Great Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 5 days of adventure and relaxation

Early after breakfast, you continue your Machu Picchu hike ascending towards the highest point of the trail - Abra Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman´s Pass) at 4,200 metres passing through the cloud forests of Yunkachimpa and Corral Punku offering excellent views of surrounding snowcapped peaks. From Warmiwañusqa, you descend to the Pacaymayo Valley (3,300 m), where you have a lunch break. Then you walk the Inca Trail through the valley until you get to the Inka´s ruins of Runkuracay where a guided tour follows. Afterwards, you climb up and get over the second pass - Abra Runkurakay (3,860m) walking on this "Royal Inca´s Highway" down to the next Inka site - Sayacmarca. On the way, you pass the Yanacocha Lake. In the end, we get to our second campsite - Chaquicocha (3,670 m).

Estimated trekking time: 7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 12 km
Max. elevation: 4,200 m (12,630 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
Difficulty: Challenging

Today, we start hiking passing through lovely subtropical vegetation and many important archaeological sites. Before we reach the first site, we get over Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,670 m) and just behind it, we can see the Phuyupatamarca Inka complex (3,600 m), one of the best preserved and most completed sites of this 5 days Inca Trail. The complex is located on the top of a mountain and it corresponds with its Quechuan name that means the "Town above the Clouds". After a guided tour, we have lunch there. Then, we start a steep descent via a cloud forest offering an opportunity to see beautiful orchids and different bird species on the way to our last campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,700 m). There, we have a guided tour of the same-named impressive archaeological complex consisting of a religious sector, urban sector and an agricultural centre with lots of stepped terraces. Afterwards, we are served dinner and then we go sleep to get ready for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

Estimated trekking time: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Max. elevation: 3,670 m (12,040 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate

Today is a special day on the Inca Trail trek.

We will wake up early to enjoy our last breakfast before continuing the hike to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will see beautiful Inca sites, such as Wiñaywayna and Intipata. Then, we will climb ancient stone steps to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, to witness the sunrise over the long-awaited citadel of Machu Picchu!

Take advantage of this magical moment to capture panoramic photos. From this vantage point, you can see the surrounding mountains, such as Putucusi and Wiñaywayna, as well as the stunning landscapes surrounding Machu Picchu.

After taking photos, we walk down to the entrance of Machu Picchu and enter the site for a final panoramic view of the Inca citadel. Once the visit is complete, we exit through the main gate and board a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes.

Our guide will accompany you to your hotel, where you will spend the night. You have the rest of the day to explore Aguas Calientes village or relax in the local hot springs. Please note that the entrance fee of 10 soles is not included in any of our Inca Trail packages. You will stay in a comfortable hotel where you can enjoy a hot shower. Later in the evening, you will have a farewell dinner.

Estimated trekking time: 3 hours
Trekking distance: 4 km
Max. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,400 m (7,875 ft)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

There is no Inca Trail hike today, just a walk and a ride!

After an early breakfast, we take a shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. The bus will drop us off right at the gates of this mysterious Inca city. We will enter for an early-morning guided tour based on the circuit you booked. This is also the perfect time for photo opportunities!

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and covers the highlights of the "Lost City of the Incas."

After the tour, if you reserved in advance for an additional cost, you can climb either Huayna Picchu (about 45 minutes up and down) or Machu Picchu Mountain (approximately 1.5 hours round trip). Both offer stunning panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

The tour concludes with an afternoon descent to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will board a train back to Cusco. You will arrive in Cusco in the evening.

Service ends here! We hope you enjoyed one of the most unforgettable Inca Trail experiences!

• Pre-trek briefing with your Tour Guide (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek);
• Transfer by private vehicle to the initial point of the trail at Km 82;
• Accommodation: camping (3 nights), Hotel in Machu Picchu (1 night);
• Inca Trail Permit
• Entrance fees to Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 4x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner, 3x Snack, 3x afternoon´s hot beverages (If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost!);
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide (a group up to 10 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a groups over 10 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
• A professional trekking cook;
• Super Porters to carry food, camping, cooking equipment and and 7 kg of each passenger's stuff
• Camping equipment: Eureka Mountain Personal double tents (3 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
• Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress) with cover;
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C) and a liner for your inside of sleeping bag;
• A pillow and cover;
• A pair Hiking Poles
• Duffel bag (for your personal belogings);
• Rain Poncho;
• A Machu Picchu T-shirt;
• Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on Day Four.;
• A shuttle bus up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on Day Five;
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Additional Equipment:

Portable two-way radio communication

Our guide and trekking chef will use two pairs of radios to communicate with each other throughout the trek. These radios are connected to the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP. If you would like to find out more about the importance of radio communication, please visit our 'Radio Communication vs. Satellite Phone' page.

