Inca Trail Private Tour 2023

Starting the 4 Inca Trail Trek: We pick you up from your hotel and transport you by bus to the trailhead at km 82. There a briefing takes place at 2,350 metres. them we pass a checkpoint and hike along the Urubamba river visiting the collection of archeological sites of Wilkarakay and the marvelous Inca ruins of Patallacta. We later continue up the Cusichaka River Canyon offering some magnificent views of the Cordillera Oriental, particularly, Veronica Mountain (5,850 m). We have lunch in Chamana, to continue afterwards following the trail and the Cusichaka river observing several Inca agricultural terraces and irrigation channels. Then, we visit the picturesque village of Huayllabamba. From this point, we start ascending while appreciating different eco-systems along the way. In Ayapata, we set up the first campsite (3,700 m) and have afternoon tea and finally dinner before we go to sleep.

Estimated trekking time: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 14 km
Max. elevation: 3,250 m
Min. elevation: 2,600 m
Difficulty: Moderate

After wake-up and breakfast, we start hiking up the trail toward the first pass Warmiwañusca (4,200 m) passing through the cloud forest of Yunkachimpa and Corralpunku enjoying excellent views of snowcapped peaks. From the pass, we descend to the Pacasmayo Valley (3,300 m) to have lunch there. We continue hiking through the valley to reach the Inca ruins of Runkuracay where we have another guided visit. Afterwards, we climb up to get over the second pass (3,860 m) and follow the "Royal Inca Highway" down to see the Inca site of Sayacmarca. Then, we pass the Yanacocha lake and camp in Chaquicocha.

Estimated trekking time: 8 - 10 hours
Trekking distance: 16 km
Max. elevation: 4,200 m
Min. elevation: 3,300 m
Difficulty: Strenuous

We start climbing up the trail and pass through beautiful subtropical vegetation on the route to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca. There we have lunch at an altitude of 3,600 metres to later steeply descent through a cloud forest having opportunities to see stunning orchids and different varieties of birds before we reach the wonderful Inca remains of Wiñay wayna (2,700 m) where our guide shows us around. We spend the third night near the ruins.

Estimated trekking time: 5 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Max. elevation: 3,680 m
Min. elevation: 2,700 m
Difficulty: Easy

Early morning, we begin hiking to Machu Picchu overlooking the Urubamba river on the way to Sun Gate or Inti Punku to see the sunrise above Machu Picchu. We enter the site early in the morning for the best photo opportunities and then spend the rest of the morning visiting and exploring the citadel. Those interested in having lunch in Aguas Calientes (a town below the Inca citadel) can meet up later (optional) or can visit the hot springs of the town. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo to later continue by private vehicle to Cusco.

Pre-Departure Briefing
Our guide will be meeting in your hotel for an orientation talk prior to the trek. You are provided there with a duffle bag too.

Transport

We picked up from your hotel/Airbnb in the morning and transferred by private vehicle to Km 82 (head trail of the 4 Day Inca Trail).

On the last day of the Inca Trail 4 days, you take a train to Ollantaytambo. There, our driver picks you up taking you to your hotel/ Airbnb either in Yanahuara, Urubamba, or Cusco.

Experienced Tour Guides
We keep our groups as small as 2-8 participants. Every group gets a tour guide, who is English speaking, with a university background, and is officially licensed. Your guide explains to you the culture and surroundings along the entire route. He/She keeps you safe following the government health and safety protocols, so you can enjoy the trekking without any worries and just focus on the beauty of the trail!

Responsible Porters
A personal Super Porter is included in the tour and is responsible for carrying a duffel bag filled with your personal belongings (up to 7 kg/11 lbs). There is no additional fee for this. There are also other super porters to carry all the camping equipment and tents.

Inca Trail Machu porters - Our porters account with life insurance and health insurance according to Peruvian regulations. These insurances involve all our super porters and trekking chef.

Inca Trail Permits and Machu Picchu Tickets
In the Inca Trail 4 Days, there are Inca Trail Permits and entrance fee to Machu Picchu citadel already included. As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we purchase your permits. These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They cannot be changed once confirmed! Only your passport number is allowed to be updated.

Double Personal Tents:
2 people occupy each 4-person tent which allows higher comfort and luggage security. Our tents are of 4 seasons and are always disinfected and highly maintained to ensure excellent performance during the treks. They are of the brand Eureka Mountain.

Camping Equipment for the Hike
All camping equipment during the Inca Trail. Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, a toilet tent, and all cooking equipment (carried by porters) are included.

Air Sleeping Roll Mattress
We use air mattresses of the top-quality brand Therm-a-Rest.

