Should I do the 5-Day or 4-Day Inca Trail Trek?

Which is the best experience for you?

5 Day Inca Trail Trek

Winnay Wayna Ruins on the 5 Day Inca Trail Trek

Pro’s

• Opportunity for alternative camps with fewer people
• Hiking only in the daylight for optimal views and pictures
• Have a 2nd day at Machu Picchu (first day is your arrival)
• More time to climb Wayna Picchu on second day after arrival, before or after your tour of the ruins
• Will have time to visit Aguas Calientes
• Showers at the hotel at the end of the trek, before returning to Machu Picchu on day 5.

Con’s

• Longer time commitment (5 days instead of 4)
• More expensive (because of added day/night)

4 Day Inca Trail Trek

Camp on 4 Day Inca Trail Trek

• Shorter, for those with time constraints
• Less expensive (no 5th day and no overnight in Aguas Calientes)
• Arrive at the Sun Gate at dawn for possible views of the sunrise

Con’s

• Campsites are more utilized and probably more crowded
• Only one visit to Machu Picchu (the day you arrive)
• Fourth day hike starts in the dark (to the sun gate)
• Hiking at times is with more groups of people
• Last day is “hectic”:  hiking to Machu Picchu…tour Machu Picchu…option to climb Wayna Picchu…then the afternoon train back to Cusco