January 22, 2025

Why Hiking the Inca Trail in 5 Days is Better Than 4

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, how you do it can make all the difference to your journey. While many travel companies rush through this iconic trek in 4 days, Wilderness Travel opts for 5 days, allowing hikers more time for acclimatization, more time to explore remote Inca sites on the trail, less time spent hiking each day, fewer crowds on the trail, and being able to experience the majesty of Machu Picchu over two days instead of one. After all, this hike is a bucket-list trip for many adventurers, combining fascinating history with breathtaking scenery and the thrill of exploring one of the Seven Wonders of the World, so it’s important to do it right. Here are 5 reasons why hiking the Inca Trail in 5 days is better than 4.

1A More Relaxed Pace

A 4-day trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu means you need to cover up to 10 miles of trail each day, which leaves little time to relax, explore, or fully appreciate the surroundings. Hikers must be on the trail between 3:30 am-6:30 am with the crowds to tackle a high pass (sometimes two high passes) in the day. On the 5-day itinerary, the pace is far more relaxed. You hike shorter distances each day, giving you time to enjoy a hearty breakfast in the morning and gourmet lunch in the afternoon. Plus, there’s more opportunity to stop at remote archaeological sites that are only accessible via the Inca Trail.

2Fewer Crowds & More Comfortable Campsites

The Inca Trail is popular, and for good reason—it’s one of the most spectacular hikes in the world and is considered a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. The majority of hikers tackling the 4-day trek often hike alongside large numbers of other trekkers on a fixed schedule and stay at the same crowded campsites. By choosing the 5-day option, you have a more flexible schedule, which gives you a quieter, more intimate experience on the trail and the best campsites. Imagine enjoying a serene sunrise over the Andes or exploring a site like Phuyupatamarca without the crowds—moments like these are what make the extra day worthwhile.

3Time to Enjoy the Remote Ruins on the Trail

The Inca Trail is not just about the final destination; it’s also about the journey and the hidden treasures along the way. On the 4-day trek, hikers often rush past lesser-known ruins in order to stick to the schedule. With 5 days, you can explore ancient sites including Qoriwayrachina, “the place where Incas panned for gold,” and Sayaqmarka, perched atop a sheer cliff at about 12,204 feet, learning their histories and marveling at their architecture without feeling rushed. It transforms the trek into a more immersive and enriching experience.

View of Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel in the Andes Mountains, with surrounding lush green mountains and a clear blue sky—perfect for those who love REI Adventure trips.

4More Time in Machu Picchu Without Tourists

Many 4-day treks rush to reach the Sun Gate by sunrise on the final day. While the experience is potentially amazing when weather conditions are perfect, the chance of witnessing the sunrise over Machu Picchu isn’t guaranteed. What is guaranteed is the amount of other hikers with the same idea, resulting in more than 100 other people crowded on the landing at Sun Gate. A 5-day trek allows for a slower descent into Machu Picchu, entering the Sun Gate in the afternoon, when the morning clouds usually burn away. Our trek times this afternoon so we enter Machu Picchu in the late afternoon when other travelers are heading back to the bus on the way down the mountain, leaving the sacred site virtually all to ourselves. What’s more? Our hotel is located right outside the ruins, granting us first access into Machu Picchu the following morning so we can enjoy the iconic citadel over two days instead of one.

5More Time to Acclimatize

Let’s face it: hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a physically demanding challenge. The additional day on the 5-day trek makes the entire experience more manageable, allowing for a gentler acclimatization to the altitude and less strenuous daily hikes. This means you’re less likely to feel exhausted and potentially less likely to suffer from altitude sickness, and can focus on enjoying every moment of the trail, from the snow-capped peaks to the lush cloud forests.

A group of five hikers, dressed in varying outdoor gear and carrying essential gear, stands on a forest path surrounded by greenery.

Experts on the Inca Trail

Choosing the right company for your Inca Trail adventure is key, and Wilderness Travel has been perfecting the Inca Trail experience for decades. Our 5-day Inca Trail itinerary is carefully designed to provide an exceptional experience, with expert guides who share their deep knowledge of Incan history, culture, and the natural wonders of the Andes. From comfortable campsites to delicious meals prepared by skilled cooks, Wilderness Travel ensures every detail is taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the trail.

Our team handles all the logistics, including permits, transportation, and support staff, so you can focus on hiking, exploring, and creating unforgettable memories. Our commitment to sustainable travel and small-group experiences also means you’re traveling in a way that respects the environment and supports local communities.

Ready to pack for your Inca Trail adventure? Check out our blog, 7 Must-Have Items on the Inca Trail.