Private Tour
5-Day Private Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu
Overview
Available languages
5 days
Mobile ticket
Step into the footsteps of the ancient Incas on this 5-day pilgrimage along the legendary Inca Trail, where history, mysticism, and breathtaking landscapes converge. This extended journey allows you to absorb the spiritual energy of the Andes, explore hidden archaeological wonders, and witness the trail as it was meant to be experienced, at a deeper, more sacred pace.
With extra time to wander through ancestral ruins, high mountain passes, and cloud-kissed valleys, you’ll feel the whispers of a lost civilization guiding you toward the ultimate reward, the sacred sanctuary of Machu Picchu, revealed at dawn like an ancient prophecy fulfilled.
Embrace the magic, walk the path of the ancients, and let the Andes transform you. Reserve your sacred journey today!
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
It is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail at least five months in advance as permits can quickly sell out.
Important: Upon booking, please contact the email address on your voucher to advise of any specific requirements and Inca trail availability.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Day 1: Cusco to km.82 (with a private bus) - km.82 to Wayllabamba (12km / 7.4 miles)
Accommodations
Campsite in Wayllabamba
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Inca Trail
We will pick you up from your hotel and depart on a private bus toward the Sacred Valley, passing through Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. After a 2.5-hour scenic drive, we’ll reach Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. The adventure begins with an ascent to Wilka Rakay, offering breathtaking views of the Inca site of Patallacta and the Kusichaca Valley. As we continue along the trail, you'll be immersed in stunning Andean landscapes, with ancient Inca ruins and diverse flora surrounding us. By late afternoon, we will arrive at Wayllabamba (3,000 masl / 9,842 ft.), where we’ll set up camp for the night. Here, you can relax and enjoy the serenity of the mountains as our team prepares a nourishing dinner. Rest well—tomorrow, we tackle one of the most challenging yet rewarding sections of the trail.
Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayu (11km / 6.8 miles)
Accommodations
Campsite in Pacaymayo
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Inca Trail
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our ascent, hiking for about one hour to Tres Piedras (The Three Stones). From here, we enter the enchanting cloud forest, surrounded by lush vegetation and fresh mountain air. As we continue, we approach the most demanding yet rewarding section of the Inca Trail, the Abra de Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass, 4,215 masl / 13,828 ft.), the highest point of our trek. Crossing this vast high-altitude grassland, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Andean terrain. After celebrating this milestone, we begin a steep descent toward our campsite at Pacaymayo (3,600 masl / 11,811 ft.), where we’ll settle in for the night. Here, surrounded by towering mountains, you can unwind and enjoy a well-earned meal before resting for the next day’s adventure.
DAY 3: PACAYMAYU TO PHUYUPATAMARCA (10.5 Km)
Accommodations
Campsite in Phuyupatamarca
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Inca Trail
Our third day begins with a 40-minute ascent from Pacaymayo to Runkurakay, a small yet strategically located Inca site overlooking the Pacaymayo Valley. After taking in the spectacular views, we continue hiking 45 minutes to the Abra Runkurakay Pass (3,950 masl / 12,959 ft.), the second highest point of the trek. A one-hour descent brings us to Sayacmarca (3,500 masl / 11,482 ft.), an impressive Inca ruin surrounded by lush greenery. From here, the trail winds into the cloud forest, where vibrant orchids, moss-covered trees, and ferns thrive. Passing Conchamarka, we arrive at Chaquicocha (3,550 masl / 11,647 ft.) for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, we hike toward Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,700 masl / 12,139 ft.), where we’ll set up our final campsite. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Veronica, Pumasillo, and even glimpses of Machu Picchu Mountain in the distance.
DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHU PICCHU (10 Km)
Accommodations
Overnight in Golden Sunrise Hotel *** or similar
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Inca Trail
We start early with breakfast before descending to Inti Pata, an important Inca agricultural site built on the mountainside, facing the rising sun. After exploring its terraces, we continue to Wiñay Wayna, a stunning archaeological site discovered in 1941. From here, a one-hour hike takes us to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where Machu Picchu appears for the first time, shrouded in mist and history. The breathtaking view marks the culmination of our journey. A 40-minute descent leads us to the classic viewpoint, the perfect place to admire the citadel and capture the famous postcard shot. After soaking in the beauty of Machu Picchu, we take a bus to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) for a well-deserved rest before tomorrow’s grand visit.
