Photo gallery
Private Inca Trail photos
Tour overview
Private Inca Trail at a glance
The Private Inca Trail follows the same 4-day route to Machu Picchu, but the guide, chef and porters work only for your group of 2 to 10 hikers. You decide when to start, where to rest and how fast to walk, and your menu, campsite routine and celebrations are planned around you. It suits couples, families with children aged 10 or older, slower or faster hikers and anyone who wants the trail to feel like their own expedition.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
Highlights of the Private Inca Trail
- Your own guide, chef and porters
- Start times, pace and menu set by your group
- Dead Woman's Pass, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate
- From 2 to 10 hikers
Detailed itinerary
Private Inca Trail itinerary: day by day
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Km 82 to Ayapata (3,300 m)
14 km, 6–7 h. Llactapata and the last village on the trail. Pickup from Cusco, or from the Sacred Valley at 6:00–6:30 am.
Dead Woman's Pass to Chaquicocha
About 12 km, 8–9 h. The hardest day, with Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.
Cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna
About 10 km, 5–6 h. Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñay Wayna.
Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
About 5.5 km, then a 2-hour guided visit and the train back.
What's included
What's included in the Private Inca Trail
Included
- Everything in the group trek, plus a private guide, chef and porter team
- Private transfers and pickup from Cusco or the Sacred Valley
- Your own dining tent, flexible start times and a menu planned for your group
Not included
- lunch on Day 4
- water for Day 1
- sleeping bag
- hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- travel insurance
- tips for the crew
Compare your options
What changes on a private Inca Trail
Your own team. On the group trek, the guide, chef and porters look after up to 10 hikers from different groups. On a private trek they work only for you: the guide walks at your pace, the chef cooks for your group’s diets and tastes, and the porters set up camp around your schedule.
Your timing. Start times, rest stops and meal times adapt to your group. Early risers can start before the crowds on Dead Woman’s Pass; slower walkers can take longer breaks without holding anyone up. We try to secure the best campsites, although they depend on availability when the permits are issued.
Your occasion. Honeymoons, birthdays, anniversaries and family trips are common on private treks. Tell us when you book, and the chef can prepare a cake on the trail.
Same permits, same rules. Each permit is personal and issued with your passport details, there are no departures in February, and the minimum age is 10. Private dates still depend on permit availability, so book as early as for the group trek: 6–8 months ahead for May to August.
Compare your options
Private vs group Inca Trail
| Group (Classic) | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you hike with | Up to 10 hikers | Only your group (2–10) |
| Guide | 1 guide (2 for groups of 10) | Your own guide (2 for groups of 10) |
| Start times and pace | Set for the group | Set by you |
| Menu | Group menu, with dietary options | Planned for your group |
| Pickup | Cusco | Cusco or the Sacred Valley |
| Price from | US$ 789 per person | US$ 1,490 per person (2 travelers), lower for larger groups |
Optional extras
Ways to tailor this trip
- 5-day version (see Inca Trail 5 Days)
- hotel night in Aguas Calientes for a second visit
Optional services are subject to availability. Mention your preferences in the booking form notes; your quote will list the selected extras and final total.
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Entrance route
This tour uses the Machu Picchu circuit available for your date, confirmed in your quote. See Machu Picchu circuits explained.
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Original passport (and student ID if applicable)
- Daypack of 20–30 liters (larger packs are not allowed inside Machu Picchu)
- Sleeping bag rated to −5 °C or colder (or rent one), and a sleeping bag liner
- Broken-in hiking boots, sandals for camp and 4 pairs of wool socks
- Rain jacket and rain pants (essential from November to March), fleece, warm jacket, wool hat and gloves
- Headlamp, power bank, refillable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent and toilet paper
- Personal medication, blister plasters and snacks
- Cash in soles for tips, drinks and toilets along the trail
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Private Inca Trail FAQs
Is a private trek worth it for a couple?
It costs more, but you set your own pace and get your own guide, which suits honeymoons and slower or faster hikers.
Can we add a fifth day?
Yes. See Inca Trail 5 Days, which is also available as a private trek.
Can we celebrate something on the trail?
Yes. Our chef can prepare a cake for a birthday or anniversary; just tell us when you book.
How much does a private Inca Trail cost?
From US$ 1,490 per person for 2 hikers, including the permit, Machu Picchu ticket, private guide, chef, porters, camping equipment, meals and the train back. The price per person goes down as the group gets bigger, up to 10 hikers.
Is the route different from the group trek?
No. You walk the same 4-day route, from Km 82 to the Sun Gate, with the same campsites when available. What changes is your team, timing and pace.
Do we still need to book months ahead?
Yes. Private treks use the same government permits as group treks, so availability is the same. For May to August, book 6–8 months ahead.
Can children join a private Inca Trail?
Yes, from age 10. A private trek is the most comfortable option for families, because the guide can adapt rest stops and daily distances to the children.
Can we be picked up in the Sacred Valley?
Yes. If you are staying in the Sacred Valley, pickup is around 6:00–6:30 am instead of 4:30 am in Cusco.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about our team
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Professional attention and impeccable support
“Always responding quickly, clearly, and professionally.”
Translated from Spanish
★★★★★
Highschool’s travel buddies to Machu Picchu
“Traveleez team are so helpful in assisting our needs with their prompt response.”
★★★★★
Incredible experience
“An unforgettable experience. Super punctual, good transportation, and very good treatment.”
Translated from Spanish
