Book your Inca Trail 2026 with Go Treks Peru, local experts in small-group adventures. Don’t miss out!
Group Size
Difficulty level
Trip styles
Accommodation
The 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from the entrance of the Inca Trail that you would not normally see otherwise. The hike is extensive, passing through the “Sun Gate” and traveling through several deserts, incredible landscapes, and numerous Inca ruins. The tour travels along a magnificent stone road. This excursion ends descending to the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. (The porters will carry your belongings during the entire trekking excursion. You only need to carry your daypack. If you want to do this trek, you have to book 4 or 5 months in advance.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days is one of the 10 best treks, that exist in the world because it is the most original stone road made by one of the most important civilizations of the planet the famous Quechuas or Incas conquering almost all of South America and whose capital was Qosqo (navel of the world) from there you can take the bus to km 82 (start of the trail and start the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days.
Cusco city is the main area of residence for tourists, and this will be your place to be before starting the adventure. The Cusco city tour is going to be an enthralling adventure filled with interactions with the locals and getting to know the ancient civilization better.
There are established times to enter the 5-day Inca Trail; for this, leaving Cusco early, between 4 and 5 a,m would be good to avoid inconveniences
The Inca Trail begins with the pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, then we head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Ollantaytambo), where you will have breakfast, not included, continuing the trip to km 82, where the Inca Trail begins. Our first hike is approximately 3 hours to reach the “Llaqtapata” archaeological complex. Afterward, lunch will be served. The trail trek is always a hype for the hikers who get the thrill of going on the mountainous path and enjoying nature in its raw form. A trail hike will keep you on your toes and make you feel energetic for the views to come.
Following lunch, you’ll continue hiking towards a high Andean communityof “Huayllabamba”. In the afternoon, you’ll pitch a tent to spend the first night of the expedition. When you arrive at the camp, the meals will be provided, which will tingle your taste buds. You will have a view of the great valleys and mountains at the same time.
Our morning begins with a nutritious breakfast prepared by our specialized chef. Then we’re off to continue our expedition of the famous Inca Trail. The second day is filled with the thrill, and you will need to strive because there is a lot of walking distance to be covered.
During this part of the trek, we’ll ascend (4 hrs. Approx) to the highest point of our tour, “WARMIWAÑUSCA”. On the Inca Trail, carry a small backpack and the rest of the luggage will be carried by the famous porters, so you just have to enjoy your trip. Here you’ll appreciate your efforts to indulge in the excellent panoramic view of the valleys below. The mountain tops are filled with natural beauty, and you will feel a real sense of achievement by reaching the top. After a short break, we’ll descend to the high forest where we will have lunch (around 2:00 p.m.). Your trek will be full of different kinds of fauna and flora, so there will be plenty of interesting things.
After lunch, we’ll continue our downhill hike to the Pacaymayo Valley (3 hours), where we will cross small streams, creeks, and tunnels with stone steps to reach our camp near the river. You will go for 1 and 1-and-a-half-hour hike to get to the point of our first camp. The night will be lit up with beautiful stars in the sky because of the natural weather. You will see the starry sky, which is difficult to find in cities. Your sleeping Schedule will be well optimized so that you are not always tired during your trip, but enjoying the views in full energy. Physical fitness and mental strength will provide you with the confidence to enjoy the trip and not get worried about these little things.
Of course, a good breakfast to recover from yesterday’s hike. We will start with a 45-minute hike to reach two archaeological complexes, “Runkurakay” and “Sayacmarka”. You will have the opportunity to explore them and take pictures. The ruins are the main attraction of the excursion, so there are always many people. You will need to have guides by your side during most of the tour, because there might be a situation where you need their help. The guides will be bilingual and knowledgeable.
Afterward, we will head towards Chaquicocha to have lunch and also use the restrooms. After a short rest, we will continue walking for 2 hours to the Phuyupatamarca camp, once there we will have tea time and dinner, from this camp we will be able to appreciate the Machu Picchu mountain.
Of course, a good breakfast to recover from yesterday’s hike. Then we will head towards “Phuyupatamarca”, another small Inca village. After a short rest, we will continue walking for 2 hours until we reach lunch. wiñay Wayna is a ruin built on the steep slopes of the mountain and is directly above the Urubamba River. Therefore, you can have a view of the river from up there. Ruins such as Winay Wanya and Chachabamba show the cultural richness of these historical sites. The infrastructure, places of worship, and agricultural equipment and lands are worth seeing because they are very good indicators of a civilization. Half a day of climbing will be an adventure like never before. There will be stops along the way.
Then we will continue walking for an hour and a half to the famous sun gate, where we will have the first view of Machu Picchu, you will have time to take panoramic photos, and then we will start going down to the Inca site of Machu Picchu to take classic photos, then leave Machu Picchu and board the bus for half an hour to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will go to the hotel to check in, bathe and in the evening have dinner.
You will need to start off right: breakfast (5:00 a.m.) at the hotel. Then, you will board the bus that goes up to Machu Picchu, which will take approximately 25 minutes to arrive (the gate opens at 6:00 a.m.) Once there we will have to show our passports and depending on the circuit they will give us some necklaces (The best circuit is the 2nd, for this you have to book 3 months in advance).
We will go to the top, there are 4 platforms where you can take classic photos with the view of Huayna Picchu Mountain, once on the last platform the guide will give an introduction about Machu Picchu and then we will visit the most important places in Machu Picchu such as the Stone Quarry, the Temple of the Sun, the Main Square, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Inca Compass, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Water Fountains, the Inca Terraces, Food Stores this is the second circuit and the best.
