Want the Classic Inca Trail, but with private service? This 4-day trek is just for you and your group. You’ll hike real Inca stone paths, camp under the stars, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate—one of the most unforgettable moments in Peru.
With Ultimate Trekking, you get a dedicated team focused only on you: a private guide who sets the pace, a chef who cooks fresh meals every day, and a porter team that takes care of the heavy gear. You also get a personal porter (up to 7 kg), so you can hike light and enjoy the trail.
Trek details
Highlights
- Your private group only (1–16 hikers) with a dedicated guide
- Walk the original Inca Trail and visit Patallacta, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna
- Personal porter included (up to 7 kg) + duffle bag provided
- Fresh meals cooked on the trail by your own trekking chef
- Comfortable camping setup with quality tents and thick sleeping mats
- Sun Gate arrival for your first view of Machu Picchu
- Return by panoramic train (Vistadome / 360°) + private transfer back to your hotel
- Safety support: first-aid kit, oxygen, and satellite phone
Private Inca Trail Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Patallacta – Ayapata
Early pick-up, breakfast on the way, then we start at Km 82. It’s a gentle first day with beautiful valley views and a guided visit to Patallacta. Camp at Ayapata.
- Hike time: ~6–7 hours
- Distance: 13.5 km / 8 miles
- Campsite altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chaquicocha
The challenge day. We hike up to Dead Woman’s Pass, then continue across the second pass and visit Inca ruins along the way before reaching Chaquicocha camp.
- Hike time: ~9–10 hours
- Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
- Highest point: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
- Campsite altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
A scenic day with more ruins and cloud forest. We visit Phuyupatamarca and the terraces of Intipata, then arrive to camp near Wiñay Wayna.
- Hike time: ~5–6 hours
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Campsite altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We start before sunrise and hike to the Sun Gate for your first view of Machu Picchu. After your guided tour, you’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes and return by panoramic train and private transfer.
- Hike time: ~2–3 hours
- Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Final altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
We’ll pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco (around 4:30 AM). If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley (like Ollantaytambo), pick-up is later (around 6:30 AM). Then we drive to Km 82, the start of the Inca Trail.
After breakfast, we pass the checkpoint (keep your passport handy) and start hiking. The first part is an easy walk along the Urubamba River. After about two hours, we reach Patallacta, one of the most impressive Inca sites on the trail. Your guide will explain the history and point out details you’d never notice on your own.
We continue to Hatunchaca for a fresh lunch prepared by our trekking chef. In the afternoon, we hike uphill to Ayapata camp. Your tent will be ready when you arrive, and tea time is the perfect way to end the day.
- Campsite Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
- Distance: 13.5 km / 8 miles
- Duration: ~6–7 hours hiking (about 8 hours with breaks)
- Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
We’ll wake you up with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea. After breakfast, we begin the toughest day of the trek. The climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) is slow and steady, with plenty of breaks and big mountain views.
At the top (4,215 m / 13,829 ft), we take time for photos and a well-earned rest. Then we descend into the Pacaymayu Valley for lunch. After a good break, we climb again to the second pass (Runkuraqay Pass, 4,000 m / 13,123 ft).
In the afternoon, we visit Inca sites like Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca before arriving at Chaquicocha camp. If the sky is clear, this is a great night for stargazing.
- Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
- Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
- Duration: 9–10 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Challenging
Today is a more relaxed day, with amazing scenery and some of the best ruins on the route. We hike through different landscapes and into the cloud forest, where everything turns greener as we get closer to Machu Picchu.
We visit Phuyupatamarca (“Town in the Clouds”) and the beautiful terraces of Intipata. Then we continue down to Wiñay Wayna camp. After lunch, you can rest, take a simple shower if available, or explore the nearby Wiñay Wayna ruins with your guide.
In the evening, we enjoy our final tea time and dinner with the trekking team. Tips are optional, but always appreciated.
- Campsite Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
- Highest Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
This is the big day. We start early and hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first view of Machu Picchu from above. After that, we continue down to the main viewpoint for photos, then enter the citadel for your guided tour.
