Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
Discover the Authentic 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Ali Peru Treks
Embark on a remarkable journey through Peru’s most iconic trek with Ali Peru Treks’ 5-day, 4-night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This carefully designed adventure offers more than just a hike—it immerses you in the breathtaking Andean landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of the Inca civilization. Unlike shorter or more rushed treks, this tour allows travelers to connect deeply with every step, every view, and every historical site along the route.Exclusive Access to the Original Inca Trail
One of the most compelling features of this trek is its exclusive access to the original Inca Trail, a protected path that winds through diverse ecological zones. Throughout the journey, you will encounter cloud forests, alpine tundra, and lush valleys, each presenting unique flora and fauna. Moreover, the trail is dotted with impressive archaeological sites that tell stories of the Inca Empire’s architectural genius and spiritual practices. This blend of natural beauty and ancient history creates an unparalleled experience that few other treks can match.Balanced Pace for Acclimatization and Cultural Immersion
What truly sets this 5-day itinerary apart is the pace, designed to balance physical challenge with cultural immersion. By spreading the trek over several days, hikers have time to acclimatize properly, reducing altitude sickness risks while savoring the journey itself. Additionally, the evenings provide opportunities to rest in comfortable campsites, enjoy nourishing meals prepared by expert cooks, and learn from knowledgeable guides who share fascinating insights about the landscape and Inca heritage.The Unforgettable Arrival at Machu Picchu
The journey culminates with an unforgettable entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you witness the sunrise illuminating the majestic ruins. This moment is not only visually stunning but also deeply symbolic, connecting you with centuries of history and tradition.Professional Management and Sustainable Tourism
Finally, Ali Peru Treks ensures that every aspect of the trek—from permits and equipment to transportation and meals—is professionally managed. Their commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism protects the trail and supports local communities, making your adventure not only memorable but also ethical.Why Choose the 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour?
In summary, the 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour by Ali Peru Treks offers an ideal combination of adventure, culture, and nature for travelers seeking a meaningful, well-paced exploration of one of the world’s greatest hiking routes.Price
Trip Details
- Tour Type:
- Duration
- Group Size
- Dificult
- Housing
Camping
- Language
- Distance
45 km
- You will hike along trails that have witnessed centuries of tradition, and you will arrive at Machu Picchu with an indescribable satisfaction.
- Are you ready for one of the most exciting adventures in the world? With the 5-day Inca Trail, you will have the opportunity to hike the same trails that the ancient Incas used to reach Machu Picchu.
Advantages of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
Comprehensive Experience: This 5-day itinerary allows travelers to immerse themselves fully in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Inca Trail without rushing. You get to explore archaeological sites, diverse ecosystems, and stunning landscapes at a relaxed, enjoyable pace.
Better Acclimatization: Spreading the trek over four nights helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Hikers have more time to adapt to the high Andean altitude, which improves comfort and overall trekking performance.
Cultural Immersion: With expert guides leading the way, you gain deeper insights into Inca civilization, their traditions, and architectural marvels. This transforms the trek into an educational journey, not just a physical challenge.
Scenic Diversity: Over five days, you will encounter a variety of microclimates—from cloud forests to alpine tundra—each with unique flora and fauna, making the trek visually and ecologically fascinating.
Sunrise at Machu Picchu: The tour culminates with a memorable sunrise arrival through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), offering breathtaking views and a spiritual connection to the ancient citadel.
Well-Managed Logistics: Professional support from Ali Peru Treks ensures that permits, camping equipment, meals, and transport are handled seamlessly, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying the journey.
Considerations for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
Physical Demand: Although paced for acclimatization, the trek still requires a moderate level of fitness. Daily hiking involves steep ascents and descents, including the challenging Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet).
Limited Permits: The Peruvian government strictly limits daily permits to protect the trail’s environment and heritage. Booking several months in advance is essential to secure a spot.
Variable Weather: The weather can change rapidly in the Andes. Be prepared for cold mornings, possible rain, and intense sun exposure during the day. Proper layered clothing and gear are a must.
Camping Conditions: The tour includes camping in high-altitude environments, which might not suit travelers who prefer hotel comfort every night. However, the campsites are well-equipped and comfortable.
Altitude Risks: Despite the extended itinerary, some travelers may still experience symptoms of altitude sickness. It’s important to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and communicate with guides if you feel unwell.
As you trek the famous Inca Trail, you’ll be witnessing firsthand the engineering marvels of a powerful empire. Understanding the culture of the Incas will deeply enrich your experience on this historic journey.
You will be picked up from your hotel around 6:00 am to start the 5 day Inca Trail tour. The pick up points will be from any indicated point such as hotel, apartment located in the city of Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, the pick up in Ollantaytambo will be one hour after picking up in Cusco.
