Tour Traditional Inca Trail Machu picchu 5 days
Itinerary – Imperial Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Imperial Inca Trail – Llaqtapata
Day 2: Llaqtapata – Cusichaca – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
Day 3: Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayu Valley – Runkurakay – Phuyupatamarca
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
If you want, I can also format this itinerary in a more attractive tour-package style (for a website or brochure) with short descriptions for each day, which usually converts better for tourism websites.
LO MAS DESTACADO:
- Camino 1 dia: Cusco – Camino Inca Imperial – Llaqtapata
- Camino 2 dia: Llaqtapata – Cusichaca – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa
- Camino 3 dia: Llulluchapampa – Valle del Pacaymayu – Runkurakay – Phuyupatamarca
- Camino 4 dia: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Camino 5 dia: Aguas Calientes – Tour a Machu Picchu – Retorno a Cusco
TREK DAY 1: CUSCO – INCA TRAIL – LLAQTAPATA
At approximately 6:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel and travel to Ollantaytambo. From there, we continue to the starting point known as Chillca (Km. 77).
The first part of the hike takes about 2 hours until we reach Piscacucho (Km. 82). After passing the checkpoint and presenting our identification documents (passport and/or student card), we continue toward the lunch spot, which will be selected by the group guide.
From the checkpoint to the campsite it takes about 2 hours. Along the way, we will visit the Llaqtapata Archaeological Site (2,950 m / 9,678 ft) at a relatively gentle pace. During the hike we can enjoy impressive views and observe a variety of plants and wildlife.
The name Llaqtapata means “Town in the Heights.” It sits between 2,700 and 2,950 meters above sea level, and this is where we will camp for the night.
TREK DAY 2: LLAQTAPATA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA
After a nutritious breakfast, we begin our hike through a valley called Cusichaca, passing the small villages of Tarachayoc and Hatunchaka. The trail leads us to the community of Wayllabamba, where we will find a small archaeological site that may have served as a control point during Inca times.
In Quechua, Wayllabamba means “Green Meadow.” This town has Inca origins and is the last main settlement within the Inca Trail network.
We then continue to Ayapata, also known as “Tres Piedras” (Three Stones), where we will stop for lunch. After a delicious meal and a well-deserved rest, we continue the ascent toward Llulluchapampa, where we will camp for our second night.
The total hiking time for the day is 5 to 6 hours, reaching an altitude between 2,950 and 3,700 meters above sea level.
TREK DAY 3: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PHUYUPATAMARCA
We wake up very early today, as this will be another challenging but rewarding day. After breakfast, we begin our hike toward the highest point of the trek, the Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200 m (13,779 ft). It takes about 1½ hours to reach this point.
After a short rest, we begin descending into the Pacaymayu Valley, which means “Hidden River” in Quechua (3,650 m). This name also refers to the river we will see as we reach the lower part of the Inca Trail.
Along the way, we will see beautiful waterfalls and the trail leading to the second pass. We will stop briefly to use the restrooms before continuing the ascent together.
During the climb, we will visit the Runkurakay Archaeological Site, whose name means “Ovoid-shaped Watchtower.” From there it takes about 45 minutes to reach Runkurakay Pass (3,950 m).
Throughout the day we will enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. After crossing the second pass, we will also see the Aobamba Valley and the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Finally, we descend toward Chakicocha, and depending on the group’s physical condition, we may continue on to Phuyupatamarca, where we will camp for the night.
TREK DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA – AGUAS CALIENTES
This is a more relaxed day. We descend for almost 3 hours until we reach the Wiñay Wayna ruins (2,700 m), a small Inca town with many water fountains and spectacular landscapes. It is the perfect place to have lunch and enjoy a short rest.
Afterward, we continue northeast for about 1½ hours until we reach Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). From this point, we will have our first and most impressive view of Machu Picchu.
We then continue along the final stretch of the trail toward the ancient city. On this day we walk through the Machu Picchu area itself.
After the long journey, we take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
TREK DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
After a good night’s rest at the hotel, we wake up early and enjoy a hot shower before starting this wonderful day. After breakfast, we board the first bus at 5:30 a.m. to Machu Picchu.
Inside the Inca citadel, the guided tour lasts approximately 2½ hours. We will explore the incredible stone constructions of Machu Picchu, probably the most remarkable engineering achievement among the ancient cultures of the Americas.
You will also see temples, stairways, stone facades, and palaces scattered throughout the site, demonstrating the ingenuity and energy of their builders.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the mysterious city on your own. In the afternoon, we return to the city of Cusco.
If you want, I can also rewrite this in a more professional tourism/website style (SEO optimized) so it sounds more attractive for selling tours.
