Inca Trail

5 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: The Extended Adventure (Slow Pace)

The Inca Trail, known in Quechua as Qhapaq Ñan, is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world and one of the greatest adventures in South America. This 5-day journey follows the ancient Inca paths through the Andes, offering an extraordinary combination of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Starting at Km 82 in Piscacucho, the trail crosses mountain passes, cloud forests, and valleys while visiting remarkable archaeological sites along the way. The trek gradually leads hikers to the legendary Machu Picchu, where the journey ends with a guided exploration of the iconic Inca citadel. This extended version of the trail allows for a more relaxed pace while fully enjoying the spectacular scenery and history of the ancient Inca Empire.

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba. Early morning transfer from Cusco to Piscacucho (Km 82) to begin the trek along the Inca Trail, hiking through scenic valleys to the Wayllabamba campsite.
  • Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo. Challenging ascent to the highest point of the trail (4,215 m / 13,828 ft) followed by a descent to the Pacaymayo campsite.
  • Day 3: Pacaymayo – RunkurakaySayacmarca – Chaquicocha. Trek across beautiful Andean landscapes while visiting important archaeological complexes along the route.
  • Day 4: Chaquicocha – PhuyupatamarcaWiñay Wayna. Scenic hike through cloud forest areas with visits to impressive Inca sites before camping near Wiñay Wayna.
  • Day 5: Wiñay Wayna – Inti PunkuMachu Picchu – Cusco. Early morning hike to the Sun Gate for the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, followed by a guided tour and return to Cusco.

Itinerary

Day 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – HATUNCHACA

We will pick you up around 4:30 am and we will go to Km 82, after a delicious breakfast, we will go to the checkpoint to register and start our hike along the Inca trail to reach Patallacta it will be easy, you will see the Inca lifestyle and we will have a beautiful panoramic view, after a time for us, we will enjoy a lunch made by our cooks, we will resume our walk from Patallaqta to Hatunchaca, later we will have dinner and rest in the prepared tents.

  • difficulty: moderate
  • distance: 13 km / 8.0 miles
Day 2: HATUNCHACA – PACAYMAYO

You will start the day climbing the highest mountain of the Inka Trail, you will have a 4 hour hike until we reach Llulluchapampa, in this place enjoy of a well-deserved rest and a delicious lunch, you will be able to see the wild life of close, continue walking for two more hours until arriving at the passage of the dead woman place where you will enjoy a typical Andean ceremony, see how the local gods or Apus Andinos are offered, continue downhill until your camp in Pacaymayu.

  • difficulty: moderate
  • distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Day 3: PACAYMAYO – PHUYUPATAMARCA

You will begin our day going up and down the second mountain until we reach the place where we will have lunch in Chaquicocha. While walking, pass through the sites of Runcu Raccay and Sayacmarca, small Andean lakes, the beautiful cloud forest, and an impressive view of the snowy mountain of Salkantay, after the delicious lunch, continue until Phuyupatamarka place where you will be able to appreciate the Urubamba and terraces of the sun, after a delicious dinner, appreciate one of the most beautiful sunsets.

  • difficulty: moderate
  • distance: 12 km / 4 miles
Day 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA – WINAY HUAYNA – INTI PUNKU

We will start our way downhill from the cold Andenes to the beautiful and green cloud forest, you will walk approximately 3 hours down to Intipata, explore and take pictures of this place then have a session of meditation and relaxation with an imposing landscape of the Andes. After lunch visit Wiñay Huayna (eternally Young) where we will see the imposing granite staircases, continue with our walk until the Inti Punku (front of the sun) to have one of the most beautiful view of Machu Picchu. From this place, take 1 hour In arriving at Machu Picchu, you will arrive in the afternoon and take pictures of the sacred citadel while we are one of the few remaining visitors, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes.

