5-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu (Relaxed)
The same legendary Inca Trail, spread over an extra day for a noticeably gentler pace.
The 5 Day Inca Trail Hike adds what’s missing: it’s our only Inca Trail itinerary that pairs the full Classic route with a hotel night in Aguas Calientes and a genuinely dedicated fifth day just for exploring Machu Picchu.
Five reasons discerning non-rushed travelers choose this specific 5-day trek:
1. FULL Machu Picchu Day 5 dedicated exploration ⭐ UNIQUE in the cluster. No other Kondor Path Inca Trail combo includes a full dedicated Day 5 to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. Wander through the intricate stone structures + Sun Temple + Main Plaza + Intihuatana + Sacred Rock + Terrace of Guardians + Three-Window Temple + Condor Temple with re-entry ticket included. Optional Huayna Picchu or MP Mountain hikes available.
2. Hotel Aguas Calientes 3-star Day 4 INCLUDED ⭐. Unlike Classic 4-Day where you finish at MP + return to Cusco same day exhausted, the 5-Day includes overnight at 3-star hotel with private bathroom + WiFi in Aguas Calientes — proper recovery + comfortable dinner + preparation for Full MP Day 5.
3. Only $114 more than Classic Inca Trail 4-Day ($722). For a small $114 premium, you get 1 EXTRA full day + hotel in Aguas Calientes 3-star + FULL Machu Picchu Day 5 exploration + PeruRail Expedition + private transfer. Best value in Inca Trail cluster.
4. Perfect for seniors 50+, photographers, and families with kids 8+. The extended pace + hotel Day 4 + Full MP Day 5 makes this the best Inca Trail choice for non-rushed travelers. Age 8+ minimum with guardian — accessible for families with pre-teens.
5. Same iconic 43 km Classic route + Sun Gate + PeruRail Expedition return. Complete Inca Trail experience: Llactapata + Dead Woman’s Pass 4,215m + Runkurakay + Sayacmarca + Phuyupatamarca + Wiñay Wayna + Sun Gate + Machu Picchu. PeruRail Expedition 74P return train + private transfer Ollantaytambo → Cusco for comfortable Day 5 evening arrival.
| ⏱️ Duration | 5 days / 4 nights (3 camping nights + 1 hotel night) |
| 🎯 Category | HIKING & CAMPING — RELAXED EXTENDED |
| 📅 Day 1 | Cusco → Km 82 → Wayllabamba Camp (3,000 m) |
| 📅 Day 2 | Wayllabamba → Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m) → Pacaymayo Camp (3,630 m) |
| 📅 Day 3 | Pacaymayo → Runkurakay → Sayacmarca → Phuyupatamarca → Wiñay Wayna Camp (2,650 m) |
| 📅 Day 4 | Sun Gate sunrise → Machu Picchu Circuit 3B + 2-hour guided tour → Aguas Calientes 3-star hotel |
| 📅 Day 5 ⭐ | Full Machu Picchu exploration → PeruRail Expedition 74P → Private transfer → Cusco |
| 🕐 Day 1 Pickup | 05:30 AM from your Cusco hotel |
| ⛺ Camping Nights | 3 (Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo and Wiñay Wayna) |
| 🏨 Hotel Day 4 | Aguas Calientes 3-star INCLUDED |
| ☀️ Sun Gate Arrival | Iconic sunrise entrance |
| 🎫 Machu Picchu Circuit | Circuit 3B + 2-hour guided tour |
| 🏛️ Day 5 Machu Picchu | Full dedicated exploration (re-entry ticket included) |
| 🚂 Return Train | PeruRail Expedition 74P |
| 🚐 Return Transfer | Private transfer Ollantaytambo → Cusco |
| ⛰️ Highest Altitude | Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m) |
| ⛰️ Trailhead | Km 82 (2,703 m) |
| ⛰️ Machu Picchu | 2,400 m |
| 🥾 Total Distance | Approximately 43 km (Day 1: 11 km · Day 2: 9 km · Day 3: 13 km · Day 4: light walking · Day 5: Machu Picchu exploration) |
| 🎫 Inca Trail Permit | Included |
| 🎫 Machu Picchu Tickets | Included (Circuit 3B + Day 5 re-entry) |
| 🍽️ Meals Included | 12 (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners) |
| ⛺ Tent Capacity | Spacious tents (2 people using a 4-person tent) |
| 🎯 Tour Format | PRIVATE TOUR |
| 👥 Group Size | 1-10 hikers |
| 🎓 Minimum Age | 8 years with a guardian (18+ when traveling independently) |
| 📅 Operating Season | March-December (closed in February) |
| 💪 Difficulty | Demanding (Level 4) |
| 🎓 Guide Ratio | 1 guide for every 8 hikers (+ assistant guide for groups of 9 or more) |
| 💲From | $884 USD per person (based on a group of 10) |
Start your 5-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu journey — 5 days of real adventure. – FULL Machu Picchu Day 5 dedicated exploration ⭐ UNIQUE. – Hotel Aguas Calientes 3-star Day 4 included ⭐. – Sun Gate arrival Day 4 — iconic first MP view. – MP Circuit 3B + 2h guided tour Day 4. That’s the 5-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu, in a nutshell.
