Photo gallery
A glimpse of the journey
Tour overview
Private Inca Trail, thoughtfully organized
Same trail, your own expedition. Ideal for couples, families and friends who want to set the pace, choose their campsites when possible, and enjoy a dedicated team.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
What makes this trip special
- The Classic Inca Trail with your own guide, cook and porters
- Walk at a pace suited to your group
- Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
Detailed itinerary
Your journey, step by step
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Cusco to Ayapata (14 km, 6–7 h)
Pickup at 4:30 am (6:00–6:30 am from the Sacred Valley) and breakfast in Ollantaytambo. Start at Km 82 (Piscacucho) on a mostly flat trail past Willkarakay and Llactapata, lunch at Hatunchaca, then uphill past Wayllabamba to camp at Ayapata (3,300 m).
Dead Woman's Pass (10 km, 8–9 h)
The hardest day. Climb through Llulluchapampa to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m) and descend to Pacaymayo for lunch. Then cross Runkurakay Pass and visit Sayacmarca before camping at Chaquicocha (3,600 m).
Cloud forest and Inca sites (9 km, 5–6 h)
The "Peruvian flat" to Phuyupatamarca, with views of Salkantay, then down through the cloud forest to Intipata and camp near Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m). Afternoon visit of Wiñay Wayna and a farewell dinner with the crew.
Sun Gate and Machu Picchu (7 km, 2–3 h)
Wake-up at 3:30 am; the checkpoint opens at 5:30 am and we reach the Sun Gate around 7:00 am. Walk down to the classic viewpoint (Circuit 1, route 1C), then a 2-hour guided tour on Circuit 3 (route 3B). Bus to Aguas Calientes, free time for lunch, Expedition train to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon and transfer to Cusco (around 7:30 pm).
What's included
Clear inclusions, no guesswork
Included
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entry (Circuits 1C and 3B)
- hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- private transport to Km 82
- Professional guide, chef and porter team
- Personal porter for up to 7 kg in a provided duffel bag
- Shared camping tent, mattress and pillow
- Dining tent, portable toilet tent and camp equipment
- First-aid kit and emergency communication equipment
- Boiled and filtered water with meals from Day 2
- Pre-trek briefing and luggage storage in Cusco
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 snacks, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on request
- bus down from Machu Picchu
- Expedition train to Ollantaytambo
- transfer to Cusco
- Private guide, cook and porter team
- Private transfer
Not included
- lunch on Day 4
- water for Day 1
- sleeping bag
- hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- travel insurance
- tips for the crew
Optional extras
Ways to tailor this trip
- 5-day version (see B6)
- 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
Essential trip details
Good to know
Before you travel
Entrance routes
Understanding Machu Picchu circuits
Machu Picchu uses timed tickets and set routes. The circuit available for your trip depends on tickets, trek permits and your itinerary.
Panoramic
Elevated viewpoints and selected mountain routes.
Classic
Classic viewpoints and the urban sector.
Royalty
Lower-sector temples and royal spaces.
Routes depend on official availability. Your quote will identify the proposed ticket route.
Planning guides
Useful reading before you book
What to bring
Pack light for the day
- 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
Before you book
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 the 5-day Inca Trail (B6), 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.
