Km 82 Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu | Qoricancha Expeditions Group Picture at Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa) 4,215 meters (13,828 feet)

Sacred Valley & Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Experience a smarter way to hike the Inca Trail with this carefully designed Sacred Valley & Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. This 5-day journey combines cultural exploration and high-altitude trekking, letting you enjoy the Andes while preparing your body for the challenge ahead.

Your adventure begins with a guided Sacred Valley tour, where visits to Pisac and Ollantaytambo provide an ideal setting for natural acclimatization before the trek. Unlike the standard 4-day Inca Trail, this itinerary improves comfort, reduces altitude challenges, and delivers a more complete Andean experience.

From there, continue along the legendary Inca Trail, following ancient stone paths through mountain passes, cloud forests, and exclusive archaeological sites. The journey culminates with your arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, an unforgettable moment that defines one of the world’s most iconic treks.

Limited Inca Trail Permits — Book Before They Sell Out

Join a small group experience that combines the Sacred Valley and the iconic Inca Trail into one expertly designed journey.

Secure your permit today before availability is gone.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Packing List
  • Prices
  • FAQS

Tour Overview – Sacred Valley & Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days)

This isn’t just the Inca Trail. It’s the most complete and thoughtfully planned way to experience it.

The Sacred Valley & Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is a premium 5-day trip for travelers who want a deeper, better-acclimatized, and more rewarding experience of Peru’s most famous route. Instead of starting with the trek right away, this itinerary begins with cultural experiences in the Sacred Valley, giving your body time to adjust before you start hiking at high altitude.

This approach makes the journey more comfortable, helps you perform better, and lets you enjoy the experience even more.

Tour Brief

  • Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Distance: 42 km (26 miles) Classic Inca Trail
  • Difficulty: Strenuous. We recommend this trek for people with strong physical fitness.
  • Maximum altitude: 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) at Dead Woman’s Pass.
  • Destinations: Sacred Valley, Classic Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
  • Accommodation: 1 night hotel + 3 nights camping
  • Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners, all prepared by a trekking chef.
  • Transport: Private transfers and a return trip on the Vistadome panoramic train.

Key Highlights of the Inca Trail Tour

  • Sacred Valley Acclimatization Experience
    Start your trip by exploring Pisac and Ollantaytambo, which helps you get used to the altitude before the trek.
  • Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m)
    Reach the highest point of the Inca Trail and enjoy panoramic views of the Andes.
  • Exclusive Inca Archaeological Sites
    Visit Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca, sites accessible only to Inca Trail hikers.
  • Sun Gate Arrival at Machu Picchu
    Enter Machu Picchu through Inti Punku and take in your first amazing panoramic view.
  • Vistadome Train Return Experience
    Enjoy a comfortable ride back through the Sacred Valley with views of the mountains all around you.

What Makes This Inca Trail Tour Different

This itinerary is for travelers who want more than a standard trek. It combines acclimatization, culture, and trekking into one smooth journey, offering a much better experience than the usual 4-day route.

This journey focuses on:

  • Better altitude adaptation before trekking
  • A more comfortable trek
  • A deeper cultural introduction to the Andes
  • A pace that is more balanced and rewarding

 Comfort & Safety on the Inca Trail

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities throughout the trip. This expedition is planned to handle high-altitude conditions with expert care and preparation.

  • Smart Acclimatization Strategy
    Start in the Sacred Valley to help your body adjust to the altitude and make the trek easier.
  • Certified High-Altitude Guides.
    Our professional guides are trained to handle emergencies in remote mountain areas.
  • On-Trail Medical Support
    We always carry oxygen tanks and full first-aid kits.
  • Premium Camping Setup
    We provide high-quality tents, sleeping gear, and full porter support.
  • Fresh High-Altitude Nutrition
    Our chef prepares meals to give you energy, help with endurance, and support recovery.
  • Full Logistics Management
    Our local team handles all permits, transport, and trip coordination.

