- Itinerary
4-Day Private Inca Trail Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba – Ayapata
Let’s plan your dream trip to Machu Picchu! We start with an early morning pick-up from your hotel, driving to Kilometer 82 to meet your dedicated team and begin the trek. The first day features a relatively moderate hike to the Llactapata ruins, followed by a delicious lunch prepared by our chef. We then ascend to our first campsite at Ayapata, where hot tea and stunning views await.
- Maximum Altitude Point: 2,800 m (7,692 ft)
- Campsite Altitude: 3,200 m (9,842 ft)
- Total Distance: 10 km (6,500 miles)
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runkuraqay – Chaquicocha
Today is the most challenging, yet rewarding, day of your journey. We will ascend to the highest point of the trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m / 13,829ft), taking in unbelievable panoramic views. After a well-deserved lunch, we tackle the second pass at Runkuraqay and explore the Sayacmarca ruins before settling in at the Chaquicocha campsite—the perfect spot for stargazing.
- Maximum Altitude Point: 4,300 m (14,000ft)
- Campsite Altitude: 3,800 m (11,911 ft)
- Total Distance: 12 km (7,876 miles)
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Intipata – Wiñaywayna
Enjoy a more relaxing pace as we hike through diverse ecosystems with views of the spectacular Salkantay glacier. We will explore the ancient sites of Phuyupatamarca and Intipata before arriving at our final campsite by early afternoon. Enjoy a well-deserved rest before visiting the stunning Wiñaywayna ruins just minutes from camp.
- Maximum Altitude Point: 4,100 (13,436 ft)
- Campsite Altitude: 3,280 m (11,833 ft)
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Lunch included
- Overnight in Cusco
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
The day you’ve been waiting for! We wake up early to hike to the Sun Gate, arriving just in time to watch the sunrise illuminate the lost city of the Incas. After a short descent, your private guide will lead you through a 3-hour exploration of Machu Picchu. Afterward, enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the Vistadome train back toward Cusco.
- Meals included: Only Breakfast
- Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
- Professional Guides: English-speaking, highly trained private tour guide
- Private transportation to the trailhead and back to Cusco
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Vistadome train ticket and bus ticket to Aguas Calientes
- Briefing: We will have an information session and briefing held in our office or hotel at 6:30 PM on the night before your trip starts. Briefings will last 20-30 minutes but we are always available for questions. You will receive a travel bag at this briefing, the contents of the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Permits: All permits are guaranteed according to availability. As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.
- Professional chef, porters, and high-quality camping/dining equipment
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and daily snacks (dietary requirements accommodated)
- A personal porter to carry up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of your belongings
- Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.
- Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.
- Travel bags: you will be delivered our travel bags, where you will take your clothes and other personal items, taken out sleeping and mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos
- First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
- Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.
- Satellite Phones: For us security is very important, and keeping our customers safe is our priority. We have satellite phones for emergencies or any situations that may require them.
- Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price
- Not Included
- Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. This trek has a duration of about 50 minutes and is quite the walk. It has a cost of 75 USD, and for us to be able to get permission for this mountain, you must let us know a month in advance due to its popularity.
- Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest: Inflatable air mattress : $ 15 Walking sticks: $ 10 Sleeping bag: $ 20
- Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb. Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.
- Flights: it is recommended to arrive one day before to Cusco or 2 days before. Flight delays are common in Cusco due to the frequent change of weather, therefore we recommend arrival to be a couple days before. Safe airline: Latam
- Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek
- Prices
We can depart any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date. Our season runs from March through January. Private treks are based on the number of people in a group.
Priced per person
$1660
Two trekkers:
$1460
Four trekkers
$1260
Six trekkers
$950
Eight, or more
- Student discount
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The student discount applies only to people who present their valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Children under 17 years of age or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of the university card. For children 17 and under, we need a passport copy for booking.
Discount: $ 30 off per person - Additional Items
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Huayna Picchu Mountain: $ 75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $ 75 per person
- Packing List
- Passport
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Face moisturizer
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (IPhone)
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- FAQs
How do I book?
To secure your spot on one of our inca trail private tours, simply click “Book Now,” select your date, and provide your passport details. Permits sell out fast, so we highly recommend booking up to a year in advance!
Is there an age limit?
While there is no strict age limit, we recommend a minimum age of 6 years old due to the physical demands of the high-altitude terrain.
Do I need my original passport?
Yes! You must bring the exact original passport you used to book your permit. It will be checked at multiple checkpoints along the trail.
What should I pack?
We provide a duffel bag for your personal porter (up to 10 kg). Bring a comfortable daypack for your daily essentials: a reusable water bottle, rain gear, sun protection, your passport, and any personal medications.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Please note that Inca Trail permits are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable as per Peruvian government regulations. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment.
