Overview
This premium version of the Inca Trail 5 Days is a little different from the Classic Inca Trail. Trekking for 4 days fully and visiting Machu Picchu on day 5 after a nice rest at a proper hotel provides you the opportunity to divert to lesser-traveled spots and be away from crowds, with our third and final night of camping in arguably the most beautiful location on the trail called Phuyupatamarca. This campsite is unique, and only accessible by those taking part in the Premium Inca Trail. We also spend our last night together in the town of Aguas Calientes, staying in a hotel, and dining together in the top restaurant in town, Indio Feliz.
The Premium Inca Trail 5 Days takes you to Machu Picchu 2 times. You will be able to see and hike through Machu Picchu before sunset and tour super early after enjoying a beautiful sunrise. All of our campsites are chosen for their spectacular and remote locations. Far from the crowds and the lights of the city, the night skies in the Andes are a wonder all to themselves, and the display of constellations stars is truly mesmerizing. We pride ourselves on making your camping experience as comfortable as possible, using only the highest quality equipment, and with a team of porters whose skill and experience will ensure your safety and comfort at all times. Perhaps the jewel in our crown though are our chefs, who are truly masters on the mountain. You will be amazed at the delicious meals they prepare for us!
A free worry trek. We take care of booking all transfers, transport, and tickets, ensuring that the tour goes as smoothly as possible. Our guides are specially selected for their trekking experience and their historical knowledge; keeping us on the right path, setting the pace for the hike, and providing historical commentary and context for the many sites that we will see along the way.
Our time on the trail demands several steep ascents to passes above 4,000m. As such, we consider this trek to be ‘Challenging’ and recommend it for people with a good level of fitness and some trekking experience.
For those looking for a more unique and special trekking adventure, as a couple, family, friends, or simply looking for an amazing private adventure and enjoy the mountains fully.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Trek with our passionate local guides who hiked the Inca Trail more than 500 times and guided Machu Picchu more than 700 times
- Enjoy our premier camping gear
- Savor the Peruvian cuisine brought by our chefs to the mountains
- Follow the original Inca trail and explore all the Incan sites along your journey
- Enter the most sacred city of the Inca Machu Picchu through the Sun gate
- Enjoy our fully inclusive service
- Enjoy a night hotel before touring Machu Picchu
- Let be pleased by a beautiful Vistadome train ride back to Cusco
Details
- Type of tour: Historical, guided trip, train ride, trekking, camping, hotel based.
- Distance covered: 45 km (28 miles)
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Lowest elevation: 2400m (7,880 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4200m (13,776 feet)
- Level of difficulty 1 to 10: (10 being impossible): 7
Group size: Our hiking group sizes are very important to guarantee the quality of our service of giving you personalized service; that is the reason we run with an average of 2 to 8 hikers.
Could you imagine trying to hike silently along an isolated trail, carefully not disturbing shy wildlife, with 15 or 20 other travelers? Or walking in a remote area to explore the pristine wilderness with dozens of other tourists at your side? We know meaningful nature encounters must be undertaken in small groups, which also makes the trip flexible.
Accommodation: This trek includes 3 nights in tents and one night at a hotel based in double occupancy,if you are a solo traveler, let us know so we can accommodate you with someone else, or we will just bring a private tent only for you at your request and put you in a single hotel room.
Our guides: PERU BY LOCALS was a dream that came true in 2015 for Jose Condor, who guided treks and tours to Machu Picchu from 2004 until today and has been to Machu Picchu over 1000 times. He started as a porter on the Inca Trail, then went to university for a tourism degree. Now Peru by Locals has a group of top guides, men and women with professional degrees who receive refresher training annually. These folks have been trained by NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), they are WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER since our treks go into the wilderness, and your health is our priority in our trips. Our guides are totally trained to assist any of your needs while you are vacationing. We invest in our guides because we believe they are the main ingredient of any trip.
Location: This trip starts in Cusco city or Sacred Valley at your request. You will need to fly to Lima, which is the capital of Peru, then to Velasco Astete of Cusco airport, which is a small domestic airport.
Departures: This hike is operated by PERU BY LOCALS 100%. When you book your hike or take any tour package, you go with us; we don’t rearrange tours, and we depart every day and year-round. The size of the groups is from 2 to 5 people on average, which allows us to give you personalized service, ensuring you experience the Best Inca Trail Tour tailored to your needs.
