Follow in the footsteps of the chaskis — the legendary Inca messengers — on this 5-day trail running adventure that blends adrenaline, altitude, and ancient history. Starting in Cusco with a ceremonial offering to Pachamama, the journey pushes through the rainbow-colored slopes of Vinicunca at 5,036 meters before tackling the historic Km 104 route along the Qhapaq Ñan, passing Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna on the way to your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
Unlike a standard multi-day trek, this challenge is designed specifically for runners and fast hikers seeking a physical test alongside cultural immersion, with certified bilingual guides, medical support checkpoints, and small groups of no more than 12 people. The adventure concludes with a hike up Huayna Picchu and a full exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel — a true athletic and spiritual pilgrimage through the heart of the Inca Empire.
Overview
Unlike the standard Inca Trail trek, this 5-day itinerary is purpose-built for trail runners and highly fit hikers who want to test their endurance while still absorbing the cultural and historical richness of the route. Understanding exactly how the running segments, altitude challenges, and cultural stops fit together helps potential travelers see how this differs from a conventional Cusco-Machu Picchu package.
Day-by-Day Inca Trail Tour Summary
- Day 1: Cusco Arrival & City Ruins Tour – Arrive in Cusco and embark on an afternoon tour covering Qoricancha, the Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán (including a traditional Pachamama offering ceremony), Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and Inkilltambo.
- Day 2: Rainbow Mountain Adventure to Sacred Valley – Early morning drive south to Chillihuani for a trek up Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) at 5,036 meters, finishing with a scenic evening transfer to Tambo del Inka in the Sacred Valley.
- Day 3: Chaski Road (KM 104) to Machu Picchu – Board the Vistadome train to KM 104 to trek the Short Inca Trail past Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna ruins, entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) before overnighting in Aguas Calientes.
- Day 4: Huayna Picchu Hike & Return to Cusco – Re-enter Machu Picchu early for a summit hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain, followed by an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo and private transfer to Cusco.
- Day 5: Cusco Airport Transfer – Morning check-out and private transfer to the Cusco airport for your connecting flight to Lima.
Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrival in Cusco – Afternoon Explore Cusco.
Welcome to Cuzco!
Upon your arrival at the airport, we will greet you with a warm welcome and transfer you to your hotel. Once you’ve completed check-in, private transportation will be available for you to enjoy a relaxing lunch.
In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel to prepare for our first tour, which begins at 2:00 p.m. Our journey will take us to Qoricancha, the Cathedral, and Sacsayhuamán, where we will partake in an ancient offering ceremony to Mother Earth. We will then explore Qenqo, Puca Pucara, pass by the Yahuarcocha Lake, and continue to Tambomachay. From there, we will cross Yuncaypata on our way to Inkilltambo.
Throughout the tour, our Peru Andes Discovery team will be stationed at checkpoints to provide medical assistance and water refills if needed.
At the end of the day, we will transfer you back to your hotel around 6:00 p.m., where you will have time to rest. In the evening, private transportation will be available for dinner, allowing you to unwind and prepare for the next day’s adventure to Rainbow Mountain.
Day 02 : Rainbow Mountain Adventure & Transfer to the Sacred Valley.
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. and drive two hours south to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then, after a short drive to Chillihuani Base Control, we begin our 1-hour and 40-minute trek to the stunning Vinicunca Mountain (Rainbow Mountain), standing at 5,036 meters above sea level.
At the summit, you’ll witness a breathtaking landscape of vibrant colors, a true marvel of the Andes Mountain Range. After taking in the views, we’ll descend and conclude our tour around 1:00 p.m.. From there, we will transfer to the Sacred Valley, arriving at Tambo del Inka around 5:00 p.m., where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s Chaski Road adventure.
Day 03 : Chaski Road (KM 104) to Machupicchu.