After touring Machu Picchu, you will have to board the bus to Aguas Calientes town and have lunch (not included) in the afternoon board the train to Ollantaytambo town and then take the bus to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
Note: If you want to stay an extra night, just let us know, and we can help book a hotel in Aguas Calientes, as well as your train ticket for the next day
Rangers don’t allow people to carry bags bigger than 25 liters when entering Machu Picchu
No trekking poles are allowed in Machu Picchu
Snacks and water are allowed – in bags-
The 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available all year round (except for February). Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2026 through January 2027. All prices quoted are in $USD.
Transparent Price Guarantee: We offer fair and transparent pricing for the Inca Trail. We ensure each service is priced accurately without unnecessary markups.
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator in Cusco, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
The Inca Trail 5 Days begins at Km 82, near the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. To get there, travelers typically take a train or private transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, followed by a short drive to the trailhead. Tour operators like Go Treks Peru include transportation as part of their trekking packages.
Unlike the traditional 4-day trek, which has fixed campsites, the Inca Trail 5 Days provides more flexibility, allowing trekkers to camp in quieter locations. Campsites are set up by trekking staff and include tents, dining areas, and portable restrooms. Go Treks Peru provides high-quality camping equipment, nutritious meals, and comfortable sleeping arrangements to ensure a pleasant experience.
On the final day, trekkers wake up early to reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) and witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. After enjoying the first views of the citadel, a guided tour is provided, covering key landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Main Square. Afterward, visitors take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where they can either return to Cusco by train or stay overnight to explore more of the region.
Embarking on the Inca Trail 5 Days is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that requires proper preparation. Unlike the traditional 4-day trek, this extended version allows for a more relaxed pace, giving you extra time to explore hidden archaeological sites and enjoy the breathtaking Andean landscapes. Before starting your journey, it’s essential to book your trek months in advance, as permits are limited and sell out quickly. Pack light but efficiently, including essentials such as a good-quality sleeping bag, layered clothing, high-SPF sunscreen, and sturdy hiking boots. Acclimatization is key, so spending a few days in Cusco before the trek will help your body adjust to the altitude.
Physical preparation is also crucial for the Inca Trail 5 Days, as the trek involves steep ascents, descents, and high-altitude passes like Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m). Hiring a reputable tour operator like Go Treks Peru ensures you have expert guides, well-organized campsites, and a comfortable experience. Lastly, remember to respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles and supporting local porters and communities along the way.
The Inca Trail 5 Days is considered a moderate-to-challenging trek due to its high-altitude terrain, steep ascents, and long hiking distances. However, compared to the standard 4-day trek, the extra day allows for a more gradual pace, giving trekkers more time to acclimatize and enjoy the archaeological sites along the route. Proper physical preparation, including cardiovascular and strength training, is highly recommended.
The Inca Trail 5 Days covers approximately 43 kilometers (26 miles) from the starting point at Km 82 to Machu Picchu. Unlike the traditional 4-day trek, this itinerary includes shorter daily hikes, allowing more time for acclimatization and exploration of archaeological sites along the route.
It’s recommended to book the Inca Trail 5 Days at least 4 to 6 months in advance, especially for the peak season (May to September). Permits are limited and sell out quickly due to high demand. If planning to hike during the dry season, securing your spot early is crucial.
The best time to hike the Inca Trail 5 Days is during the dry season, from April to October, when there is less rainfall and the trails are in better condition. The months of May, June, and July offer clear skies and the best visibility for stunning panoramic views. The rainy season, from November to March, can make the trail slippery and more challenging. February is completely closed for maintenance.
Yes, permits are required for the Inca Trail 5 Days, and availability is limited. The Peruvian government restricts the number of daily hikers to protect the trail and archaeological sites. It’s recommended to book at least 4 to 6 months in advance, especially for peak travel months (May to September). Permits are non-transferable and sell out quickly.
Yes, porters on the Inca Trail 5 Days are legally allowed to carry a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs), including their personal belongings and the group’s camping equipment. Trekkers are usually given a weight limit of 5 to 7 kg (11 to 15 lbs) per person for their personal items, which are carried by porters. Any extra weight must be carried by the trekker or arranged separately.
Packing appropriately is essential for a successful trek. Key items include:
Since the trek reaches elevations above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), altitude sickness is a common concern. To acclimatize properly:
If a trekker is unable to continue due to altitude sickness or injury, alternative arrangements will be made. In some cases, emergency evacuation via horse or mule may be necessary. Trekking companies like Go Treks Peru always have experienced guides trained in first aid, and they monitor hikers’ health throughout the trek.
100% Locally Owned by a Tour Guide
Go Treks Peru was founded by Elisban Condori, a local tour guide with years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu. His goal is simple: to offer top-quality, authentic experiences led by passionate professionals who truly know the Andes.
Fair Work Conditions
We believe in ethical tourism. That means no exploitative working hours and fair pay for all our staff. We work with trained, freelance professionals who have the flexibility and respect they deserve.
Personalized Service
At Go Treks Peru, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We tailor each tour to your preferences, always focusing on small groups to ensure a flexible, high-quality experience. For us, personal means unforgettable.
Sustainable Travel
All of our Inca Trail treks are 100% eco-friendly. We follow a strict “leave no trace” policy and encourage our travelers to protect nature and respect local communities at every step of the journey.
Excellent Customer Satisfaction
We’re proud to have consistent 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor and other platforms. Our travelers love the personal attention, seamless logistics, and genuine local connections we provide.
Discover why adventurers love traveling with Go Treks Peru. Read client reviews and explore top adventure destinations in Peru. Check our reviews on Tripadvisor or Google.
From USD:
per person
From USD:
per person
From USD:
per person
Starting From:
US$900