After pick-up, we will have a forty-five-minute drive to Piscacucho (km 82), where the tour officially begins. There you will meet the team that will accompany you during the four days, consisting of: the guide, the chef, and the porters..
Once we arrive at the place of piscacucho you will enjoy the first breakfast prepared by the chef of ALIPERUTREKS.
After breakfast we will start the hike, make sure you have your original passport as you will need it to enter the Inca Trail. Passing the first control we will hike for two hours, which will be a relatively easy hike we will focus on visiting 1 archaeological site salapuncu this archaeological site had different functions and your guide will explain in detail all the history about this Inca site after visiting this Inca site you will keep hiking for another hour until we reached another Inca site at Qanabamba This Inca site was very important in the Inca Empire. It served as a venue for ceremonies on very important dates.
Once we have explored this Inca site, we will continue our two-hour expedition until we reach a very important Inca site called Llactapata, It is composed of platforms, channels, stairways, and other small enclosures, all beautifully preserved. The Inca Trail is the only way visitors can see the wonder of Llactapata up close, and it is truly a unique experience.We will have lunch right in front of the wonderful Inca site of Llactapata.
After lunch, we continue hiking for another two hours until we reach the first day’s overnight camp in the small village of HATUNCHACA.
We will sleep in the last community on the Inca trail where you can take a hot shower and buy energy drinks. We will arrive at the camp around 4:30 p.m. Once there, you can relax and have a hot drink. Dinner will be ready at 7:00 p.m., and then we will enjoy a well-deserved rest.
- Hike Distance: 10 Km./6 Miles
- Hiking hours: 4-5 hours
- Low altitude: 2400 m. / 8228 ft.
- High altitude: 2900 m. / 9512 ft.
- Campsite altitude: 2900 m. / 9512 ft.
The guide will take the time to wake you up with a cup of hot tea, you will have 30 minutes to pack your belongings, and then enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by the chef of ALIPERUTREKS. After breakfast we will start the hike uphill for four hours on the way we can appreciate all kinds of trees, cloud forest, flora and fauna until we reach the top of the dead woman (warmi huañusca 4215m)
Antes de llegar a la cima de la montaña, en medio del camino, disfrutaremos de un almuerzo preparado por nuestro chef. Almorzaremos en el lugar llamado llulluchapampa located at (3600m/11,808 feet) After lunch, we will conquer the Dead Woman’s Mountain, located at 4,215 m (13,776 feet). At the summit, we will take a short break to enjoy the extraordinary views, and then we will begin the two-hour descent to our Pacaymayo camp, located at 3,800 m/12,464 feet. There we will have a hot drink, dinner, and after dinner, if the sky is clear, we will be able to enjoy the constellations.
- Distance: 9 Km/5.7miles
- Hiking hours: 7-8 hours
- Low altitude: 2900 m. / 9512 ft.
- High altitude: 4,215 m. / 13,776 ft. (First pass – Warmiwañusca)
- Campsite altitude: 3636 m. / 11929 ft.
After breakfast, we will climb steeply up the opposite side of the valley wall, approximately two hours to the second pass; halfway up there is a small, round, roofless stone building. This Inca site is known as Runkuracay, we will make a stop to explore and do a brief tour, we will continue ascending towards the second pass, the Abra de Runkuracay (3,968/13,018). On the other side of the pass, the trail descends to a valley and a shallow lake. The trail after the pass leads 2 hours downhill to a second, larger Inca site, Sayacmarca (‘village on a steep place’). This Inca ruin was built on a rock overlooking the trail and can only be accessed via a narrow stone staircase. This site has no roof and is slightly overgrown with vegetation, but the walls are still strong and the shape of the fortress can be easily seen. After 25 minutes walk to the lunch point (CHAQUICOCHA 3900m/12,792feet) we then head to the third campsite which is at Phuyupatamarka (3614m/11,853feet).
- Distance: 15 Km.
- Hiking hours: 7-8 hours
- Low altitude: 3500 m. / 11480 ft.
- High altitude: 3900 m. / 12792 ft. (Second pass – Runkuracay)
- Camping altitude: 3640 m. / 11,853 ft.
Wake up with the sunrise over the Andes; this is the most beautiful day of the trek. After lunch we will visit another Inca site, called Wiñaywayna which is known as the little Machupicchu, your tour guide will explain about this Inca site and finally we will continue with our 1 hour hike to Inti Punku or the (Sun Gate), from where you can see Machu Picchu in all its majesty and grandeur.
From Inti Punku, you will walk downhill for approximately 40 minutes to the main platform of Machupicchu where you can take some spectacular pictures and enjoy the archaeological site of Machupicchu) then we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes – (Machupicchu village, you will have dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a 3 star hotel.