Sleeping Bag
All our sleeping bags are of feathers and suitable for up to -16°C! It means you do not need to worry about cold as the temperature at night does not fall below 0°C!

A Duffel Bag for 2 Persons (7 kg per person)
You receive a duffel bag at your briefing (1-2 days prior to the trek) to fill your things in. These bags are carried by our porters during the Inca Trail. But you receive them at each campsite. Every duffel has a maximum weight of 7kg! 5kg of it should be for your personal belongings and the other 2kg are meant for your sleeping bag and pad.

Please note: You do not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at the evening campsite!

Trekking chef during the hike to Inca Trail
A trekking chef specialized in cooking on the trail along with his/her Assistant prepare all of your delicious meals along the track to replenish your energy. You never go hungry!

Meals
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, snacks, and 3x afternoon tea. A vegetarian, vegan, or special diet is available at NO extra cost! Every afternoon before dinner, the trekking chef will provide popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you do not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite!

Wake-Up Coca Leaf Herbal Tea
Every morning at the campsite, you are wakened up with a cup of coca leaf herbal tea! Our staff brings the tea to your tent so that you can warm up from inside before you start the day. The herbal tea helps to breathe in this high mountain altitude of the Andes.

Water During the Hike
Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inca Trail Machu will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3 Liters worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.

Machu Picchu Train Tickets
From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, there are two railway companies (Inca Rail and PeruRail), in the Inca Trail 4 days is included the train ticket to Ollantaytambo

Machu Picchu Bus Ticket
A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town.

Hiking Sticks or Hiking Poles
On the trailhead, our porters provide you with a pair of hiking sticks for your use during the trek.

A Blanket per Person
We provide you a thermal blanket to warm you up every night!

Air Pillow
At every campsite, you find inside your tent your sleeping bag and inflatable pillow.

Rain Ponchos
Usually, it is raining on the Inca Trail. Our porters provide a rain-poncho in case you need it.

A Hot-Water Bottle
A hot-water bottle is a rubber container that you fill with hot water and put in a sleeping bag to keep it warm.

A Inca Trail T-shirt of the
It is a special t-shirt to remember your experience and survival of the hike.

Medical Kit & Oxygen Bottle
Our crew brings a first-aid kit and an oxygen bottle to be ready in case of an emergency.

During the Inca Trail Tours, our staff will provided the following:

• Camping toilet tents private;
• Personal wash clothes;
• Our staff will provided the Biodegradable soap;
• Every morning our cook will provide the hot water for personal cleaning;
• Small towels for your clean your hands

At Inca Trail Machu, we provide you the following equipment

• Last lunch in Machupicchu Town;
• Travel insurance;
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu (USD 80);
• Tips to local staff (please note that although it is not obligatory, it is a custom to give tips in Peru);
• Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!

Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.

• Exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel.
• Visiting the Wiñay Wayna ancient town.
• Observation of the flora and fauna of the area.
• Seeing the hidden archaeological sites such as Sayacmarca.

Best Moment of the Trek

• The arrival at Machu Picchu citadel after passing through Sun Gate!

Camping Equipment

The Inca Trail Machu tour operator provides trek participants with a tent. Our tents are of the brand EUREKA MOUNTAIN PASS 4XTE designated for 4 seasons. We use 4-person capacity tents; however, just 2 participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In the case of a single traveller, we provide with a 2-person capacity tent. After each trek, we carefully check our tents, clean them and fix them if necessary.

Inca Trail Machu also provides a clean and warm sleeping bag, inflatable pillow, mat, and blanket which our porters place inside your tent, so you find your all camping equipment once at a campsite.

Extras

The best time to hike the Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu is generally from April to October.

Even though it can't rain all year round, the probability of rain is the lowest at around 20% during this period and the temperatures are the highest.

The rainy season runs from November to March, during which temperatures are slightly lower than in the other months.

Nevertheless, the average daily temperatures range from 18 to 22 degrees all year round.

January and February are the two months with the most precipitation.

The probability of rain can rise to 90% during this period and rain can be expected almost every day.

"All Inca Trail treks are closed in February for maintenance"

INCA TRAIL MACHU  is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. Pick-up times may vary 30 - 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pick-ups.

If your hotel is outside Cusco City centre, we can arrange a pick-up depending on where your hotel is located. Your guide will inform you about the pick-up time during the briefing.

Please check the below table to find a starting point & pick-up place:

Here is everything you need to know about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of our most impressive routes.

Where Is the Inca Trail Located?