Sustainable Travel

When you book the Inca Trail tours with Tierras Vivas, we are committed to supporting various social projects for porter families and reforestation efforts in the Andean communities. Visit us to Responsible People!

During the Inca Trail Tours, our staff will provided the following:

• Water: Our trekking cook will provide hot water to refill your water bottle;
• Our staff will provided the Biodegradable soap;
• Every morning our trekking chef will provide the hot water for personal cleaning;
• Small towels for your clean your hands;
• Our trekking cook will provide you with hot water bottles each night to put inside your sleeping bag in case you get cold.;

• Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town,
• A shuttle bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town on the last day ($12 one way)
• Peru Travel insurance
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80)
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory)
• Other extras not mentioned.

Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo traveler" option for this trek, you also receive your own single tent.
Local flights: No local flights are included in any of our Inca Trail packages!

At Tierras Vivas, we are committed to ensuring that your Trekking Inca Trail tour begins smoothly and is filled with unforgettable experiences.
While we follow a carefully designed itinerary, we allow for flexibility in case of changes due to weather, road conditions, or local events.

Should unexpected changes occur, our team will act promptly to provide the best possible solution and minimize disruption to your journey.

Please note that the itinerary is a general guide. Wildlife sightings in the Andes are not guaranteed as they depend on nature and seasonal conditions.

Your comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction are our top priorities throughout your adventure in Peru.

Arrival and Communication

To ensure a smooth departure for your 5 Day Inca Trail tour, please inform us of your accommodations in Cusco. One or two days before the trek, our guide will visit your hotel for a detailed briefing.

If your arrival is delayed or your hotel changes, please contact us immediately. We recommend downloading WhatsApp to stay connected with our 24/7 support team during your trip.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The Inca Trail reaches elevations of up to 13,940 feet (4,250 meters), so it is important to allow your body time to acclimate.

Anyone can experience altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, please notify our staff immediately. We work with trusted clinics and hospitals throughout Peru.

In the event of an emergency during the trek, our guides, cooks, and porters are fully trained in first aid and emergency procedures.

Inca Trail Tours: Important Notes:

1. Inca Trail Regulations:
The Peruvian government sets the rules and availability for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, and these are subject to change. Please review our Inca Trail booking policies for the most current information.

2. Machu Picchu Entry
Accurate passport details are required at the time of booking. Machu Picchu now has timed entry and designated circuits to manage visitor flow. Entrance tickets are limited and subject to availability.

We will do our best to keep your group together; however, depending on ticket availability, travelers may be assigned to different circuits. Those completing the 5-day Classic Inca Trail will enter via Circuit 1 or 3.

3. Inca Trail Closures
The Inca Trail is closed each February for annual maintenance. Unexpected closures may also occur due to weather. If necessary, we will substitute this portion with an alternative trek, such as the Lares Trek.

4. Porter Welfare
To ensure fair working conditions, porters are limited to carrying six kilograms (or seven kilograms on alternate treks) of personal items. This includes your sleeping bag, clothing, and toiletries. You can securely store extra luggage in Cusco.
Tipping is appreciated if you feel our team has provided excellent service.

5. Rainy Season Notice:
From January to April, heavy rains may affect the trail or campsites. We may adjust the itinerary as needed to ensure your safety and the success of your tour.

6. Acclimatization Days:
Your Inca Trail trek begins on your reserved date. To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, we recommend resting and acclimatizing to the altitude upon arrival in Cusco.

7. Flexible Itinerary Options
Some travelers may opt for alternative experiences, such as touring the Sacred Valley on the way to Machu Picchu, instead of hiking the Inca Trail. You may be paired with other Tierras Vivas travelers on similar schedules.

8. Tour Pick-Up Times
Your guide will confirm the pick-up times in Cusco and send them to you via WhatsApp.

9. Wi-Fi and Connectivity
During parts of the Inca Trail, Wi-Fi and mobile service will be limited or unavailable. Please plan accordingly.

10. Extra Battery
There is no electricity along the Inca Trail. Bring extra batteries or a portable charger for your camera or phone if you want to capture the best moments during the hike.

11. Hot Water and Showers
Hot showers are generally unavailable from day two to the last day of the trek. On Day 1, however, you may find local communities offering hot showers for an additional fee.

From day two onward, only cold showers are available.

Porters Working Conditions

Every year, thousands of people do the Inca Trail. They usually complete the 43-km trail in 4 days. For most of them, the trip is their lifetime experience and fulfillment of their personal ambitions. The satisfaction of having completed the trek and visiting the spectacular Incan city of Machu Picchu is hard to beat. Although, this feeling is even better if you know that all porters helping you along the way have been treated well and with the respect they deserve.

Tierras Vivas DOES NOT permit this exploitation!! We guarantee that our porters carry only an amount given by the Peruvian law!! 

