inca trail 5 days

HIGHLIGHTS

Our local company AB Expeditions include Professional highly trained, educated, and passionate head guides to lead the groups on the Inca trail 5 days and answer all questions, amazing porters who will help to carry all the needed camping gear and personal belongings; a professional chef who deliver hot restaurant-style meals at each camping site to guarantee delicious food and to ensure you have plenty of energy to appreciate the amazing landscapes that 5 day Inca Trail offers.

Why should you hike Inca trail 5 days with us?

• Our 5-day Inca Trail itinerary is designed to avoid the crowds by keeping half a day ahead and behind everyone else. Check out what is difference between 4 days and 5-day Inca Trail here.
• Our porters are treated with respect, we provide them a fair salary, a decent tent with a pad, proper meals, and proper equipment. We care for their health, well-being, and the health of their families, also we are committed to social projects to improve their lives.
• We are a practical, punctual, reliable Travel company, welcoming individuals or groups. Check out our reviews on trip advisor.
• At AB Expeditions, our porters, guides, driver, and Cooks receive their salaries as soon as they finish their job.
• We don’t share our group of Inca trail 5 days with other companies.
• Small groups of 2 to 8 people maximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that take bigger groups. 
• AB Expeditions is A 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully licensed Inca Trail operator.
• Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continual professional development. We love showing what a fascinating and amazing Inca trail is.
• Your return train ticket on day 5 is at 02:55 pm from Aguas Calientes. Therefore you arrive in Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any tour the next day.

** IMPORTANT NOTE **

The Peruvian Ministry of Culture and SERNANP are in charge of all regulations of the Inca Trail, including permits and campsites. To access the Inca Trail, you have to have a permit that matches your FULL NAME, PASSPORT NUMBER, NATIONALITY, and AGE issued by the Ministry of Culture. 

Only licensed Inca Trail Travel Agencies like AB EXPEDITIONS can secure these, and they are not transferable in date or name at any time. If you are not able to start your Inca Trail hike on your start date, it is not possible to transfer the permit to someone else. If you need to change your start date, you have to make sure permits are still available for the new date and purchase a new permit. These are all rules of the government of Peru that all Travel Agencies need to follow. If permits are sold out for your desired start date, many other treks lead to Machu Picchu such as Salkantay Trek, Inca Quarry Trek, and Lares Trek. We can help you find the perfect trek for you.

INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – km 82 – Llactapata – Hatunchaca

We will depart from your hotel at 7:00 AM for the 5-day Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour in private transportation. After about 1 hour and 30 minutes, we’ll stop in Ollantaytambo to explore the town. We’ll then continue driving for approximately 40 minutes to the Trailhead. The starting point of the Inca Trail is located beyond the Ollantaytambo village, about 3 hours from Cusco, making for a long but beautiful drive. We’ll arrive at the checkpoint after all 4-day hike groups have left (around 2 hours ahead). Once everyone has their entrance permits validated (including the support crew porters), we will start our hike by crossing the suspension bridge and continuing along the left bank of the Urubamba River.

The trek is relatively easy for the first couple of hours as we make our way to the Mesqay where we will have our lunch. After our meal, we will hike to  Inca site named Patallacta. This is the place that welcomes everyone for the rest of the adventure on the Inca trail with great views above the Urubamba river. After getting the explanation, we will hike to our campsite. The campground for the first night is at the Hatunchaca. We will spend the with very few people because the 4 day group sleep in Huayllabamba and Ayapata campsites.  

• Elevation Gain: 417 m / 1368 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 333 m / 1092 feet.
• Distance: 11 km (6,83 miles)
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 2,847 m (9,340 ft)
• Campsite altitude: 2,847 m (9,340 ft)

Day 2: Hatunchaca –  Wayllabamba Ayapata – Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayo

Our AB Expeditions will wake you up at 6:00 am, giving you 30 minutes to get ready and have breakfast at 6:30 am. We will start the hike at 7:00 am and head toward Wayllabamba. The path is mostly flat until you reach the town of Huayllabamba, which is the last village along the Inca Trail. During this part of the hike, you will still have access to private toilets and small shops where you can buy snacks and water.

