Private Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Hike the Classic Inca Trail with only the people you choose. On our private Inca Trail tour, your guide, cook and porters work for your party alone, from KM 82 over Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft) to the Sun Gate and a private guided tour of Machu Picchu. You set the pace on the trail, eat meals planned around your group and share camp only with your own team.
Ali Peru Treks is a locally owned operator based in Cusco. Private departures run for 2 to 12 hikers, with your Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu ticket, camping gear, meals and train back included. From US$900 per person for 2 or 3 hikers, with lower rates for larger parties.
Overview
Private Inca Trail Tour Overview
The route, the permits and the campsites are the same as on any Classic Inca Trail departure. The difference is who you share the experience with. On a group departure, you join other travelers on a fixed plan. On a private departure, the whole team is yours: your guide adjusts the walking rhythm, rest stops and time at each Inca site to your group, and your cook prepares every meal for you alone.
That matters most for couples, families, friends traveling together, hikers who want more time at the ruins and travelers with special dietary needs. You’ll still share the trail with other hikers, because the Inca Trail is a public, permit-controlled route, but you won’t share your guide, your dining tent or your schedule.
Private Tour Highlights
- A guide for your party only. Ask questions, stop for photos and spend longer at Llactapata, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna.
- Your own pace. Your guide plans each day around how your group feels, within the campsites assigned with your permits.
- Dead Woman’s Pass. Cross the highest point of the trail at 4,215 m (13,828 ft) at the rhythm that suits you.
- Meals cooked for your group. Three-course lunches and dinners, adapted to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy needs at no extra cost.
- Comfortable camping. Four-season tents shared by only two people, inflatable mattresses, a dining tent and a private toilet tent.
- Personal porter allowance. Porters carry up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your gear, so you walk with a light daypack.
- A private Machu Picchu tour. The guide who walked with you leads a two-hour tour of the citadel on Day 4.
Private Inca Trail vs Group Inca Trail
| Private Inca Trail 4 Days | Group Inca Trail 4 Days | |
| Who hikes with you | Only your party (2 to 12 hikers) | Other travelers (2 to 12 hikers per group) |
| Guide and cook | Work for your party alone | Shared by the group |
| Pace and stops | Adjusted to your group | Set for the whole group |
| Route and campsites | Same route; campsites assigned with permits | Same route; campsites assigned with permits |
| Price from | US$760 to US$900 per person, depending on party size | US$775 per person |
| Best for | Families, couples, friends, special diets, slower or faster hikers | Solo travelers and couples who enjoy meeting other hikers |
Prefer to join other hikers? See our Inca Trail 4 Days group tour. Want hotel nights and premium service? See the Luxury Inca Trail 4 Days.
Trip Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Private Inca Trail Tour, 4 Days |
| Duration | 4 days, 3 nights (camping) |
| Departure type | Private: your party only |
| Party size | 2 to 12 hikers |
| Distance | About 42 to 45 km (26 to 28 mi), depending on how the route is measured |
| Highest point | Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), 4,215 m (13,828 ft) |
| Camps | Ayapata, Chaquicocha and Wiñay Wayna (subject to permit allocation) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
| Start and finish | Hotel pickup in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo; drop-off at your Cusco hotel |
| Season | March to January (the trail closes every February) |
| Price | From US$760 to US$900 per person, depending on party size |
Who This Private Tour Is For
A private departure suits reasonably fit hikers who want the Classic Inca Trail on their own terms: families with older children, couples, groups of friends, travelers who walk more slowly or more quickly than most, and anyone with dietary needs. Children and older travelers can do it if they are in good health; tell us their ages when you book so we can plan the pace. If you’re traveling alone and would like to meet other hikers, our group departure is the better fit.
Why Hike Privately with Ali Peru Treks
- Locally owned and licensed. We are a Cusco-based Inca Trail operator. See our official certifications and permits.
- Your departure, never shared. If you book for two people, the tour runs for two people. We don’t merge your booking with other travelers or pass it to another agency.
- Hotel to hotel. We pick you up in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, and your guide stays with you on the trail, at Machu Picchu and on the train back.
- Fair treatment for our team. We pay guides, porters, drivers and cooks promptly when the trek ends.
