Here are 5 reasons to pick the 5 Day Classic Trek to Machu Picchu. Since first arriving in Peru in 2001, we have been deeply inspired by the richness of Incan and pre Inca culture and the incredible history preserved along the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu. Over the years, we’ve worked tirelessly to develop a level of service truly second to none for this world-famous trek to Machu Picchu.
Today, we operate with a full-time staff member based in Peru, ensuring seamless logistics, local expertise, and exceptional on-the-ground support. We are also proud to pay our team 25% more than most companies and give 1% back to the local communities where we work. This reflects our commitment to fair wages, ethical travel, and long-term partnership with the people who make these journeys possible.
Pick the 5 Day Classic Inca Trail Itinerary
Peru has a rich culture, unique mountain viewing and diverse history that leaves you in wonder at how people lived during the time of the Incas. Many people believe most of the stone work you see today was in place long before the Incas reign.
Everything is open to interpretation as there is nothing written down from the time of the Inca’s. So let your mind wonder as you explore this unique destination.
We are trekking specialists, running around 15 treks a year along the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We run treks along the traditional 4 day Inca trail, classic 5 day Inca Trail and 6 day Salkantay Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, our favorite itinerary to follow is the Classic 5 Day trek, and below will explain why!
1). Time on the Inca Trail
Our Classic 5-Day Inca Trail Trek follows the exact same legendary route as the traditional 4-day option to Machu Picchu. The difference is the classic itinerary has more time on the trial. By camping in carefully selected, less crowded locations, you gain valuable extra time to explore the major archaeological sites that make the Inca Trail one of the world’s most iconic trekking experiences.
This extended itinerary allows you to visit impressive ruins like Sacacmarca, Intipata, Wiñay Wayna, and others when they are quieter, giving you the space to absorb the history, appreciate the engineering, and enjoy the mountain scenery without rushing.
A magical moment on this trek is hiking into Machu Picchu at 4:30pm as the sun goes down. With less people in Machu Pichu you can stand in awe of this magical place and enjoy a peaceful moment in time.
With more time built into each day, you can move at a safer, more enjoyable pace, experience better acclimatization, and truly connect with the trail’s cultural importance. The 5-day trek is the best choice for trekkers who want deeper immersion, fewer crowds, and a richer understanding of the Inca Trail’s most important sites.
2). Spreading out the Daily Distances
The Classic 5 Day trek spreads out the distances that need to be covered each day. The days are still long and challenging, however, they are easier to hike than the 4 Day Traditional route.
Explore some of the Inca Trail’s most remarkable and rarely visited archaeological sites, including Sacacmarca, Intipata, and the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna. By spending your second night in Pacaymayu, just beyond the challenging high pass at 4,215m / 13,829 feet, you gain additional time to enjoy one of the most spectacular and culturally rich sections of the entire trail on the way to Phuyupatamarca, the “Town Above the Clouds.”
While this itinerary gives you more manageable daily distances compared to the classic 4-day route. You must still arrive physically prepared and well-conditioned for multi-day trekking at altitude.
This extended approach offers a perfect balance, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the history, scenery, and quiet beauty of the Inca Trail while maintaining a safer, more enjoyable pace.
3). Better Campsites
The Classic 5 Day trek to Machu Picchu gives you the opportunity to camp in Phuyupatamarka at 3,630m/ 11,906 feet. This campsite is the best and in our opinion, most beautiful, camp site on the trail.
Positioned on a ridge, high above Machu Picchu mountain this campsite has world class sunsets and sunrises.
Phuyupatamarca means town over the clouds. From above, you will observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations. Also, you will see impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. If you look closely you can see the tip of Huayna Picchu hidden behind Machu Picchu mountain.
4). More Time at Incan Sites
The Classic 5 Day trek generally offers you more time on the trail. Taking the time to explore Sayacmarca, Intipata and most importantly Winay Wayna at 8,856 feet (2,700m). This is one of our favorite Incan sites on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Therefore, this is one of the main reasons to pick this classic Itinerary.
Wiñay Wayna consists of upper and lower housing complexes connected by a series of staircases and water fountains. The site is also home to stunning agricultural terraces that you must explore.
The first few times I hiked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu nobody ever showed me Wiñay Wayna. It is a short walk from the campsite where you would stay on the 4 day Inca Trail trek. Overall, on the Classic 5 Day trek, you get more time in each site along this magical trail and we will take you into this magical site.
5). Two Visits to Machu Picchu
The Classic 5 Day Inca trail offers you the chance to visit Machu Picchu twice. Unlike the Traditional 4 Day trek, where you only have one visit. After dropping down into intipata and Winya Wayna for Lunch. You will have time to explore this very beautiful Inca site before continuing into Machu Picchu, through the famous Sun Gate.
The walk down from the sun gate to Machu Picchu is truly a magical experience as the lost city of the Incas reveals itself. We will arrive on the upper levels of Machu Picchu as the postcard image you are used to seeing reveals itself. By 4: 30pm in the afternoon the light starts to shift and you can experience a more peaceful moment with this special place.
From a higher vantage point, you will have plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the lost city of the Incas. Then, you will drop down to Aguas Calientes for a shower, nice dinner and sleep in a bed.
The following morning, we will return to Machu Picchu before sunrise for your official guided tour. Arriving early allows you to experience the magical moment as the sun rises over the surrounding ridgelines and slowly illuminates the ancient city. With the new time restrictions in place at Machu Picchu, this is the best way to maximize your time exploring, learning about, and truly soaking up the atmosphere of the Lost City of the Incas.
Huayna Picchu: The Iconic Peak Above the Lost City
After reaching the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu, many don’t realize there is one more adventure waiting just beyond the stone terraces. It’s the steep iconic peak of Huayna Picchu!
The climb itself generally takes about an hour from Base to summit. Round trip, you are looking at 2 – 3 hours depending on your pace and physical condition. The journey up Huayna Picchu Mountain begins with a gentle stairs. From the base, the ascent involves climbing up steep stone steps, some secured with ropes for safety.
Along the way, there are resting platforms which allow you to take in the breathtaking landscape views. These spots are perfect for capturing photos of the Inca architecture and the bird’s eye view of Machu Picchu. On return from the summit you’ll face a narrow tunnel before popping out to panoramic views of Machu Picchu. The view from above the ancient city makes every step worth it!
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
Time to hike: 2- 3 hours (depending on fitness level and pace)
Huayna Picchu elevation: 2,693m / 8,835 feet
Contact Ian Taylor Trekking
I hope this post, 5 Reasons to Choose the 5-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, helps you decide which itinerary is right for you. While we offer a wide range of incredible trips to Machu Picchu, the Classic 5-Day Inca Trail remains our personal favorite.
Consider our luxury trekking experience allowing to stay at the Machu Picchu hotel. This trip offers the chance to fully immerse yourself in the beauty, history, and adventure of the Inca Trail while enjoying exceptional service, expert guides, and carefully designed itineraries.
From breathtaking mountain scenery to the unforgettable first views of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, this journey truly is the adventure of a lifetime.
If you have any questions at all, or if you are ready to begin planning your trip to Machu Picchu, our team would love to help you every step of the way. GET IN TOUCH today! Follow us on Instagram.