Once you pass the town, the trail becomes steeper as you hike uphill to the Ayapata resting point. The views of the snow-covered mountains and cloud forests are breathtaking. The first section of the trek goes through lush vegetation, and the path climbs steadily higher. After resting in Ayapata, we will continue hiking to Llulluchapampa, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

After lunch, we will continue to the first and highest point of the hike: Abra Warmiwañusqa, or “Dead Woman’s Pass” in Quechua. Reaching the top of this mountain is challenging, but the reward is the beautiful green valley beyond. It will take about an hour and a half to reach the summit, and then another two hours to descend to the Pacaymayo campsite, where we will have dinner. At the summit, there will be very few people, so you won’t have to deal with crowds to take pictures with the “Dead Woman” sign. With some luck, we may also spot Andean deer and local birds along the way.

• Elevation Gain: 1374 m / 4507 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 628 m / 820 feet.
• Distance: 12 km (7,56 miles)
• Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (13,786 ft)
• Campsite altitude: 3,600 m (12,113 ft).

 Day 3: Pacaymayo –  Runkurakay Site – Runkurakay Pass – Sayacmaraca Site – Phuyupatamarca.

 On the third day, our team will wake you up at 6 a.m., and you will have 30 minutes to get ready. We will have breakfast and begin our hike around 7:30 a.m. We will start walking on the Inca Trail, heading towards the second pass. Along the way, we will see amazing waterfalls, plants, and animals. Shortly after we start, we will reach an Inca site called Runcu Raqay, where our guide will explain its history before we continue our hike, far from any modern cities, through valleys covered in bushes. At the top of the pass, you’ll be able to take incredible photos of snow-capped mountains and stunning natural landscapes.

After that, we will begin the descent down to the Sayac Marca Inca Complex. As we go, we will gradually enter the jungle, where the plants will start to surround the path. At Sayac Marca, we will have a guided tour, followed by a visit to Qonchamarca for another guided tour. We will then continue hiking to Chakicocha, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we will keep hiking to Phuyupatamarca. The trail has both uphill and downhill sections. In the afternoon, we will watch the sunset and get a view of Machu Picchu Mountain and the Urubamba River down in the valley. After dinner, everyone will go to bed early to rest for the next day’s beautiful sunrise observation.

• Altitude Gain: 502 m / 1,784 ft.
• Altitude Loose: 565 m / 1853 ft.
• Distance: 11 km (6,83 miles)
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 3,944 m (12,939 ft)
• Campsite altitude: 3,645 m (11,958 ft)

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Inti Pata – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Today, as usual, after breakfast once again, we will start our way through the Inca site of Phuyu Pata Marca down the long descending stone steps to the Wiñay Wayna Inca site, where we will have lunch. Before getting to Wiñay Huayna, we will have time to get to the Inti Pata viewpoint, and by the way, we will see once an important agricultural area for Machu Picchu. Visiting the Intipata sector, we descend straight down to Wiñay Huayna,  one of the largest Inca sites outside of Machu Picchu. What is particularly interesting here is the intricacy of the architectural development in the housing structures in the upper action and the section on the lower edge united by a long staircase. Also, the great pattern of terraces makes Wiñay Huayna a beautiful Inca site then it also offers once again views of the Urubamba river much closer. What is next is Lunchtime at the campsite just by the Inca site.

It is customary on the Inca trail to make a farewell ceremony for our Inca trail porters and cook, so if you have prepared some tips or have something to say, then that is the right time. Afterward, we say farewell to our crew team and continue our hike to the Sun gate through a leveled Inca path for about 1 hour 30 and reach the magic sun gate overlooking Machu Picchu for the first time in life. As the sun sets down, we approach Machu Picchu little by little and take pictures before taking the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes town overnight.

• Altitude Gain: 123 m / 403 ft.
• Altitude Loose: 1312 m / 4304 ft.
• Distance: 11 km (6,79 miles)
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 3,600 m (11,692 ft)
• Hotel altitude: 2,000 m (6,561 ft). 