We take bookings year-round, and especially this trek needs to be booked with a long time in advance, at least with about 6 months in advance. So, anytime you are ready, join us and reach us for any questions you have to our 14/7 number +51 989585967 (whastapp) or email us at info@perubylocals.com.
Itinerary
DAY 0: BRIEFING
At PBL we believe it’s important that all of our guests need to get the last details about this adventure (the itinerary, the challenges, what to bring, etc.) before we start the lifetime adventure. At a pre-arranged time, your guide will provide you a full pre-trek briefing at your Cusco hotel the day before the start of the trek.
DAY 1: WARM-UP DAY – CUSCO TO WAYLLABAMBA
Kicks off with an early morning from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we take a drive through picturesque villages along the way to the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail at PISQACUCHO, also known as Km. 82, where we will meet our team (porters), who will carry all the equipment and cook for us.
Our Classic Inca Trail starts along a trail surrounded by cacti and a dry forest, with a view of WAQAYHILLCA mountain at 5,800 m / 19,030 feet (the tallest mountain along the Sacred Valley mountain range). After about two hours of hiking, we will stop for lunch along the way. In the last 2 hours of the hike, the vegetation becomes jungle, and you have a chance to spot the biggest hummingbird (Patagonia gigas). We can expect to arrive at our campground by 4 pm.
Our porters will provide you with a bowl of warm water to wash. After you clean, we will have Inca trail happy hour with hot drinks, popcorn, cookies, etc., and dinner will be served by 7 pm.
- Distance covered: 12km (7.4 miles)
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Lowest elevation: 2700m (8,858 feet)
- Highest elevation: 3000 (10,168 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 2: CHALLENGING DAY THROUGH DEAD WOMAN’S PASS – HUAYLLABAMABA TO PAQAYMAYU
You will have an early wake-up call in the morning by one of our porters with a nice cup of coffee served in your tent. You will also be given a bowl of warm water to wash before having a delicious breakfast; the hike begins around 7 am. This day is especially demanding because of the high altitude and the ascent to the highest point on the trail (Warmiwañusqa – 4,215 m / 13,776 feet). It si almost 4 000 ft of difference.
The four hours of our hike wind through high-altitude areas and all uphill, with beautiful mountain views. Once we reach the top of Warmiwañusqa or Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,776 feet), we descend to the campground at Paqaymayo (3,650 m / 11,975 feet), where we will spend the night. Here the temperatures may drop down to 0°C / 32° F in winter (from May to August).
- Distance covered: 11km (7 miles)
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3000 (10,168 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4215m (13,776 feet)
- Difficulty: Demanding
DAY 3: JUNGLE AND HISTORICAL DAY – PAQAYMAYU TO PHUYUPATAMARCA
We undertake the longest stretch on the Premium Inca Trail, but in return, you will have amazing views, many Inca sites to explore, orchids along the way, and similar. We start with one and a half hours ascent to the second pass on the Inca Trail, Runkuraqay (3,950 m / 12,959 feet). After taking some time to rest here and take pictures, we descend to explore the Inca ruins of Sayaqmarca before we head to our lunch spot. After lunch, we hike for about an hour and a half on up and down paths to the next camp, considered the most beautiful camp along the Premium Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Distance covered: 10km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3650 (11,975 feet)
- Highest elevation: 3950m (12,959 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to demanding
DAY 4: DOWN TO MACHU PICCHU THROUGH SUNGATE
We will leave camp early after enjoying another gorgeous sunrise over the mountains. We then hike downhill for about three hours to Wiñayhuayna, the site with the most magnificent Inca ruins along the Inca Trail. Here we will have a guided tour of the site and the last lunch of the trek. After saying goodbye to our porters and chef, we begin our two-hour hike to Machu Picchu and will arrive before sunset. Once we get to Machu Picchu, we will have a chance to take great pictures because at this time most people have left the city already. This part of the journey truly completes the Machu Picchu Hiking Trip, offering a unique and peaceful experience of the ancient citadel. We will then take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night at a hotel and enjoy dinner together at a restaurant.
- Distance covered: 12km (7.4 miles)
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 2400 (7,874 feet)
- Highest elevation: 3700m (12,139 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU TOUR
On this day you may want to have a very early wake-up in the hotel for taking one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and get the sunrise. You take an early bus up to Machu Picchu where you will have two and a half hours guided tour to different spots such as the Main viewpoint, main temple, terraces, granaries, stone quarry, and others since this Premium Inca Trail 5 Days package includes a full Machu Picchu permit that allows you to see all.