The 5 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu is the RELAXED EXTENDED alternative in the Kondor Path Inca Trail catalog — the ONLY itinerary delivering a full dedicated Machu Picchu exploration on Day 5 plus a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes on Day 4, without the rushed ending of the Classic 4-Day trek or the premium price of the Luxury Glamping option.
This IS the tour for:
This 5-day version of the Inca Trail follows the same legendary route — Km 82, Wayllabamba, Dead Woman’s Pass, Wiñay Wayna, and the Sun Gate — but spreads the journey over an additional day for a noticeably gentler pace. Trekkers still visit every major Inca site along the Classic Trail, yet enjoy shorter daily distances and more opportunities to rest, take photographs, and appreciate the archaeological sites without feeling rushed. For travelers seeking the complete Inca Trail experience with a more comfortable pace than the Classic 4-Day trek, this itinerary is an excellent choice.
The additional day also improves acclimatization. Day 1 covers a moderate 11 km hike to Wayllabamba, allowing more time for the body to adjust before the challenging ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m) on Day 2. From there, Days 3 and 4 distribute the remaining passes and descents more evenly, reaching Aguas Calientes with energy to spare. As a result, Day 5 is dedicated entirely to exploring Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace instead of ending the journey with an exhausting final push.
BRIEFING: 6:00 PM at your hotel reception on the day before departure.
Pre-tour essentials:
Scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to the official Inca Trail trailhead at 2,703 m.
Permit verification, meet your trekking team and porters, followed by a safety briefing.
Landscape:
Distance: 11 km / 4-5 hours — Moderate.
Camping night in spacious tents (2 hikers sharing a 4-person tent for extra comfort).
Overnight: Wayllabamba Camp (3,000 m).
1L, 1D.
Moderate
11km (6.8 miles)
4 to 5 Hrs.
KM 82: 2,703m (8,868 ft)
Tarayoc: 2,700m (8,858 ft)
Wayllabamba: 3,000m (9,842 ft)
Peak physical day — Dead Woman’s Pass ascent.
Peak challenge Day 2 — Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass).
Landscape progression:
Peak achievement moment — highest point of tour.
Progressive descent through cloud forest.
Overnight: Pacaymayo Camp 3,630m.
Total Day 2: 9 km / 7h — Challenging (most demanding day).
1B, 1L, 1D.
Challenging
9km (5.5 miles)
7 Hrs.
Wayllabamba: 3,000m (9,842 ft)
Pacaymayo: 3,630m (11,909 ft)
Warmiwañuska Pass: 4,231m (13,881 ft)
Peak archaeological day — multiple Inca ruins.
Second high pass of trail.
Circular Inca observatory — guided exploration.
Complex Inca urban planning — guided archaeological tour.
“City Above the Clouds” exploration:
Cloud forest descent.
Camping near impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins.
Overnight: Wiñay Wayna Camp 2,650m.
Total Day 3: 13 km / 7.5h — Demanding.
1B, 1L, 1D.
Demanding
13km (8 miles)
7.5 Hrs.
Pacaymayo: 3,630m (11,909 ft)
Wiñaywayna: 2,650m (8,694 ft)
Runkuracay Pass: 3,971m (13,028 ft)
Peak emotional day — Sun Gate + MP + hotel.
Early wake-up for Sun Gate sunrise.
Landscape:
Peak emotional moment — first spectacular Machu Picchu view.
Iconic experience:
Progressive descent to citadel.
MP Circuit 3B (Inca Trail permit route):
Circuit 3B exploration (2 hours guided):
Cultural context:
25-min bus descent to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
Hotel Aguas Calientes 3-star INCLUDED:
Free time for:
Overnight: Aguas Calientes 3-star hotel ⭐.
Total Day 4: light walk + 2h guided tour + hotel. Easy.
B
Easy
A light walk
2-hour guided tour
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
Peak MP exploration day — Full dedicated MP time.
Return to MP for Full Day exploration.
Full MP exploration (re-entry ticket included):
Optional add-ons (extra tickets):
Free time for:
PeruRail Expedition class train — Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo:
Fernando’s private transfer format:
End of 5-Day RELAXED EXTENDED Inca Trail Adventure.
