Private Inca Trail in 5 days is an ideal trek for visitors with a little bit more time. On this 5 day hike, you can take in beautiful landscapes, exotic valleys, flora and fauna and archeological centers, all with one of our professional guides. The 5 day Inca Trail is the best option for families with kids, elderly people or couples on their honeymoon.
Along the Inca trail, we avoid the mass-tourist backpackers who reach the Sun Gate in the early hours on the final day, with a carfully designed route that uses stategically selected campsites. Explore Adventures Peru arranges the Classic Inca trail as a five day, four night trek. This slightly slower pace (it’s also possible to do it over four days) is a bit easier and allows you to trek ahead or behind the majority of trekkers and better avoid the crowds at the main ruins. Three nights camping will see you arrive at Machu Picchu towards the end of day four, when you then spend a night at a hotel of your choice to re-visit Machu Picchu again on the fifth and last day, without any rush.And you will see MachuPicchu TWICE! That means sunset and sunrise.
“GET UP. GO. EXPLORE”
ALL DEPARTURES 100% GUARANTEED - IF YOU'RE BOOKED, YOU'RE GOING
BRIEFING: The day before the trek, you will meet with your guide and meet all the members of your group. Your guide will explain to you about the trek, route, and all necessary recommendations will be provided to you depending on the season you choose. The briefing will take approximately 40 minutes, where you will receive your duffel bags that will be carried by the porters along the trail. **Experiencing a home stay immersion on the night prior to the Inca Trail trek provides Explore Adventures Peru guests a window into the lives of their porters and helps with bonding prior to Journey to Machu Picchu
Highlights
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful treks in the world, and one of the few that remains from ancient times. The trail leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, the final destination of many Incas' pilgrimage in days gone by.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5 Days Highlights
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho km 82 – Llactapata – Hatunchaca
We will pick you up very early from your hotel and transport you to the start of the trail (km 82). There, you will begin the journey, warming up on the relatively flat part of the trail. After 2 hours, you will reach the first archaeological center of Llactapata, where you will appreciate the impressive landscapes, flora and fauna. This site and others will show the importance of this valley in the context of Incan history. After lunch, we will continue ascending to a semi-tropical valley for two hours until arriving at our camp, Hatunchaca, where we will spend the night.
Day 2: Hatunchaca – Dead Woman's Pass – Pacaymayo
After breakfast, we will start hiking early in the morning of the second day, passing through different climatic and ecological zones. We will ascend to Warmiwañusca. 
We will walk among abundant vegetation with various types of trees. This pass is known by many as the world’s highest cloud forest. After the toughest part of the journey, an ascent of nearly 5 hours, we will arrive at the highest point, known to some as Dead Woman’s Pass. From there, we will take a well-deserved break and observe the beauty of the deep valleys. If we’re lucky, we will see the flight of the condors flying among the thick clouds in the sky. After this break, we will descend towards our second camp at Pacaymayo.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarka
We will climb steeply up the opposite side of the valley wall, towards the second pass. About halfway up lies a small, round, roofless stone building. This Incan ruin is known as Runkuracay, a building thought to have been an astrological site . After a short tour, we will continue to ascend towards the second pass, the Abra de Runkuracay. On the far side of the pass, the trail descends towards a valley and a shallow lake. The trail after the pass leads to a second, larger Inca site, Sayacmarca (“Town in a Steep Place”). This Incan ruin was built on a rock overlooking the trail and is accessible only via a single narrow stone staircase. This site is roofless and slightly overgrown, but the walls still stand strong and the shape of the fortress can easily be seen. We will also see a stone aqueduct, which carried water to the farmlands. After touring Sayacmarca, we will descend to the valley floor. We will stop at this valley to enjoy lunch. After lunch, you will begin to climb again. At this point, you will pass through interesting Incan structures, including a Inca tunnel that is eight meters long and just wide enough to allow humans and animals to pass through. After this tunnel, we will reach the third pass and enjoy the third Incan site, Phuyupatamarca (“Cloud-level Town”). We will learn about the ritual functions that the Incas used this site for. Here we will see baths that Incas bathed in before they reached Machu Picchu. Third campsite is at Phuyupatamarka.
Day 4: Phuyupatamarka – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Puente Ruinas
After breakfast we will descend for approximately 2 ½ hours and arrive to the Incan site known as Intipata, a huge farming terrace, where you will have a gorgeous view of the valley. Then, we will descend to the fascinating Wiñay Wayna at 8,700 feet (2,650 meters). We will stop at this site that means “eternally young”, and have lunch before continuing to the Sungate. After an hour of walking, we will arrive to the Sungate where we will have our first view of Machu Picchu. After a short break, we will descend towards Machu Picchu where we will take pictures and rest before taking the bus to the nearest campsite Puente Ruinas, close to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Puente Ruinas – Machu Pichhu – Cusco
We will wake up very early to take the first bus to the city of Machu Picchu, where we will be the first visitors of the day to enjoy the magic and mystery of one of the wonders of the world. The tour with your guide will take about 2-3 hours. After that you will have free time to explore the entire city on your own. In the afternoon, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Cusco.
