Private Inca Trail Tour 4 Days

4 Days |

0 Nigths

General description

SERVICE:

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights, combines beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud forest and subtropical forest, and an outstanding mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. Descending through the magical sun gate on the last day will reveal the emerald peaks and the terraced ruins of the mysterious Inca city of Machu Picchu.

OVERVIEW:

Our Private Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu is an adventure in your life that brings you to explore the originality of Inca engineering, which led them to construct an unparalleled Inca stone trail that crosses mountains, rivers, Inca ruins, and Rain forest until getting the Sun Gate, from where you will admire a unique view of the new 7 wonders of the world.

Hike the Inca Trail 4 days at your own pace with a private team of porters, cooks, and head guides. This private tour is perfect for couples, families with kids, or a group of friends who would love to have private service.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Km 82 – Patallacta – Hatunchaca – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

Our Cachi Life Peru 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 not Included we will stop in a local restaurant to get breakfast. After enjoying the 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 Cachi Life Peru 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 / 3,257 ft.
Elevation Loose: 339 m / 1112 feet.
Campsite Altitude: 3303m(10828ft).
Highest altitude: 3300m(10,826ft).
Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles.
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours.
Accommodation: Camping in tents.
Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 02: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runkuraqay – 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 / 4,173 ft.
Elevation Loose: 1055 m / 3,461 feet.
Campsite Altitude: 3,550m(11,646ft)
Highest altitude: 4,195m(13,763ft)
Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Difficult.

Day 03: 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 / 784 ft.
Elevation Loose: 1096 m / 3,595 feet.
Campsite Altitude: 2679 m – 8,789 ft
Highest altitude: 3652 m – 11,981 ft
Distance: 09 km / 5.59 miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Easy.

Day 04: 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 Cachi Life Peru 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 / 606 ft.
Elevation Loose: 451 m / 1479 feet.
Highest altitude: 2700m -8858ft
Distance: 7 km / 4.34 miles
Hiking time: 2 – 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Included

7 kg of your personal belongings for your personal porter
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
Foam mattresses.
Profesional cook.
Kitchen equipment.
Dining and kitchen tents with chairs and tables.
Portable toilet (The Pett).
3 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. The meeting point will be one day before in the lobby of your hotel or airbnb .
Wake-up tea. Hot herbal tea or Coca tea brought to your tent, each morning.
A duffle bag, where you put your 7 kg / 18 pounds of personal items per person (personal cares, personal items, sleeping bag are within this 6 kg / 13 pounds).
We provide hot water bins each day to help our clients clean and feel good at night.
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)

Not Included

Sleeping Bag (Optional Rental Fee will apply) $ 25.00 USD
A Set of Walking Poles (Optional Rental Fee will apply) $ 20.00 USD
Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 4
Tips for Staff
Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip
Hot springs entrance in the town of Aguas Calientes ( 5 USD )

Recommendations

A good day pack: such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (Appropriate pack to
carry your personal belongings.)
Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required
Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just
enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent spray before the trip.
Layers for variable temperatures especially at night
1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees
Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit. A rain jacket can be helpful, because there are rainy days even in the dry season!
1 warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf and woolen hat for cold nights).
4 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend
socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried.) It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both really
heavy hiking socks and lighter socks as well as the weather is variable, so
you want to make sure you’re not too cold or too hot.
4 shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
1 good sleeping bag liner which is super lightweight and easy to pack. This definitely does its job!
Travel-size tissues and wet wipes–The air is cold and damp, so your nose is going to run a lot. Everyone seems to run out of tissues by the end of the trek. Also, most bathrooms do not have toilet paper (if you even get a bathroom), so wet wipes are key.
Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have
varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very
well. The issue with Cusco outdoor is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird
bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy
red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so bringing some anti-itch ointment could be helpful.
Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camel-back
Water (Only for first day of the hike, as we will provide you with water throughout the rest of the hike).
Camera and film
A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
Bandages or moleskin
Flip flops to change into at night. Your toes will thank you!
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste/floss, shampoo/conditioner,
brush/comb, Vaseline (great for potential blisters on the feet), feminine
hygiene products, deodorant, nail clippers/file/tweezers, spare glasses and/or prescription, mini-eyeglass repair kit, contact lenses and supplies,
hand sanitizer etc. Pack what you need, but pack light.
Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach) because some people get an upset stomach on the trek. Also, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can be helpful to help with aches and pains after 8-10 hours of hiking each day.
Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
Something to read in the evenings
Extra money for drinks
Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)
Tips (the amount you tip (or if you tip) is a personal decision and it is NOT an obligation.

Prices

We can depart any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date.

02 people US$ 950

03 people US$ 920

04 people US$ 890

05 people US$ 860

06 people US$ 830

07+ people US$ 800

Discounts:
Student Discount: US$30.00 off per person, this discount only apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount. Please send all to info@cachilifeperu.com

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)

Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)

Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy)
Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)

Train Upgrades:
Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $485 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Need to book in advance).

Rentals:
Hiking poles – 20.00 USD
Sleeping bag – 25.00 USD
Private Tent – 30.00 USD
Half porter – 120 USD ( the extra porter is 6 kilos at the briefing time your guide will give you the duffle bag to put your personal belongings ).

Frequently Asked Questions:

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTION

How to book the Inca Trail private tours with Cach Life Peru

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@cachilifeperu.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.

Updating passport numbers

If you are in the process of renewing your passport and planning to book Inca Trail private guided trek permits, we kindly request that you email us a copy of your old passport for verification purposes. in case you do not possess your old passport anymore, any valid government-issued identity card can be presented as long as it bears the same name.

