, and ancient archaeological centers until you reach the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. We traverse iconic sections such as Patallaqta, Wayllabamba, Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñaywayna, culminating with entry through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
The journey follows an orderly flow: starting at KM 82, guided hiking with key stops, strategic campsites, visits to temples and viewpoints, and ending with a guided tour of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco. A perfect combination of adventure, culture, and history.
A transformative journey: walk ancient trails, discover millennial temples, and receive the ultimate reward: the view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku. Adventure, history, and nature in perfect balance.
Classic Inca Trail Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights
The Trek to Machu Picchu: Adventure and History
General Information
-
Service Type: Private (min 2 people)
-
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
-
Start: 5:30 am
-
Maximum Altitude: 4,215 m a.s.l. (Dead Woman's Pass)
-
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Challenging
-
Guide Language: Spanish and English
**Availability:** The Inca Trail is subject to **limited availability** and must be booked at least 3 to 6 months in advance.
Description
This **5-day tour** will take you through spectacular landscapes, sacred mountains, and ancient archaeological centers until you reach the majestic citadel of **Machu Picchu**.
We start the hike from **KM 82**, walking through green valleys and Inca sites like Patallaqta and Wayllabamba. On the second day, we face the physical challenge of the **Abra de Warmiwañusqa** (Dead Woman's Pass), the highest point on the trail at 4,215 m a.s.l. The third day takes us through temples and viewpoints like Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, and the magical camp at **Phuyupatamarca**.
The fourth day, we cross **Wiñaywayna** and enter Machu Picchu through the **Sun Gate (Intipunku)**, a unique experience at sunset. Finally, the fifth day is dedicated to the **guided visit of Machu Picchu at sunrise** and the return to Cusco.
An unforgettable experience combining adventure, culture, history, and Andean landscapes, accompanied by a professional team that takes care of every detail of your journey.
Highlighted Sites of the Route
- **Ollantaytambo:** Picturesque Inca town where we make a brief stop before starting the hike.
- **Piscacucho (KM 82):** Official starting point of the Inca Trail.
- **Patallaqta:** Ancient archaeological complex with impressive terraces.
- **Wayllabamba:** First campsite surrounded by green valleys.
- **Abra de Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman's Pass):** The highest point of the Inca Trail **(4,215 m a.s.l.)**.
- **Pacaymayo:** Andean valley where we camp the second night.
- **Runcuracay:** Archaeological site on top of the mountain with strategic views.
- **Second Inca Trail pass (3,900 m):** High point of the third day.
- **Phuyupatamarca:** "**Place above the clouds**," one of the most spectacular camps.
- **Wiñaywayna:** Impressive archaeological site with terraces and ceremonial fountains.
- **Intipunku (Sun Gate):** Sacred entrance with the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
- **Machu Picchu:** Wonder of the world and Inca citadel, including the Temple of the Sun and Intiwatana.
- **Aguas Calientes:** Town at the foot of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.
Why Choose This Experience?
- Original Inca Trail Route
Walk on the same path used by the Incas, with **exclusive access** and limited daily quotas, ensuring a more authentic and less crowded experience. - World Heritage and Adventure in One Trip
This experience combines cultural heritage, unique archaeological sites, Andean landscapes, and cloud forest, ideal for **history and nature lovers**. - Unparalleled Views and Memorable Challenges
From the dreaded Dead Woman's Pass to the **triumphant arrival at Machu Picchu at sunset**, each day offers a new challenge, accompanied by landscapes that will remain engraved in your memory. - Professional Accompaniment and Safety
Your team will consist of specialized guides, porters, and cooks who guarantee your comfort, safety, and deep cultural experience.
Why Travel with Us?
- We are **tourism operators** in the city of Cusco
- We work **professionally**
- We offer **100% tourist vehicles**
- We care about the **safety** of our visitors
- We make your trip the **best experience**
- We are **100% responsible**
- We **care for the environment**
- We are committed to **service quality**
- We have our **own tourist restaurant**
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Piscacucho (KM 82) – Wayllabamba
We start the tour at 6:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We travel through the Sacred Valley, passing through Ollantaytambo, where we will make a brief stop for breakfast (not included). We arrive at KM 82 (Piscacucho), the starting point of the Inca Trail, where you will meet your team of guides, porters, and cooks. After passing the control and visiting the site museum, we begin the hike along a gentle and scenic trail. In Miskay, we will enjoy an outdoor buffet lunch. Then, we visit the archaeological sites of Patallaqta and Wayllabamba, before arriving at our campsite in Wayllabamba (3,000 m), where we will have dinner and rest surrounded by nature.
- Trek Distance: 12 Km / 7.47 miles.
- Trek Time: 5 to 6 hours.
- Maximum Altitude: 3,000 m.a.s.l. / 9842 feet.
- Minimum Altitude: 2,700 m.a.s.l. / 8858 feet.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Weather: Temperate during the day and cold at night.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
We start the day with an energizing breakfast at dawn, surrounded by Andean nature. We begin the ascent with stops to acclimate and enjoy the landscape. We arrive at Llulluchapampa (3,680 m) for lunch and a well-deserved rest. Then we continue to the highest point of the Inca Trail: the Abra de Warmiwañusqa (4,215 m) or "Dead Woman's Pass". Here we will take a break for panoramic photos and explanation of the place. After that, we descend to the Pacaymayo valley (3,600 m), where we will have dinner and spend the night camping under the stars of the Andean sky.
