The Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an exclusive trip designed to experience the Classic Inca Trail at your own pace. With a dedicated team of porters, chefs, and guides just for your group, you’ll have the freedom to enjoy the trail and take in the stunning scenery along the way. It’s a more personal way to explore one of the world's most popular hiking trails.
Customize the experience to match your needs and preferences—this Private Inca Trail tour runs daily and is tailored entirely to your group.
Private Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights
Hiking the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu privately means no fixed group schedule, no pressure—just you, your people, and the trail. Over four unforgettable days, you’ll explore some of the most iconic sites along the route, taking in every view and moment at your speed, comfortably and on your terms.
Starting in Cusco, you’ll make your way through the Andes, visiting incredible places like Runkurakay, Wiñaywayna, and the legendary Sun Gate, all while enjoying fantastic food along the way. On the final day, get ready for that unforgettable moment when Machu Picchu appears in view—one of the highlights of the whole experience.
This Private Inca Trail is great for couples, families with children, or friends who want a more personal and flexible way to experience Peru’s most famous trek.
Tour Highlights
- Embark on an all-inclusive private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Hike one of the best and most acclaimed treks in the world.
- Be accompanied by an expert team of porters and guides.
- Enjoy on-site meals prepared by a talented chef.
- Travel in the panoramic Vistadome or 360° trains on your way back from Machu Picchu.
Private Inca Trail at a Glance:
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – LLactapata – Ayapata (14km, 8hrs)
Depart from your hotel around 4:30 am and drive to Km 82 to start your Private Inca Trail trek. The first day hike takes around 6 hours along meandering streams, ancient Inca sites, and the Andes' stunning views until Ayapata, the first campsite at 3,300 m (10,826 ft).
Day 2: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Chaquicocha (16km, 10 hrs)
Wake up with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent and prepare for the most challenging day of the Inca Trail: the 4-hour hike to Dead Women's Pass at 4,215m (13,828 ft) and the 2-hour hike to Runkuraqay Pass at 4,000m (13,123 ft). Camp at Chaquicocha, located at 3,600m (11,811 ft).
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna (10km, 6hrs)
This is the most beautiful day on the trail, with spectacular views of mountains and different landscapes. You will visit several archeological sites such as Phuyupatmarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna, the last campsite at 2,600m (8,530 ft).
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco (6km, 2 hrs)
Start early for the final day. The first part is a one-hour hike to the Sun Gate before sunrise to enjoy the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. Then, it's another hour to Machu Picchu. Finally, take the exclusive panoramic Vistadome train back to Cusco.
Campsite locations might change depending on availability and the final campsite assignment. We can also customize the itinerary according to your preferences.
Included:
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop off (door to door)
- Professional Tour Guide (2 guides for groups of 9+)
- All transportation during the tour
- Return on the panoramic Vistadome Train or 360°
- Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- All camping equipment carried by the porters
- Personal porter to carry up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your gear
- 3-night camping with the best equipment
- Eureka tents for every 2 trekkers
- Eureka single tent (if requested)
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- All meals on the trail, except the last-day lunch
- Drinkable water and daily snacks
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles
- Satellite phones, first-aid kit, oxygen supply
- Private portable toilets
- Pillow, sleeping pad, rain poncho, hand towels
Not Included:
- Last day lunch after the Machu Picchu tour
- Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entry to Montaña Machu Picchu
- Travel Insurance
Inca Trail at your speed!
This Private Trek to Machu Picchu is designed to let you hike at your own pace, with a private team of porters, chefs, and tour guides to support you. This means you can take your time to enjoy the stunning views and take plenty of rest breaks without worrying about keeping up with a group. You'll have plenty of time to explore the ruins along the way and learn about the Inca culture from your expert guides. And, of course, you'll be able to savor some delicious meals prepared by our private chef.
If you’d like a Group Tour, you can also check out our Classic Inca Trail Group Tour.
Why book with TreXperience?