Moderate
Transport
Accommodation
Guides
Entrance Fees — All Included
Meals — 12 Included
Team
Safety
Other
Accommodations:
Flights:
Meals NOT included:
Equipment:
Personal:
Train upgrades PeruRail:
Extra tickets Day 5:
Discounts:
Essentials:
5-Day Inca Trail is DEMANDING (Level 4) despite extended pace:
Physical preparation (1-2 months before):
Altitude preparation:
Advantages of 5-day pace for recovery:
Suitable for:
NOT suitable for:
Everything you need to know about our 5 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu — the relaxed extended version of the classic Inca Trail that adds a full day for extra acclimatization, slower daily distances, and more time at the spectacular archaeological sites along the route.
The 5 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu is a relaxed extended version of the world-famous Inca Trail, covering approximately 43 km (26 miles) over 5 days instead of 4.
Includes 3 camping nights + 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes 3-star) on Day 4 + Full MP exploration on Day 5.
Same 43 km route, different structure:
| Aspect | Classic 4-Day ($755) | 5-Day RELAXED (this) ($884) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days | 5 days ⭐ +1 day |
| Hotel Day 4 | ❌ Not included | ✅ 3-star INCLUDED ⭐ |
| MP Day 5 | ❌ Return same day |
| ✅ Full exploration ⭐ | | Total nights | 3 camping | 3 camping + | | Price | $755 | $884 (+$129) | | Ideal for | Standard trekkers | Seniors + families + MP enthusiasts |
Choose 5-Day if: want hotel comfort + FULL MP Day 5 + non-rushed pace.
Fernando confirmed:
7.5h)
Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) is the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,215 m (13,828 ft). Most physically demanding section on Day 2. Extreme altitude — Cusco acclimatization critical.
Inti Punku — original ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu at 2,720m. Reaching this viewpoint on Day 4 morning offers a spectacular first view of MP — one of the most memorable moments of the entire journey.
Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young” in Quechua) — impressive archaeological site with agricultural terraces + ceremonial fountains + dramatic mountain setting. Second only to Machu Picchu in significance on the trail.
Complete archaeological route:
Punku Sun Gate** (Day 4) — first MP view
Yes — comfortable 3-star hotel with:
Perfect recovery after 3 camping nights + preparation for FULL MP Day 5.
Full dedicated MP Day 5:
Optional Day 5 extras (advance booking, extra cost):
Government-limited to 500 permits/day total (~200 trekker permits). Book 6-10 months in advance for the high season (May-September). February closure (annual trail maintenance — reopens March 1st).
Yes — sleeping bag NOT INCLUDED (bring from home or rent in Cusco):
Professional Quechua porters carry group equipment, food, and camping gear. Duffel bags 8kg/17lb per person are provided for personal items. All porter services comply with Peruvian labor regulations, weight restrictions, and fair wages.
Kondor Path Tours follows strict porter welfare standards:
12 chef meals (4B + 4L + 4D):
Demanding Level 4 — same physical challenge as Classic 4-Day since same route + distance:
Yes — one of the best options for active senior travelers. Hotel Day 4 recovery + Full MP Day 5 provides comfort. Cusco: 2- 3 days of acclimatization required for altitude.
Age 8+ with a guardian minimum. Perfect for active families with kids 8+ who enjoy hiking + outdoor activities. A slower pace makes it more family-friendly than the Classic 4-Day.
March-December daily (closed February). The dry season, May- September, offers reliable weather. April + October are excellent shoulder-season months with fewer crowds and greener landscapes.
Fernando confirmed: PeruRail Expedition 74P at 14:55 + private transfer Ollantaytambo → Cusco. Optional upgrades:
No — 05:30 AM Day 1 pickup requires Cusco hotel base. Recommended: fly to Cusco 2-3 days before trek for altitude acclimatization.
Inca Trail permits are non-transferable and non-refundable once issued. Cancellation policies stricter than standard tours. Travel insurance strongly recommended through World Nomads.
5 Day Inca Trail focuses on Inca history + archaeology + Sun Gate arrival. Salkantay Trek emphasizes dramatic mountain scenery + Salkantay Pass + varied ecosystems. Both exceptional but very different styles.
Yes — PRIVATE tour format:
March-December daily (closed February for annual trail maintenance).
| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 1 | $ 2 641.00 USD | |
| 2 | $ 1 611.00 USD | |
| 3 | $ 1 330.00 USD | |
| 4 | $ 1 185.00 USD | |
| 5 | $ 1 070.00 USD | |
| 6 | $ 996.00 USD | |
| 7 | $ 961.00 USD | |
| 8 | $ 917.00 USD | |
| 9 | $ 914.00 USD | |
| 10 | $ 884.00 USD |
