Unique 5 Day Trek Itinerary Avoids The Crowds and Allows More Time to Explore
Travel on a different schedule than the other trekkers to avoid walking and camping with the crowds on traditional trips. You'll also have more time to relax and to explore ruins along the way.
See Machu Picchu Twice!
You'll arrive to Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun on the afternoon of Day 7 before descending to your hotel for the night, then fully rested and refreshed you'll back up again next morning for a full tour.
Acclimatize Before the Trek with Day Hikes to the Best Sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Acclimatize to the region's high altitudes by exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley on day hikes that show you the best sites while taking you away from the crowds.
9 Days / 8 Nights starting and ending in Cusco
- Local's Tour of Cusco
- Hike to Cusco and Sacred Valley Ruins and Inca Sites While Acclimatizing For the Inca Trail
- Unique 5 Day Inca Trail
- Visit Machu Picchu Twice
Every Saturday, March - December
- Trip Departures Guaranteed with 2 passengers As Long As Permits are Available
- Small Groups Average 2-8 Trekkers
- Maximum Group Size: 16
- World Class Guides and Support Staff
$2,795.00-$3,055.00 per person, based on double occupancy
- Comfortable full service camping with porters, cooks and world-class guides
- 3 Nights in Cusco at Quinta San Blas Hotel
- 1 Night in the Sacred Valley at Hotel Pakaritampu
- 1 Night in Machu Picchu Pueblo at El Mapi by Inkaterra
Stay in Charming and Comfortable Local Lodges
Sleep in comfort, avoid chain hotels, and experience the hospitality and charm of Peru in sustainably minded locally owned hotels.
World Class Guides Enhance Your Trip
Good guides can make your trip. These guides are great - they are hand picked for their skills and personalities, and then they are highly trained. They entertain, they educate, and they keep you safe.
Full Service Camping with Porters and 3 Course Meals
Porters carry your personal and group gear, so all you need to carry is what you want access to during the day. Comfortable tents, full length thermarest mattresses, and great food!
SLOW DOWN, YOU'RE MOVING TOO FAST . . .
Don't just check Machu picchu off your list. take enough time to Experience Peru. get away from the crowds, meet local people, see the best sites. Come home relaxed and rejuvenated.
DAY 1: Arrive Cusco, “Local’s Guide to Cusco” walking tour (Quinta San Blas Hotel in Cusco).
Meals Included: Lunch
DAY 2: Hike to explore Cusco and nearby ruins like Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, and the Temple of the Moon (Quinta San Blas Hotel in Cusco).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3: Hike Moray ruins to Maras salt pans and the Sacred Valley (Hotel Pakaritampu in the Sacred Valley).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4: Inca Trail: Explore the old Inca town of Ollantaytambo and it’s hilltop ruins in the morning & start the Inca Trail after lunch with a mellow walk above the Urubamba River (camp beside spectacular ruins of Llactapata).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Inca Trail: Climb gently from camp to the last settlement along the trail, then climb more steeply on a beautiful Inca trail to Llulluchapampa (camp with outstanding views at Llulluchapampa).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: Inca Trail: Today is the hardest day. Climb to the highest point on the Inca Trail at Dead Woman’s Pass, descend to the Pacasmayo Valley, then climb again to the ruins at Runkuracay and another high pass, before descending a bit to the ruins at Phuyupatamarca (camp at Phuyupatamarca, ‘the place above the clouds’).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Inca Trail: Wake up to stunning views of Mounts Salcantay and Veronica, then descend through the cloudforest to the ruins of Wiña Wayna before arrive to Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun, and the entrance to Machu Picchu. After enjoying the view, head to your hotel in town for a hot shower and comfortable hotel. (El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra in Machu Picchu Pueblo).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8: Head back to Machu Picchu early in the morning for a guided tour and time to explore, then return to Machu Picchu Pueblo to catch the train to Cusco. (Quinta San Blas Hotel in Cusco)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9: Enjoy free time exploring Cusco’s museums, cooking classes, cafes, and souvenir shops before heading to the airport to depart for home or you next adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
LEAVE A POSITIVE TRACE
TRIP DESCRIPTION
If you are looking for a top-quality Inca Trail trek, complete with acclimitazion hikes to the best Inca ruins in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, this is the adventure for you. It is operated by one of the best outfitters in Peru, which specializes in top-quality guides and seamless logistics.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a fantastic journey on an ancient trail used by the Incas, passing numerous ruins and with fantastic mountain views. Entering Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun is something you will remember for life.