- Food: We use fresh local products to prepare the best Peruvian food. We also provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
- Equipment: We provide kitchen tents, dining tents, toilet tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, and trekking poles.
- Transportation: We provide door-to-door service. We are the only company that offers Panoramic Vistadome trains to return.
- Safety: We provide oxygen tanks, first aid kits, and satellite phones.
- Porters: TreXperience porters have the proper equipment and fair wages
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility
Full Itinerary of the 4-Day Private Inca Trail
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata
We'll begin with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 am and a smooth drive to Ollantaytambo. There, we’ll stop for breakfast and visit our Social Project, where we support local children’s education. After that, we’ll take a 1-hour drive to Km 82 (Piscacucho Village), the official starting point of our Private Trek to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival at Km 82, we'll check in at the control point, where you'll need to show your original passport. Once we pass the checkpoint, it’s time to begin your TreXperience to the great “Lost City of the Incas.”!
The first part of the Inca Trail is a 4-hour hike along winding streams, local villages, ancient Inca sites, and stunning views of the Andes mountains until Hatunchaca, our lunch spot of the day. Our trekking chef will treat you to a delicious buffet-style meal made with fresh local ingredients and a variety of options to choose from.
After lunch, we’ll continue with a 2-hour uphill hike to Ayapata, our first campsite. When you arrive, your tents will be ready with comfortable beds for a restful night. We’ll provide warm water so you can freshen up before enjoying a traditional Inca-style tea time. In the evening, your guide will review the next day’s plan and share some stories to end the day on a high note.
- Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Ayapata – Warmiwañusca – Runkuraqay – Chaquicocha
You’ll wake up to a warm cup of coffee or coca tea delivered to your tent, followed by a nourishing breakfast to fuel the day ahead. The morning begins with a 4-hour hike to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass—the highest point of the trek at 4,215 m (13,828 ft). Once at the top, take a moment to soak in the views and enjoy some coca tea prepared by your team.
From there, the trail continues with a 2-hour descent into Pacaymayu Valley, where we’ll enjoy lunch right in the mountains. In the afternoon, you’ll hike for another 2 hours up to Runkuraqay Pass at 4,000 m (13,123 ft), passing through ever-changing landscapes and two Inca sites: Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca.
Tonight’s campsite is Chaquicocha, at 3,600 m (11,811 ft). If the skies are clear, it’s a beautiful place to relax and enjoy a bit of stargazing before dinner.
- Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
- Duration: 10 Hours
- Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,828 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time dinner
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna
With the two mountain passes over, day three of the Private Inca Trail begins with a gentle descent from the Andes into the Cloud Forest. Along the way, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Vilcanota and Salkantay Mountain ranges as we make our way to the final campsite—Wiñaywayna—located at 2,600 m (8,530 ft).
The first part is relatively easy, taking about 2 hours to reach Phuyupatamarca Site, the “City in the Clouds” (3,650 m / 11,972 ft), where we’ll take a break and catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain in the distance. From there, the trail drops more steeply into the cloud forest.
On the way down, we’ll stop at Intipata (Terraces of the Sun) to enjoy panoramic and fantastic views before continuing to the lunch spot. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to visit the Wiñaywayna ruins, snap photos with llamas, or enjoy a refreshing shower before dinner.
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Campsite Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu
On the final day, the goal is to reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku) before sunrise and take in that first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu. We’ll wake you up around 4:00 am, serve breakfast at 4:30 am, and then wait at the checkpoint until it opens at 5:30 am. The hike to the Sun Gate takes about an hour, followed by another hour to reach Machu Picchu itself.
Once we arrive at the Lost City of the Incas, we’ll take a short break for coffee, drop off any hiking gear in the lockers, and begin our private guided tour. Your guide will lead you through the most important areas and help you experience the best of Machu Picchu.
After the tour, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), then board the panoramic train (Vistadome or 360°) to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco—arriving around 7:30 pm.
- Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 mi
- Duration: 3 hours
- Machu Picchu Site Altitude:2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
What to pack for the Private Inca Trail
Make sure to bring all the essentials for hiking the Inca Trail, as there’s no cellphone signal or road access along the trail. You’ll carry a day pack with everything you need during the day, while the rest of your belongings go into the duffle bag we’ll provide during the safety briefing. Keep it light, organized, and trail-ready!
Essentials:
Please make sure this equipment is with you during the Inca Trail.
- Original Passport: You will need the original document; if you have renewed the passport after the booking, make sure you travel with a copy of the old passport.
- Student ID: Only required for those booked as students; you must validate your student ID to get the 40$ discount. Please send us your ID to booking@trexperienceperu.com to confirm your eligibility for the discount.
- Comfortable daypack
- Light, comfortable Hiking boots
- Comfortable hiking clothes for cold and warm weather
- Trekking poles (you can rent from us)
- Good Sleeping bags ( -10°C at least)
What to put in your Daypack?
Remember that backpacks should not be larger than 25 liters for Machu Picchu; however, if your bag is oversized, don’t worry; you will make it look small for the last day when we arrive at Machu Picchu citadel.
- Hydration Bladder / Water Bottle: You must have a container of at least 2 liters. Disposable plastic water bottles are prohibited on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. We provide boiled water after the first lunch until Machu Picchu.
- Sun Hat: Light and easy to handle, preferably one that covers your neck
- Rain gear: Rain jackets or a poncho ( we provide a reusable plastic poncho)
- Neck Gaiters for hiking during the day
- Fleece jacket: Light and must be inside your daypack
- Beanie for the cold mountains and nights
- Sunglasses are essential
- Headlamp always in your daypack
- Gloves: Light, breathable, and waterproof
- Wet wipes, toilet paper
- Personal medications, first aid kit
- Sunscreen, bug spray
- Hand Sanitizer
- Extra Money in Soles and small denominations
What to put in your duffle bag?
The duffle bags will be provided to you during the briefing the day before the tour. You can put all the stuff that is not needed during the day, remember that you can access this bag only at the campsites. A maximum of 7 kilos per person is allowed and carried by our porters until Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes town). The 7 kilos includes sleeping bags ( 2 kilos) and the Inflatable mattress (1 kilo).
- Hiking Trousers: 2 or 3 (convertible trousers, at least one)
- Trekking shirts: 4 or 5 (long sleeves preferably)
- 4 or 5 sets of undergarments
- 5 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Warm jacket for the cold nights
- Towels, quick-dry ones
- Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, wet wipes, toothbrush, paste, soap, moisturizers)
- Personal medication (band-aids, moleskin, painkillers, etc.)
- Sandals or comfortable shows for the campsites
- Extra batteries
- Extra Snacks
For more details, check out our Complete Inca Trail Packing List
Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The price is based on the number of people in your group.
Number of Travelers | Price per Person |
|---|---|
1 | US$ 2,800 |
2 | US$ 1,560 |
3 | US$ 1,380 |
4 | US$ 1,240 |
5 | US$ 1,100 |
6 | US$ 980 |
7 | US$ $890 |
8 | US$ 820 |
9 or more | Contact us for a personalized quote! |
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To book the Inca Trail Private tour to Machu Picchu, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco.
Student Discount:
- US$ 40 off per person
All travelers under 17 will have a US$ 40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the discount with a valid Student ID. Please send us an email to receive a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu:
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, Name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs:
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid
Upgrade to a Private Luxury Inca Trail tour!
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Private Inca Trail Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Group Tours and Private Tours?
Both tours follow the same route, have the same campsites, and have the same number of days to complete the Inca Trail for 4 days. However, the Private Inca Trail Tour will allow you to hike at your speed with a private team of porters, chefs, and a Private Tour Guide. You will be able to customize the itinerary if needed.
How many people are required to book a Private Tour?
The minimum number of participants required for this tour is one person, and there is no maximum since we can split the group for the checkpoints but still hike and camp together. The price for the Private Inca Trail will depend on the number of travelers in your party.
