Manu Jungle Tour
4 Days & 3 Nights
Main features of the Inca Trail Machu Picchu 5D/4N route
Main features of the 5D/4N Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour
A tour to take a little slower on this Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, YOU WILL ENJOY THE WONDERS OF THE ANDES FOR 5 DAYS!
The hikes on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu generally follow the same itinerary as our classic 4-day Inca Trail hike, but at a more leisurely pace.
This means you can spend more time at each ruin along the way. Definitely an excellent option for those concerned about their hiking ability and speed, as well as for families with younger hikers.
Type of tour: Hiking with overnight camping, adventure, history, and culture.
Total distance: 43 Km / 26 miles.
Recommended: For those who enjoy long hikes and have moderate physical fitness. In such cases, this Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour is indeed ideal.
Considerations: An entry permit is required (Inca Trail Explorer will obtain it for you as soon as you book with us). Therefore, you should book in advance.
Season: From March 1 to January 31.
Trail closed: February (closed by the government for maintenance)
Now, if you are determined to take this 5D/4N tour on the Inca Trail, we detail how the itinerary will be. So you can organize yourself and prepare to live this extraordinary experience.
Enjoy this tour worry-free!
One thing you should keep in mind for your peace of mind is that you will have expert guides who will provide efficient support. That is, they are trained to respond to any eventuality. Additionally, we equip them with technology that allows you to communicate from anywhere along the route via a satellite phone, should you need it.
At Inca Trail Explorer, we think of your safety, enjoyment, and entertainment, which is why we make every tour on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu unforgettable, focusing on the natural and historical value of the place. Thus, your safety is covered so you can fully experience this adventure.
ProgramWe will depart from Cusco at 5:00 am in our private transport and head towards KM 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail.
After this journey, your chef will prepare breakfast before starting your hike. We begin our hike along the left bank of the Urubamba River, following the path along flat terrain, until we reach the community of Miskay (2800 m / 9184 ft).
The first two hours of the hike are relatively easy as we head to our first Inca site and checkpoint; Patallacta.
From this site, our journey to Machu Picchu will begin. After Patallacta, we will head towards the canyon to enjoy lunch and the views of this place.
Afterward, we will continue along the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the scenery and taking advantage of the stories from the guide. We will also continue with a two-hour hike to reach our overnight camp in the village of Hatunchaca at (3300 meters).
Total distance: 12 km (7.800 miles) Estimated hiking time: 4 hours Maximum altitude point: 2,600 m (8,692 ft) Camp altitude: 3,000 m (9,842 ft)
We wake up early to begin our ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass. The views of the snow-capped mountains and the cloud forest are fantastic.
This first stretch is the most difficult part of the hike. It consists of a steep ascent that extends for nine kilometers, which will take us to the first mountain pass on the Inca Trail; Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass).
We will stop at Llulluchapampa to relax and buy any last essential items we may need. We might be able to see deer and hawks in this area. We will have the opportunity to see llamas and domesticated alpacas grazing on Ichu (one of the few plants that grow at that altitude).
After the two-hour hike to the pass, we can enjoy the beautiful views and a refreshing cup of coca tea. Upon reaching the pass, the rest of the day is downhill. Finally, after approximately two hours, we will stop for lunch and have the afternoon free in the Pacaymayu valley.
Total distance: 10 km (7.376 miles) Estimated hiking time: 6 hours Maximum altitude point: 4,215 m (13,821 ft) Camp altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
After breakfast, we will continue our hike on the opposite side of the valley as we head towards the second pass on the hike. Along the way, we will have fantastic views of waterfalls as well as flora and fauna.
Halfway through the journey, we will stop and visit the Inca site of Runcu Raccay (an Inca watchtower), and we will rest for a moment to catch our breath before continuing our ascent to Runcu Raccay Pass (4,000 meters).
From Runcu Raccay Pass, we will begin our descent into the cloud forest again. After about an hour, we will arrive at the Sayacmarca ruins, one of the most beautiful archaeological centers on the Inca Trail, where we will have a one-hour guided tour.
From Sayacmarca, we will continue to our lunch spot at Chaquicocha (dry lake). Here we will see the fantastic flora and fauna that the Inca Trail has to offer. From Chaquicocha onward, we will walk along the Inca plain (gentle slopes) as we head towards our final camp, Phuyupatamarca (3,680 meters).