- Traveler reviews. Read what travelers say about us on Tripadvisor.
Itinerary
Private Inca Trail Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to KM 82, Llactapata and Ayapata
For our 4-Day Classic Private Inca Trail Tour, your designated guide and private transport will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo at approximately 5:00 AM.
We will drive for about two hours through the Scenic Sacred Valley to the charming town of Ollantaytambo, where we will stop for a delicious, hearty breakfast and take care of any last-minute preparations. Following breakfast, a scenic 45-minute drive brings us to KM 82 (Piscacucho), the official starting point of the Inca Trail.
Here, you will meet your dedicated support team: your porter crew and professional trekking chef. You will have time to organize your gear before heading to the official government checkpoint.
Important Note: You must present the original physical passport used at the time of booking to clear the checkpoint.
Once through control, we begin our trek along a gentle, undulating trail following the banks of the Urubamba River. Our first stop is opposite the archaeological site of Kanabamba, where you will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of these ancient ruins.
We then continue hiking for approximately two more hours to Llactapata, an impressive Inca agricultural center sitting at 2,840 m (9,320 ft). Here, your expert guide will share the fascinating history of the site and explain its role in supplying the surrounding region.
From Llactapata, another two-hour hike brings us to the small community of Hatunchaca, where we will pause to enjoy a freshly prepared gourmet mountain lunch crafted on-site by our head chef.
In the afternoon, we resume our journey with a gradual uphill climb for about two hours until reaching our first campsite at Ayapata, situated at 3,300 m (10,830 ft).
Upon arrival, your high-mountain tents and sleeping pads will already be fully set up and ready for your rest. To wrap up the day, you will enjoy a warm afternoon tea time followed by a delicious dinner cooked by our culinary team.
| Day 1 | Details |
| Start | KM 82 (Piscacucho), about 2,720 m (8,920 ft) |
| Hiking distance | About 14 km (8.7 mi) |
| Hiking time | About 6 hours |
| Elevation gain | About 580 m (1,900 ft) |
| Camp | Ayapata, about 3,300 m (10,830 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner |
| Difficulty | Moderate (an acclimatization day) |
Day 2: Dead Woman’s Pass, Runkurakay and Sayacmarca to Chaquicocha
Our day begins early in the tranquility of the mountains. Your guide will wake you gently with a hot, comforting cup of coca tea delivered right to your tent. After packing your personal belongings, you will enjoy a nutritious, full breakfast prepared by our culinary team.
We begin our hike with a gradual two-hour uphill trek to the picturesque area of Llulluchapampa. From here, the panoramic views of the valley are truly breathtaking. This is also the last point along the route where you can purchase additional snacks or beverages.
From Llulluchapampa, we continue our steady climb for two more hours to reach the famous Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), the highest point of the trek at 4,215 m (13,828 ft). Since this is a private expedition, your expert guide will set a comfortable pace tailored to your group’s needs, scheduling rest stops along the way to ensure everyone’s comfort and well-being.
At the summit, you will have plenty of time to celebrate your achievement, capture unforgettable photos, and admire the majestic Andean landscapes. Afterward, we begin our descent along ancient stone steps and pathways into the Pacaymayo Valley, where our chef will be waiting with a warm, energizing lunch.
In the afternoon, we resume our journey with a 45-minute hike up to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, an intriguing circular Inca structure where your guide will provide a detailed historical overview. Continuing upward for another 45 minutes, we reach the second mountain pass at 4,000 m (13,120 ft), offering sweeping views of the region’s glaciers.
After taking in the scenery, we descend for approximately one hour to explore Sayacmarca, a fascinating Inca citadel dramatically built on a cliff’s edge at 3,625 m (11,890 ft).
Following our guided tour of Sayacmarca, a gentle 25-minute walk brings us to our second campsite at Chaquicocha, sitting at 3,600 m (11,810 ft). Here, you can unwind and enjoy another exquisite dinner.