- Trek Distance: 11 km / miles
- Trek Time: 7 to 8 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 4,215 m.a.s.l. / 13828 feet
- Minimum Altitude: 3,000 m.a.s.l. / 9842 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Weather: Temperate during the day and cold at night.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcuracay – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna
We enjoy the Andean sunrise before continuing the route. After breakfast, we ascend to the archaeological site of Runcuracay (3,700 m) and cross the second pass of the trail (3,900 m), with spectacular views of mountains and lagoons. We descend to the ceremonial complex of Sayacmarca, and continue to Chakicocha (3,600 m) for lunch. The hike continues with panoramas of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo snow-capped mountains, crossing an ancient Inca tunnel. We close the day at the magical campsite of Phuyupatamarca ("place above the clouds"), where we have dinner and rest surrounded by history and landscape.
- Trek Distance: 10 Km / 6.2 miles
- Trek Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 3,900 m.a.s.l. / 12795 feet
- Minimum Altitude: 3,350 m.a.s.l. / 2081 feet
- Difficulty: moderately difficult
- Weather: Temperate during the day and cold at night.
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
We start the day with an emotional farewell to the porters and cooks team, followed by a small Andean ceremony of gratitude to Pachamama. We descend to Phuyupatamarca (3,580 m), an Inca astronomical center surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains. Then we continue to Intipata, with spectacular views of the Urubamba valley. After lunch at Wiñaywayna (2,650 m) and a guided tour of this archaeological site, we walk approximately one hour to Intipunku (2,745 m), the Sun Gate, where we will have the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunset. From there, we descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel.
- Trek Distance: 12 Km / 7.47 miles.
- Trek Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 2,745 m.a.s.l. / 1705 feet
- Minimum Altitude: 2,650 m.a.s.l. / 1646 feet
- Difficulty: moderately easy
- Weather: Temperate during the day and cold at night
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
After breakfast, we take the early bus to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise and a guided tour of the most iconic places: Temple of the Sun, Main Square, Temple of the Three Windows, Intiwatana, and quarries. You will have free time to explore and take photos on your own. At the end, we descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Then, we take the tourist train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to return to Cusco. Approximate arrival in Cusco at 7:00 p.m. and transfer to your hotel. End of the adventure.
✅ Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5D/4N Includes
Official entry to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Confirmed entries for the entire route and the citadel.
Private transport hotel – KM 82
From your hotel in Cusco to the trekking starting point.
Complete camping equipment
Tents, sleeping mats, and logistics in campsites.
Full meals during the route
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and daily snacks. Vegetarian or special option (upon request).
Professional bilingual guide
Spanish – English throughout the journey.
Cook, assistant, and porters
Equipment and food transport; entries and kitchen equipment for the staff.
Mobility and safety on return
Descent bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes; train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo and transport to Cusco; first aid kit and oxygen available.
Entries for porters and support staff
Necessary permits and accesses for the team.
All kitchen equipment and utensils for the staff
Complete kitchen logistics during the route.
Descent bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Official transfer included.
Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo and transport to Cusco
Return land transport included until your arrival in Cusco.
❌ Not Included
Sleeping bag
You can rent it from us if you wish.
Trekking poles
Optional, also available for rent.
Snacks, drinks, or additional food
That are not included in the itinerary.
Tips
For guides, porters, and cooks (optional, recommended).
Breakfast on the first day
We recommend bringing something light or buying at the Ollantaytambo stop.
Lunch on the last day
In Aguas Calientes, after visiting Machu Picchu.
Travel insurance
We recommend getting one for your safety.
🌟 XTravel Recommendation
Book with 3–6 months in advance and always bring your passport or ID. Experience the original Inca Trail with professional and safe support! ✨
What to Bring - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
- Passport or IDMandatory for entry.
- Small Backpack (max. 7 kg)For your daily belongings.
- Sleeping BagYou can rent it with X TRAVEL PERÚ.
- Flashlight or HeadlampFor campsites and hikes.
- Mosquito RepellentEssential in jungle areas.
- Sunscreen and SunglassesSun protection during the route.
- Toilet Paper and BagsFor personal waste.
- Water Purification TabletsTo ensure your hydration.
- Waterproof Jacket and PonchoFor rain and weather changes.
- Comfortable Clothing and Extra ChangesIncludes socks and underwear.
- Sneakers or Sandals for RestFor the campsite.
- Hat or CapTo protect yourself from the sun.
- Extra Money (Soles)For purchases and tips.
- Personal MedicationsIncludes pills for altitude sickness.
Sitios destacados del sitio
Available Service Options
Prices in US dollars (USD) per person
Shared Service
Share the adventure with other travelers
Check your availability and secure your spot today.
What do our customers say?
Thousands of travelers have trusted XTravel Peru to live unforgettable experiences. Discover what they say about us on the main review platforms.
Gerard C
January 31, 2025
Thanks Eco Tour Cusco
Mr. Torres
January 24, 2025
One of the best tours you can do
Louis Martinez
January 18, 2025
Exceptional service to Machu Picchu
Backed by the trust of our customers
More than a decade creating unforgettable experiences in Peru
4.9
Average rating
15,000+
Satisfied customers
12
Years of experience
50+
Unique destinations