Private Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu - 5 days

Your exciting journey begins with a 5:00 AM pick-up from your hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Upon arrival, our chef will prepare a delicious breakfast to fuel you for the day. After enjoying your meal and getting ready, you’ll head to the checkpoint where you’ll need to show your original passport.

With breakfast done, you’ll set off on a 4-hour hike along the Urubamba River, where you’ll pass through charming local villages and visit stunning archaeological sites, like Llaqtapata—an important Inca site at the foot of the mountains.

You’ll stop for lunch in the village of Tarayok, where our team will provide a fresh meal to keep your energy high. The second half of the day takes you on a 2-hour walk along the Cusichaka River, until you reach the traditional Huayllabamba Village, where you’ll spend the night.

When you arrive, your team will have everything ready for you—tents set up, warm water to freshen up, and a cozy bed prepared for you. You can relax with some tea, enjoy a delicious dinner, and settle into your comfortable tent for a good night’s sleep, surrounded by nature.

Trekking Details:

• Walking Distance: 13 km
• Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 3,000 meters
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day early with a warm cup of coffee or Coca tea in your tent, followed by a nutritious breakfast to prepare you for the most challenging part of the Inca Trail. Today, you’ll be climbing the famous Warmiwañusca Mountain, reaching an impressive altitude of 4215 meters above sea level.

The day begins with a 4-hour hike to Llulluchapampa at 3800 meters, where you’ll stop for lunch. Along the way, you'll hike through the beautiful cloud forest, where you can spot colorful flowers, hummingbirds, and walk along the ancient Inca Trail, paved with stones over 500 years ago.

After enjoying a well-deserved lunch, it’s time for the final 2-hour ascent to the top of Warmiwañusca Mountain, the highest point on the Inca Trail. Once at the top, you’ll take in the breathtaking views as your guide explains the significance of this sacred place. To honor the local gods, your guide will perform a special ritual, giving thanks for a safe journey.

The day ends with a 2-hour downhill trek to the Pacaymayo Alto campsite, where you'll settle in for the night at 3650 meters.

Trekking Details:

• Walking Distance: 10 km
• Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 3,600 meters
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you'll begin the ascent to Runcu Raccay Mountain, standing at 4000 meters above sea level. Along the way, you’ll explore the Runcu Raccay archaeological site, where you can soak in the stunning views of mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and the majestic Urubamba Mountain range.

Once you reach the top, take a well-deserved break, enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, and prepare for the next part of the journey. You’ll then descend into the Cloud Forest, a lush, green landscape that leads to your third campsite, Phuyupatamrca, located at 3680 meters. Along the trail, you’ll pass by the fascinating Inca sites of Sayamarca and Conchamarca, all while surrounded by rich vegetation.

Upon reaching the campsite, get ready to witness one of the most spectacular sunsets over the mountains. As night falls, it’s the perfect moment to stargaze in the clear skies, making it an unforgettable evening.

Trekking Details:

• Walking Distance: 14 km
• Duration: 8 hours
• Campsite Altitude: 3,680 meters
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking up early today will be one of the highlights of your entire journey. Thanks to the location of your campsite, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sunrise over the mountains—truly a moment to remember. After a delicious breakfast with the stunning backdrop of the Andes, you'll take a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca, a fascinating archaeological site near the campsite.

From there, you'll begin your descent along ancient stone steps to Intipata, the "Place of the Sun," where you’ll take in magnificent views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains. After a short break, you’ll continue down the trail to Wiñaywayna, the largest and most beautiful Inca site after Machu Picchu, located at 2652 meters.

Here, your guide will lead you through the impressive terraces, temples, and urban areas while you enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba River. As you explore and learn more about Incan history, your team will prepare a special farewell lunch to celebrate your journey. You’ll have a chance to say goodbye to the crew (tipping is optional) and sing a farewell song together.

The final stretch of the Inca Trail begins with a 1-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), where you’ll have your first and most awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu. After taking some time to savor the moment, you’ll descend for about an hour into the citadel of Machu Picchu, arriving in the late afternoon. This timing allows for a unique opportunity to explore the site with fewer visitors, making the experience even more special.

After a short visit to the upper part of Machu Picchu, you'll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where a delicious dinner awaits at Local Restaurant. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel (Intipunku or a similar option).

Trekking Details:

• Walking Distance: 12 km
• Duration: 8 hours
• Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 meters
• Hotel: Intipunku or similar

Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel, and take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you'll pass through the checkpoint by showing your original passport. Your guide will take you on a 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, where you’ll explore its fascinating history and secrets.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to wander around the citadel on your own, or if you’re up for a challenge, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (different from the citadel) for stunning panoramic views.

Once you’ve finished exploring, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch (not included) before boarding the panoramic Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you’ll arrive around 7:30 PM, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.

Tour Details:

• Guided Tour Duration: 3 hours
• Hotel: Not included