What is the Inca Trail food like?
A trekking chef will prepare a fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our menu is prepared using fresh local products; every day, you will have more than one option; we provide buffet-style during the Inca Trail Tours.
We cater to special diets and restrictions, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. Please contact about special diets.
How to book the Inca Trail Private Tours?
Scroll down on this page, find your preferred date, and press the BOOK NOW button in the lower part; if your travel date is not there, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at info@trexperienceperu.com.
To make a booking, you must make an initial payment of 200.USD per person; the remaining balance can be paid online with any credit card or in our office up to 48 hours before trip departure.
Which Inca Trail Tour is the Best?
- Group Inca Trail: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or good friends who want to join other travelers to interact and make new friends.
- Private Inca Trail Tours: perfect for couples, families with children, and groups of friends who would like to enjoy the Inca Trail only with their party, and no other travelers will be allowed.
What size daypack should I use for the Inca Trail?
Your backpack should be small, light, comfortable, and carry water appropriately. For Machu Picchu, you are not allowed to enter with a bag bigger than 25 liters; however, it is more about the size of your back during the last day; if your backpack is bigger than 25 liters, you must take only essentials for that day to make it look small.
When is the time to hike the Private Machu Picchu Trek?
The Inca Trail is open all year round except February when it is closed for maintenance. The best time to hike is during the dry season, from April to October. Find more information about the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Why Book the Private Inca Trail Trek with TreXperience?
TreXperience is Top rated on Google, Trip Advisor, TourRadar, Expedia, GetYourGuide, and Bookatrekking, with 99% five-star reviews.
We started TreXperience in 2017, and in a short time, we became one of Peru's best trekking tour operators. Our Trekking tours to Machu Picchu are organized with the best food, equipment, trekking team, and panoramic trains.
We care about our team and customers; they are essential to our business. Our happy customers are the best presentation of our excellent service.
TreXperience is ranked among the top 10 tour operators on Trip Advisor and other platforms. Also, our Inca Trail tours were voted as the “Tour Of The Year 2019.”
TreXperience supports social projects
TreXperience is the only Local company that supports local children’s education. We support a library with computers and an internet connection in the village of Cachiccata. You will be able to visit this project during the Inca Trail.
Fair treatment to porters
Inca Trail Porters are the backbone of all Inca Trail Tours. We provide homestay in Cusco and Ollantaytambo to our porters who need to travel from distant villages to work on the Inca Trail.
We provide all necessary equipment such as shoes, knee braces, a full uniform, porter tents, plenty of food, insurance, and constant training during the Trek.
Fair prices and excellent service
Our tour prices are fair, and you get what you paid for. TreXperience’s tour has no hidden costs; as a local tour operator, we spend all your money here in Cusco on your trip and staff. We are the only company that offers our private Inca Trail Tours with Panoramic Trains.
Fair wages to all our staff
We work with the best Inca Trail team; our tour guides are highly rated and fluent in English. Our chefs are experts in preparing meals in the mountains, and our porters will take care of your equipment very well.
Women Empowerment
Although many tour companies will say they hire female porters, this is not entirely true; once you are on the Inca Trail, you will see primarily male porters.
TreXperience always includes female staff in our trips; 70% of our office staff are female, 5% of our porters are women, and 10% of our chefs and Tour Guides are women.
Easy bookings
Book your tours with us; you can pay online with any credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer. You only need to pay an initial deposit for your tour, and the remaining balance can be paid up to 48 hours before the tour departure.
We accommodate special diets
We can accommodate any food diet or restriction, such as Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, meat lovers, and many more. Please get in touch with us if you have questions.
Best hiking equipment
TreXperience provides Eureka camping tents, thick foam mattresses, dining tents, kitchen tents, porta-potty, and duffle bags to take your stuff.
Panoramic Train included
We are the only company that offers the Vistadome panoramic trains on the last day of the Inca Trail Private Tour.