Private Inca Trail Tours 4 days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Patallacta –  Hatunchaca – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

Our AB team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco City at 4:30 a.m. for your Private Inca Trail tours 4 days. if you stay in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba; we will pick you up after 6:00 a.m. Next, We will drive to Ollantaytambo where we will have our breakfast which is Included. After our delicious meal, we will keep driving until km 82 (Piscakucho) to start the 4-day Private Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu. First, you will meet our amazing cooks, strong porters,  and knowledgeable guides. Then we will go to the checkpoint to show our passports and start our adventure to the New 7 wonders of the world.

After passing the checkpoint gate, we will start our Inca Trail trek. In the beginning, the Trail is relatively easy about a 3-hour hike to Llactapata ruins(the first Inca ruin along the Inca Trail trek). We will visit the upper part of this amazing site and we will take pictures of the lower part. Then we will hike for 1 hour to Hatunchaca campsite, where our AB team will be waiting for a tasty lunch made from fresh local ingredients.

After our delicious lunch, we will keep hiking for about 4 hours to Ayapata(first campsite) where you are going to arrive around 5:00 p.m. Your tents will be already set up, then you will have hot tea waiting for you.

• Elevation Gain: 993 m
• Elevation Loss: 339 m
• Distance: 14 km
• Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chaquicocha

We will wake you up early in the morning with hot tea or coca tea. The second day is the most challenging of the Private 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. We will hike for around 4-hour to Dead Woman’s Pass (4215m / 13829ft), the highest pass of all the Inca Trail Trek. At the top, we will enjoy the amazing landscape that surrounds us.  Also, our guide will make some offerings to the Apus (local Gods). After appreciating the views, we will start hiking down to Pacaymayu Valley for about 2 hours, we will have our amazing lunch prepared by our chef.

After our meal, we will hike another 1 hour and a half to the second pass called Runqurakay (4000m / 13123ft). Before getting the pass, we will explore the Inca site Runqurakay. Then we will hike down to Sayacmarca ruins which we will explore too. After visiting those Inca sites, we will keep hiking to our second campsite Chaquicocha ( 3600m / 11811 ft.), where you can enjoy an amazing sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before our dinner. Also, this campsite is the perfect place to observe the Milky Way.

• Elevation Gain: 1272 m
• Elevation Loss: 1055 m
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 8 – 9 hours
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Difficult

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Intipata – Wiñaywayna

Today is a more relaxing day. It is only 5 hours of hiking to reach the last campsite. At the beginning, there is a Peruvian flat for about 2 hours, and then you will hike all the way down to the campsite. Along the way, you will hike through several different ecosystems, and admire the amazing panoramic view of the Salkantay glacier (the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region). We are going to explore 2 Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka, and Intipata.

From the Intipata ruins, you could already see the last campsite. Before heading to the campsite our guide will explain the site. We will arrive at the campsite at approximately 12:30 p.m. You will have your meal,  then you can go to take a shower and take a siesta to relax. Around 4 pm, we will hike for 5 minutes to explore the Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna, where our tour guide will explain this amazing site and you will have free time to take amazing pictures. Then we will come back to the campsite to say goodbye to our amazing porters and enjoy our dinner. After enjoying the meal, we will go early to sleep and prepare for the next day.

• Elevation Gain: 239 m
• Elevation Loss: 1096 m
• Distance: 9 km
• Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Today is the day you have been waiting for, we will wake up early to head to the last checkpoint of the Inca Trail. We will pass the checkpoint at 05: 30 am. Then, we will hike to the Sun Gate for one hour and 20 minutes, the Trail is up and down, so no more crazy uphills and downhills. Once you get to the gate, you will observe an amazing sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. We will begin our 45-minute final descent toward the lost city of the Incas. You will get to the Mapi checkpoint around 8:00 a.m.

Our tour guide will take you for a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel.  Once we finish visiting the city, we will take a tourist bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes where you will have your lunch. Then you will take the train at 14:55 or 15:20 pm. At the Train station, our AB team will wait for you to return to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. You will arrive back to Cusco  around 07:00 pm

If you hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain (Permits must be reserved as far in advance as possible). You will hike by yourself and our guide will tell you where you will have lunch and where you will pick up your duffle bag then take the train.

• Elevation Gain: 185 m
• Elevation Loss: 451 m
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 2 – 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

• Includes
• 10 kg of your personal belongings for your personal porter
• Satellite phone. 
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel or Airbnb. .
• Private tourist van from Cusco to Kilometer 82 (the starting point of the hike).
• English speaking tour guide with Satellite phone. .
• Foam mattresses.
• Profesional cook.
• Kitchen equipment.
• Dining and kitchen tents with chairs and tables.
• Portable toilet (The Pett).
• 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks with option for vegetarians, vegan, gluten free, Pescatarian, lactose Intolerance and any food allergy.
• 4 season Tents for two people (tent with capacity for 4 people used as doubles – Eureka).
• Porters. As detailed in the table authorized by the Ministry of Culture. (To carry our camping equipment and food) we never overload our porters.
• Inca trail Permit and Machu Picchu ticket.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town.
• Vistadome train ticket(14:55 Hrs.) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Private van from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
• Emergency tank of oxigen and first aid kit.
• Pre-departure Inca Trail orientation, presented by our guides at 6:00 pm at the office one day before departure.
• Wake-up tea. Hot herbal tea or Coca tea brought to your tent, each morning.
• A duffle bag, where you put your 10 kg / 22 pounds of personal items per person (personal cares, personal items, sleeping bag are within this 7 kg / 14 pounds).
• We provide hot water bins each day to help our clients clean and feel good at night.
• Rain Poncho to protect from the rain.
• Two hours of guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback (our cook will give you clean water after every meal)
• Day pack cover to protect your personal backpack.
• Sleeping bag

• Not Included
• Lunch  – Day 4.
• Hot springs entrance in the town of Aguas Calientes (US $ 5).
• Gratitude for the staff (optional).