Around 1 pm we will get the scenic Vistadome train ride for about 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo train station then be transfered in a car to be trasnported to Cusco for another 1.5 hours more.
Services
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Transport from and to your hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley
- A full assistance from the time of booking on our 24/7 number +51 989585967
- Organic meals (5B, 4L, 4D)
- Entrance tickets to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Porters, who will carry all the camping gear (food, tents, chairs, table, etc.)
- Personal porter who will carry your belongings such as sleeping bag, sleeping pad, or clothes for the night up to 7 kilos / 15.4 lbs
- Duffle bag for putting your belongings for the porter to carry (in time you get your briefing with your guide, you will be provided with a duffle bag so, you can pack.
- Trekking chef who will prepare amazing meals from scratch
- Boiled drinking water every day; the Inca Trail has a lot of clean springs due to its mountain location
- Professional trekking guide, knowledgeable in history, tradition, fauna, and flora. Our guides are WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER; we believe your safety is our priority
- Walkie-talkies; we are connected with Machu Picchu park in case of any emergencies so we can connect them in real-time.
- First Aid Kit, carried by your guide.
- Camping gear (sleeping tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, air mattresses)
- Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town
- Scenic Vistadome train ride back to Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Toilet tent with a toilet seat; there are public toilets along the way but they are usually in bad condition.
- One night boutique hatun inti hotel at Aguas Calientes town
SERVICES EXCLUDED
- Sleeping bag (can be rented for US$ 20). Our sleeping bags are washed after each use
- Lunch and dinner on day 5.
- Gratitudes for porters and guides; a recommended 15% of the total cost of the trek for the whole team of porters; more details on how it works can be given by email or call (whastapp).
Packing list
- Original passport – Please remember to bring your original passport, which should be the current one; if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, considering bringing the new passport and a copy of picrure of the old passport (the one you used for booking your trip and the new one). The information you provided us at the time of your booking has to match your tickets for the Classic Inca Trail.
- Sleeping bag– Recommended at least 5°F (If you don’t have one, you can rent from us for $20)
- Good hiking shoes – They should be broken already; if you have acquired new ones, make sure to break them in before you come. They should be comfortable for your feet and possibly have ankle support.
- Down warm fleece – The jacket should be warm enough for the nights and a jacket that is wind-resistant.
- Few t-shirts– Made for hiking; as you will sweat a lot, you may consider bringing at least 3 or 4 of them, one for the hike, one for the night, and one clean for Machu Picchu.
- Socks – Bring at least 3 pairs.
- Sun hat – As some days can be hot and sunny, we recommend you bring a sun hat that can keep the sun off your face.
- Light long pants – Trekking pants are the best ones, especially those that you can zip off the legs; plus, they dry fast.
- Clothes for sleeping – Warm long underwear; you can use your fleece to sleep in, and you may consider bringing gloves, especially for the campsite.
- Headlamp– All the camps are dark, so you will need to bring your headlamps for organizing your stuff in your tent or going to the bathroom at night.
- Sunscreen– SPF 35+ recommended.
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles – They are very helpful; they can take 30% off your weight (if you don’t have them, you can rent them from us for $10 per pair for 4 days of hiking).
- Camera– With spare batteries; phones take great pictures nowadays (batteries run down faster at high altitudes).
- Bug repellent – There are mosquitos all year round, so make sure you pack your bug repellent.
- Water bottle – Machu Picchu national park does not allow plastic bottles; please make sure you have a Nalgene bottle or camel bag. Before we leave the hotel in Cusco, make sure you have filled up your water bottle for the first day; then you will be able to get more from us whenever you will need it.
- Toiletries
- Prescription medicines, please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking.
- Food restrictions – If you have any allergies or preferences, make sure you add them in the booking form.
- Book to read – You will have some spare time at every camp to read your favorite book or those that are about Machu Picchu that may make your journey more interesting (the following books are recommended by us: Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie, Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams
Important information
OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS
Where Do I Meet the Team?
The day before the trek starts, your guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco at 5:30 pm for a pre-trek talk. We recommend booking a hotel in the downtown area of Cusco.
What Is the Terrain Like? How Challenging Is It?
The trek is rated as moderate to challenging and covers approximately 45 km / 28 miles on uneven, rocky terrain with steep uphill and downhill sections and many steps. Day 2 is the most challenging due to the elevation gain, where you will walk 1,215 meters / 4,000 feet over 7 km / 4.3 miles to reach a maximum altitude of 4,215 meters / 13,828 feet. Prior hiking experience is recommended.