Why Travel With Qoricancha Expeditions

  • 100% Local Cusco-Based Operator – Direct, authentic, and connected to the community
  • Small Group Experience (Maximum 10 travelers) – Personalized and not mass tourism
  • Guaranteed Inca Trail Permits – Secure booking with official authorization
  • Expert Local Guides – Deep knowledge of history, culture, and terrain
  • Responsible Tourism Approach – Supporting Andean communities with every trip

2026 Inca Trail Permit Alert

Inca Trail permits are strictly limited by the Peruvian government and often sell out months in advance. We recommend booking 4 to 6 months in advance to secure your preferred dates. Feel free to Contact us.

Authentic | Trusted | Reliable | Safe | Community-Focussed | Smaller Groups

Day 1: Sacred Valley Full Day Tour - Pisac & Ollantaytambo

Your Sacred Valley tour starts with an 8:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a drive through the valley. Along the way, your guide will stop for a moment to enjoy the incredible views.

First up is a visit to an Alpaca farm, where you’ll get to meet llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Your guide, who knows a lot about these animals and the art of using their wool for traditional hand weaving, will share their insight.

Next, you go to the Pisac Inca site which is a remarkable archaeological site including agricultural terraces, religion space, and lovely views. Following, you'll enjoy a visit to the Pisac market, where you can have the opportunity to buy handmade textiles and crafts.

After visiting the market, you'll then travel to Urubamba for lunch, which will be at a restaurant before continuing to the Ollantaytambo Inca site. Referred clients for its phenomenal rock formations depicting the Inca god Viracocha, Ollantaytambo is known as the last living Inca city. Your guide will show you points of interest regarding the historical and cultural significance of this wonderful site.

The tour concludes with your arrival in Ollantaytambo town, where you will check-in to your hotel. After checking in, you'll have time to explore and enjoy the lovely town of Ollantaytambo, and the tour will finish around 4:00 PM.

  • Accommodation: Sol Natura or similar
  • Tickets: Included
  • Meals: Lunch included

Day 2: Start Inca Trail Adventure - Km 82 to Huayllabamba (or Ayapata)

Your journey on the Inca Trail begins with a pick-up at your hotel in Ollantaytambo at 6:30 AM. From there, you'll take a short drive to Km 82, which is the official start of the Inca Trail's trek to Machu Picchu.

At Km 82, you will meet the guide, the chef, and the porters and, after giving them your duffle bag, you'll be ready to start your trek - with just your daypack. Make sure you have your passport in hand, as it will need to be checked at the checkpoint.

Once you begin the trek, you'll enjoy some breathtaking mountain views, pass ancient ruins, and your guide will share interesting stories along the way. The pace will be relaxed, and the guide will break for snacks, take photos, and rest when appropriate.

Lunch is prepared by your chef and is served around 1:30 PM. After lunch, you will continue your hike to the first campsite to get a good nights sleep before the next day. Your first campsite will be at Huayllabamba (3,350 meters / 10,990 ft), and the hike is moderate and will help you get acclimatized to the altitude.

When you arrive at the campsite, your team will have your tent set up and warm water for washing. Once you've gotten settled, it will be time for tea and then dinner around 7:30 PM, then it's off to bed for the next day.

(Note: the camping location is subject to change between Huayllabamba or Ayapata depending on regulations and availability.)

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Tickets: Included
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Day 3: Hike the Challenge Day of the Inca Trail

On your second day on the Inca Trail, we’ll wake you up at 5:30 AM with a hot cup of coca tea brought right to your tent. Coca tea can help ease the effects of high altitude and gives you a boost for the day ahead.

After that, you’ll have time to organize your daypack and duffle bag before breakfast. We’ll provide snacks and water to keep you energized as you hike. The hike starts at 7:30 AM and takes us up through a beautiful valley filled with ancient trees like Queñas and Uncas, which grow only in this region.

As we climb higher into the Highland forest, you’ll notice unique plants that make this part of the trail special. After about four hours of hiking, we’ll reach Llulluchapampa, where our chef will have a tasty lunch ready for you. You’ll definitely deserve a break!

After lunch, we’ll start the two-hour climb to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the trail at 4,200 meters. The views from the top are amazing, so it’s a great time to take some photos!

Next, we’ll head down to our campsite at Pacaymayu Alto, which is at 3,650 meters. When we arrive, your tent will already be set up. We’ll have a small happy hour with hot drinks before dinner, which is served around 7:00 PM. After a busy day, most guests are ready to sleep by 8:30 PM.