To end an unforgettable day, if the night sky is clear, we will enjoy an stargazing session. Your guide will introduce you to the Andean constellations such as the Dark Llama and the Southern Cross and explain how the Incas interpreted the night sky for agriculture and spirituality.
| Day 2 | Details |
| Hiking distance | About 16 km (9.9 mi) |
| Hiking time | 9 to 10 hours |
| Highest point | Dead Woman’s Pass, 4,215 m (13,828 ft) |
| Camp | Chaquicocha, about 3,600 m (11,810 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner |
| Difficulty | Challenging (the hardest day) |
Day 3: Chaquicocha, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñay Wayna
We begin our morning with a hearty and nutritious breakfast prepared by our professional Ali Perú Treks chef. Today’s hike is significantly shorter, easier, and mostly follows gentle, undulating terrain with minor inclines and easy downhill stretches.
During the first two hours of hiking, we trek through fascinating cloud forest ecosystems along some of the best-preserved sections of the ancient Inca Trail network. Along the way, your expert guide will share rich insights about the region’s diverse flora, fauna, and local biodiversity.
We arrive at the scenic viewpoint of Phuyupatamarca (3,670 m / 12,040 ft), a strategic high point offering breathtaking panoramic views, including your very first distant look at Machu Picchu Mountain and the majestic snow-capped peaks of Mount Salkantay.
After taking in the scenery, a short 10-minute walk down brings us to explore the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca. Here, we admire its impressive ritual water fountains and learn about its historical significance as an important Inca astronomical and ceremonial center.
Next, we descend for approximately two hours along original, remarkably preserved Inca stone stairways to reach the agricultural terraces of Intipata. Perched high above the canyon floor, this site offers a magnificent bird’s-eye view of the Urubamba River valley.
From Intipata, another 45-minute hike brings us to our final campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,690 ft), arriving in time to enjoy a delicious lunch and a well-deserved afternoon of relaxation. (Note: The campsite is equipped with basic public showers, usually with cold water).
In the late afternoon, your guide will take you on a detailed tour of the extraordinary archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, famous for its dramatic terraced hillside and ceremonial architecture.
To end the day, we share a memorable farewell dinner prepared by our chef, where we extend our heartfelt gratitude and recognition to our hardworking porter crew and field team.
| Day 3 | Details |
| Hiking distance | About 10 km (6.2 mi) |
| Hiking time | 5 to 6 hours |
| Elevation change | About 1,000 m (3,280 ft) of descent on stone steps |
| Camp | Wiñay Wayna, about 2,650 m (8,690 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner |
| Difficulty | Moderate (hard on the knees) |
Day 4: wiñaywayna, Sun Gate, Private Machu Picchu Tour and Return to Cusco
Our final day begins very early in the morning. We wake up before dawn to arrive at the final checkpoint before it opens. After passing through the checkpoint, we begin a hike of approximately one hour to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), located at 2,720 m (8,920 ft). From this iconic viewpoint, you will witness a breathtaking first panoramic view of the citadel of Machu Picchu. (Note: Depending on seasonal weather conditions and cloud cover, you may see the early morning light illuminating the archaeological complex).
After taking in the scenery and capturing your first photographs, we descend for about an hour toward the upper terraces of Circuit 1 the premier vantage point for taking the classic postcard photo with the Inca citadel in the background.
Next, we take a brief exit outside the archaeological site to use the restrooms and enjoy a short rest. We then re-enter via Circuit 3 to begin a two-hour private guided tour with your expert Ali Perú Treks guide, who has accompanied you throughout the entire expedition. During this tour, you will explore the most notable sectors and temples of the citadel.
Optional Activity: If you booked an additional entry permit for Huayna Picchu Mountain, you will begin the climb after concluding your guided tour. The round-trip hike takes approximately two hours along a steep, high-altitude trail.
Upon completing our activities in the citadel, we board the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you will have free time to enjoy a relaxing lunch on your own at one of the local restaurants.
Finally, your guide will accompany you to the train station to board the afternoon return train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transport will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco, bringing an unforgettable journey to a close.
| Day 4 | Details |
| Hiking distance | About 5 km (3.1 mi) to Machu Picchu |
| Hiking time | About 2 hours to the photo platform |
| Highest point | Sun Gate, about 2,720 m (8,920 ft) |
| Machu Picchu altitude | About 2,430 m (7,970 ft) |
| Return | Bus to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, private transport to your hotel in Cusco |
| Meals | Breakfast (lunch is not included) |
Campsites are assigned with your permits and can change. In that case, your guide adapts the daily stages.
