5 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 (PISKACUCHO) – PATALLACTA

Early morning pick up at 06:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco making our way towards Ollantay Tambo where we will have a quick breakfast bite to get fuel up for our upcoming trek. We will then board the train to KM 82, the starting point of the Inca trail.

We will suit up, boots on and ready to begin the hike of 3 hours towards Patallacta (2,650m/8,747ft) the incan site which constitute of Temples, Palaces and Terraces with a view of a snow capped peak of W´akay Willca. We will have a delicious lunch prepared by our trekker chef and settle in our first campsite. High tea will be served with snacks enjoying the beautiful ancient structure and its surrounding.

• Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time –  Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with 4-person tents for 2 people
• Distance: 6kms / 3.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

DAY 2: PATALLACTA – WAYLLABAMBA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA

Rise and shine at 06:30 AM with hot breakfast served with coffee and tea ready to get energized for our second trek. We begin trekking through Kusichaca Valley, where we will enjoy different types of Flora and Fauna.

Upon reaching Wayllabamba, we will have lunch and a well deserved rest. After getting energized we will continue on a moderate pass making our 4 hours journey uphill towards Llullucha Valley, arriving at our second campsite, Llulluchapampa at (3,800m/12,537ft) High tea time and snacks will be served upon mesmerizing the natural vista around us.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with 4-person tents for every 2 people
• Distance: 11kms / 6.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PAQAYMAYU – CH’AQICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA

Sweat day! Day 3 will be the most challenging but yet one of the most beautiful trek you would not want to miss. We will have hot breakfast served with coffee, tea, getting fuel up before starting this amazing hike. We will begin our 2 hours trek uphill to the highest point towards Warmiwañusca Pass, also known as the Dead Woman pass at (4,215/13,907ft) After reaching the highest point we will get our well deserved rest enjoying the amazing landscape of the site.

We will continue our trek for another 2 more hours descending towards Pacaymayu where we will have lunch. we will then ascend to the Archaeological ruins of Runcurakay (3,800m/12,540ft) where you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and spectacular lakes. After this wonderful site, we will descend for another hour towards the archaeological ruins of Sayacmarca (3,977m/11,877 ft)

Finally! We shall hike for another 2 more hours through the Peruvian rainforest to our final destination of the day! Our campsite Phuyupatamarca (3,650m/12,047 ft) Where you are able to have a sneak preview of Machupicchu and Machupicchu mountain and its surrounding snow capped mountains.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with 4-person tents for every 2 people
• Distance: 15kms / 9.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES

We are almost there! Waking up early for one last hot breakfast prepared by our trekker chef. We will begin our journey descending towards the archaeological site of Intipata (port of the sun) We will then make our way to Wiñay Wayna (1,650m/8,747ft) also known as Forever young having to explore the incredible ruins and our last lunch with the team.

After lunch, We will be making our way towards Sun Gate (2,720m/8,977 ft) Upon arriving we will notice the first spectacular view of Machu Picchu, from where the famous photos were taken. We will hike another hour reaching towards one of the wonders of the world, Machupicchu. After a sneak preview, we will be taking the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes. Where we will finally spend a night in a hotel with hot showers and comfortable beds

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• 2* Accommodation: Inti Punku Tambo, Wiracocha Inn Hotel 
• Distance: 10kms / 6.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

The day has come and it is time to get ready! We will be taking the 05:30 AM shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu. Upon reaching our guide will give you a 2.5 hours private tour, exploring and teaching us the history on the incan site. After the full tour of Machupicchu, you will have the time to explore it on you own.

There are more than 1 peaks to climbs. You may choose to hike the extra activities on site: Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain Enjoy the amazing view of Machupicchu from above. (Additional fee)

We will depart Machupicchu around midday and will be making our way back down to Aguas Calientes. Have lunch (at your own cost) and last minute shopping. We will board the train at 16:22 PM to Ollantay Tambo. Catching our private van to Cusco arriving approx 20:30 PM

• Meals: Breakfast
• Difficulty: None

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE 5 DAY INCA TRAIL?

• Transfer from the airport to your hotel in CUSCO
• Pick up from your hotel for the Trek
• Private transport from Cusco to Piscacucho (starting of the trek)
• 7 kgs of your personal items extra clothes, sleeping bag to be carried by the porters,  just carry your daypack
• 4 person Igloo tents (large and comfortable) for 2 people and thick foam mattresses
• English-speaking guide experienced in Trekking
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional – vegetarian food with prior request)
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• Porter to carry tents, food, cooking equipment
• Hot water for washing
• Boiled water to fill your bottles
• Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco
• Admission Ticket to the Inca trail
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• 3 bus tickets from Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
• Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
• Chef & cooking equipment

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED  FOR THE 5 DAY INCA TRAIL?

• Huayna Picchu: $75 USD and Machu Pichhu Mountain $70 USD – will need to be booked way in advance, if you would like to add an extra hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
• First breakfast and Last lunch: We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and  have the last lunch at Aguas Calientes after the tour of Machu Picchu. (Not Included)
• VISTADOME Train to Cusco instead of Expedition Train: This train runs from Aguas Calientes to Poroy and it will cost you $57 USD per person extra.
• Tips: for the ORANGE NATION crew, guide, cook and porters.