INCLUDED
With the 5 Day Inca Trail package you will receive:
Transportation and Tickets
- Private bus to trailhead
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Transfer from Cusco train station back to your hotel
- Entrance fees for Inca Trail
- Entrance fees for Machu Picchu
- Train ticket back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo – Poroy
- Train times at 2:55pm, 4:45pm,or 6:45pm depending on the availability at Peru Rail
Camping Equipment
- High quality double-occupancy tents and camping equipment
- Sleeping therma rest mattress
- Hot water in the morning for washing
- Drinking water throughout the trek
- Dining tent, kitchen tent,tables and seat
- Food and drink utensils
- Toilet tent with biodegradable chemical toilet
Emergency Equipment
- First Aid Kit: includes alcohol, bandages, pills for the altitude, oxygenated water, cotton balls, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration sachets, rescue ropes, etc.
- An oxygen bottle is available at all times.
- Radio communication: Guides are equipped with radios used by workers in the Machu Picchu National Park. We have constant communication with our staff and rangers in case of emergencies.
Team
- Professional, knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide
- A cook to prepare your meals
- Porters to carry provided camping equipment and food (hikers must carry their own bags; porters only carry 8kgs)
Food
- High quality meals to provide the necessary energy for this challenging trek
- Plentiful, nutritious meals (vegetarian option available) 04B, 04L, 04D
- Revitalizing snacks
- Hot drinks such a tea and coffee as well enough water for your canteens, water bottles or hydration packs
PRICE
Price per Person US$980: (Minimum 2 persons; departures all year except February)
* We include a porter that will carry your personal belongings in all of our treks at no additional cost.
* We include First aid kit/Emergency Portable Oxygen Tank.
Discounts
- Student Discount (with valid ISIC card) – $25
- Under 15 Discount – $25
- Under 7 Discount – $35
Rentals
- Black Diamond Hiking Poles – US$15 (pair)
- Sleeping bag – 4 season – US$30
- Private Tent – US$30
- Air mattress – US$15
Porters - Our service includes 8kg carried by our porters per person, but if you would like an upgrade: you can hire an additional porter to carry up to
- 8 Kg. (18 pounds) for USD85.00
- 15 Kg. (33 pounds) for USD150.00.
The Cost includes porter’s salary, porter’s entrance to Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and food.
Upgrades
Train upgrade to Vistadome: US$50 one way (departing from Aguas Calientes). Train will be according to availability and Peru Rail schedules, if train route ends at Ollantaytambo, we will be there waiting for you in order to go to Cusco City. (Our service ends once you are at your accommodation at Cusco City)
Extras
Would you also like to hike Huayna Picchu? Sure, you can make it! Its price is US$70 per person and there are 2 times (at 7am and 10am). We usually recommend people to take the 10am one (this activity is on the 4th day of the Inca Trail 4 days) because that way you won’t be running with the time to take your tour. Other option would be on the 5th day in the morning if you want to stay for an extra night at Aguas Calientes. (accommodation is on your own on the 4th night)
CANCELLATION:
1. Because of the strict regulations of the Machu Picchu Park, once you have made your reservation, you cannot cancel the space that you have reserved. You also may not alter the name or date of the reservation. If you are unable to come on the date you have reserved, we cannot reimburse you.
2. The $200 deposit is non-refundable. We cannot reimburse the entrance fee to the Inca Trail because the permits are non-refundable and EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU purchases the tickets from Machu Picchu Park when you reserve your spot.
3. If you cancel between 30 and 10 days before your trek, you must pay 50% of the total cost.
4. If you cancel between 10 and 3 days before your trek, you must pay 80% of the total cost.
5. If you cancel one or two days before your trek, you must pay 100% of the total cost.
6. In the exceptional case that you decide to head back once you have started the trail, you must pay extra expenses such as food and transportation. You may join the group in Machu Picchu for the walking tour and use all of the services onward.
why EXPLORE
Cultural Immersion Experience
Travel is about meeting the local people and experiencing different ways of life. That is why EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU immerses you in the local communities. Visit the most interesting and off the beaten track locations to experience the real Peru! Have a unique cultural adventure at local communities, COMMUNITY STAY and CULTURAL IMMERSION before each trek and take part of our tours.
We are a 100% locally owned and operated company! Proud to be Quechuas!!!
EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU offers an assortment of adventurous treks and exciting tour packages in Peru, specially designed to appeal to most visitors' budgets that doesn't have a negative impact on the environment or adversely affect local communities. EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU employees are local, Peruvian people. We work to invest in our own country and develop social work to offer our people a better lifestyle and provide opportunities to keep growing. This is the main difference between local companies and foreign companies and associated companies.