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Machu Picchu
The day begins early with breakfast before boarding one of the morning buses to Machu Picchu (2,430 meters or 7,972 feet). Upon entering the Inca citadel, your guide will lead you on an in-depth tour, sharing the captivating history of this iconic site and explaining its most remarkable features, such as temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and storage structures. If you’ve secured an additional ticket in advance, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore either Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters or 8,924 feet) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 meters or 10,111 feet) for a breathtaking perspective of the surroundings. After the guided tour, the group will return to Aguas Calientes for a brief rest and lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll board a train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to take you to Cusco.
What‘s Included
Pick-up from your hotel.
Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Accomodation in Aguas Calientes WAMAN HOTEL
Dining tent with tables and chairs
First aid kit
3 afternoon snacks. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
Personal porter to carry your personal items (6kg per person)
Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
Chef
Inflatable sleeping mattress
Oxygen bottle
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
Comfortable and very spacious 4 man tent (one tent is used by two people)
Transportation by bus to km82
Sleeping bag (can be hired from us)
Breakfast on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 5
Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain
Gratuities
Travel insurance - you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Service
This option offers you the most beautiful views on the inca trail as you have more time to spend at the inca ruins and to enjoy the views.
Pickup included
Reviews
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best excursion of my life, 100% recommended
Ignasiferrer93,Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unforgettable experience. The 5-day Salkantay Trek exceeded all my expectations, but the best thing was to have Julius Caesar as your guide: close, professional and always attentive to every detail. Thanks to it the adventure was safe, enriching and 100% recommended
Ethical, sustainable and locally-owned: more than just a hike
931lizzyw,Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We chose Inkayni because it is Peruvian-owned, a responsible employer insofar as its treatment of it employees is concerned (i.e. the maximum loads for its chasquis [porters] and sufficient payment) and is committed to the sustainability of the trail. Our expectations were far exceeded. Our guide, Freddie, was amiable, interested and interesting, and gave us so much more than just a routemap of the hike - he absorbed us all in Quechua culture and treated the exhibition as a pilgrimage more than anything. The hike was demanding at times (especially the high altitude bits) but we found it pleasantly manageable from a fitness perspective - possibly even gave poor Freddie a run for his money at times! A delight, thank you.
5 day Inca trail - once in a lifetime
Ben B,Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an unbelievable experience with Freddy (our guide), chef Cristobal and his team of Chasqui’s. Freddy was knowledgeable, friendly and fun. He shared with us the history of this beautiful part of his country as well as giving us a deep insight into the culture and beliefs of the Inca and the Quechua people. His generosity with his time and his genuine nature made our trip incredibly special. He even put up with us racing up mountain passes and arriving in camp earlier than planned, often finding extra “adventures” for us. A special word for chef Cristobal - we’d have been delighted with the quality and quantity of food in a restaurant, to produce it at 12000 feet was beyond belief. Finally the team of Chasqui’s who make the entire adventure possible. They each carry 20kg of tent/cooking equipment/food and more up and down the trail. Having taken one of their packs for a brief stint we are in awe of them. They are the heroes of the trip and always friendly and with a smile. Inkayni is locally owned and run, which was partly why we chose them, but the product they deliver is second to none. We can’t recommend them highly enough.
Excellent trip!
AimeeHous,Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband, my dad, and I recently finished a five-day private trek on the Inca Trail with Inkayni. It was an incredible and perfect experience from start to finish! Our guide, Yiyo, was an excellent guide, a fun person with whom to travel, and he made the experience truly wonderful. Throughout the trip, he taught us history and showed us the various flora and fauna in the area. He read our needs well and always set the right pace for hiking and breaks. Yiyo made sure we were able to enjoy the trip and take in the beauty and wonder that is the Inca Trail. Our porters were also fantastic. In addition to being super strong and fast, they were attentive to our every need, and they always had friendly attitudes and smiles on their faces. Our chef, Sabino, could have worked in a 5 star restaurant. We could not believe some of the foods he was able to come up with! From booking through our hotel drop off after the trip, Inkayni and the team made the experience the best it could have been. Highly recommend!
Inca trail
Annick C,Aug 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a fantastic Inca trail with the organization Inkayni Peru Tours and Guide Ali Huaman. He guided us super during the trail and told us extensively about the Incas and nature. Food and porter’s excellent! Also the tour around Machu Pichu was special!!
The best tour operator for the Incatrail and Machu Pichu
Jeroen B,Aug 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We walked the five-day Incatrail with Ali Huaman as Guide. It was a great hike and Ali knew all about the Things to do on the trail, the Incas and Peru. We think the organization, which is entirely Peruvian, is very good. The food is extraordinary. The porters are well provided with clothing and shoes by the organization.