This area of the Inca Trail has stunning views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, as well as abundant flora and fauna. After another two hours of hiking, we will arrive at our camp, where we will have our first view of Machu Picchu mountain and the Urubamba River.
We will set up camp and have the opportunity to explore the Inca site, and as the sun sets, we can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the snow-capped peaks.
Total distance: 13 km (8.136 miles) Estimated hiking time: 9 hours Maximum altitude point: 4,000 m (13,123 ft) Camp altitude: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)
On day 4, we will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises on the Inca Trail, weather permitting. After breakfast, you will have a guided tour through Phuyupatamarca.
Then we will begin our journey down the long descending stone steps to Wiñay Wayna, at 2,650 m / 8,692 ft, where we will have lunch. As we approach the foot of the stairs, we will visit the site of Intipata (Sun Terraces). This site has beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and was an important agricultural site for Machu Picchu.
After Intipata, we will continue towards Wiñay Wayna, the largest archaeological site on the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu. It consists of an impressive complex formed by an agricultural center, with numerous terraces, a religious sector, and an urban sector. At this site, we will find spectacular views over the narrow valley of the Urubamba River.
Next, we will have our last lunch with our porters. Following this, on this day on the Inca Trail, we will hold a traditional gratitude ceremony for all the hard work that the porters and cooks have done. If you wish, you can leave a tip for them at this time.
After bidding farewell to our team, we will continue towards the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will get our first views of Machu Picchu. It takes about an hour of hiking along a flat stone path in the high jungle to reach the Sun Gate. From there, it is approximately another hour to the site itself.
Upon your arrival, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the sunset and see the views of Machu Picchu without crowds, before taking the bus to the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
* Private groups can make arrangements to camp this night, instead of staying in a hotel.
Total distance: 11 km (6.814 miles) Estimated hiking time: 5 hours Maximum altitude point: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)
On day 5, we will wake up early and board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, to enjoy the sunrise at the citadel (weather permitting). These buses are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 5:30 am.
You will have a two-hour tour of the Inca citadel and then free time to explore. If you have purchased permits for Huayna Picchu, your guide will show you where this hike begins, which will take you 45 minutes to reach the top and another 45 to come back down. This is for a price of $75.00 USD per person that you must book in advance.
After the tour of the citadel, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and meet for our last lunch in the city. But you should keep in mind that having lunch with your group is optional and not included in the cost of the tour. Next, you will take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
Inclusions
IncludesAll our guides have an academic degree, are specialists in their work, and grew up in the Cusco region. They are passionate about teaching others about their culture and heritage. They are fun yet very professional, ensuring that you are completely safe and happy on the trip.
As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your travel permits. They cannot be changed once confirmed. Only your passport number can be updated or modified. The permit includes entry to the Machu Picchu citadel.
The night before your hike to Machu Picchu, you will need to come to our office based in Cusco for an informative meeting. Here you will receive your sleeping bag, which will stay with your porters while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7 kg / 14 pounds approx. and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
We include a personal porter, responsible for carrying your sleeping bag. There is no additional fee for this, but you will not have access to your sleeping bag until you reach the overnight camp.
Inca Trail Explorer provides all transportation for this hike. They will pick you up directly from your hotel around 04:00 am. If you are staying in Ollantaytambo, your pickup will be at 06:20 am to take you to KM 82 where your hike on the Inca Trail to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu begins.
After your visit to the Machu Picchu citadel, we include in your ticket the bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. The return train from Aguas Calientes will be in Expedition Train class. This service is included in your trip. If you wish to upgrade the train service class, you also have the option to switch to Vistadome Train class for an additional $75.00 USD per person. Once you arrive at the train station, you will be taken back to your hotel in Cusco.
Inca Trail Explorer has the ideal equipment for your trip. We use tents that are shared by only two people. You will also have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your delicious meals.
The chefs at Inca Trail Explorer specialize in cooking delicious meals that many previous hikers have loved. Additionally, we respect all dietary restrictions, just make sure to add any requests you have on your booking form and inform your guide during the briefing session. Meals are typically served family-style.
You will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day during the hike along with a happy hour of tea, snacks, and more. You will be provided with a snack each morning to enjoy during the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch on the last day is not included.
From your first lunch to your last breakfast, Inca Trail Explorer will provide all the necessary water. This water is boiled, filtered, and then cooled before being distributed. Therefore, you only need to bring your own water bottles and/or camelback (hydration pack or backpack).