While the 26-mile Inca Trail is most commonly hiked in four days (with the last half-day spent at Machu Picchu), this is not the best way to do the trek. This five-day trek allows for a later start (more sleep!) on day one so you avoid starting your trek with the multitudes on the four-day trek, and then puts you on a different schedule so you are not walking and camping with all the trekkers on the four-day trip. This schedule also breaks up the trek so you only cross one high pass a day, making for a much more pleasant experience. You also have more time to stop and explore ruins along the way without feeling the need to rush onward to camp.
Finally, late on day four you arrive to Machu Picchu, entering through the Gate of the Sun. You have time to enjoy the views of the ruin before heading to your comfortable hotel in town, peaceful with the knowledge that you will return the next morning full of energy, and with plenty of time, to fully explore this sacred site.
A team of porters takes care of the work on this remote trek, carrying all the group gear and all your personal items except for those items you will carry in a small daypack i.e water, snacks, camera, raincoat, etc. When you arrive in camp your tent will already be set up and the cook staff will be hard at work preparing your 3- to 4-course meals, which you will enjoy sitting at a table in the dining tent.
The trip begins and ends in Cusco, the fascinating former capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival you’ll be met at the airport and given a short orientation walk around Cusco’s central square, the Plaza de Armas, for the latest on where to eat, where to find local markets, and about iconic city sites to check out. In the evening, you’ll meet your guide for a full briefing on the days to come. After the trek you’ll have a free day to explore Cusco on your own.
This trip can be combined with other highlight destinations like the Amazon, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca or even the Galapagos Islands.
LOCAL OPERATOR: AMAZONAS EXPLORER
For more than 30 years Amazonas Explorer has used a different approach in leading high-quality trips and adventures in South America. While the company had its beginnings in adventure tourism, its success in building a strong team of knowledgeable guides has enhanced its ability to offer a range of innovative cultural tours. By raft, bike, foot, horse and even paddleboard, travelers are immersed in their surroundings to explore in unique ways the highlights of southern Peru, the company’s home turf. Every adventure with Amazonas Explorer is treated with impeccable care and top-notch services, all focused on the client’s comfort and safety.
The current owners, while originally from the United Kingdom, have lived and played in the Cusco region for more than 20 years. The itineraries they’ve crafted are based on places they love and activities they enjoy. Their obvious love for Peru shines through in the company’s efforts to maximize benefits to local economies and to promote responsible tourism across the country. Beginning in the home office, its professionally trained guides, cooks and support crew are well cared for as they build rewarding careers for themselves within the hierarchy of the company. With more than 20 office staff and a Peruvian team total of nearly 200, Amazonas Explorer prides itself on being a great place to work. On an Inca Trail hiking trip, for instance, it is likely you will have the support of porters who have been with the company more than 10 years. Amazonas has a porter protection policy in place and all employees enjoy the provisions of proper working conditions, fair wages, quality gear, and insurance.
Dedicated to sustainable tourism projects in alliance with local communities, Amazonas Explorer purchases local food and, when available, local equipment and gear. Its exceptional cultural experiences include engagement with local people and opportunities for travelers to purchase local crafts and weavings directly from their source. The largely paperless company takes significant steps to further reduce its carbon impact by minimizing its impact to the environment with small group sizes, smart transportation choices, recycling whatever it can, cooking with gas not kerosene or firewood and carefully disposing of all waste generated on trips. Above all, the entire crew of experts holds collective focus on safety and on providing memorable experiences that are equal to none. Amazonas Explorer is also a member of One Percent for the Planet, donating annually its time and money to reforestation efforts in Peru’s Lares Valley.
Hayley –
Everything that could have gone perfectly, went perfectly. Detour provided ample information and fielded multiple questions form our group which ensured that we were ready for the trek. Amazonas planned and executed the itinerary perfectly. We were all so amazed with the customer service, excellent guide and comfy accommodations. Thank you Detour and Amazonas Explorer for an unforgettable experience!
MarH –
Wow – what an amazing trip! Detour and Amazonas Explorer are incredible: knowledgeable guide, tasty peruvian food, very kind staff, great organization! The feeling of getting to Machu Picchu after completing the Camino Inca is unparalleled. Thank you for a lifetime experience.
Elizabeth –
No need to look any further! Detour and Amazonas Explorer have done all of the work for you. This 9 day trip is top notch and not to be missed! Fantastic food, stellar guide, incredible trekking, Inca history, culture and more. I wouldn’t change a thing about this trip or my decision to go with Detour to Peru.