ITINERARIO DETALLADO:
Tour Traditional Inca Trail Machu picchu 5 days
Tour Traditional Inca Trail Machu picchu 5 days is an alternative route to the classic 4-day Inca Trail tour. It is designed for people who want to explore the Inca Trail at a slower pace, enjoying every detail that this wonderful route has to offer.
The Inca Trail is the most popular and well-known hiking route among tourists from all over the world.
Are you planning to hike the Salkantay Trek without a guide? You’re in the right place. Completing the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu independently was one of the most physically and mentally challenging adventures I’ve ever experienced.
Taking on this famous route without organized reservations or proper camping gear pushed us far outside our comfort zone. It was also our first major international trek, which made the experience even more intense.
The journey was not easy—but reaching the end was incredibly rewarding.
The Salkantay Trek in Peru is one of the most spectacular routes to Machu Picchu. Along the trail, you’ll encounter towering snow-capped mountains, remote valleys, lush cloud forests, and traces of ancient Incan history. It’s an adventure that combines breathtaking scenery with a true wilderness trekking experience.
Many travelers choose to hike the Salkantay Trail with a guided tour, and for good reason. Guides handle logistics, meals, and navigation along the trail, making the experience easier and safer. A guided trek is an excellent option for many hikers.
However, this guide focuses on a different approach: how to hike the Salkantay Trek independently.
In this article, you will learn exactly how to complete the classic 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. I will also explain the pros and cons of hiking independently, what to expect along the trail, where to stay each night, the typical cost of the Salkantay Trek, and practical tips to help you prepare for this incredible adventure.
Classic Inca Trail 5 Days – Tour Summary
The Classic Inca Trail 5 Days / 4 Nights is a unique adventure that combines history, culture, nature, and spectacular landscapes while following ancient Inca trails all the way to the world wonder of Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco – Inca Trail – Llaqtapata
Departure from Cusco toward Km 77, the starting point of the Inca Trail. The hike begins passing through Piscacucho and the archaeological complex of Llaqtapata, surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes and natural vegetation. Overnight camp in Llaqtapata.
- Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours
- Altitude: 2,700 – 2,950 m.a.s.l.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Day 2: Llaqtapata – Llulluchapampa
Hike through the Cusichaca Valley passing by Wayllabamba and Ayapata. A gradual ascent surrounded by mountains and nature leads us to the campsite at Llulluchapampa.
- Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 3,700 m.a.s.l.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging
Day 3: Llulluchapampa – Phuyupatamarca
Ascent toward Warmiwañusca Pass, the highest point of the trek. Then descend through the Pacaymayu Valley and visit the archaeological complex of Runkurakay before arriving at Phuyupatamarca.
- Hiking Time: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m.a.s.l.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Aguas Calientes
Descent toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological sites along the Inca Trail. Continue toward Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, where you will enjoy the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, descend to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay at the hotel.
- Hiking Time: Approximately 5 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m.a.s.l.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel exploring its most important temples, plazas, and Inca constructions. Free time to continue exploring the archaeological site before returning by train and private transportation to Cusco.
- Guided Tour in Machu Picchu: Approximately 2½ hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Live the Inca Trail Experience
The Classic Inca Trail 5 Days is one of the most iconic trekking experiences in the world, offering the perfect combination of adventure, archaeology, breathtaking landscapes, and the unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate.
Servicios Incluidos:
Included in the Imperial Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu
Hotel transfer to Km. 82 (Piscacucho) – the official starting point of the Inca Trail.
Professional bilingual guide during the Imperial Inca Trail trek.
Cook responsible for preparing all meals during the trek.
Porters carrying the camping equipment (tents, kitchen tent, dining tent), food supplies, and your personal belongings (maximum 5 kg per trekker).
Meals during the trek: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, including snacks and afternoon tea.
Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Bus ticket (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes) on Day 5.
Camping equipment: triple-share tents, sleeping pads, dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, and chairs.
Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Oxygen tank available during the trek on the Inca Trail.
First aid kit.
Boiled drinking water provided along the trail.
Vegetarian meal option available upon request.
Not Included in the Imperial Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu
Breakfast on the first day, which is usually provided by your hotel before departure.
Final lunch on the last day when the tour ends.
Tips for the trekking staff (guide, cook, and porters).
Personal expenses during the trip.
Preparación para el Viaje
Te recomendamos llevar una mochila pequeña (máximo 5kg para el tren), bloqueador solar, repelente de mosquitos y ropa ligera en capas.
- Lleva tu pasaporte original (indispensable para entrar a Machu Picchu).
- Cambia algo de dinero a Soles (moneda local) para compras pequeñas.
- Reserva con al menos 2 meses de anticipación.