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore (depending on your entry circuit). If you booked an extra ticket in advance, you can also hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Later, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes (lunch not included). In the afternoon, we board the panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, then our private transport takes you back to your hotel in Cusco (usually around 7:30 PM).
- Final Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Hike Duration: 2–3 hours
- Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: 2–3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Moderate
Included
- Pre-departure briefing (at your hotel or our office)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Cusco or Sacred Valley)
- All transport during the 4-day tour
- Inca Trail permits
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (timed entry / circuit)
- Private professional guide (English-speaking)
- Additional guide for groups of 9+ (when needed)
- Trekking chef + full porter team (for food and camp equipment)
- Personal porter (up to 7 kg / 15 lb) + duffle bag
- Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, tables, chairs)
- Sleeping mat and small pillow
- All meals (except lunch on Day 4) + snacks and tea time
- Drinking water during the trek (bring your own refillable bottle)
- First-aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phone
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Panoramic train (Vistadome / 360°) for the return
Not Included
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (optional, must be booked in advance)
- Lunch on Day 4 (Aguas Calientes)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the guide, chef, and porters (optional, but appreciated)
Optional hikes after the Machu Picchu tour:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain - An additional ticket costs $68 per person. The hike takes approximately 2 hours round-trip and should be undertaken after the guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Where do we arrive first at Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail?
You arrive first at the upper viewpoint area (Circuit 1)—this is the famous “top” section with the best panoramic views of Machu Picchu. It’s the classic postcard angle, and it’s also the best spot for wide photos.
How much time do we spend at the panoramic viewpoint (Circuit 1)?
You’ll spend about 45 minutes at the Circuit 1 viewpoint area. That gives you time to slow down, take the best photos, and really enjoy the moment—without feeling rushed.
What happens after Circuit 1—do we visit the main buildings too?
Yes. After Circuit 1, we exit and then re-enter to Machu Picchu on Circuit 3, where many of the most important buildings are located. This is where you get the “inside the city” experience with your guide explaining the key sites.
Can we choose the Machu Picchu circuit during the Inca Trail?
No. On the Inca Trail, the Machu Picchu visit is set, so we can’t choose different circuits. The good news is that the combination you get—Circuit 1 + Circuit 3—is one of the most complete and best ways to visit Machu Picchu: big panoramic views first, then the most important buildings after.
Where are the best panoramic photos taken?
The best panoramic photos are taken from Circuit 1, which is exactly where you arrive first from the Inca Trail. This is the “wow” viewpoint that most travelers dream about.
Are there bathrooms inside Machu Picchu?
Bathrooms are outside the entrance gates, not inside the citadel. Because it’s not always possible to exit and re-enter freely, it’s very important to use the bathroom before going inside. Your guide will remind you at the right time so you don’t get stuck needing one mid-visit.
How long is the guided visit inside Machu Picchu?
Your guided visit covers the key areas on Circuit 3, with time for photos and clear explanations. The exact pace depends on your group (2-3 hours), but the goal is simple: you understand what you’re seeing and enjoy it—without feeling rushed.
Can we add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to this tour?
For the Inca Trail arrival schedule, we can only add Huayna Picchu (when available) because it fits the location and entry times better. Machu Picchu Mountain is not recommended on this itinerary due to the location and timing—it usually doesn’t match well with the Inca Trail entry flow.
What if it’s cloudy when we arrive at Machu Picchu?
Clouds are common in the Andes, and they can make Machu Picchu look dramatic and magical. Often the mist moves and the views open up in waves. Your guide will help you time your best photos and make the most of the conditions.
What should I bring into Machu Picchu for the best experience?
Keep it light and simple. Bring:
- Your passport (or official ID)
- A small daypack
- Water
- Sun protection (hat/sunscreen)
- A rain jacket or poncho
- Your phone/camera
Traveling lighter makes the visit easier, more comfortable, and better for photos.