Included
What’s Included in Your Private Inca Trail Tour
Included
- Pre-trek briefing at your hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before the trek. Your expert guide will meet you to go over the itinerary, discuss safety guidelines, answer any last-minute questions, and deliver your duffel bags.
- Private English-speaking guide for your party, on the trail and at Machu Picchu
- Private cook who prepares Andean, Peruvian and international dishes for your group; vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy menus at no extra cost
- Porters to carry all camping and cooking equipment
- Personal porter allowance: a duffel bag for up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your gear, including your sleeping bag
- Camping:
- Four-season tents, two people per tent
- Inflatable mattresses for all three nights
- Pillow
- Dining tent with table and chairs
- Kitchen tent and cooking equipment
- Private toilet tent at every stop
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, plus afternoon tea
- Drinking water, boiled and filtered, from the first lunch to the last breakfast; warm water for washing morning and evening
- Rain poncho and backpack rain cover
- Permits and tickets: Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance (Circuits 1 and 3)
- Transport:
- Private transport from your hotel to Ollantaytambo and KM 82
- Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (PeruRail Vistadome or Inca Rail 360°)
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- Safety equipment: satellite phone, radios for the team, emergency oxygen and a first aid kit
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (bring your own or rent ours)
- Trekking poles (available to rent)
- Drinking water on the morning of Day 1
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 4
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guide, cook and porters
- Personal expenses
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag rental (pair): US$25
- Trekking poles (pair): US$20
- Huayna Picchu ticket: US$80 per person, subject to availability
- Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: US$80 per person, subject to availability
- Other upgrades on request: an extra porter, extra hotel nights and private airport transfers. Ask us for a quote.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have limited daily spaces, so book them together with your trek.
Packing List
Private Inca Trail Packing List
Expect cold nights at Chaquicocha, strong sun and wind on the passes, and warm, humid cloud forest on Days 3 and 4. You carry a daypack; our porters carry your duffel bag (7 kg / 15 lb, given to you at the briefing). Your sleeping bag (about 2 kg) and mattress (about 1 kg) go inside it, which leaves about 4 kg (9 lb) for your clothes. You won’t see the duffel bag until camp each evening. For a fuller list, see our Peru trekking gear list.
Daypack Essentials
Use a 25 to 30 L daypack.
- Original passport, the same one you booked with. If you booked a student discount, also bring your physical university ID.
- Water: 2 to 3 liters in reusable bottles or a hydration bladder. Bring your own water for the first morning; we refill from lunch on Day 1.
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Warm layer for rest stops and the passes
- Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses and lip balm
- Snacks such as energy bars, chocolate or dried fruit
- Headlamp for camp and the early start on Day 4
- Camera and power bank (10,000 to 20,000 mAh). There is no electricity on the trail.
- Cash in Peruvian soles in small bills for snacks and tips
- Small trash bag. We follow Leave No Trace principles.
Duffel Bag Items (Carried by Our Porters)
- Clothing: 2 quick-dry T-shirts, 2 pairs of hiking pants, 4 sets of underwear and 3 pairs of hiking socks
- Warm layers: a fleece, thermal base layers and a down jacket. Nights at Chaquicocha can drop to about 3°C (37°F).
- Waterproof gloves and a warm hat
- Camp shoes: sneakers or sandals
- Sleeping bag rated to at least –15°C (5°F), if you aren’t renting ours
- Quick-dry towel
Toiletries and Health
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste
- Moisturizer; the Andean air is very dry
- Insect repellent for the cloud forest and Machu Picchu
- Personal medication and a small first aid kit with blister care and pain relief
Footwear and Machu Picchu Rules
- Hiking boots, broken in, with good grip and ankle support
- Trekking poles, recommended for the steep stone steps (available to rent)
Inside Machu Picchu, bags may be no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in), and walking sticks, umbrellas and food are not allowed. Your guide will tell you where to leave larger items on Day 4.