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Tickets: Included
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 4: The Amazing Day on the Inca Trail (Cloud Forest Area)

On day three of your Inca Trail trek, you’ll notice the incredible range of ecosystems along the way. This area is famous for its orchids; there are about 135 species, so you’ll have plenty of chances to spot these beautiful flowers, as well as hummingbirds and other birds.
After another early breakfast, you’ll start your day with a two-hour climb. Halfway up, you’ll stop at Runcuracay, a small but important Inca site, where you can rest, have a snack, and explore the ruins. An hour later, you’ll reach the second-highest point of your trek, where you’ll enjoy great panoramic views.
You’ll head downhill for about an hour and a half to reach Sayacmarka, one of the most scenic Inca sites on the trail. You’ll have time to explore the ruins. As you move into the jungle, it will get warmer and you might notice more mosquitoes. We’ll stop for lunch to recharge before the next part of the hike.
After lunch, you’ll hike for another two hours to Phuyupatamarca. From here, you’ll get amazing views of Machu Picchu Mountain and Aguas Calientes. The final stretch of the day is a long, challenging descent with lots of stairs, so trekking poles will be helpful.
We’ll finish the day at Wiñayhuayna, our last campsite at 2,650 meters. Here, we’ll spend the night before our big arrival at Machu Picchu.
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Tickets: Included
  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 5: Machu Picchu Tour and Return to Cusco

Today is the highlight of our trip as we visit the world-famous Machu Picchu. We'll start early, waking up at 3:30 AM, just like all Inca Trail trekkers. Breakfast will be at 4:00 AM, and we'll head to the checkpoint by 5:30 AM to enter.
We'll begin our trek with a one-hour walk to the Sun Gate, a special experience for Inca Trail hikers. Around 6:30 AM, we'll reach the Sun Gate and see the incredible sunrise over Machu Picchu. It's a moment you'll want to capture in a photo.
After enjoying the views, we'll walk down to the Machu Picchu citadel, which takes about 40 minutes. We'll arrive at circuit 1, where you can take postcard-worthy photos and panoramic shots. After a bathroom break outside the citadel, we'll re-enter for a guided tour along circuit 3. The tour lasts about two hours and covers the most important religious sites, the urban sector, terraces, and both the central and lower areas of the citadel. Key places include the Temple of the Sun and the water fountains. Your guide will share interesting stories about the history and meaning of this ancient site.
After the tour, if you have purchased tickets in advance, you may take the optional hike up Huayna Picchu to view the citadel from above. This strenuous climb takes about two hours. Afterwards, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch (not included). Please be ready for the return train, which will take you to the Sacred Valley. Our driver will meet you there and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of 7:30 PM.
  • Accommodation: Please arrange your own booking.
  • Tickets: Included.
  • Meals: Breakfast only.

Sacred Valley & Inca Trail Trek Inclusions

Booking your 5-day Sacred Valley & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Qoricancha Expeditions ensures a seamless, organized, and worry-free adventure.

Pre-Trek Briefing

A detailed orientation the evening before your trek covers the itinerary, packing essentials, and tips to prepare you for the Inca Trail hike.

Expert English-Speaking Guide

Trek with certified guides who bring the history, culture, and landscapes of the Inca Trail to life.

Train Return to Cusco

Comfortable return journey on the Expedition tourist-class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then private transport to Cusco.

Meals During the Trek

Enjoy 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners prepared with fresh local ingredients, plus daily snacks. We accommodate dietary requirements with prior notice.

Bus Ticket (Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes)

Bus transfer after your guided tour of Machu Picchu.

All Entry Fees & Permits

Includes permits for the Sacred Valley tour & Classic Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (Circuit 1 - 3), secured in advance.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Explore the citadel with a professional guide and learn the history and significance of this world wonder.

Safety Equipment

An emergency oxygen tank and first aid kit are carried by your guide throughout the trek.

Private Transportation

All transfers included: Cusco hotel pickup, transport to the trailhead (KM 82), and return to Cusco.

Porter Service (7 kg included)

Personal porter to carry your duffel bag (up to 7 kg), so you can hike comfortably with a light daypack.