Day 5: Aguas Calintes -Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Today, the wake-up is early to get to Machu Picchu as early as possible before the crowds. At about 5:30, We will board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. These buses are on first come because everyone makes a line with permits in hand. Up in Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about 2 hours: visiting the must-see places. After that, you will have free time for exploring Machu Picchu at your own pace.

If you have purchased permits for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, then our guide will show you the trailhead for you to register and give you all the advice for the rest of the hike and how to return to take the bus back to Agua Caliente therefore to take the afternoon train. With that done, you say bye to the guide and according to your itinerary, you will meet the guide in Cusco again or not. Lunch is not Included for the last day in Aguas Calientes as there is a bunch variety of food in different restaurants. Later you have to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our AB expeditions representative will meet you and take you in a car drive, to your Hotel In Cusco.

INCLUSIONS

Included

• A personal porter to carry your 7 kg of your personal belongings
• Pick up and drop off in your hotel.
• Private tourist transport Cusco – Km 82 (the starting point of the walk).
• English speaking guide with conduct radio communication.
• Foam mattresses.
• Professional chef
• Kitchen equipment.
• Dining tent with chairs and tables.
• Portable environmental biodegradable toilet (The Pett).
• Meal service at the campsites (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 4 snacks). With option for vegetarians, gluten free, lactose Intolerance and any food allergy.
• 4 season Tents for two people (tent with capacity for 3 people used as doubles – Kayla Doite).
• Porter service. As detailed in the table authorized by the Ministry of Culture. (To carry our camping equipment and food) we never overload our porters and they have proper equipment.
• Inca trail Permits and Machu Picchu ticket.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 04.
• Round trip bus ticket on day 05 from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and viceversa.
• Expeditions train ticket back (14:55 Hrs.) To Ollantaytambo.
• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
• Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
• Hotel of 3 stars in Aguas Calientes town( Tara Machu Picchu or similar)
• Pre-departure Inca Trail briefing, presented by the tour guides at 6:00 pm at the office a day before.
• Wake-up tea. Hot herbal tea brought to your tent, each morning before breakfast.
• A duffle bag, where you put your 7 kg / 14 pounds of personal items per person (personal cares, personal items, sleeping bag are within this 7 kg / 14 pounds).
• We provide hot water bins each day to help our clients clean and feel good at night.
• Rain Poncho to cover from the rain.
• Two hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback (your chef will provide clean water after each meal)
• Day pack cover to keep you dry your belongings.

not included?

• Lunch  – Day 5.
• Entrance to the hot springs in the town of Aguas Calientes (US $ 5).

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO UPGRADE

• Sleeping Bag: $25 USD.
• A pair of Walking Poles: $25 USD.
• Personal tent: $30 USD.
• Vistadome Train Upgrade: $50 USD.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65 USD.
• Machu Picchu  Mountain – $65 USD.

WHAT TO BRING FOR THE INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS

• Original Passport and student cards if you are students.
• A trekking Backpack (21 liters capacity).
• Hiking Poles with rubber tips. You can bring your own or rent it from AB Expeditions.
• Trekking Clothing: Hiking shoes, waterproof pants, waterproof shorts, two shirts, a light sweater, jacket for rain, and clothes to rest in at the hotel. On the other hand, it is quite comfortable and relaxing for the body to wear light clothes for the walk; for this, waterproof materials are very good, because they enable quick drying from sweat and rain.
• Night in Aguas Calientes: Please bring with you a clean set of clothes to wear after the trekking. Also, you can bring along swimwear and towels if you decide to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Personal Hygiene items: toothpaste. toothbrush, and wet wipes.
• Medicine: If you are taking any medications, please bring them with you. It is also recommended to bring some over the counter medicine for the altitude sickness (Coramina, Aspirina, Diamox, Sorojchi, Acetazolamide). It is also suggested to bring Anti Blister Gel to avoid getting blisters on your feet and being unable to continue on your trek.
• Digital Camera with an external memory (2-4 Gb) (Optional).
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Sun Block SPF 60 (UVA-UVB) waterproof and sport.
• Waterproof Insect Repellent lotion, not spray.
• Swiss Army Knife.
• Water bottle made of flexible plastic. This type of bottle is very easy to carry and does not take up a lot of space. At the same time, they help in our effort to protect the environment.

