A once-in-a-lifetime event, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu needs planning and preparation. There are several ways to hike to Machu Picchu, including the Salcantay and Lares as well as the 2-, 4-, and 5-day Inca Trails. This blog will primarily discuss the 5-day Inca Trail hike, which is a more laid-back and uncrowded variation of the traditional 4-day journey.

Places To See In A 5-day Inca Trail Hike

The first Inca site that trekkers will see on the trail is Patallacta (Llactapata). It is a fantastic Inca site that just requires a short amount of hiking on the first day.

Runkurakay: It is thought that this modest, round ruin once served as a watchtower.

Sayacmarca: This well-preserved Inca site is thought to have acted as a place of worship.

Phuyupatamarca: With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, this is one of the most magnificent Inca monuments on the trail.

Wiay Wayna: The last significant Inca site before Machu Picchu is Wiay Wayna, which is thought to have been a religious center.

Inti Punku: The entrance to Machu Picchu, Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, offers breathtaking views of the ruins.

Machu Picchu: Of course, Machu Picchu is the pinnacle of the Inca Trail expedition. Anyone hiking the Inca Trail must see this historic Inca city, one of the most well-known archaeological sites in the world.

Day-by-Day Schedule

An itinerary for the 5-day Inca Trail hike is provided below:

Day 1

The first day of the hike is regarded as the simplest of the five and serves as a "warm-up" for the other four days. After hiking for roughly 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), you will arrive at a height of 9,186 feet (2,800 meters).

Day 2

The second day of the climb presents the greatest difficulty due to the steep rise to Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point of the journey at 13,779 feet (4,200 meters). About 7.5 miles (12 km) of hiking will be involved.

Day 3

The third day of the trip covers the most ground, covering around 9.3 miles (15 km). Several Inca ruins, like Runkurakay and Sayacmarca, will be visible as you proceed.

Day 4

The fourth day of the hike has the most scenic beauty, along with the breathtaking panoramas of the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba River. It is a 6.2-mile journey that will lead you to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca and Wiay Wayna.

Day 5

The journey's fifth and last day starts in the early morning with a trek to the Sun Gate, where you will experience the beauty of the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Then you will descend to Machu Picchu, where a tour of the ruins will be provided to you.

Benefits of a 5-Day Inca Trail Hike

Time Spent Hiking

The famed 4-Day Traditional Trek to Machu Picchu is followed exactly by the Classic 5-Day Trek. You set your tent along the way in various spots, giving you more time to explore the essential and significant Inca path sites.

Improved Campsites

You have the option to camp in Phuyupatamarka at 3,630m/11,906 feet if you choose the Classic 5-day Inca Trail hike. The best and, in our opinion, most attractive campground on the trail is this one. This campsite, which is perched on a ridge high above Machu Picchu Mountain, offers breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The phrase "town over the clouds" is Phuyupatamarca. You will see a sophisticated holy complex made up of well-built water fountains from above. Impressive views of the Urubamba River valley will also be available to you.

Longer Visits to Incan Sites

With a height of 2,700 meters/ 8,856 feet, Winaywayna can be explored more thoroughly with the Classic 5-day Inca Trail hike. Our favorite Inca site on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is this one. This location features breathtaking agricultural terraces that you have to see.

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