All Taxes Included

No hidden fees. Everything is included in the price.

What’s Not Included

  • Hotel Accommodation: Before and after the Inca Trail trek
  • Some Meals: As indicated in your detailed itinerary
  • Gratuities: Optional tips for guides and porters
  • Travel Insurance: Highly recommended

Equipment Rentals (Optional)

  • Sleeping bag (required): $25
  • Air mattress (optional): $20
  • Trekking poles (optional): $20

Optional Upgrades

  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $75 per person for a panoramic train experience
  • Huayna Picchu Ticket: $75 per person (limited availability, must be booked in advance)

Ultimate Packing List  for The Inca Trail Trek

Be fully prepared for your journey through the Sacred Valley and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with this complete packing guide. From must-have hiking gear to comfort essentials, this list ensures a successful and enjoyable 5-day adventure. Book your trek today with Qoricancha Expeditions and travel worry-free!

Essential Gear for Your Inca Trail Trek

  • Trekking Backpack (Daypack): Lightweight (25–30L) to carry water, snacks, camera, and essentials during the hike.

  • Duffel Bag (For Porters): Provided by us. Keep under 7 kg (15 lbs). Porters will carry this, so you can hike light.

  • Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for support on steep terrain. Collapsible with rubber tips. Available for rent.

  • Sleeping Bag: Lightweight, rated for -10°C (14°F), essential for trail camping.

Clothing for the Inca Trail and Sacred Valley

  • Moisture-Wicking Layers: Quick-dry shirts, pants, and underwear (merino wool or synthetic). Avoid cotton.

  • Warm Layer: Fleece or down jacket for chilly mornings and high altitudes like Dead Woman’s Pass.

  • Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket and poncho—weather changes quickly, especially in rainy season (Nov–Mar).

  • Hiking Boots: Waterproof, broken-in boots with ankle support. Crucial for rugged trail conditions.

  • Sun Protection Clothing: Wide-brim hat, UV-resistant clothing, sunglasses.

  • Gaiters: Optional during the rainy season to keep legs and boots dry.

Accessories and Essentials

  • Water Bottle (2–3L): Stay hydrated. Hydration systems like CamelBak are ideal.

  • Headlamp: With extra batteries for early mornings and nighttime use at camp.

  • Camera & Chargers: Bring a power bank or solar charger to keep devices ready for stunning photos.

  • Toiletries: Toilet paper, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer. Campsites have basic facilities.

  • Sunscreen & Lip Balm: High SPF is a must at high elevations.

  • Snacks: High-energy options like trail mix, bars, or dried fruit.

Medical & Safety Items

First Aid Kit: Compact with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and personal meds.

  • Altitude Medication: Consult your doctor about options like Diamox. Some parts of the trek go above 4,000 m.

  • Insect Repellent: Useful in cloud forests and lower altitudes.

  • Passport: Original passport is required and checked during the trek.

Optional Extras

  • Notebook & Pen: Journal your adventure.

  • Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended; should include trekking at high altitude.

  • Binoculars: Great for spotting wildlife and taking in Sacred Valley scenery.

With this comprehensive Sacred Valley + Inca Trail packing list, you’ll be fully equipped for an unforgettable journey through Peru. From Pisac to Machu Picchu, pack smart and travel with confidence.

Ready to go? Book your Inca Trail adventure today with Qoricancha Expeditions and discover the magic of the Andes!

Sacred Valley + Inca Trail Trek Pricing

Small Group Service

$955.00 USD per person
(Minimum 2 People)

Enjoy this incredible 5-day Sacred Valley + Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu adventure with a small group. Ideal for travelers seeking a shared experience at a great value.

Private Tour Experience

Enhance your journey with a fully personalized private tour designed specifically for your group. Whether you prefer scenic hikes, immersive sightseeing, or a bit of both, we tailor every detail to match your interests and fitness level.

Private Tour Pricing:

  • 2–3 People: $1,250 per person
  • 4–5 People: $1,150 per person
  • 6–7 People: $1030 per person
  • 8+ People: $950 per person

For a deeper, more flexible experience, opt for a private tour led by expert guides and curated just for you.

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