We recommend bringing a container with a capacity of 3 liters so you can refill water at each meal.
Each guide from Inca Trail Explorer has received first aid training from a specialized doctor. Additionally, we conduct mandatory training sessions every February, attended by all our Inca Trail Explorer tour guides.
Likewise, your guide will always have a first aid kit for basic medical situations (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. If necessary, we will get you off the trail in the quickest and most comfortable way possible, and ensure that you arrive directly at a clinic for the appropriate care.
We believe that attention to the small details is what makes us different from other tour companies. Each hiker receives a small pillow for sleeping, a foam mattress to insulate from the cold, a backpack cover to protect your belongings while hiking, and a rain poncho. We will work hard to give you the best experience on your trip.
Our main priority will always be the safety of our clients and our staff. That is why our guides are prepared and trained to handle most issues that travelers may encounter in the mountains.
Each guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere in the mountains to connect us to any part of the world. Our clients can also use them for non-emergency cases. While it is true that they are not cheap to use, they are available in case you need to call or check on your home or other matters.
All taxes and permit costs associated with this hike are included in the price.
Does Not IncludeFor camping, each hiker needs a sleeping bag. Inflatable air mattresses and trekking poles (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended for your trip. If you do not wish to bring any of the above, Inca Trail Explorer has the following available for rent:
Sleeping bag: $30.00 USD
Inflatable air mattress: $25.00 USD
Trekking poles (pair): $25.00 USD
Huayna Picchu is the mountain located on the north side of Machu Picchu. To reach the summit, you will need to hike for 45 minutes starting from a dense forest followed by an ascent up stairs, which can be a challenge for those who are afraid of heights.
If you are not afraid of heights, then you can make this hike after your tour of Machu Picchu. The additional cost is $75.00 USD. Reservations must be made at least one month in advance due to the popularity of this place. And finally, we ask for a bit of understanding regarding the weather, as it is beyond our control.
We can start any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Remember, permits are only necessary for your start date. Our season runs from March to January. Private hikes are based on the number of people in a group.
Price per person
$840.00 USD per person
Private price
Two hikers: $1,765.00 USD per person
Three hikers: $1,665.00 USD per person
Four hikers: $1,565.00 USD per person
Five hikers: $1,465.00 USD per person
Six hikers: $1,365.00 USD per person
Seven hikers: $1,265.00 USD per person
Eight or more hikers: $1,095.00 USD per person
Student discount
$35.00 USD discount per person
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid university student ID at the time of the hike or is 17 years old or younger. For those using a university student ID and for those under 17, we need to see a copy of their ID or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
What to BringHuayna Picchu (Young Mountain)
Huayna Picchu is the mountain located on the north side of Machu Picchu. To reach the summit, you will need to hike for 45 minutes, starting from a dense forest followed by an ascent up stairs. These stairs can be a challenge for those who are not fond of heights.
Now, if you are not afraid of heights, then you can pass through this section of the trek after your tour of Machu Picchu. The additional cost is $75.00 USD. Reservations must be made at least one month in advance due to the popularity of this place, and finally, please remember that weather events are beyond our control.
The ticket costs $75.00 USD per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
This trek is only possible if you have an extra day to visit Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu Mountain is the other mountain located above the ruins of Machu Picchu. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu, but you will need an hour and a half to reach the summit. For this hike, an additional entry ticket will be necessary, which we can reserve for you with prior notice to the agency.
This ticket costs $75.00 USD per person.
Vistadome Train
All our tours include the Expedition Train. This train is reserved for 4:22 PM, departing from Aguas Calientes. On the other hand, the Vistadome Train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment.
If you upgrade your train, the Vistadome train will generally be reserved for 4:43 PM, and the return will be to Poroy, or a train station closer to Cusco. While this is a higher category fare, we will continue to include your return transport to your hotel.
This train costs $75.00 USD per person.
Extra Day in Machu Picchu
By adding 1 extra day to your service, you will have a full day in Machu Picchu, arriving at the citadel around 6:00 AM, and leaving no later than 2:00 PM, to catch your train at 2:22 PM. If you also wish to tour Machu Picchu again on your own the next day, we can arrange that as well.
The entry ticket to Machu Picchu is $55.00 USD per person. The round trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is $25.00 USD per person.
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