Inca Trail Alernative treks

In case the Hiking the Inca Trail is fully booked, you can still enjoy one of our amazing Alternative Treks!!

Inca Trail Tour Travel Advisor

• Inca Trail Frequently Asked Questions
• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
• Camping equipment included
• Food on the Inca Trail (If you are vegetarian, let us know please)
• How to book and send payment?
• Inca Trail Booking Policies
• Why choose Tierras Vivas Tour Operator
• Inca Trail Responsible Travel

All Trekking Inca Trail tours include a professional trekking guide, a Tierras Vivas representative, and other support staff who will accompany you throughout the hike. They will help you complete the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu successfully and without complications, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the best experience possible.

Our tour guides are trekking specialists with years of experience hiking to Machu Picchu. They have studied professional guiding and English in college. Each guide has extensive knowledge of the route, local culture and traditions, and the history of the beautiful places visited during the trek. They are also very knowledgeable about the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and will share fascinating insights with you. Additionally, your guide can recommend the best restaurants and places to explore before the trek. You will meet your guide one or two days before your Inca Trail hike begins.

Our Tierras Vivas representative is a dedicated team member who will ensure that your trip runs smoothly. He or she will work with our local operations and transportation teams to confirm your pickup, ensure your guide arrives at your hotel on time, and verify that all aspects of the trek are going as planned. Your representative is a trained professional who speaks English fluently. Upon meeting you, he or she will ask for your WhatsApp number, which will be the main way to contact you during your trip. The representative will be available to assist you in case of emergencies or if you have any questions or concerns.

The Inca Trail tour includes a trekking cook who will prepare all your meals using fresh, natural ingredients sourced from local farmers. Our cooks specialize in preparing delicious Andean dishes on the trail. Our super porters will support your journey by carrying both your personal and camping equipment. These enthusiastic team members will provide you with the strength and motivation you need to complete the trek without any problems.

Every year, our guides, trekking cooks, porters, and Tierras Vivas representatives undergo training in first aid, mountain emergencies, guiding, and group management. The cooks also receive training in first aid, food handling, and preparing traditional Andean cuisine with natural ingredients. Porters receive training in first aid and mountain emergency transport.

We are proud to work with the Responsible People Foundation, a project dedicated to supporting and improving the lives of our porters and trekking cooks.

During the Hiking the Inca Trail we spend three nights full-service camping, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents, cook, and do all camp chores for you: you need only carry your day pack. There will also be dining and toilet tents and bowls of warm water are provided both morning and evening for washing with. and last night you spend a small hotel in Machu Picchu. All of the hotels we use in Aguas Calientes are located within walking distance of the train stations.

EUREKA TENT & MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE - Personal Tents:

Design simplicity meets expedition standards. The best features of Eureka's backcountry and expedition tents combine for an extremely durable tent that sets up fast. Designed with a focus on the weather tightness and durable coatings ideal for frequent use in cool, wet environments and during the shoulder seasons of late fall and early spring.

Our tents are of the brand MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE or DOITE EXPEDITION designated for 4 seasons. We provide with 3 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In case of a single traveler, we provide with a 2 person capacity tent. After each trek, we carefully check our tents and fix them if necessary!

You will spend a night in the best campsite of the Hiking Inca Trail:

• First Night: Ayapata or Llulluchapampa; 
• Second Night: Chaquicocha;
• Third Night: Phuyupatamarca or Wiñaywayna;
• Fourth Night: Aguas Calientes town, please check the information in the "Accommodation in Machu Picchu" 

Personal camping equipment included in the 5 Day Inca Trail

Accommodation during the 5 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
These following hotels are used to accommodate you during your tour:

Hotel Casa de Luz Machu Picchu

Address: Avenida Hermanos Ayar 703, Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru
Phone: +51 84 211047

Please Note: Hotel in Aguas Calientes town is not a 3 star hotel but it is clean, safe and comfortable with a friendly and very helpfully staff. They have private Twin, Double and Triple rooms, with small private bathrooms and hot gas water system. Hotel has one of the best locations in town, only few blocks from Train and Bus Station and you don't have to do anymore long uphill hikes to get to your room! It is about 10 minutes from the hot spring pools. We try to include an economical accommodation option for this trek to make it accessible for everyone but recommend that if you are wanting better accommodation in Aguas Calientes to celebrate your accomplishment of the trek.

We recommend the early booking of single supplements and of pre/post-tour accommodation. Single accommodation can be arranged for a supplement, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.

