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

Which is the best experience for you?

5 Day Inca Trail Trek

Winay Wayna Ruins on the 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

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

  1. hank says:

    But do not plan on taking the Inca Trail during February – it is CLOSED (too much rain).

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