Inca Trail 5 Days Hike

Depart from your hotel at 7am in private transportation and stop in Ollantaytambo to explore the town. After a 40 minute drive, arrive at the Trailhead- located 3 hours from Cusco city. Reach the checkpoint 2 hours after the 4 day hike groups have left, with entrance permits validated. Cross the suspension bridge and hike along the Urubamba River for a few hours, stopping for lunch at Mesqay before continuing to Patallacta for an explanation of great views above the river. Arrive at Hatunchaca or Chamana campsite for the night, with very few people compared to those sleeping in Huayllabamba and Ayapata campsites from the 4 day group.

A bell or knock will wake up early for breakfast and begin hiking the almost flat trail to Huayllabamba. (the last settlement on the Inca Trail).  Along the way, there are private toilets and small shops to buy snacks and water. After passing through town, hike up to Ayapata resting point where snow-capped mountains and cloud forests provide an alluring view. The path ahead is surrounded by vegetation, making it increasingly difficult as it gets higher. Keep going until Llulluchapampa campsite, where you’ll find beautiful grassy areas with amazing views and likely see Andean deer or llamas that come to greet you.

Start the day with a delicious breakfast and hike to Abra Warmiwañusqa, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass – the highest mountain saddle in the route. Reach the summit in 1.5 hours and descend another two hours to Pacaymayo campground for lunch. Enjoy picturesque views of snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, waterfalls and endemic birds with very few people around. After lunch, continue on the Inca Trail towards the second pass. Take a break at Runcu Raqay before reaching the peak for spectacular views of pristine landscapes in nature.

Start the descent down to Sayac Marca Inca Complex, entering the jungle eyelash as vegetations start surrounding the path. Enjoy a guided tour at Sayaq Marca, then continue hiking for three more hours through a flat and an incline path to Phuyu Pata Marca. Observe the sunset and see Machu Picchu mountain and Urubamba River down in the Valley, then retire early after dinner for a spectacular sunrise observation the next morning.

Start the day at the Phuyu Pata Marca Inca site and descend down long descending stone steps to Wiñay Wayna, one of the largest Inca sites outside of Machu Picchu. Admire intricate architectural development in housing structures on upper levels connected by a long staircase, and marvel at terraces that offer amazing views of the Urubamba river. Visit a once important agricultural area for Machu Picchu. End with lunchtime at the campsite just by the Inca site.

Make a ceremony for the Inca trail porters and cook, express tips or gratitude if desired, then say goodbye to the crew team. Continue the hike to the Sun gate through a leveled Inca path for about 1 hour 30. Reach the magical sun gate overlooking Machu Picchu, take pictures of it as the sun sets down, and finish by taking the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes town overnight.

Wake up early and board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu before the crowds arrive. Everyone will make a line with permits in hand. Enjoy a guided tour of the must-see places for 2 hours and explore 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 and provide advice on how to return to take the bus back to Agua Caliente. At the end of the day, catch the train back to Ollantaytambo where an AB expeditions representative will take you in a car drive back to your hotel in Cusco. Lunch is not included for this day in Aguas Calientes.