  • difficulty: moderate
  • distance: 11 km / 8 miles
Day 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

We will get up early to get on the first bus and observe the sunrise in Machu Picchu, have a guide visit of 2 to 3 hours, which will show you the best of this incredible city that is between the mountains, then you will have a time for you and you can enjoy the sites , then we will go down by bus back to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), to take our train to Ollantaytambo where our transport will be waiting for us to return to the heart of the Inca empire the city of Cusco and leave it at your hotel.

  • difficulty: easy
  • walking distance: 3 hours

Includes

  • Briefing at 06:00 pm at your hotel.
  • Pick up from your hotel and drop off.
  • Professional tourist guide.
  • Entrance ticket to Machupicchu.
  • Private transportation, round trip.
  • Panoramic train.
  • Bus up and down.
  • Food along the way.
  • Comfortable camps.
  • Tent, matra .
  • professional chef.
  • Porters specially prepared.
  • Pick up from your hotel.
  • Satellite phones.
  • Private portable toilets.
  • Oxygen bottle.
  • First aid kit.
  • Rain ponchos.
  • Boiled water to fill your water bottle.

Does not include

Rentals:

Inca Trail, it is a 4-day hike and we need poles with rubber tips, but they are optional. If it is recommended. In case you do not have it, they are available to rent with Danzak Peru.

  • Sleeping bags ($15)
  • trekking poles ($20).
  • Lunch on the last day.
  • Passenger safety.
  • Huayna Picchu or Picchu Mountain; It is done together with Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. You can do it after your tour of Machu Picchu. Its cost is (75 dollars per person), to reserve your ticket, it is done 1 year in advance, according to the regulations of the Peruvian government.

Recommendations

  • Original passport.
    University Student Card. * valid for children under 25 years of age.
  • Mountain boots.
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
  • A warm jacket.
  • Hat and gloves.
  • Comfortable poles.
  • Comfortable pants
  • Sun hat.
  • Sun cream (factor 35 or higher).
  • Insect repellent.
  • Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
  • Personal medication
  • Camera .
  • Flashlight with spare batteries.

Prices

  • Price: Please contact us for private group rates.
  • Student Discount: Available for students with a valid University ID (under 25) or teenagers under 17.
  • Booking Process: A deposit is required to secure your Inca Trail permits, which are non-refundable and non-transferable.

More Info

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Access is allowed for the 5-day Inca Trail, the maximum is 500 people or visitors for 5 days, with the entire team as a guide, cooks, porters, Visitor. No more visitors are allowed. Once you reach a limited quantity, no further reservations can be made. If possible, it should be done 1 year in advance.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • It is not recommended for pregnant people.
  • It is not recommended for people who suffer from back pain.
  • It is not recommended for people over 60 years of age. It always depends on the physical condition.
  • It is not recommended for people suffering from cardiac arrest.
  • It is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Make sure your trekking shoes are in good condition for walking.
  • The walk is not difficult, but it takes getting used to walking.
  • You have to book 1 year in advance between the months of July to August, before leaving on your trip.
  • It is important to book your trip in advance to ensure you get the best prices and to have enough time to prepare for the trek.
  • Make sure you are in good physical shape: The Inca Trail is a high intensity trek that requires a good physical condition and a high level of resistance. If you are not in good shape, you may have a hard time completing the trail.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear: It is important to wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear for trekking. Be sure to bring warm clothing and layers to protect you from the cold and rain, as well as summer clothes for the warmer days.
  • Take enough supplies: Make sure you take enough supplies, such as water and medicine, for the trek. It is also important to bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • Respect culture and the environment: The Inca Trail crosses areas with a rich history and culture. It is important to respect people and their communities, as well as the environment.
  • Be careful with acclimatization: The Inca Trail is at high altitudes, which can cause acclimatization problems.

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5 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: The Extended Adventure (Slow Pace)

5 Days - 4 Nights

$ 880.00

Per Person

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Quick Stats

Duration

5 Days - 4 Nights

Physical Rating

Challenging – Long trekking days with steep ascents and high-altitude passes.

Trip Type

Trekking & Cultural Adventure

Team

Expert guide, professional cook, porters, and support staff.