Furthermore, once you receive your new passport, we sincerely ask that you immediately email us a copy of it to modify the information on your permit. it is essential to ensure that all details on your permit match those on your passport exactly to avoid any inconvenience during your private premium Inca Trail Tours.

What is the schedule of my train ticket?

Typically, return train tickets are reserved for departure at 14:55 pm or 15:20 on day 4, allowing arrivals in Cusco at 07:00 pm. This itinerary allows for sufficient rest and the opportunity to participate in tours such as Rainbow Mountain on the subsequent day.

Can I stay in the Sacred Valley for my Private Inca trail 4 days?

We recommend that you consider staying in either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo during your visit to the sacred valley. by opting for accommodation in this area, your pick-up time will be scheduled an hour and a half after the usual pick-up time in Cusco, which will allow you some more time to rest.

If I cancel my Inca trail private tour. do I get any refund?

If you are unable to join us for any reason such as illness, missing your flight, or a natural disaster, we regret to inform you that we will lose $150 USD automatically. please note that once the Inca trail permit is purchased, it becomes non-refundable and non-transferable. this is because the Ministry of Culture of Peru and Peru Rail are in charge of issuing permits and train tickets, and do not provide refunds.

We understand that unexpected changes can occur, and we want to assure you that we will always do our best to be reasonable and only charge you for any expenses that have already been incurred.

What time will we get to Machu Picchu?

our group’s usual arrival time at the sun gate is around 7:00 a.m. with slight variations. afterward, it takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Machu Picchu from the Sun gate. thus, we can estimate your arrival at Machu Picchu at around 8:00 am in the morning.

Will water be provided?

We recommend that you purchase 2 liters of water for the first day of your trek for adequate hydration. From the second day onwards, we will supply you with boiled water three times a day — after breakfast, during lunchtime, and at dinner. this measure has been implemented for your health and safety, ensuring that you have access to safe drinking water throughout your trekking journey.

What kinds of reusable water bottles should we bring to the Inca Trail private Tours 4 days?

From march 2022, the use of single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste will be strictly prohibited while trekking on the Inca trail for 4 days and 3 nights. to comply with this policy, we kindly ask that all guests bring their own personal reusable water bottles to be filled with the water we provide. we suggest opting for a bladder, hard shell bottle, or pouch that is most convenient for your needs. this measure is part of our ongoing commitment to minimize our environmental impact and preserve the natural beauty of this iconic landmark. thank you for your cooperation in this endeavor.

Is there an age limit for the Private Inca trail tour 4 days?

It is important to note that there is no age limit for the Inca trail private tours 4-days 3 nights. however, for safety purposes, ab expeditions recommend a minimum age of 6 years old. this is due to the presence of steep sections that may prove challenging for younger individuals. our team prioritizes the safety and well-being of our customers, and we believe that this recommendation will help ensure an enjoyable, memorable, and safe experience for all who embark on this journey with us. we appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing you with an exceptional experience on the Inca trail.

How many kilos is it allowed to carry on the Inca trail?

As per our porter policy, our porters carry no more than 20 kilograms for safety and well-being. however, we understand that as a guest, you may wish to carry your own personal belongings, there is no weight limit for guests. so you can carry the weight that you want. we saw some people carrying up to 30 kg.

Is there any location where I can plug and charge my electronic devices on the Inca trail?

“Please note that there is currently no electricity available at any of the campsites. to ensure a comfortable stay, we highly recommend that all visitors bring along extra portable battery packs or power banks to keep their devices charged.”

What is the temperature rating of Cachi life Peru sleeping bags?

We offer top-quality mummy-style sleeping bags that are designed for use in temperatures as low as -15°c / 5°f.

Which campsites do you usually book for your groups?

During the booking process, you will be presented with four options to choose from. we typically recommend selecting option 01 or 02. By choosing either of these options, your last campsite will be wiñaywayna, which is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Machu Picchu. this allows you to reach Machu Picchu early in the morning, ensuring you have ample time to explore and fully enjoy the site.

On the other hand, options 03 and 04 are not recommended. these options involve camping at phuyupamarca, which is situated around 6 hours away from machu picchu. choosing these options would result in a longer trekking time on the final day, and you might arrive at machu picchu later in the day, potentially limiting the time you have to explore the site

Starting from

US$950 USD

Duration

4 Days

Destination

Cusco

Type of activity

Inca Trail to Machupicchu, Trekking in Cusco

Our team is ready to help. Send us a message on WhatsApp or contact us online — we’ll get back to you right away.

Tours that may interest you

Discover more adventures similar to this experience.

Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night

Experience the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 days and 1 night. This easy-to-moderate trek is perfect for those with limited time, offering stunning scenery, rich flora and fauna, and visits to iconic Inca sites like Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna. Hike along ancient stone paths, reach the Sun Gate for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, and spend the night in Aguas Calientes before exploring the citadel the next day—an unforgettable Andean adventure condensed into two days.

From $520 per person

Private Inca Trail Tour 4 Days

Explore the vibrant beauty of Pallay Punchu, one of Peru’s newest and most colorful mountain attractions. This full-day adventure takes you through scenic Andean villages to reach the striking rainbow-patterned peak overlooking the stunning Layo Lagoon. With a moderate hike and breathtaking panoramic views surrounded by sacred Apus, Pallay Punchu offers a peaceful and photogenic alternative to the classic Rainbow Mountain—perfect for travelers seeking unique natural wonders.

From $950 per person

Inca Trail to Machupicchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

Trek the 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic hiking adventures. Journey through Andean highlands, lush valleys, and historic Inca sites like Wayllabamba and Llactapata, experiencing breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins along the way. This moderate-level trek is perfect for those seeking a multi-day immersion in nature, culture, and the magic of the Andes, culminating at the legendary Machu Picchu citadel.