How Long Before Should I Book the Inca Trail?
Inca Trail spots should be booked in advance, especially from April to August during the busy season. From September to January, spots are often available. We recommend booking your spot for the high season before December ends for the follwoing year.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture controls access to the Inca Trail, limiting it to 500 people per day, including tourists, guides, porters, and cooks. Over 60% of this number consists of personnel.
Reservations for the Inca Trail can only be made from March to January. February is reserved for trail maintenance. The availability of permits applies to the Inca Trail itself, not to individual tour operators, meaning all agencies have the same permit availability.
What Is the Weather Like on the Inca Trail During the Year?
Weather is extremely variable, and you should pack for a variety of conditions. Our trek passes through ten bio-zones, ranging from high-altitude alpine areas to high jungle. Daytime temperatures on sunny days range from 18–25°C (65–77°F), but on the second day, temperatures can drop to 6°C (42°F) at the highest pass.
In the Machu Picchu area, which is more humid and warmer, temperatures average between 23°C and 25°C (73°F and 77°F). Cusco experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season from November to March, and the dry season from March to October, with June and July being the coldest months.
What Does My Porter Carry for Me? Is He With Us at All Times?
You will only need to carry a day-pack with essentials like a water bottle, rain gear, cameras, and snacks. Porters, who carry your extra bag, will meet you at the next stop. You are allowed to pack up to 8 kilos (17 pounds), including items like a sleeping bag and pad, and extra clothes for the night.
What Happens if I Get Injured or Sick During the Trek?
In emergencies or medical issues, our guides follow a detailed protocol. They carry a first aid kit, oxygen, and radios. In severe cases, the nearest medical centers are in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. If you are unable to continue due to sickness, you may return to the start of the trek with a porter and meet the group at Machu Picchu.
What Is the Electrical Situation?
There is no electricity on the trek, so we recommend bringing extra batteries or portable chargers. Headlamps are also essential for nighttime use.
What Will I Eat on the Trek?
Meals are based on organic food, including quinoa, pasta, vegetables, rice, and various meats. We also offer vegetarian and vegan options if notified in advance. Breakfast includes items like eggs, pancakes, cereals, and oatmeal.
Should I Tip the Porters and Guides?
Tipping is optional, as our porters and guides are paid fairly. However, many clients choose to tip as an appreciation for their work. The amount is at your discretion.
How Many Days Should I Stay in Cusco Before the Trek to Acclimatize?
Spending at least two days in Cusco before the trek helps your body acclimatize to the altitude. You may also consider taking altitude sickness prevention pills like DIAMOX or Acetazolamide, but consult your doctor before using any medications.
Do I Need to Bring Money on the Trek?
You may want to bring money to buy snacks or water from locals, especially on the first day. The last lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included, so you will need money for that as well. We recommend bringing Peruvian soles.
Do I Need to Carry My Own Medicine or First Aid?
Your guide will carry a first aid kit, but you should bring any personal medication you require. If you have special medical conditions, consult your doctor before the trek.
Can I Rent a Sleeping Bag From You? What Type Should I Bring?
We rent sleeping bags designed for cold temperatures, down to 5°F (-15°C). If you bring your own, ensure it is suitable for similar temperatures.
How Big Will My Group Be?
We prefer small groups, typically up to 8 people, to offer personalized service. However, we can accommodate larger groups if necessary.
How Do I Get Water on the Trek?
We provide boiled drinking water from Day 2 onwards. You should bring enough water for the first day, and we encourage the use of reusable bottles to minimize waste.
Is There an Age Limit?
There is no minimum or maximum age for the Inca Trail, but a good level of fitness is required. Preparation is key to enjoying the trek.
Why Do I Need to Wake Up Early on the Last Day of the Classic Inca Trail?
This version of the Inca trail trek is espeical so, you don’t need to wake up at 3am but aroiund 6am as others dates and enojy the day fully with no worries.
What Time Do I Get Back to Cusco on the Last Day?
You will return to Cusco around 5 pm on the last day. If you need to return earlier, let us know in advance so we can arrange a suitable train ticket.
Should I Book Wayna Picchu Mountain in Advance?
Yes, as Wayna Picchu permits are limited to 400 per day, divided into two groups. It is best to book two to three months in advance during the dry season (April to August). If you are interested hiking Huaynapicchu mounatain advaice us in advance.
What Is the Toilet Situation on the Inca Trail? Should I Bring Toilet Paper?
We provide a portable private toilet at each campsite, and public squat toilets are available. You should bring your own toilet paper, though our cook will have extra if needed.
Do I Need Walking Poles?
Walking poles are highly recommended, as they can reduce up to 30% of the strain on your body. If you don’t have any, you can rent them from us for $15 for the four days.
How Big Should My Day Backpack Be?
A 30-liter backpack is recommended, but anything between 20 and 40 liters will work. Your personal porter will carry up to 13 lbs of your extra gear.
How Big Are the Sleeping Tents? How Many People Can Sleep in Them?
Our tents are designed for three people, but we typically accommodate two people per tent. Solo travelers can request to share or have a tent to themselves.
Is There Any Place to Wash? Are There Showers?
Cold showers are available at the second and third campsites. Each morning, you will receive a small bucket of warm water for washing. Wet wipes are also recommended for personal hygiene.
Is There a Phone Signal?
There is signal on Day 1 until noon and on Day 4 from lunchtime onwards.
Can I Pay the Rest of the Balance by Credit Card or Does It Have to Be in Cash?
We prefer cash to avoid extra fees, but credit card payments are accepted via VISA PayPal with an additional fee of around 4.5%.
Peruvian Currency
The Peruvian sol fluctuates between 3.3 and 3.8 soles per US dollar.
Language
Spanish is Peru’s official language, though 20% of the population speaks Quechua. Our guides are fluent in both Spanish and English.
Why Peru by Locals
- Peru by Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours and we cater to your interests when we plan your tour
- We are committed to providing world-class tours based on exceptional customer service.
- We are a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru.
- Our staff consists of members which have decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector.
- All the management and staff in Peru by Locals speak English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
- Our guides and staff members are professionally trained and educated in the history of the Incas, Peruvian history, culture and traditions, first aid in the wilderness, guiding treks and tours, the fauna and flora of the region, and tourism management.
- We are committed to protect our environment.
- We are committed to creating Jobs and empowering local people. We believe in fair labor practices and honor and treat all our employees with dignity.
- We have programs to help with the development of the porters’ families and communities, such as planting trees and buying school books and school equipment for poor local communities.
- We honor native communities that have stewarded the land you visit
- We have also started an Education Fund to support the education of the children of porters. A percentage of income from every tour and trek goes to education of needed once.
- Our trips are designed carefully to your needs and we create diverse unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length, a we offer wide range of tours and treks and all the tours. We guarantee you the experience of a lifetime!
- Peru By Locals organizes free worry trips for you to enjoy fully.
Peru small group specialists
Our tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience the local culture, love food, like history or photography for all ages whether you are traveling alone, with friends, in couples, family. At Peru by Locals there is not
Small groups are the best and the average tour or trek group is around 4 to 8 people. Why is this great? Well, have you ever waited in line while 40 other people get a coffee in the morning? Believe it or not, it is not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on an adventure to places that nobody else goes.
Price
Best Seller
Premium Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Trek 5 Days Cusco, Peru
Trek the stunning Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu. Explore Incan history, lush landscapes, and enjoy a unique camping experience. Join us now!
Product Brand: Peru by Locals
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 1150
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5
GROUP SERVICE
Our tour groups are very important, we run tours from 2 to 8 people usually per group and we open any tour dates with 2 guests, this service is considered semi-private for personalized experiences so, you can take advantage of your valid time.
Accommodations
Costs are based in doublé bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy contact us to info@perubylocals.com or to our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To asure your booking with us we will require 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost and the outstanding remaining will be paid 30 days prior your trip.
Choosing this option
- Once a date tour is opened with 2 guests, the travel date won’t be probably changed later.
- This a great option to meet other travelers and hang out during the trip.
- If for any reason one of you, the plans will or others can’t continue the tour for any reason the tours will go as planned from the beginning to the end.
PRIVATE SERVICE
Our private service is can be start from 1 person to any number you desire and you can choose your travel date.
Accommodations
We run all our tours with 3 start hotels but we can costumize with 5 star hotels.
Costs are based in doublé bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy contact us to info@perubylocals.com or to our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To asure your booking with us we will require 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost and the outstanding remaining will be paid 30 days prior your trip.
Choosing this option
- We cater this tour to you need with flexibility.
- Once a date tour is opened it can be still changed if the time allows it at your requested time.
- This a great option to spend time with your parent, family, and friends or travel for especial occasions as honeymoon.
- The quality of service is the same as other tours.