Jeremy –
This was my first guided trip as well as my first trip to Peru. I could not have been more blown away by the quality of care by the outfitter or the beauty of the country and it’s people.
Detour has obviously done their homework in regards to tour providers. Amazonas Explorer exceeded all my expectations. From the moment we landed, we were in great hands. All of our transport and accommodations in and around Cusco were seamless and extremely comfortable and clean. Our guide was not only knowledgable but also kind and flexible. The trail support staff and porters were also top notch.
I really appreciate the time, care, and planning that went into our itinerary in Cusco and on the trail to maximize our experience and limit our exposure to other larger groups. Most of the time we felt as though we were the only people on the Inca Trail. Especially the way they timed our arrival to Machu Picchu to avoid major crowds.
The meals along the trail were simply AMAZING!
Hands down one of the greatest adventures and experiences of my life! THANK YOU DETOUR! Will definitely be going back to Peru with you again!
Tom M –
We did Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. My wife developed altitude sickness. Half an hour later, oxygen was supplied by the Hotel. We also had a problem with the immigration card. The hostesses on the plane into Lima, note plural, said we didn’t need one but!!!!!! Told our guide and Amazons solved it for us. Major stress averted.
Our four day Inca Trail Trek was a unique experience. Wonderful, wonderful memories. Fantastic food, my wife being gluten and dairy intolerant. Nothing was too much trouble, even relaxed stressed husbands.
The key to all this was our guide – Jimmy. He set a pace that catered for everyone, has an limitless sense of humour, an enviable depth of knowledge, empathy, highly organised, proactive etc etc. Don’t lose him!!!!!!! He made this adventure unbelievable.
Fauzia Graham –
Trip of a life time, part of my bucket list and I made the best choice when it comes to choosing the organisers for my trip. The itinerary, guides and the organisation of the whole trip was flawless. Everyone was friendly and I cannot thank Detour enough for making my dream happen in such a seamless way. The only reason I am not giving them 5 stars is, 1. Because the travel agency they use are not the best at getting back and being proactive and 2. because my hotel in Cusco was a bit too out of town and being on my own, that was not most suitable. Although, having said that, the hotel itself was brilliant and the staff were VERY helpful. Thank you to everyone at Detour, you were all faultless and brilliant.
Ana M. –
This was a phenomenal trip. This trip was so organized from start to finish. We had a great tour guide who was very knowledgeable, friendly, and safely led the way with an incredibly professional group of porters. We truly enjoyed every aspect of this trip (including the camping accommodations, hotels, and absolutely delicious food) and of course, seeing Machu Picchu at the end of the hiking/camping was just icing on the cake. Thank you so much!
Stacey L –
It was absolutely fantastic. Every day was amazing and so organized! The only think I would have changed is the day the trek began. We did a tour in a city that we had already toured. Given that we were only in Peru for a short amount of time, I would have liked to have seen a different city/site before the trek began.
Christy M –
Overall, the trip was great! It was well organized and we all had a good time. The only hitches we ran into were 1) The hotel we booked in Cusco for our first night before the tour started was three hours away. When we booked it, it said it was in the “Cusco metropolitan area”. When we sent all the info, it would have been nice if this had been mentioned to us since we are less familiar with the area. 2) The hotel that was booked during the tour in Cusco, was very poor. The rooms were not clean, the bathrooms had questionable water pressure, we had to wait three hours to check in, but they kept telling us it would only be another ten minutes whenever we asked, etc. It was not a good experience. Other than that, everything else was amazing. Our guide was fantastic, the accommodations on the trail were better than expected and the food was phenomenal!
Kathy J –
Loved the guide. Everything ran so smoothly. We were very impressed by the organization of the hike so that we hardly saw any other hikers and had great private camping spots. Porters were terrific.
A trip of a life time for sure.
sncattlequeen –
Can’t say enough good things about Amazonas Explorer and it’s full service approach to the Inca Trail trek. A hot cup of tea first thing in the morning as you are trying to take in the history and beauty of the Inca Trail, it doesn’t get any better than that. Thank you to our guides, Efi and Nilda for giving us the knowledge to truly appreciate all that we saw. Our porters couldn’t have been more supportive, cheering us into camp at the end of each day and like magic all of our night time gear appeared in our assigned tents. Ah, it is good to be Queen.
5-day 4-night Inca Trail
Sherry
jamcinerney –
efi our guide made this a wonderful experience for all of us. His assistant Nilda and the porters treated us amazingly. I would strongly recomend this group to everyone.