We begin our adventure at 6:00 a.m., departing from Tambo del Inka to Ollantaytambo Train Station, where we board the Vistadome train at 7:00 a.m.. Our journey takes us to Km 104 (arriving around 8:45 a.m.), where we start a scenic trek through breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, we visit archaeological sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, taking time to appreciate their history and significance.
After a picturesque lunch, we continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), covering 10-11 km, where we are rewarded with our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu at around 2:00 p.m.. The afternoon is free to enjoy the stunning views and witness the spectacular sunset over the citadel.
At the end of the day, we head to a selected hotel in Aguas Calientes for a comfortable overnight stay, preparing for tomorrow’s exploration of Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu citadel.
Day 04 : Machupicchu – WaynaPicchu.
We begin our day at 6:00 a.m. with a visit to the breathtaking Machu Picchu Citadel, followed by a hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain (a 2-hour round trip) for an unforgettable panoramic view. After the tour, we return to the hotel to refresh and collect our belongings before taking the CONSETUR bus down to Aguas Calientes.
At 10:35 a.m., we board the train back to Ollantaytambo, arriving at 3:30 p.m., where our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We expect to arrive in the city around 6:00 p.m., where you’ll spend the night at a selected hotel.
To ensure a seamless evening, our private transportation will be at your disposal, ready to take you to dinner at the restaurant of your choice, making your last night in Cusco truly special.
Day 05 : Tranfer Out – End of the Chaski Road Challenge.
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport, where you will board your flight to Lima. Here, our services come to an end, wishing you a wonderful journey and hoping to welcome you back soon to explore more of Peru!
Includes
- Private Tour Guide (Runner).
- Equipment: trekking poles and other necessary hiking supplies.
- Meals: breakfast and lunch in the Rainbow Mountain.
- Transport: The package includes transportation at your disposal.
- Train Tickets.
- CONSETUR Bus Tickets.
- Archeological Center Entrance Tickets.
- Km 104 entrance Ticket.
- Machu Picchu entrance Ticket.
- Huayna Picchu entrance Ticket.
- Beverages and Bottled Water.
What’s Not included
- Personal Gear: This includes clothing, footwear, and other personal items.
- Travel Insurance: It is recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and cancellations.
- Tips.
- Hotel Recommendations (Hotel not included)
In Sacred Valley:
Tikawasi Casa Boutique⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or Pakaritampu ⭐⭐⭐
In Aguas Calientes:
El Mapi by inkaterra⭐⭐⭐⭐ or Inkaterra Hotel Machupicchu Pueblo⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations
- Be physically prepared and train.
- Acclimate to high altitude.
- Wear proper gear and dress in layers.
- Stay hydrated and pack snacks.
- Consider using trekking poles.
- Respect the environment and local regulations.
- Obtain travel insurance for emergencies.
- Secure permits well in advance.
- Consult a doctor if necessary.
- Prepare tips for the staff.
Packing List
Clothing and Footwear:
- Light, breathable clothing for the day.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Thermal clothing for the evening (if you spend the night in Aguas Calientes).
- Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots.
- Sun cap or hat.
- Gloves and a scarf (in the cold season).
Accessories and Equipment:
- Small daypack (25-30L).
- UV-protected sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Trekking poles (optional, must have rubber tips).
Hydration and Snacks:
- Reusable bottle or camelback.
- Energy snacks (dried fruit, cereal bars, nuts).
- Rehydration salts or electrolytes (optional).
Documents and Money:
- Passport or ID (required for entry to Machu Picchu).
- Train, bus, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Cash in soles for additional expenses.
Hygiene and Health:
- Wet wipes and gel Antibacterial.
- Toilet paper or tissues.
- Personal first aid kit with essential medications.
- Small first aid kit (Band-Aids, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories).
Location the Inca Trail Running Challenge Adventure
Travel Information
This tour is a 5-day/4-night adventure following historic Inca trails used by the chaskis (imperial messengers), combining trekking, living culture, and archaeology in the remote Vilcabamba region.
