Machu Picchu is a renowned citadel of Incas. It nestles at 2500 meters above the sea level. The Incas build this as their royal estate. They later abandoned it in less than 100 years as Spanish conquistadors invaded Peru.
The locals in the region were aware of the existence of the site. However, they never had an idea that it could be so awe-inspiring. Hiram Bingham III, an American professor re-discovered this masterpiece of Incan civilization in 1911.
As the gates of Machu Picchu opened for tourism, it quickly became popular. In order to maintain the beauty of the citadel, the authorities started limiting the number of visitors. Now, as of 2020, 6,534 visitors are allowed a day in two batches. One in the morning (preferred by most as you get to see the sunrise) and the other in the afternoon.
Due to limitations, tickets tend to sell months in advance.
There are many ways to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco. Most travellers prefer an overnight tour by train. While adventurers opt to trek through Salkantay, Lares or the renowned Inca Trail. Some opt for the four days Inca Jungle trek that offers a bit of everything from adrenaline activity to sightseeing.
This is the most preferred way to reach Machu Picchu. The trail offers a rewarding experience. As a result, it tend to sell out way in advance. Normally, the permit for hiking the Inca Trail tend to sell out six months in advance.
Our Inca Trail 5 Days Hike to Machu Picchu is an extension of the renowned Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The trail extends over high mountains. It covers a distance of forty two kilometres. It shows a mysterious combination between archaeological sites, beautiful landscapes, impressive mountains and abundant cloud forest. These cloud forests are rich in Andean flora and fauna. This scenic route ends in Machu Picchu.
Our 5 Days Inca Trail is on the original cobble stone way that the Incas travelled on. The best thing about the trail, is that it is less crowded than the classic 4 days Inca Trail Trek.
We highly recommend you to be well acclimatised before the trail to avoid altitude sickness.
Check out our detailed post on Inca Trail Packing List.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
3 Hours Before Flight Time
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then we will drive you in our private transport to Piskacucho (Km 82), the trail head. We will be walking along the Urubamba River.
This section of the trek offers fantastic views of the snow capped peaks of Veronica Mountain. In the afternoon, we will see the Patallacta archaeological complex. Our last stop for the day will be at the Q’ente platforms.
We will enjoy the flora and fauna along the Trail, as we hike slowly to the community of Wayllabamba. From this point the road ascends up to Llulluchapampa, the first pass on the Inca Trail Tour (3,600 meters/11,811 feet above sea level), where we will make camp for the night and visit Mt. Huayanay.
The day starts with a two hours leisure hike up. We will be reaching the highest point of the trail at Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) (4,200 meters/13,780 feet). From here, we will be descending to Pacaymayo Valley. From Pacaymayo, we ascend to the second pass.
This offers a view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. From here we will descend to Chakicocha. Here we will be camping for the night. Along the way, we will be visiting the Runkuracay and Sayacmarca ruins.
Our stroll along the trail will take us to the cloud forest. Here we will be visiting the Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna ruins. Approximately after hiking for two more hours, we will arrive at Inti Punku (“Sun Gate”). From here you will have a fantastic view of Machu Picchu. After spending some time here, we will hike down to Aguas Calientes town. Here, you will be accommodated in an ensuite basic hotel room.
You will wake up early in the morning. We will then hike to Machu Picchu. Here, our guide will meet you and brief you before the tour would start. The two and a half hours guided tour of Machu Picchu will include visits to place of worship, ancient houses, Incan terraces and hanging gardens.
The beauty and mystery of this magical sanctuary-city simply cannot be described.
After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own. Alternatively, you can hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain.
We will then take the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will meet you on arrival. We will then drive you to Cusco.
100% recommended the agency is very professional, we had unforgettable experiences with Treks in Cusco, the trekkinqs we did was an insurmountable, extraordinary adventure.