Our Group Services have a maximum group size of 8
most tour operators work with a maximum of 16 on the Inca Trail, since this is authorized by law, or even higher on other trekking routes.
We treat our staff
Including chefs, porters and wranglers with the utmost respect and fairness. EXPLORE ADVENTURES not only complies with the Porter Law and Regulation, but our wages are over the minimum requested by law and above the average pay by most tour operators.
We have expert Tour Guides
For special requests (ornithology, history and archaeology, flora and fauna and also generalist guides). All our guides have been trained in advanced first aid by certified doctors in Peru. On all of our treks, not only on the Inca Trail, there will be a guide for every 8 guests. The head guide will ensure the utmost safety to our guests by providing them undivided attention.
We use innovative equipment
Such as an igloo, waterproof, spacious tents, camping equipment specialized for high mountain treks, such as Vaude, Eureka and Doite tents. Each tent has a capacity for 3 people, but are used only for 2 people.
We have one of the most outstanding meal services in the field
Our chefs have been highly trained by several institutes in Lima and Cusco. You should be prepared to not only have a superb trekking experience, but also a culinary one, including generous and delicious breakfasts, snacks, lunches, tea services and dinners. Our delectable menus include a variety of Peruvian and international food and also cater for vegetarian and other dietary needs at no extra cost. EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU is recognized for its buffet meals, the quantity and quality of food, and its freshness.
EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU performs responsibly.
Making sure to cause minimal impact on the environment of the natural protected areas where it operates.
We pay legal taxes (19% IGV or consumption tax)on all services contributing to the country’s growth and development. Further to this, we pay a 30% tax on all earnings.
Our superb treatment to our staff is not reduced in the low season: porter and chef wages are maintained, same as guide fees.
Finally, EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU strives to provide top quality service to its clientele and will continue to listen to their comments on how to improve our services and take it to a higher level. Our clients are extremely satisfied as our numerous testimonials prove. Please read their trip reports on the Testimonials section of our website and also on Tripadvisor.
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ALL DEPARTURES 100% GUARANTEED - IF YOU'RE BOOKED, YOU'RE GOING
TRIP NOTES
Inca Trail & Alternative & Adventure Trek to MachuPicchu Packing Check LIST
During the Alternative Trek or Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage will be stored in Cusco at your hotel or free storage in our office and you will receive a small duffle bag at your trek briefing (which will be help briefing day before you start the trek) to pack clothes and sleeping bag for 3-4 days.
Gear Checklist
Provided Gear
- Tents
- Cooking and eating utensils while camping
- Sleeping pad (you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer)
- Duffel bag, medium-size (used while trekking, approximately 65 liter)
Official Papers
-
Valid passport
-
Airline tickets
Luggage
- Luggage, one piece, wheels and handle ok
- Daypack 2000 cu. in. to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money pouch
Camping Gear
- Sleeping bag with stuff sack (rated to 10°-20°F)
CHECK LIST FOR YOU TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
PASSPORT: You MUST take your passport and a photocopy is not sufficient. (Keep it in a plastic bag in case of rain).
City Clothing
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear when not trekking
Clothing
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants or tights
- Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Casual socks
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks, synthetic
- Swimsuit
Clothing Accessories
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Outerwear
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable. Side-zip pants are highly recommended.
- Insulated jacket, down or synthetic
- Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Camp shoes such as tennis shoes or sandals or other comfortable footwear for use in town and/or campsites
Travel Accessories
- 2 one-quart water bottle(s) or hydration system
- Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries/bulb
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- 1 roll of toilet paper
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Small washcloth and small towel
- Baby wipes
- Personal first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Insect repellent
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bags
Optional Field Gear
- Camera, spare media card and batteries
- Electrical adapter plug
- Earplugs
- Whistle
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Sewing kit
- Knee supports
- Travel pillow
- Hiking stick or trekking poles (metal tips not allowed on Inca Trail; points must be rubber or covered with duct tape.)
- Favorite energy snacks and drinks.
DON'T JUST TRAVEL. EXPLORE! Explore Adventures Peru team!!
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT RESERVATIONS BE MADE AT LEAST 3-6 MONTHS IN ADVANCE AS PERMITS ARE LIMITED PER DAY AND SELL OUT QUICKLY. IF YOU DON'T FIND SPACE FOR INCA TRAIL LOOK INTO OUR ALTERNATIVE TREKS...
Our Treks: Ancascocha Trek – Moonstone Trek – Huchuy Qosqo Trek – Salkantay Trek – Lares Llama Trek – Ausangate Trek – Choquequirao Trek
Optional Tours / Activities : City tour, Sacred Valley , Extreme Sports Cusco, Off the Beaten Track tours.