Highlights:
- Pachamanca and accommodation in eco-lodges
- Alternative route (without crowds) along the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail)
- Chaski relay race (quipus competition)
- Coexistence with Quechua communities (ancestral agriculture)
- Hike up to 4,200 meters above sea level (glacier views)
Fitness Level Required
Participants should be capable of walking or running 5-7 hours daily on varied terrain, including significant ascents and descents at altitude; previous trekking or endurance sport experience is recommended, and this is not suited for absolute beginners.
Altitude Sickness Management
With Rainbow Mountain reaching 5,036m, the itinerary includes a gradual ascent schedule, portable oxygen and coca leaf availability, and guides certified in altitude first aid, along with recommendations for 3-4 liters of daily water intake.
Mandatory Acclimatization
At least 2-3 days of acclimatization in Cusco before the trek is required, given the rapid elevation changes between Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley, and the Machu Picchu region.
Small Group Guarantee
Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized running and hiking experience along with reduced environmental impact on the trail.
Medical Support and Safety Checkpoints
Throughout Day 1's city tour and subsequent trekking days, the Peru Andes Discovery team is stationed at checkpoints to provide medical assistance and water refills, an important safety feature given the physical intensity of the challenge.
Train and Bus Logistics
The route includes a Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, followed by trail running/hiking to the Sun Gate, and a CONSETUR bus connection between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu — all included in the package.
Dietary Accommodations
All meals include vegetarian and vegan alternatives, such as quinoa and Andean lentil dishes, with allergy accommodations available if communicated in advance.
What's Not Included
Personal gear (clothing, footwear), travel insurance, tips, and hotel accommodation in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes are not included in the base tour price, though hotel recommendations are provided.
Optional Chaski Relay Race
For groups interested in a competitive element, an optional Chaski Relay Race (inspired by the quipu messaging system of the Incas) can be added for a team-based twist on the traditional running challenge.
Recommended Gear for Running and Altitude
Waterproof, pre-broken-in trekking or trail running shoes, thermal layers for altitudes up to 4,200m, telescopic poles, and SPF 50+ sunscreen are strongly recommended given the combination of altitude exposure and sustained physical activity.
Frecuendly asked questions
Participants should be able to walk or run 5-7 hours daily across varied terrain including significant ascents and descents at altitude; previous trekking or running experience is recommended, and mandatory acclimatization of 2-3 days in Cusco is required before starting.
The itinerary follows a gradual ascent schedule, with portable oxygen and coca leaf available, guides certified in altitude first aid, and specific hydration recommendations of 3-4 liters of water per day, along with advice to avoid alcohol and heavy meals during the trek.
While previous trekking experience is recommended, the itinerary combines both running and hiking segments, making it accessible to highly fit hikers as well as runners, provided they meet the general fitness and altitude acclimatization requirements.
The Chaski Road follows sections of the Qhapaq Ñan, the original Inca road network used by chaski messengers to relay information across the empire; this route deliberately uses less-crowded alternative sections away from the classic Inca Trail’s congestion, while still connecting to Machu Picchu.
Yes, all included menus offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives such as quinoa dishes, huacatay soup, and Andean lentils, with allergy accommodations available if notified in advance.
Day 2 includes an early departure, breakfast in Cusipata, and a 1-hour-40-minute trek to the summit of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) at 5,036m — one of the most physically demanding single-day segments of the challenge due to the extreme altitude.
Yes, Day 4 includes a hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain (approximately a 2-hour round trip) in addition to the full guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
For groups seeking a competitive element, an optional relay-style race inspired by the ancient quipu messaging system can be added to the itinerary, offering a team-based twist on the traditional running challenge.
While not included in the package price, travel insurance covering medical emergencies and cancellations is strongly recommended given the high-altitude and physically demanding nature of the challenge.
Essential items include waterproof, pre-broken-in trekking or trail running shoes, thermal layers for altitudes up to 4,200m, a windbreaker, telescopic poles, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle or hydration pack for the running segments.
