Extended Inca Trail Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights to Machu Picchu

We begin the day with a 4:30 am pick-up from your hotel to head towards Ollantaytambo. There you will have time for breakfast between 6:30 and 7:00 am (not included). Afterward, we continue to Piskacucho (Km 82), the starting point of the Inca Trail.

Upon arrival, we will prepare to begin the hike: use the restrooms, apply sunscreen and insect repellent, and present your passport and entrance ticket at the Inca Trail checkpoint.

The trail begins at 2,720 m, crossing the Urubamba River and continuing along a path with breathtaking views of the Llactapata complex, the Huillca Raccay fortress, and the snow-capped Veronica mountain. This first section is moderate, ideal for acclimatizing to the pace of the trail.

After about 3 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the village of Hatunchaca, where our chef will have a hot and nutritious lunch ready. After a short break, we'll continue for about an hour and a half until we reach our campsite in Ayapata (3,300 m), located in a peaceful valley surrounded by nature.

Upon arrival, you can settle into your tent while our team prepares a delicious dinner. Your guide will give you instructions for the following day. Weather permitting, you'll be able to enjoy a night sky full of stars, one of the most special moments on the Inca Trail.

Maximum height: 3,300m / 10,826 ft

Minimum height: 2,720m / 8,924 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 5 - 6 hrs

This is the most challenging day of the Inca Trail. We'll wake up early, between 5:00 and 5:30 am, to begin the ascent to the highest point of the trek: Warmiwañuska Pass, also known as Dead Woman's Pass (4,200 m). The hike is demanding, but reaching the summit provides a great sense of accomplishment.

During the climb, you'll be able to observe hummingbirds, various other birds, and a wide variety of native plants, including the Q'euña trees, characteristic of the Andean cloud forest.

After reaching the summit, we'll descend to Pacaymayo (3,550 m), where we'll enjoy lunch. The afternoon will be free to rest, appreciate the scenery, or chat with the porters. Later, we'll have tea time and finally a delicious dinner, followed by instructions for the next day.

Maximum height: 4,200m / 13,779 ft

Minimum height: 3,000m / 9,842 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Challenging

Approximate walk: 7 - 8 hrs

We start the day early again, and after breakfast we'll resume our hike towards the second pass of the Inca Trail. During the ascent, we'll enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls, flora, and fauna. Halfway up, we'll visit Runcu Raccay, an ancient Inca lookout post, and then continue to the Runcu Raccay Pass (4,000 m).

From there we will descend again into the cloud forest until we reach Sayacmarca, considered one of the most beautiful archaeological sites on the Inca Trail, where we will have a guided tour of approximately one hour.

We will continue towards Chaquicocha, where we will have lunch. From this point, the path becomes gentler, and we will proceed along a spectacular section of the original Inca Trail towards our final campsite: Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m).

In this area, we can enjoy breathtaking views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, the Urubamba River, and, for the first time, Machu Picchu mountain. We'll have time to explore the Inca site and watch a beautiful sunset over the snow-capped peaks. At night, we can appreciate an incredible starry sky.

Maximum height: 4,000m / 13,123 ft

Minimum height: 3,350m / 11,646ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 6 - 7 hrs

We'll begin the day enjoying, weather permitting, one of the most spectacular sunrises on the Inca Trail. After breakfast, we'll take a short guided tour of Phuyupatamarca before beginning the long descent down stone steps to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m), passing by Intipata, a series of agricultural terraces with incredible views of the Sacred Valley.

Wiñay Wayna is the largest archaeological complex on the Inca Trail after Machu Picchu, with agricultural, urban, and religious sectors, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley. Here we'll enjoy our last lunch and participate in a small ceremony of gratitude to the porters and the chef.

Afterward, we'll continue hiking to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), where we'll have our first views of Machu Picchu. From there, we'll descend for about an hour to the archaeological site to appreciate the sunset without the crowds. Finally, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night.

Maximum height: 3,680m / 12,073 ft

Minimum height: 2,650m / 8,692ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 6 - 7 hrs

Finally, the most anticipated day arrives: the visit to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu. Very early, we will board one of the first buses (starting at 5:30 am) to appreciate the sunrise over the Inca city.

You will have a guided tour of approximately two hours, visiting the most important sites of Machu Picchu. If you have a ticket for Huayna Picchu, your guide will indicate the start of the trail; this hike takes about 4 hours and has an additional cost of $75 USD and requires advance booking.

After your visit, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (lunch is optional and not included). In the afternoon, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Important: The 5-day Inca Trail includes circuit 3 or 4; any other circuit requires purchasing an additional ticket.

You can upgrade your train to the Vistadome at 2:55 p.m., 3:20 p.m., 4:22 p.m., or 4:43 p.m. for $67 USD.

Earlier train departures must be requested at the time of booking.

The ascent to Huayna Picchu is subject to availability and must be requested in advance.

Maximum height: 2,720m / 8,924 ft

Minimum height: 2,040m / 6,692ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 2 - 3 hrs