The Inca Trail is situated in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, between Cusco (the capital of the ancient Inca Empire) and the citadel of Machu Picchu. The alternation of mountains and valleys along the walk offers incredible and diversified landscapes.

Inca Trail 4 Days Altitudes 

During the 4 day hike to Machu Picchu, there are the following altitudes:

• "Llulluchapampa" at 3,850 m.a.s.l.
• "Chaquicocha" at 4,200 m.a.s.l.
• "Wiñay Wayna" at 3,670 m.a.s.l.
• "Machu Picchu" at 2,700 m.a.s.l.

How Long Is the Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights and How Many Hours a Day Do We Hike?

The 4 day hike Machu Picchu measures 43 kilometers or 26.12 miles. There are camping sites assigned by the Ministry of Culture that are between 10 and 13 kilometers away from each other, so the daily hiking time can vary between 5 to 8 hours per day for the first three days and approximately 2 hours for the last day. The hours of daily hiking and the distance covered may vary according to the physical condition of each participant.

What Does "Machu Picchu" Mean?

"Machu Picchu" means 'Old Mountain' in the indigenous Quechua language. "Machu Picchu", the Lost City of the Incas, is an unprecedented historical, natural and architectural complex, a tourist destination that has earned the category "A Must-See".

What Is the Weather on the Inca Trail?

Mid-December - early March: This is the peak of the rainy season, so it is better to not climb it at this time.

Daily average temperature: 18-19°C

Night average temperature: 7-8°C

Mid-March - May: It is the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season, so it is partly cloudy and it rains a little bit sometimes. It is ok to hike the Inca Trail 4 days.

Daily average temperature: 19°C
Night average temperature: 8-4°C

June - September: This is the dry season and so the best months to trek!
Daily average temperature: 19-20°C
Night average temperature: 0-6°C

October - mid-December: It is the beginning of the rainy season, it rains sometimes, but it is still possible to hike the Classic Inca Trail.
Daily average temperature: 19-20°C
Night average temperature: 5-7°C

How Difficult Is the Inca Trail 4 Days?

The Inca Trail is considered an intermediate difficulty level trek. Since it does not include rock climbing or hiking on snow, a previous experience is not required. The most difficult part comes the second day when a number of steps are climbed and moreover, the start point lies at 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) while the highest climbing point is at 4,200 meters (13,123 feet). There also is only a small space to climb; however, the hike becomes later easier as the road continues downhill. Keep in mind that you will carry your personal items, which may include clothing, camera, water, and others which may add difficulty to the trek because of the weight. 

Is It Possible to Do the Inca Trail on My Own?

If you are an experienced trekker, you may want to go hiking on the Classic Inca Trail on your own, without a tour operator, without a guide, without a porter, just you and the way. However, that is NOT possible!

The Peruvian government regulations do not allow it! It has been prohibited since 2001! The regulations state that each hiker must be accompanied by a qualified professional guide. The UGM (Management Unit of Machu Picchu) is the regulatory entity that controls tour companies to fulfill certain requirements to operate this route and they need to obtain a license to be allowed to do so. A licence must be renewed annually. The list of all authorized guides and agencies is published on the official website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.

Is It Possible to hike to Huayna Picchu mountain?

Yes, it is possible to add in your 4 day hike to Machu Picchu the Huayna Picchu tickets. Usually you will be arriving at Inca citadel at 08:00 am. After the guided tour, you can climb up to the mountain.

The Most Important:

• Original Passport!!!
• ISIC card (if you booked as a student).

Suggested Items:

• Daypack (12-litre capacity);
• High-quality trekking shoes (comfortable and useable for every terrain);
• Rain jacket/rain poncho;
• Waterproof gear is highly recommended, especially in the rainy season;
• Hat or cap; 
• Cash in soles (local currency);
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, sweater, or fleece;
• 3x T-shirt;
• 2x hiking pants;
• 1x sports shorts,
• 1x a pair of gloves (you can buy cheap and warm alpaca gloves in Cusco);
• Sandals (when in a campsite);
• Water bottle (2 or 3 litres);
• Extra battery (You will connect only with the natural and you)
• Camera or smartphone with a good camera (remember, it is the first time on the 4 day Inca Trail and the landscapes is astonishing!);
• Large plastic bag (you can protect your clothes like this);
• Toilet paper;
• Paper issues;
• Sunscreen to avoid ultraviolet rays;
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream;
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET (for the last day);
• Small towel;
• Swimsuit (if you like to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes);
• Coca natural leaf tea;
• Snacks such as chocolate, biscuits, energy bars, raw fruits, and others.