The 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people.

***This price includes an extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7kgs, we provide you a duffel bag, where you can put your things.

***We provide large Eureka 4 man tents for every 2 trekkers.  We operate group tours up to 12 people maximum

EXTRAS

• Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal Tent: $30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: From $60 USD (depending on availability)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person (For the return to Cusco)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Single supplement: $30 USD per night (for solo travellers with single room)

CHECK YOUR SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK AVAILABILITY BY CLICKING ON MONTH OF YOUR CHOICE!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read the following information to help answer any questions you may have about our Services.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

THE BRIEFING

The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Calle Santa Teresa  Nº383; office 107 (first floor), next to SUBWAY restaurant, across the street from Sunat and the only 3 story building with 2 balconies.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

ABSOLUTELY! During the Classic 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

FIRST, to book your Machu Picchu Tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.

We will need the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). This information is necessary to purchase the Inca Trail permits, entrance and train tickets to Machu Picchu:

• Personal Information (your full name, exactly as on your passport)
• Gender
• Passport number
• D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
• Nationality
• SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person , in order, to purchase your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of orangenationperu@gmail.com. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

• According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example, if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
• All students from 11 to 17 years have a $30 discount.
• Children between the ages 2 to 11 have a $40 discount.
• Children under the age of 2 are free.
• All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
• Send us a copy at orangenationperu@gmail.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately No. Once the tickets have been bought, the government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any departure date after the tickets has been purchased. Tickets are also non transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is lost!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE INCA TRAIL?

DEFINITELY! You MUST bring your original passport with the SAME passport number you sent us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. They will check when you enter Machu Picchu and to board the train.

In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, please send us a COPY of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can change it when we receive a COPY of your new passport for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to enter Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train.

Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

The weather is very unpredictable and always changing in the Andes Mountains, so it is difficult to say with any certainty. We recommend that you be prepared for warm weather, possible rain showers (Orange Nation provides rain ponchos) and a warm jacket in case of cold. We also recommend that you dress in layers so you may take off or put on clothes as needed.

The climate in Cusco has temperatures between 10º – 20º C / 50º – 68º , with warm days and cold nights. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is between the months of April through October, when the weather is warm. During the months of June, July and August nights are very cold which is why Orange Nation rents good quality 4 season sleeping bags.

The rainy season is during the months of November through March, if you want to hike the Inca Trail during this season, bring warm clothes and be prepared for rain but there will be a beautiful landscape and colorful flowers.

The month of February, the Inca Trail is closed for safety, repairs and restoration.

The Average weather conditions on the Inca Trail:

• Dry Season: April – October
• Day Temperature: 20º – 25ºC / 68º – 77ºF – Night Temperature: 1º – 7ºC / 33º – 44º F
• Wet Season: November – March
• Day Temperature: 17ºC – 22ºC / 62º – 71ºF – Night Temperature: 4ºC – 7ºC / 39º – 44ºF

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract Soroche, Quechua for high-altitude sickness.

Don’t do anything other than rest

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. Walking one block could feel like walking ten blocks carrying a backpack full of rocks. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay hydrated

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

Discovering coca

No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. If you do not feel like chewing leaves (which can be bitter, apart from numbing your mouth), you can try drinking coca tea, which is most commonly found in the lobby of hotels in Cusco.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups are between 2-6 people. Orange Nation specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACK PACK

The evening before your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs including sleeping bag, so 5kg/11lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude on the trek is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day of the trek we climb two mountains. The Trail is a fairly difficult and you should be prepared and healthy prior to starting. You have to be relatively fit and exercise regularly.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip is appreciated. It means a lot to the staff, and their families, who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires better service and is a major part of the tourism industry across many ORANGE Nation destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less what you want, depending how you feel about the quality of service and the length of your tour.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

We are a local sustainable & responsible tour operator which functions according to the ethical principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the indigenous communities respecting their culture and religion. We have trained all of our staff to know, understand and respect the local communities and the people living there.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

• Original Passport: (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
• Valid University card: (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack: One with extra room for a box lunch (the smaller, the better)
• Drinking Water: 2-3L (Camelbaks work well)
• Boots: Comfortable broken in hiking boots or shoes (Boots with ankle support recommended).
• Sleeping Bag: 4 season bag (Can be rented from ORANGE NATION Travel)
• Headlamp or flashlight: Headlamp frees up hands (Back-up flashlight & batteries are recommended)
• Toilet paper: Make sure to bring your own.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG

As a Direct Local Tour Operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

• Necessary clothes for the 5-day Trek
• Thermals
• Warm clothes — it gets cold at night
• Gloves (preferably waterproof)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
• Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
• Sleeping bag: It should be rated at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD.

TOILETRIES

• Face moisturizer
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal medications

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40 L for hiking throughout the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

• Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp: essential
• Warm Hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Snacks like chocolate bars, ice cream, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Coca leaves
• Rain plastic poncho (provided by ORANGE NATION)
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips