Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 4D/3N
Overview
Experience the world's most famous trek with the exclusivity and flexibility of a fully private service. Whether you're a couple, a family, or a group of friends, this tour ensures you won't be mixed with strangers. Hike the original stone paths of the Incas, conquer high mountain passes, and explore the cloud forest entirely at your own pace. With a private guide catering exclusively to your group, a dedicated chef preparing gourmet meals to your taste, and your own team of porters, this is the ultimate way to hike the Classic Inca Trail.
Day by Day Itinerary
Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba
Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We travel in our private van to KM 82, the official start of the Inca Trail. We begin with an easy, undulating hike along the Urubamba River. Since this is a private tour, you set the pace. We will stop for a delicious, private lunch prepared by your chef near the Llactapata ruins. We then continue to our first campsite at Wayllabamba (3,000m), where your tent and dinner await. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Time: 5-6 hours • Starting Altitude: 2,720m / 8,924ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,000m / 9,842ft
Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass) – Pacaymayu
Today is the most demanding day, but your private guide will be by your side to motivate and support you. We ascend steeply through changing ecological zones, from temperate valleys to the barren puna, until we reach Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m). After taking in the triumphant views, we descend into the Pacaymayu valley. Your private chef will have a hot lunch and dinner ready to replenish your energy. • Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Estimated Time: 6-7 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,215m / 13,828ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,580m / 11,745ft
Pacaymayu – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Wiñay Wayna
This is often considered the most beautiful day. We cross the second pass, Runkurakay (3,950m), and then descend into the lush, tropical cloud forest. Because it's a private tour, your guide will take extra time to deeply explain the history and significance of the spectacular archaeological sites we pass, including Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Intipata. We arrive at our final and most impressive campsite, Wiñay Wayna, in the late afternoon. • Trekking Distance: 16 km / 10 miles • Estimated Time: 8-9 hours • Highest Altitude: 3,950m / 12,959ft • Campsite Altitude: 2,680m / 8,792ft
Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We wake up very early and hike the final 2 hours through the cloud forest to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. This is the moment you've been waiting for: witnessing the sunrise over the majestic Machu Picchu citadel. We descend into the ruins for a comprehensive, 2-hour private guided tour. Afterward, you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, before boarding the Vistadome panoramic train. Our private driver will meet you at the station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. • Trekking Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400m / 7,874ft
What is Included
- Briefing before departure at your hotel
- Private Professional English-speaking Guide
- Official Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Permits (Circuit 2)
- Private transportation from Cusco to KM 82
- Private Gourmet Chef and Assistant Cook
- Dedicated team of Porters for camping gear and food
- Personal porter allowance (up to 7kg for your belongings)
- Premium Eureka 4-season tents and foam mattresses
- All meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners) tailored to dietary needs
- Private dining tent, tables, chairs, and toilet tent
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Panoramic Train (Vistadome or 360°) return to Ollantaytambo
- Private transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Not Included
- Sleeping bags (can be rented)
- Trekking poles (can be rented)
- First day breakfast and last day lunch
- Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket
- Tips for your private crew
- Travel insurance
Book This Expedition
Direct operator permits • No intermediaries
Speak instantly with our Cusco concierge
ANDES MARATHON
Official licensed direct mountaineering operator based in Cusco, Peru. We design high-altitude private adventures and glamping tours while ensuring fair wages and dignity for our native porters through the Ayni Philosophy.
Our Standard
Cusco Office Direct
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