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Why choose the 5 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? The route is generally similar to the 4-day one, but this route has a couple surprises. The trail is less rushed and gives you time to enjoy your surroundings. Also, look forward to having an extra day to acclimate before crossing Dead Women´s pass (4, 215m/13, 907ft), the highest pass on the trail. The icing on the cake is a visit the Great Machu Picchu Citadel twice.
Trekking through the Classic Inca Trail gives an intriguing perspective into the lives of one of most successful ancient dynasties in human history. Along the path is archeological sites that have stood the test of time, making it through the some intense earthquakes in the Peruvian Andes. How this civilization built such incredible engineering marvels in the most unforgiven terrain will leave you in complete awe. To compliment your journey through history, trek through the beautiful landscapes of the Andes Mountains. Passing stunning snow-brooded mountain tops, climbing high passes with the most jaw dropping views and experience the wide variety of amazing flora and fauna. Let your mind wonder and ask as many question as you can, embark on one of the most sort after trails in the world.
Orange Nation are trekking specialists who have many years of experience trekking along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and other alternative routes. However, one of our favorite itinerary to follow is the Classic 5 Day Inca Trail Trek, and below will explain why!
The Classic Inca Trail is a moderate to difficult trail. It has no age restrictions or recommendations. However for families traveling with young children and mature adults, hiking over 4 days can be extremely challenging. The 5-day is a much better option, because you can hike at a slower pace and rest in campsites that are not as crowded. You can hike with peace of mind of knowing you not holding anyone back.
The first two days comprise of only 3 and 5 hrs. of hiking respectively. Of course, its important to note that hiking times are highly dependent on each individuals hiking speed. This gives the traveler ample time to slowly acclimate to the altitude before taking on the strenuous day 3 of the trek. However, its still imperative to prepare for this hike. Consider that you are still hiking at very high altitudes, with day three reaching elevations of 4 200m/ 13 779ft above sea level and you also hike for over 9 hours on that day.
Day-1 begins at a campsite nearby Patallacta ( 2 650m/ 8 747ft) an amazing archeological site. Later in the afternoon you get to enjoy your first Inca site at a leisurely pace. Explore very nook and cranny and get your insight into ancient Inca culture. Another captivating highlight is on Day 3, when you camp at the stunning Phuyupatamarka at 3,630m/ 11,906ft ( meaning: place above the clouds). This campsite is really something special, arguable the most beautiful campsite on the Inca Trail. Positioned on a ridge, high above Machu Picchu mountain this campsite has world class sunsets and sunrises. From above, you will observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with a solid foundations. Adjacent to your tent is a balcony with breath taking views of Glacial peaks, the Urubamba Valley and the Sacred Machu Picchu Mountain.
One of the best surprises of the 5-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is the extra archeological site you get to explore. Only hikers of the 5-day trail and Salkantay Trek are privy to this intriguing Inca site. As mentioned above, your first campsite is at Patallacta, also knows as Llactapata. In addition, you get extra time to explore Wiñay wayna at 2,700m/ 8,856 feet. This is one of the favorite Incan sites on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Archeological site is close to the lunch spot of Day-4. Wiñay Wayna is one of the most well preserved and impressive sites on the Inca trail.
The 5 day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu gives you the chance to visit Machu Picchu twice. After visiting Wiñay Wayna and exploring this very beautiful site, continue down into Machu Picchu, through the famous Sun Gate. You arrive at the Sun Gate just as the sun begins to set and the crowds begin to thin. Take this opportunity to take spectacular pictures of the Citadel with fewer people in your shots. The views from the Sun Gate are unmatched, and the sunset behind the Citadel is absolutely breathtaking. Then, take a shuttle bus to quaint town of Aguas Calientes for a hot shower and a comfortable night sleep on a bed. Next morning, you wake up early to catch the shuttle bus back to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise.
You will receive a tour of Machu Picchu that is included in your trial, If you wish to see more of the Machu Picchu, we recommend booking an extra circuit. Circuit #2 is the most comprehensive of all the circuits. When you do the 5-Day, you also have time to add an extra hike on the last day, like the popular Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the mountainous landscape around it.
I hope this post, 5 reasons to pick the 5 day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu helps you pick the correct itinerary. Why not join one of our trips to Machu Picchu! We have many different options for itineraries, however the 5 day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu trip is our favorite! If you have any questions at all, or if you are ready to start the booking process, GET IN TOUCH today!
Why Choosing the 5 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu information has been updated on June 2024.
Comfortable lodging near the ruins of Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
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Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!
Our group of 8 did the 3-day Inca trail tour. From the very beginning Ray demonstrated his knowledge by answering all our questions thoroughly. Trekking the Inca trail was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. I can say for certain that I would not have finished the trail, if not for Ray. I am not active at all, and hiking up and down a mountain, for 7 hours, seemed impossible. Within the first 10 minutes I was ready to be done. That sentiment was shared within most of my group.
Our tour guide Ray was excellent and very helpful. And we did the short inks trail to machupicchu thanks for the experience
Ray was absolutely amazing 😎 would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants to travel to Machu Picchu !!! Best experience of my life and off my bucket list🙏🏾
Vinimos desde Choquequirao para visitar Machu Picchu e incluso después de todos los momentos inolvidables del trekking con Jhony como nuestro guía Machu Picchu fue realmente memorable. Tener boletos para la entrada de las 6 a.m. fue fantástico, ya que nos permitió explorar con menos multitudes y presenciar la niebla que se elevaba sobre las ruinas.
Éramos un grupo de tres que decidimos realizar un recorrido de un día por el Valle Sagrado de Orange Nations, contemplando Ollyantaytambo y terminando en Cusco. La mejor decisión que tomamos fue que fuimos recibidos por nuestro increíble guía Miguel justo a tiempo, quien nos llevó a este increíble día lleno de diversión, risas y con un gran conocimiento sobre el área.
Gracias Jhony y Grober por sus recorridos entusiastas y conocedores. Definitivamente ambos guías turísticos del siguiente nivel con una compañía del siguiente nivel. Hicimos la caminata Laures y Machupichu con Sam Travels / Orange Nation y lo recomendamos encarecidamente :)
¡Los mejores guías turísticos del Perú para el sendero Machu Picchu! Nuestros guías turísticos Johny y David brindaron un servicio de la más alta calidad en mi experiencia viajando por Perú. Johnny enriqueció toda nuestra experiencia con humor, un conocimiento increíblemente detallado de la historia y cultura peruana, así como su entusiasmo y amabilidad. Durante los 2 días,
This was my first time in Peru and I wanted to do something bigger and better than Machu Picchu. I was searching online and came across Orange Nation's "Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu" , which is three times larger than Machu Picchu. Since Peru is known for a Machu Picchu
My girl and i did the Machu Pichu trek tour with Orange Nation. It was seriously the most amazing experience that we'll never forget. Gorgeous views! The long trek was worth the amazing view. The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable.
Wow, what a wonderful trekking experience! My trip to Peru was amazing thanks to this awesome tour that i took with Orange Nation. I did multiple tours with this company. I'm a solo traveler and everyone in my group was always still friendly and did not make me feel left out.
Excelente Anghely una nueva oportunidades de trabajo me siento feliz por estos logros