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTION

HOW TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL 5 DAY TREK WITH AB EXPEDITONS?

In order to book your Inca Trail 5 days with us, Click on the BOOK NOW button, then select the day of your departure, then, fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment of your deposit of $150 per person.

Once we get your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trek and the booking form to fill out. Here is all the detail that you need to send us.

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
• Nationality
• Gender
• Passport number
• Date of Birthday (dd / mm / yyyy)

***We need copies of the Passports of each participant because they are required when buying Inca trail permits.

Once your Inca trail permits are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Yes! During the Inca Trail 5 day trek to Machu Picchu, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your Machu Picchu 5 day hike.

WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

The Outstanding balance can be made in cash one day earlier your trek in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal at least one week prior to your trip(a 7% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card only Visa(5% service fee applies).  Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian Law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to the Inca trail 5 days (if you are 18 or over, you need to have valid student cards). Below is a sample of a valid student card

• All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old a discount is $40 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy to info@abexpeditions.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Sadly it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn t allow us to change once the Classic Inca Trail 5 days permits have been purchased. Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. . The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your  Inca Trail 5 days permit. Your passport will be checked at 3 Inca trail checkpoints, Machu Picchu, and when you board the train.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Inca trail 5 days permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF MY TRAIN TICKET?

It will depend on the train availability. We usually book a return train tickets at 02:55 pm on day 5 so you arrive in Cusco at 06:30 pm and you have enough time to sleep and do any tour the next day, like Rainbow Mountains.

HOW DOES IT WORK IF I BOOK HUAYNA PICCHU?

For our customers who hike the Inca trail 5-day trek, we will always book the 09 – 10 am Schedule for Huayna Picchu Mountain. You will arrive to Machu Picchu at 6 am on the last day. So you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel from 06 until 08:30 am. Then you will enter Huayna Picchu at 09:00 am. This hike takes around 2 hour and a half roughly. Consecuently you will finish this hike at 12:00 roughly. Then you will take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes which takes around 25 minutes. So you will be in Aguas Calientes 12:30 pm. Then you will have time to eat your lunch until 02:50 pm.

When you hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, we always book the 15:20 train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Therefore you will get back to Cusco around 19:30.

Note: The 09 am and 10 am Huayna Picchu ticket run out quickly, so it is better to book the Huayna Picchu together with your 2-day Inca trail permits in Advance.

HOW DOES IT WORK IF I BOOK MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?

In case you book the Machu Picchu Mountain, we book the Schedule of 08 – 09 am. So you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel from 6  to 8 am then you need to exit Machu Picchu, use the toilet, and reenter Machu Picchu then you need to walk for 10 minutes until the Machu Picchu Mountain checkpoint. You will access the Mountain at 8:45 am. This hike takes 3 hours roughly so you will be back in Machu Pichu at 12 pm then you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes which takes 30 minutes. You will be in Aguas Calientes around 12:30 then you will have time to explore the town and have lunch until 14:25 pm.

IS THE MACHU PICCHU TICKET INCLUDED IN INCA TRAIL 5 TREK?

Yes, it is Included Machu Picchu ticket.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS?

Yes, you can stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.  by staying in the Sacred Valley, your pickup will be 1 hour after the Cusco pick up so you will sleep more.

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR INCA TRAIL 5  DAYS

IMPORTANT:

A maximum of 500 people per day are allowed to access the Inca Trail 5 days at km. 82; This number includes all support staff such as authorized porters, cooks, and tour guides and is most tightly controlled; when the Inca trail reaches its limit of 500 visitors, the Trail is closed off for the day and no further reservations could be made; Booking are not held on the Trail and all permits must be purchased a year in advance, if possible.

THINGS TO KNOW

• No departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before your Inca Trail 5 day hike to get used to the altitude.
• For peak season, June to August, you should book your permits to a year in advance.
• Bottled water is available for purchase at some places along the trail on the first and second days, and then not until Machu Picchu.
• This 5 day trek to Machu Picchu is not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Make sure your trekking shoes are broken in before the hike.
• Daily departures with a group of 2 or more.
• There is no accessible for wheelchair.
• DON’T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, insurance card, and personal medications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This hike is difficult, it’s highly recommended to be in good physical condition; The classic Inca Trail elevation changes make the hike tough as there are three passes during your trek.

DUFFLE BAG

We will give you duffel bags at our office at the end of your briefing. Our porters will carry them and you will have access to them only at the campsites. Put your clothes and other personal items that you won’t need hiking. Things like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and rain gear should be in your day pack.

The duffel should weigh 7kg. Remember only 4kg will be for your personal belongings. The remaining 3kg is going to be for your pad, and sleeping bag.

STRIKES

Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our Inca trail to Machu Picchu 5 hike and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your hike to Machu Picchu continues as planned with some changes.

If the strike happens on the first day of your Machu Picchu 5-day tour, we will take you to the trailhead the night before your start date. So you will sleep at the trailheads in tents.

If the strike happens the day that you finish your Inca Trail 5-day hike. We will send our vans to Hidrolectrica. So you will need to hike extra 2 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. Then we will drive by van to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 11:00 pm. Another option will be that you will visit Machu Pichu on day 4 in the afternoon and take the train the same day to Cusco.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

During the Inca trail to Machu Picchu trek, solo travelers will be paired to share a tent with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a tent to themselves.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We highly recommend you get travel insurance because if you cancel your 5-day Inca Trail tours at the last minute it can reimburse you for your pre-paid, non-refundable Inca Trail permit. Also when you get sick or hurt while you are far away from home, it can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling.

INCA TRAIL WEATHER

The weather is unpredictable in the Andes. The dry season in Inca Trail is from April to October and the rainy season is from November through March, but this does not stop rain from falling in the dry season or the sun from coming out in the rainy season so just be prepared. No matter what season you are hiking 5 day hike to Machu Picchu, make sure that you get rain clothes such as a rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike involves various microclimates. You might experience 4 seasons in only one day too. So you must be prepared. Layers are the key since they are easy to adapt to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a down jacket since the early morning and evening will be cold.

RETURNING FROM MACHU PICHU TO CUSCO.

Returning from  Machu Picchu to Cusco needs a lot of logistics. But it is already organized by us.

Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for about 30 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes. Then Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Our guide will give you your train tickets. Make sure to get to the train station 30 minutes earlier.

• The estimated time on the train is 1 hour and a half from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• The estimated time on the train is 3 hours and a half from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

Once at the train station, our transfer will wait for you with AB Expeditions logo. He/She will then transfer you back to Cusco and then to your hotel.

• The estimated time from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is 1 hour and half.
• The estimated time from Poroy to Cusco is 40 minutes.

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING

There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco Office one day before your departure to the Inca trail 5 days at 6 pm. You will meet your guide and He will give you detailed information about your hike, a list of what to bring, rental equipment, or questions in general. Our office is located at Marquez Street 250, Second Floor. Office 03. Cuzco, Peru.

TYPICAL MEALS ON THE TREK

We train our cooks every year during the low season to provide you with the best-tasting meals on the mountain, with specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients available on all of our Treks to Machu Picchu. Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your hike.

*Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and more Options Available Upon Request (please let us know at the time of booking).

Breakfasts:

Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas, Thick oatmeal with large fresh chunks of sweet apples, and boiled water for hot teas, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk.

Lunch & dinner:

First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado, or potatoes.

Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chili pepper chicken), escabeche de Pollo (marinated chicken), or ajiaco de ulluco (spicy ulluco stew).

Desserts:

Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake, peach.

Snacks:

candies, cookies, juice, crackers, and a variety of Peruvian fruits such as Banana, Chirimoya, Granadilla, Apples, oranges, and Mandarine.