HIKING THE INCA TRAIL UPGRADE HOTEL:

If you would like to upgrade your accommodation, the discount is U$ 20 per person (Double or Single room). We can recommend the following hotel in Machu Picchu or you can choose and book the hotel by yourself and you will have a discount for your accommodation:

Santuary Lodge Machu Picchu: The accommdation is Standard Patio

Casa Andina Machu Picchu: The accommdation is Standard Traditional

Tierra Viva Hotel Machu Picchu: The accommodation is Standard

Ferre Machu Picchu Hotel: The accommodation is Standard

Solo Traveller: If you are traveling on your own, and would prefer to share a tent, we'll pair you with another trekker of the same gender and there will not be an extra cost. If you prefer to have a tent to yourself a surcharge of USD 50 will have to be paid. If you want an upgrade any service to the train or accommodation or do you want to stay extra night in Machu Picchu, contact us directly to info@tierrasvivas.com for this to be done and confirmed to you.

IMPORTANT TO ACCOMMODATION: You must present your passport with the TAM immigration slip (copy) to all hotel accommodations. The national sales tax (18%) is charged to all Peruvian citizens and foreigners staying 60 consecutive days or more. In case the room is shared by both a taxable and non-taxable guest at the same time, the sales tax will be applied to the whole room. So please take every caution to not lose this piece of paper. You need to bring it to the Cusco office for your checking.

Backpacker for you trekking

If very important your take best cover backpacker, because the weather in Inca Trail is change every date, we can’t predict it raining or no. If you don’t have, we recommended to putting your clothes, sleeping bag and other personal equipment inside the plastic bag.

Appropriate clothing along this hike

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.

What to bring to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu?

• Passport original
• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
• Cash in soles
• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for Sleeping
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
• Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
• Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
• Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

During the briefing the night before your tour begins, Tierras Vivas will provide you with a porter duffel bag for your belongings and equipment. Each duffel bag has a 7 kg weight limit, which includes your sleeping bag. You will receive your sleeping bag at KM 82 before you start hiking to Machu Picchu.

Our trekking cook will also provide you with hiking poles and a rain poncho. Our porters will carry your sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, mattress cover, and sleeping bag liner, as well as the tents and other shared equipment used during the trek.

Personal Shared Porter
If you need to carry additional equipment on the Inca Trail or if your duffel bag exceeds 7 kg, we recommend hiring a personal half porter. The cost is $75.00 USD for the entire trek. Our representative will be available to assist you if you wish to arrange for additional porters.

Important note:
Personal shared porters must be reserved in advance when booking your trek.

Extra information

The camping equipment to Inca Trail will be returned to Cusco on day 4th, you need to give to chef the sleeping bag, mattress.

Camping (double tent) provided in 1st, 2nd, 3rd nights and hotel provided in 4 night

The Inca Trail hike is included the extra porter. Only you will need to carry your a daypack with Camera, water bottle, snacks, and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season May to October)- but for your camping equipment, our porter will carry all the trail.

Important note: Personal shared porter must be reserved in advance at the time of booking your trek.

Tipping & extra money

It’s very important to take EXTRA MONEY. You need to take at least 200-300 soles emergency money:

• The local people built the small markets in the route and you can find the water, snack, chocolate, cola etc. Your first breakfast, last lunch no included
• Tipping to Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: If at the end of your trek you felt your trekking guide(s), and staff did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference: however as a guideline we suggest each hiker contributes USD 50 per person to a collective tipping pool, more is always appreciated.

Departure Point: Cusco - We pick you up from your hotel.

Departure Time: 05:30

Briefing Point: Our guide will visit your hotel 2 or 1 day before the trek 

Briefing Time: Between 17:00 - 18:00

Return Point: Cusco - Our driver will drop-off in your hotel or Airbnb department

Inca Trail Avalaibility & How to Book

If you want to book the Inca Trail 5 days hike to Machu Picchu, we recommend to contact by WhatsApp +51 984004472, Our staff will give the information for the Inca Trail availaibilty. Once you confirmed your departure day, our sales department will send you an email with the link payment and you capy pay online. 

Once confirmed your payment, our info department will send an email confirming your Inca Trail tour, that is all. are you ready to book?

Inca Trail News: On October 15th 2025, the Ministerio de Cultura (Peruvian goverment) enabled the Inca Trail permits for the 2026. There are 500 spaces available for everyday, Its included travellers, professional guide, chef and porters.

If you want to book the Inca Trail 5 days hike to Machu Picchu, we recommend to contact by WhatsApp +51 984004472, Our staff will give the information for the Inca Trail availaibilty. Once you confirmed your departure day, our sales department will send you an email with the link payment and you capy pay online. 

Once confirmed your payment, our info department will send an email confirming your Inca Trail tour, that is all. are you ready to book?

Inca Trail News: On October 15th 2025, the Ministerio de Cultura (Peruvian goverment) enabled the Inca Trail permits for the 2026. There are 500 spaces available for everyday, Its included travellers, professional guide, chef and porters.