Jack
Kirby –
The trip was fantastic!!. Can’t say enough about the whole experience; the guides, porters, hotel staff, etc were all great and made the trip a total success. Amazonas Explorer was a great choice and we would go with them again; they really catered to us and took care of us. The Inca Trail was unbelievable and Machu Pichu was breath taking. Thanks to Detour for all your help too. Everything was in order and organized very efficiently. Thanks again and hope to travel with you again.
cvarner256 –
This was a wonderful trip. The Amazonas Explorer support crew were great, and the tour guide (Wilo) was knowledgable and courteous. He took good care of the guests. The food was delicious, and the efforts of the porters (campsite set-up, food and drink service, hygiene, etc.) were top-notch. This trip is a great way to see many archeological sites in the region that you just cannot otherwise access. So many people hop on the train to Aguas Calientes, then the bus to Machu Picchu and think they’ve seen it all, but you’re missing so much if you don’t trek the trail! The day or two in Cusco was also fun; there are many interesting sights to see there.
On the “warnings” side, I would add these things:
1) the altitude is pretty extreme, so you need to be able to deal with it. It would be a good idea to show up a few days early, just to get acclimated, before taking on the trek (there are a couple of high peaks on the trek).
2) when they say “rainy season” they mean it. The rain can make for less-than-pleasant trekking and camping experiences and the clouds can mess up the view, so I would suggest either going in the dry season or in the spring or fall, so you won’t see as much rain and cloud.
3) when in Cusco, since you obviously look like a tourist, you’ll be approached by a lot of people trying to sell you stuff (water colors, post cards, Andean dolls). Just prepare yourself to say “No” a lot.
4) when choosing from among the local restaurants, stick with the places that serve normal food for the region. The places that aspire to be “gourmet” really fall short of the mark, while the normal restaurants serve great meals and plentiful portions.
All-in-all, this was a great experience and I give all credit to the Amazonas Explorer group — they take care of their guests and forsee and accommodate all contingencies very well. And, yes, EVERYONE should try to see Machu Picchu, whether they do the Trail or not, sometime in their lives!
Casey W –
Peru is beautiful. The Inca trail was amazing and well worth the time and money. Our accommodations were great given the environment. All tents were very nice a well set up. The food was exceptional, especially for trail food. Our guide was helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. The trip was very environmentally responsible, nothing but tracks left behind and guide was very responsible in picking up trash left by others. Overall this was an excellent trip. Would definitely travel with this provider again and recommend this trip to my friends.
David G –
The folks at Amazon Explores did an excellent job. I was very impressed with every aspect (pick up, guides, food on the trail, knowledge of the culture, historical facts, etc). True professionals.
Roman G –
The guide Reuben “Chino” (nickname) was a real professinal. As a former history professor, he was able to give us the history of the Incas as well as the local vegitation, mountains,etc.
Alex L –
This was an amazing trip. Amazonas was a great company all the way around. I think their schedule is one of the better ones I witenessed while on the trail. You start the trail kind of late on the first afternoon and there is a short hike to the fist campsite overlooking the Patallacta site. All the other tour companies started way earlier to we had the the trail and campsite all to ourselves. For the most part we were able to stay away from other groups. As you hike the trail you can see porters setting up camps. Our campsites were always the best ones – away from other groups and far from the bathrooms (trust me – this is a good thing, plus we had our own chemical toilet – a.k.a the fax machine). Our guides, Willo and Oswaldo, were great – always cheerful and absurdly accomodating. The equipment was all first rate. The was the best backpacking food you could ask for, especially good because someone else cooks and cleans. Plus they catered to everyone from carnivors to the veggies. Every morning we woke to warm water bowls for washing up, hot tea, and a hot breakfast. Every day we stopped for a three course lunch followed again by hot tea. Every afternoon we arrived and the entire campsite was already prepared and the porters cheered your arrival. We were greeted with more hot tea and hot water for washing up. Dinner was three courses with soup, hot entree, dessert, and more hot tea. They provided plenty of drinking water and were obsessive about hand washing and overall cleanliness. The Inca Trail reugulations make it quite difficult to offer a first class trip – we had about 20 porters for 14 people – however, Amazonas has worked hard to provide an amazing trip in spite of challenging regulations. I have uploaded some pictures to the forum.
gfi –
What a fantastic trip! There is no better way to experience Machu Picchu than to arrive by foot as the Incas did. And Amazonas Explorer runs a fabulous trip. Our every need was taken care of before we even knew we had a need.