Private Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu — 4 Days, Your Group Only

Your journey begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel, followed by transportation to the starting point of the trail at kilometer 82. From there, you’ll set off on the adventure, easing into the trek along a relatively flat section of the path.

After approximately two hours, you’ll arrive at the first archaeological site, Llactapata, where breathtaking landscapes, vibrant flora, and diverse fauna await. This incredible site, along with others you’ll encounter, highlights the historical significance of this valley within the Incan civilization.

Following a hearty lunch, the trail continues with a steady ascent through a lush, semi-tropical valley. After two hours of hiking, you’ll reach our campsite at Hatunchaca, where you’ll settle in and spend the night surrounded by nature’s serenity.

Walking Distance First Day

Walking Distance: 12km / 7.45 miles.
Starting Elevation: 2720 meters / 8923 feet.
Campsite Elevation: 3000 meters/ 9842 feet.
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather: Warm and windy
Meals: Lunch and dinner (Plus snack and afternoon tea)
Campsite: Camping in Wayllabamba

On the second day, Tour Leaders Peru will begin our hike early in the morning, journeying through diverse climatic and ecological zones. Our path will lead us toward Warmiwañusca ( Dead Woman Pass ), an area renowned for its rich vegetation and towering trees, often referred to as the world’s highest cloud forest. The trek includes a challenging ascent of nearly five hours to reach the highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, a milestone for many adventurers.

At the summit, we’ll take a well-earned break to soak in the breathtaking views of the deep valleys below. If fortune favors us, we might even catch a glimpse of majestic condors gliding gracefully through the dense clouds. After this pause, we’ll begin our descent toward our second campsite at Pacaymayo, where we’ll rest and reflect on the unforgettable journey.

INCA TRAIL DISTANCE SECOND DAY

Walking Distance: 12 km / 6.82 miles
Starting Elevation: 3000 meters / 9842 feet
Campsite Elevation: 3580 meters / 11700 feet
Maximum Altitude: 4200 meters / 13779 feet ASL (Warmy Wañuska Pass)
Difficulty: Challenging
Weather: Cold and rainy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, &; Dinner (Plus snack and afternoon Popcorn & tea)
Campsite: In Pacaymayu

On This Day Tour Leaders Peru will proceed to ascend for approximately 45 minutes to reach the remarkable archaeological site of Runkurakay. This site once served as a resting lodge, or "Tambo", for ancient pilgrims. Continuing our journey, another 45-minute ascent will bring us to the second-highest pass of the Inca trail trek - Runkurakay. From there, we will descend to the stunning archaeological site of Sayacmarca, strategically located and steeped in history.

On the other hand, once we've had a thorough visit, we'll continue down this beautifully paved road to our lunch spot at Chaquicocha. From there, we'll enter the high Andean cloud forest to Phuyupatamarca - it's truly a breathtaking display of Mother Nature's beauty!

So, the hike to Machu Picchu keeps going along this narrow ridge until you reach the Phuyupatamarka pass. It's a fantastic spot where you can catch breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and plenty of majestic mountain peaks.

Afterward, we'll head down to our final campsite. We'll pass by this super important archaeological site and a temple dedicated to offering to the sacred mountain spirits. Just a bit further is our campsite for the night, Wiñayhuayna.

Distance Hike Along The Inca Trail

Walking Distance: 16km / 9.94 miles
Starting Elevation: 3580m / 11745f
Maximum Altitude: 4200m / 13123f (Runkuracay Pass)
Campsite Elevation: 2680m /8792f
Difficulty: Formidable
Weather: Warm and very humid
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping in Wiñayhuayna

On the final day of the classic Inca Trail, we’ll start early after breakfast to continue our journey toward Machu Picchu. Passing through the last checkpoint, we’ll make our way to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic Inca City of Machu Picchu.

From there, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this historic site, exploring its most significant areas, including the Agricultural and Religious Sectors. After the tour, you’ll have free time to capture more photos and explore the archaeological site at your own pace.

Following your visit, we’ll descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch on your own. Finally, we’ll head to the train station for the return journey to Ollantaytambo. From there, a tourist bus will take us back to the city of Cusco, completing this unforgettable adventure.

4TH DAY

• Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3.30 AM)
• Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
• Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)

Saying Goodbye to Peru

The final day of our adventure is here, and it’s time for heartfelt goodbyes. Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading to Cusco airport via private transfer.

If you’re not joining us for the Rainbow Mountain Trek extension, feel free to schedule your flight from Cusco at any time today.

Please note: Tour Leaders Peru reserves the right to adjust itineraries as needed based on weather, conditions, health, group dynamics, availability, or other unforeseen circumstances.

The Inca Trail is open year-round, except for the mandatory February closure for maintenance.

Peak Dry Season (Best Weather): May to September offers the clearest skies and least rain, but requires booking 6-12 months in advance due to high demand.

Shoulder Seasons: April, October, and early November offer a good balance of fewer crowds and pleasant weather.