Paul Cano (Guide), Mr. Zacarias (Chef), and Super Chaskis (Porters) created a magical, unforgettable vacation!
rzlenc,Jul 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the 5 day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 7/21-7/25/24. It was the both the most challenging yet also the most rewarding experience! We were a private group of 7 - my 2 sisters and I, plus our kids. Paul Cano, our guide, created an amazing Trek for us, and was so knowledgeable and friendly! He was always ready with a fun story or information on the Incas, the forests, the animals, plants, anything we trekked past. Paul handled our different levels of trekking ability well, making sure everyone knew what to expect each day, and that we were all safe and comfortable along the way. He knew just how to encourage everyone to do their best, and we varied in age from 18 all the way to 53. Paul had a great rapport with our fantastic Chef, Mr. Zacarias, and our super human Porters. They worked as a team and made our trekking experience even better. Mr. Zacarias fed us like kings on the mountains in the middle of nowhere! All our meals were fantastic, with multiple courses and different selections every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our Porters were so cheerful and friendly, when they would catch up and run past us on the trail they always had a cheerful Hola or Buenos Dias. They would get to each meeting spot ahead of us and be ready with drinks/snacks and high fives when we got there. Thank you for such great trip Paul and Team!! If you are considering any Inca Trail Trek, or even just a day trip (or more) around Cusco you will be happy with Inkayni Peru.
Truly a once in a lifetime experience
U588KCpaigel,Jul 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot imagine a better experience on the Inca Trail than with the Inkayni team, with our tour guide Paul and head chef Mr. Zacarías, and the Olympian-level super chaskis aka porters! The entire team was super accommodating to my family, and always very friendly and helpful. The meals were absolutely delicious and often times incredibly impressive for being away from civilization! Paul offered countless interesting and entertaining stories, knowledge of the flora and fauna, history and culture of the Inca and Peru, and medical advice and strategies such as best techniques to minimize exhaustion on the tougher days of the trail. He also was a great photographer! My family is walking away from this experience with a lifetime of memories, and I highly recommend Inkayni to anyone considering excursions in Peru/Cusco.
Couldn’t have done it without Inkayni
U7988YVedr,Jul 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very challenging and rewarding experience, and one only made possible through Inkayni. Without the work of the inhuman porters, who carried much of our supplies throughout the day, made our food (Especially the chef Mr. Zacarias), and even were willing to carry us when the going got really tough, we wouldn’t have been able to have this opportunity. The tour guide too, Paul Cano, was just as impressive. In not only strength and endurance, but also his knowledge of his country, plant/culture/history you name it. Paul’s compassion and patience was seemingly unending when at numerous times throughout the hike one of us or another fell ill and weak. He was always ready to lead a hand, carry an extra pack, or even carry you in an emergency. That might sound a little scary but it’s really nothing to worry about because of how experienced this tour company and it’s employees are. The carry portable oxygen for the altitude if you need, they have a vast medical knowledge, and they can call a helicopter if you are in emergency. So I truly recommend embracing the hike to Machu Picchu and all the difficulties you’ll experience along the way, it will be well worth your while at the end.
An absolutely incredible experience!
seankD6321IS,Jun 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an absolutely incredible experience! A grand family trip before sending our twin boys off to college. Our party included the 4 of us and 10 staff (1 guide, 1 chef, 1 sous-chef and 7 porters). The porters – simply incredible! They flew up and down the steep trails carrying all our supplies – you have to see them to believe it. An intact, functional campsite was waiting for us at the end of each day with hot coco tea. The food – equally impressive. Our chef (Mr. Valerio) and sous-chef (Mr. Mario) provided an authentic Peruvian experience using predominantly native recipes and local ingredients. Delicious food and lots of it! Our guide (Paul Cano) was a real professional having 20+ years of experience as a guide on the Inca trail. Paul never failed to impress with his knowledge of the history of Peru and the Inca Empire. Paul was part historian, part naturalist, part mythologist, part photographer, and part entertainer. Each day along the trail he pointed out hundreds of unique plants, various insects, birds and wildlife, and of course explained the history and nuances of the various Inca sites we visited. Each evening at dinner we were regaled with history and science lessons that deepened our understanding of the experience we were undertaking. If you have the extra time, I would recommend the 5 day tour over the 4 day option. It allows a slightly slower pace and provides more time along the trail to learn about the various Inca sights. It also affords a night at a truly unique campsite (Phuyupatamarka) that overlooks Machu Picchu Mountain. We were even visited there by a few local llamas. You won’t regret taking this trip with Inkayni Tours. From the highly responsive administrative staff to the on-trail support, everything was well organized and seamlessly executed.
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Operated by Inkayni Peru Tours