- Distance: 11 Km/7miles
- Hiking hours: 6-7 hours
- Low altitude: 2030 m. / 6658 ft.
- High altitude: 3640 m. / 11939 ft.
After an early breakfast at your hotel you will only have to carry your backpack with everything you need. The hotel will store your luggage for you while you are in Machu Picchu. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 25 minutes, once in Machu Picchu the guide will give you a two hour tour.during this guided tour, you will learn more about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.you will also have enough time to explore on your own.we recommend you return to Aguas Calientes no later than 2 hours before the departure of your train. The return train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo will take approximately 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo our staff will be waiting for you to take you back to Cuzco and drop you off at your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast
INCLUDES
Briefing:
The pre-route briefing or meeting takes place at your hotel the day before the route at 17:00 pm and lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour. During this session, you will meet the guide who will accompany you on the route, who will answer all your questions and resolve your doubts.
Duffle bag
Our porters will carry 7 kg of your personal belongings. This includes the sleeping bag.Before starting the tour one day before at 17:00 pm you will have a briefing at your hotel with the tour guide who will give you your Duffle Bag.max you will have to put 7kg.
Professional guides:
specialized in hiking and selected from accredited universities. Our guides are fluent in English and have between five and twelve years of experience in different excursions in the region. They are skilled in handling groups under pressure and are experts in first aid and rescue techniques. Most of them come from different Andean communities and bring with them their cultural heritage. Together with the rest of the field team, our guides will make your trip a unique experience.
Chefs:
Trained in local gastronomy schools, they are experts in modern Andean cuisine, traditional Peruvian foods, international food styles and vegetarian cuisine. They have a deep knowledge of the nutritional properties of their meals and are experts in cooking as fast as possible. And all this, of course, with special emphasis on hygiene and food safety during preparation.
Porters:
Responsible for carrying all the group gear and your 7kg of personal items. They come from various rural communities from the Cusco region, where they still maintain their local customs and traditions. We provide them with accident insurance during the trek and with suitable clothing that allows them to work in comfort. Our porters are also hosts responsible for making your journey an unforgettable experience.
Tents:
They are high mountain tents. They withstand the inclemencies of winter, including torrential rains and snow. Each tent is for 2 people,in one tent sleeps 2 people, but if you want a private tent you have to pay a supplement.
Hotel:
This trek includes one night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu.
Inflatable mattresses:
we include inflatable mattresses so you can sleep very comfortably during the 3 days of camping.
Dining tent:
Our spacious dining tent, complete with chairs and a table, gives us all the space we need to enjoy our meals regardless of the weather outside.
Cooking tent:
Comes with all the necessary equipment for our chef to prepare your meals (gas stove and all food preparation utensils).
Bathroom Tents:
These tents have toilets with water pumps, and we will install them at all our lunch spots and campsites.
Transportation:
Bus from Cusco to the beginning of the piscacucho trail (km82).
Bus down from Machupicchu archeological site to Aguas Calientes.
Return train ticket (vistadome or 360° class) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo after your visit to Machu Picchu.
Bus from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Emergency equipment:
Satellite phones:Each of our groups carries a satellite phone at all times to communicate with our office in case of emergency or for clients to use in case they have a personal emergency anywhere in the world.
Oxygen tank: Each of our teams carries an oxygen tank at all times in case of emergency.
Radios: They have a range of 10 km and 8 frequencies for our guides, cooks and porters to communicate with each other.
First aid kit: We carry a full complement of over-the-counter medicines, such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tincture of iodine, germicidal soap, cotton, gauze, bandages, adhesive tape, surgical gloves, analgesics for muscle and stomach pain, antipyretics, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, oral rehydration salts, laxatives, cream for burns, splints, blood pressure monitors and thermometers. If you take prescription medication, you may bring your own medications.
Entrance ticket:
entrance ticket to inca trail: it is included the entrance ticket to inca trail.
entrance ticket to machu picchu: the entrance ticket to machu picchu is included.
Water
From the first lunch to the last breakfast, we will provide you with all the water you need. The water will be provided boiled and purified, then cooled before distributing it. You must bring your water bottle and/or camelback. We recommend bringing about 3 liters. You will be able to refill water at each meal.
Small details:
We believe that attention to the small details is what makes the difference to us. Each hiker receives a small sleeping pillow, an inflatable mattress, a backpack cover to protect your gear during the hike and a rain poncho. We try to improve so that you have a better experience.
NOT INCLUDES
Rent:
On this tour each hiker needs a sleeping bag to sleep in at the campsites and walking poles (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended. If you do not wish to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:
- Sleeping bag: $25
- Inflatable mattresses:20
- Trekking poles(pair): $20
Lunch:
Lunch after the tour in machupicchu is not included.