We would like to inform you of the regulations put in place by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and SERNANP regarding access to the Inca Trail. Please ensure that you have a permit that matches your full name, passport number, nationality, and age, issued by the Ministry of Culture.

The number of visitors to the Inca Trail is tightly controlled with a maximum of 500 people per day, including support staff such as authorized porters, cooks, and tour guides. It’s important to note that when the daily visitor limit is reached, the Trail is closed off, and no further reservations can be made. We highly recommend booking permits a year in advance if possible.

Please note that only licensed Inca Trail Travel Agencies like PuruqTravel can secure permits, which are not transferable at any point. In case of a change in the start date, a new permit must be purchased. We strictly adhere to the regulations set by the government of Peru.

In the event that permits are sold out for your desired start date, we are happy to suggest alternative treks to Machu Picchu, including Salkantay Trek, Inca Quarry Trek, and Lares Trek. Please feel free to contact us for further assistance.

Things to know

• To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Inca Trail hike, we recommend breaking in your trekking shoes beforehand.
• We advise spending two days in Cusco prior to the hike, especially for those not acclimatized to the altitude.
• For peak season bookings in June to August, it is essential to reserve permits a year in advance.
• Along the trail, bottled water is available for purchase on the first and second days, but not again until Machu Picchu.
• Please keep in mind that individuals with back problems are discouraged from taking part in this 4-day trek.
• Departures are available daily for groups of two or more, with no departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• wheelchair access is not available on the trail.
• DON’T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, insurance card, and personal medications.

Duffle bag

As part of our service, we will provide you with duffel bags that can be collected from our office after the briefing. These duffel bags will be carried by your porters and will only be accessible at the campsites. We suggest placing your non-hiking attire and personal items in the duffel bag, allowing you to carry your essential items, such as water, snacks, first aid kit, and rain gear, separately in your day pack.

We ask that you ensure that your duffel bag does not exceed 10kg, of which only 7kg should be allocated to your personal belongings. The remaining 3kg should be reserved for your sleeping pad and sleeping bag. By allocating the weight correctly, you will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience.

Strikes

We would like to inform you that, at times, strikes and roadblocks may occur in Peru which may cause disruption to our Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike and rail service to and from Machu Picchu.  We understand the importance of your journey and want to ensure that any changes to your travel plans are kept to a minimum.

If a strike occurs on the first day of your Private Machu Picchu 4-day tour, we will take you to the trailhead the night before your start date, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. In the event that a strike occurs on the day of your return from the Private Inca Trail 4-day hike, we will send our vans to Hidroelectrica, where you will be required to hike an additional 2 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica. From there, we will transport you by van to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

We are committed to providing a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, and we thank you for your understanding should any unforeseen circumstances arise.

How to book the Inca Trail private tours with PuruqTravel?

To reserve your Inca trail 4-day private service, please find the “book now” button on our website. once you click the button, you will be redirected to a booking platform where you can choose your desired departure date and provide essential personal information about each participant. the payment process can be completed using either a credit card or a debit card.

If you are interested in additional options like the Huayna Picchu mountain hike, we recommend booking them simultaneously with your Inca trail reservation. this approach ensures that you don’t miss out on any possible opportunities due to the rapid-selling Inca trail permits. You can rent walking sticks in Cusco 1 day before your trip. 

We will send you a confirmation email once the Inca trail permit has been secured to ensure a meticulously organized and successful trip. we guarantee that it will proceed as planned once the start date is confirmed.

Can I store my luggage at your office?

Certainly! During the 4-day Inca trail private trek to Machu Picchu, we provide a luggage storage facility at our office. we kindly request that you only bring the essentials necessary for the duration of your hike to Machu Picchu.

What about the outstanding balance?

We would like to inform you that settling your outstanding balance can be done efficiently and securely with our various payment options. you may choose to pay in cash, either in USD or soles, one day prior to your trip. for your convenience, credit card payments can also be made with a 5% service fee. please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.

Please note that cash payments must be made one day prior to your trip without exception. we appreciate your prompt attention in settling your outstanding balance and look forward to providing you with the best service possible.

How about the student discount?

Please note that individuals who are 18 years or older must present a valid student card in order to be eligible for discounts on the tour. for students aged 11-17 years, a discount of $30 USD applies, while children aged 2-11 years can avail of a discount of $ 40 USD. in order to obtain the student discount, please ensure that a copy of your passport and student card are sent to our team at the time of booking via email to info@puruqtravel.com.

May I change the departure date after the permits have been bought?

We regret to inform you that the Inca trail permits are non-transferable and non-refundable, according to the regulations set forth by the government. we would like to clarify that the only information allowed to be modified is the passport numbers. please let us know if there are any other questions we can help answer or concerns we can address. thank you for your understanding.

Do I need to bring my original passport on the private Inca trail 4 days to Machu Picchu?

We kindly remind you that it is imperative to bring your original passport for your upcoming private Inca trail tours 4-day permits. it is highly important that the passport you bring is the same one you provided to us during the reservation process. we just want to ensure that you have a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout your journey. please take note that your passport will be checked at three different Inca trail checkpoints, as well as at Machu Picchu, and when boarding the train.