Important: Permits sell out quickly. We strongly recommend booking at least 6 months ahead for any departure date.

The Inca Trail traverses the Andean mountains of Peru, starting in the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo (at Kilometer 82 of the railway) and concluding at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) overlooking Machu Picchu.

Route Highlights: Explore significant Inca ruins before reaching Machu Picchu, including Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Wiñay Wayna.

Ecosystem: The path passes through various microclimates, from high Andean tundra to cloud forest.

Securing your spot on the Inca Trail is simple and requires immediate action due to strict permit limitations.

Check Availability: Contact us instantly with your preferred start month and year.

Reserve: Pay a deposit and provide your passport information to secure your non-transferable permit.

Prepare: We send you a comprehensive packing list and pre-trek training guide.

Limited Permits Available Daily!

Don't let this adventure remain a dream. The Peruvian government limits the Classic Inca Trail to 500 permits per day (guides and porters included).

Your Inca Trail packing list may vary depending on the season you plan to hike. Below are the essential items you'll need to bring on the Inca Trail.

• Original Passport: Mandatory physical document.
• Cash (Peruvian Soles): 500–600 soles.
• Travel Insurance Card: Digital and physical.
• Moisture-Wicking Shirts: 3 to 4 synthetic.
• Hiking Pants: 1 to 2 pairs.
• Fleece Jacket: Mid-weight insulation.
• Down Jacket: For cold nights.
• Waterproof Jacket: Outer rain shell.
• Rain Pants: Or a poncho.
• Athletic Underwear: 3 to 4 pairs.
• Merino Wool Socks: 4 pairs.
• Sun Hat: Broad brimmed protection.
• Fleece Beanie: For cold mornings.
• Neck Gaiter: Or lightweight buff.
• Waterproof Gloves: For high passes.
• Hiking Boots: Broken-in and waterproof.
• Camp Shoes: Sandals or flip-flops.
• Daypack: 25L to 30L waterproof.
• Sleeping Bag: Rated to -10°C.
• Trekking Poles: Rubber-tipped mandatory poles.
• Reusable Water Bottles: 2L to 3L capacity.
• Headlamp: With extra batteries.
• Power Bank: For charging devices.
• Camera: For capturing scenery
• Sunscreen: High-SPF skin protection.
• Insect Repellent: DEET-based spray.
• Lip Balm: Sun protective formula.
• Travel Towel: Quick-drying microfiber.
• Biodegradable Wipes: For quick cleaning.
• Hand Sanitizer: Pocket-sized hygiene
• Toilet Paper: Packed in ziplocks.
• Blister Bandages: Like Compeed patches.
• Personal Medications: Your daily essentials.
• Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or paracetamol.
• Altitude Pills: Diamox or similar
• Ziplock Bags: Waterproofing individual items.

This adventure is extraordinary, but its intensity should not be underestimated despite the popularity of the destination.

This journey is rated as Highly Strenuous due to the extensive hiking involved in alpine conditions, with elevations ranging from 11,000 feet in Cusco to a high of 13,828′ at the Inca Trail’s peak. High-altitude hiking is significantly more challenging and slower due to the effects of altitude on the body. To help mitigate these effects, Tour Leaders Peru Adventure has built in a 3-day acclimatization period before hitting the trail.

Altitude

Throughout this trip, you’ll remain above 8,000 feet—the threshold where altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and nausea. The Tour Guide Team prioritizes safety and reserves the right to remove any participant from the trip at their own expense if altitude sickness symptoms worsen or if their condition endangers themselves or the group.

Trail Heights

Some sections of the trail feature exposure to heights, particularly on Day 5 during the mountain passes and on Day 6 as you ascend Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass). These high-altitude trails include drop-offs, but they are well-defined and well-maintained. Our experienced guides are there to ensure your safety and comfort at every step. They’ll provide support when needed, and the pace allows ample time to carefully navigate these sections.

Pre-Trip Preparation

Certain pre-existing medical conditions may worsen at high altitudes and could be difficult to manage during the hike, potentially leading to serious consequences. It is essential to consult your doctor regarding any pre-existing conditions before embarking on this trip. Additionally, some medications can assist with acclimatization or alleviate altitude sickness—please discuss these options with your healthcare provider.

Private Inca Trail Distance Per DAY

Day 1: 6 hours | 7.3 miles | 5,003’/1,132′ gain/loss | 12,598′ Altitude | Challenging
Day 2: 8 hours | 7.5 miles | 3,937’/4,209′ gain/loss | 13,858′ Altitude | Challenging
Day 3: 7 hours | 7 miles | 564’/4,603′ gain/loss | 11,975′ Altitude | Moderate
Day 4: 3.5 hours | 2.5 miles | 900’ gain | 16,000′ Altitude | Moderate

Important Reminder

Please carefully consider your ability to meet the physical demands of this trip. This is essential for your safety and the safety of the group. All participants will be required to sign an Acknowledgment of Physical Demands as part of the booking process.

Learn more about Hiking Activity Levels.