Huayna Picchu:
Huayna Picchu mountain. it is a 40 minute hike that it will take you to get to the top and another 40 minutes it will take you to go back down. The tour would be done after your tour of Machu Picchu. The additional cost is $70 per person. Upgrades should be made at least one month in advance, due to the popularity and crowdedness of the place. Now regarding the weather, we can not do anything because it does not depend on us.
- Click on the button BOOK NOW
- Select your departure date
- Fill out the form with all requested passport information
- Submit the down payment required to book the Inca Trail
We require an initial deposit of $200 per person to reserve the trek. The initial payment is non-refundable, as it is necessary to purchase Inca Trail Permits, train tickets and book hotels.
Our booking platform offers options for the Huayna Picchu mountain. It is essential to book Huayna Picchu, in advance. Please note that permits can sell out quickly. Trekking poles can be rented in Cusco one day before your tour.
The current price for the full 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour with Ali Peru Treks is $850 USD per person. This includes all permits, bilingual professional guides, meals, entrance fees to archaeological sites, transportation, and camping equipment. This is one of the best-value packages available in 2025 for those seeking a complete, supported, and immersive trekking experience.
The 5-day itinerary provides more time to acclimate to altitude and enjoy each archaeological site along the trail without rush. Compared to the classic 4-day version or the Short Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu, this extended version offers a deeper connection to the culture and nature of the Andes while ensuring more comfort and reduced fatigue.
Yes. All travelers must have a government-issued permit to hike the Inca Trail. These are only available through authorized tour operators like Ali Peru Treks. Permits for Inca Trail 2025 are limited and sell out months in advance, so early booking is essential.
The tour includes guided hikes along the original Inca Trail, visits to Inca ruins, scenic campsites, full meals prepared by chefs, porters to carry camping gear, entrance to Machu Picchu, and the return by train. It’s a well-rounded adventure blending nature, culture, and comfort.
This is a moderate to challenging trek. You will walk several hours a day, including steep ascents such as Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters (13,828 ft). However, the longer itinerary makes the challenge more manageable and enjoyable with proper pacing and acclimatization.
No, the 5-day Inca Trail is a classic route. However, Ali Peru Treks offers separate combination packages like the Salkantay and Inca Trail combined or the Salkantay Trek Short Inca Trail for those looking to explore both the high Andes and the Inca Trail. These multi-route options are popular among seasoned hikers.
The Short Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu is a condensed trek covering a shorter distance and includes a night in Aguas Calientes. It’s suitable for travelers with limited time or who prefer lighter hiking. The 5-day version is more immersive and includes remote camping and multiple Inca sites.
Absolutely. Ali Peru Treks serves international travelers and provides full customer support in English. If you’re searching for an Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour operator near me, Ali Peru Treks is a trusted, locally based company that operates directly in Cusco with no intermediaries.
Yes, the trail reaches over 4,200 meters. It’s recommended to arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimate. The slower pace of the 5-day itinerary helps reduce altitude issues significantly.
The dry season, from May to September, is ideal. Weather is more stable, and trail conditions are optimal. February remains closed annually for maintenance. Booking 5–8 months in advance is advisable for these peak months.
Our porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings. This includes the sleeping bag and inflatable mattress. Before starting the tour, one day before at 17:00 pm, you will have a briefing at your hotel with the tour guide, who will provide you with your Duffle Bag. The maximum weight you can pack is 7 kg.
- 2–3 T-shirts
- 2–3 mountain pants
- 4 sets of underwear
- 4 sets of mountain socks
- 1 fleece
- 1 warm down jacket (it gets very cold at night)
- 1 raincoat and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp (essential)
- Waterproof gloves (ski gloves are also fine)
- Comfortable camping shoes
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Quick drying towel (we provide small towels, but you may want something larger)
- Small bottle of soap (we provide hot water every day for cleaning)
- Battery charger (there is no place to plug in the battery while trekking)
- Large plastic bags (to organize and separate clean from dirty items)
- Sleeping bag (we recommend down sleeping bags for -10°C minimum)
- Original passport (no copy)
- Valid student card (if you have booked as a student)
- A good backpack (max. 25 liters)
- Water tank (a CamelBak-type is recommended, with capacity for at least 2–3 liters)
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight and with good soles)
- Sunscreen
- Facial moisturizer
- Mosquito repellents
- Moist towelettes
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
We recommend you to carry a small backpack, maximum 25 liters, but we always say that the smaller the better. Inside Machu Picchu, backpacks larger than 25L will not be allowed inside.
- Water: it is not included at the beginning of the trek you will have to bring your own water but after lunch we will provide you with water every day.
- Fleece
- Camera
- Hat
- Rain Gear
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for garbage
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips
- Ear plugs
- Tour Type:
- Duration
- Group Size
- Dificultad
- Housing
Camping
- Language
- Distance
