The 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins at Kilometer 82. On the first day, you'll camp at Hatunchaca Village. On the second day, you will stay at Pacaymayu, on the third day at Phuyupatamarca, which offers amazing views, and finally, you'll arrive at Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will explore ancient Inca sites including Patallacta, Wayllabamba, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, the Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu itself. This journey provides a comprehensive experience of the historical and scenic highlights of the Inca Trail.

The 5-day hike covers the same route as the 4-day version but spreads the distance over an extra day. This extra day allows for a slower pace, which can be easier for many hikers. You will spend more time at each site, have more opportunities to rest, and enjoy the scenery without rushing.

The 5-day tour typically includes extended visits and detailed explorations of sites like Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, which are often passed quickly on shorter treks. This allows for a fuller appreciation of these ancient sites.

For a five-day Machu Picchu hike, you should pack lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for various weather conditions: waterproof hiking boots, a raincoat, warm layers for cold evenings, a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, a headlamp or flashlight, a good-quality sleeping bag, and a personal first aid kit.

What to put in your Backpack?

For the Inca Trail tour, ensure you have a comfortable, good-quality backpack that is always with you during the five-day tour. According to Machu Picchu regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25L. 

Here's what to pack in your Backpack:

• Original Passport
• Rain Gear and Sun Protection: Prepare for variable weather conditions.
• Insect Repellent
• Warm Clothes: Include fleece jackets and sweaters for chilly mornings and evenings.
• Hygiene Essentials: Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and toilet paper.
• Health Items: Personal medication, band-aids, and moleskin for blisters.
• Electronics: Camera, extra batteries, and flashlight.
• Hydration Supplies: Camel bags or water containers for 2 liters (No plastic allowed).
• Snacks: Additional snacks, power bars, and chocolate.
• Extra Money: For souvenirs, drinks, and tips.

What should you put in the duffle bag provided by Ultimate Trekking?:

During the orientation briefing held the day before the trek, Ultimate Trekking Peru will provide a duffle bag for your items, with a maximum weight limit of 7kg. Our porters will carry this.

Here’s what to include:

• Sleeping Bags and Air Mattresses: We can rent these; they typically weigh about 2 kilos for sleeping bags and 1 kilos for an air mattress.
• Footwear: Walking shoes, sandals, or sneakers.
• Outerwear: Warm jacket, hat, and gloves.
• Clothing: Four sets of clothing, including a fleece or down jacket.
• Quick-Dry Towel
• Toiletries
• Battery Charger
• Plastic Bag: To keep wet clothing or trash.

By organizing your gear into these two categories, you'll ensure that you have all the essentials on hand while keeping your load manageable as you enjoy the hike. Remember, keeping your backpack light is crucial for a more comfortable trek.

The total walking distance of the 5-day Inca Trail is about 26 miles (42 kilometers). This distance is spread out over the five days, making the daily hiking distance manageable and enjoyable.

The 5-day Inca Trail is moderately challenging. It involves long distances and high altitudes but is done at a slower pace compared to the 4-day hike, which can make it feel less intense. The trail includes several steep sections that require a good level of fitness.

The highest point you will reach on the 5-day Inca Trail is Dead Woman’s Pass, which is about 13,828 feet (4,215 meters) above sea level. This is the most challenging part of the hike due to its high altitude and steep ascent.

Each day typically begins with breakfast around 6 AM, followed by starting the hike by 7 AM. Depending on the day's distance and pace, the hiking day usually ends by 4 PM or earlier, which gives you time to rest and enjoy the campsite each afternoon.

On the Premium Inca Trail, you will camp in comfortable tents for three nights and spend one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. This combination allows you to experience both the adventure of camping along the scenic trail and the comfort of a hotel stay as you prepare to explore Machu Picchu.

During the 5-day Inca Trail, you will be provided with three meals a day that are designed to be both nutritious and tasty. The meals often include a variety of Peruvian and international dishes, prepared by skilled cooks who travel with your group.

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are readily available during the hike. It's important to inform your tour operator about your dietary needs in advance so they can accommodate your preferences throughout the journey.

The group sizes for the slow version of the Inca Trail are typically small, ranging from 6 to 12 people. This smaller group size ensures more personal attention from the guide and a more intimate group experience.

A moderate to good level of fitness is required to enjoy and complete the 5-day Inca Trail. The trail involves several days of walking, including some steep climbs and high-altitude conditions. Pre-trip preparation and training are recommended to ensure you enjoy the hike.

To secure permits for the 5-day Inca Trail, you need to book through a licensed tour operator Like Ultimate Trekking. It is recommended to book at least 6 months in advance, especially during the peak season from May to September, as permits are limited and sell out quickly.

The best time to undertake the 5-day Machu Picchu tour is during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, there is less rain and clearer skies, making hiking conditions more favorable.

There are no specific age restrictions for the 5-day Inca Trail, but due to the physical demands of the hike, participants should be in good physical health and have a reasonable level of fitness. Both young and older hikers should prepare adequately.

During the hike, you may see a variety of plant life, including orchids, bromeliads, and polylepis trees. Wildlife sightings might include birds such as the Andean condor and hummingbirds, as well as mammals like the spectacled bear and vizcachas.

The 5 day Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour offers rich cultural and historical insights into the Inca civilization. Guides will discuss the trail's history and purpose and the sites along it, including the Incas' engineering techniques and their historical significance.

At Ultimate Trekking, we provide private portable toilets for your convenience. Additionally, the Inca Trail features basic but adequate sanitation facilities along the route. Each campsite is equipped with toilet facilities, which our staff regularly cleans and maintains to ensure hygiene and comfort throughout your trek.

Electronic device charging options are very limited during the 5-day Inca Trail. It's advisable to bring extra batteries or power banks.

Water along the trail comes from natural streams and springs. We filter the water and boil it before drinking to ensure safety.

In case of an emergency, our guides are well-equipped to provide first aid, and we have established protocols for evacuating to medical facilities if necessary. Additionally, our guides carry communication devices, such as satellite phones, to ensure immediate assistance is available whenever required. This ensures a safer and more secure experience while on the trail.

Ultimate Trekking Guides are fluent in Spanish and English. Depending on the needs of the group, guides who speak additional languages may be available upon request and could incur an extra charge. This ensures that all participants can fully enjoy and understand the tour's rich history and culture.

Ultimate Trekking adheres to strict environmental conservation practices. We follow specific guidelines for waste management and trail maintenance to minimize the impact on natural resources. These measures help preserve the trail and its surroundings for future visitors, ensuring the beauty and integrity of the environment are maintained.

Porters are included to help carry gear and supplies on the trek. Their maximum carrying limit is typically set by regulations to ensure their health and safety, usually around 20 kilograms per porter. This policy helps protect porters from being overloaded and promotes a more humane and sustainable trekking environment.

Yes, many visitors choose to extend their trip to explore other attractions in Peru, such as the Amazon Rainforest, Lake Titicaca, or the Nazca Lines. If you're interested in discovering more of what Peru has to offer, feel free to contact us, and we can suggest the best ways to explore these fascinating destinations.

The Inca Trail permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. To book a tour with Ultimate Trekking, you will need to make an initial deposit, which is also non-refundable. This ensures your reservation and permit for the trail are secured for your chosen dates.