Travel Info
Private Inca Trail Travel Information
Pre-Trek Briefing
The briefing is mandatory. It takes place at 6:00 PM the evening before the trek at your hotel. You will meet your private guide, receive your duffel bag, check your passport details, and review the route, weather forecast, and safety plan.
Permits for a Private Departure
A private tour doesn’t come with special permits: every Inca Trail hiker needs a permit issued in their name, a licensed guide and an authorized operator. The Ministry of Culture limits the long Inca Trail routes to 500 trail users a day, so permits for May to August often sell out six months or more ahead.
Permits are tied to your passport and date and can’t be transferred or refunded. We buy your permits as soon as you pay your deposit; until then, dates depend on availability. Check our Inca Trail permit availability page, or read how private Inca Trail permits are booked.
How the Private Experience Works
Your guide meets your group at the briefing and stays with you until the train back. The daily start times, rest stops, photo stops and time at each Inca site are planned around your party. Campsites, the checkpoint hours and the Machu Picchu circuits are fixed by the authorities, so they are the same as on any departure. Tell us about birthdays, dietary needs or a slower pace when you book, and we’ll plan for them.
Difficulty and Fitness
We rate the Inca Trail as moderate to challenging. The hardest parts are the altitude, thousands of uneven stone steps and the long climb to Dead Woman’s Pass on Day 2. A private guide can slow the pace and add rest stops, but the distances and climbs are the same. Train with cardio, hikes and stairs in the weeks before your trip, and read our Dead Woman’s Pass guide.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Spend at least two days in Cusco, at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), before the trek; three is better. Drink plenty of water, rest on arrival and avoid heavy meals and alcohol. Your guide carries emergency oxygen and a first aid kit. See our guides to acclimatizing in Cusco and altitude sickness.
Weather and Best Time to Go
The Inca Trail is open from March to January and closes every February for maintenance. The dry season, from April to October, brings clearer skies and colder nights. From November to March, expect heavy but usually short showers, greener landscapes and fewer hikers.
The trail can also close for a few days after severe rain, how August Unfolds Each Year. See our Inca Trail weather and Inca Trail by month guides.
Booking Your Private Tour
- Book early: six to seven months ahead for May to August.
- Booking details: enter each hiker’s details exactly as they appear in their passport (full name, passport number, nationality and date of birth) and pay the deposit.
- Travel insurance: required. It should cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
- Terms: see our booking information page.
Porters and Responsible Travel
Our porters carry within Peru’s legal limits for porters: 20 kg (44 lb) for men and 15 kg (33 lb) for women. We provide uniforms, proper footwear and fair wages, paid when the trek ends. Many of our team members come from highland communities such as Huayllaccocha.
Map
Private Inca Trail Map and Elevation Profile
The trek starts at KM 82 (Piscacucho) on the Urubamba River and follows it past Llactapata before turning up the Cusichaca valley to Wayllabamba and Ayapata. Day 2 crosses Dead Woman’s Pass and the Runkurakay pass to Chaquicocha. Day 3 descends past Phuyupatamarca and Intipata to Wiñay Wayna. Day 4 follows the last section of the Inca road to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.


Price
Private Inca Trail Tour Price
Prices are per person in US dollars and depend on the size of your private party. They include everything listed under What’s Included.
| Private party size | Price per person |
| 2 or 3 hikers | US$900 |
| 4 or 5 hikers | US$850 |
| 6 or 7 hikers | US$800 |
| 8 to 12 hikers | US$760 |
Discounts and Extras
- Student and youth discount: US$30 off per person for students with a valid physical university ID and for travelers aged 17 and under. Email a clear copy of the ID or passport to info@aliperutreks.com when you book.
- Sleeping bag rental: US$25
- Trekking poles: US$15 per pair
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 per person, subject to availability
Ready to plan your private departure? Contact us with your dates and party size, and we’ll check permit availability.
Faqs
Private Inca Trail Tours FAQs
The route, permits and campsites are the same. On a private tour, your guide, cook and porters work only for your party, and the pace, stops and meals are planned around you. On a group tour, you share them with other travelers.
No. The Inca Trail is a public route with daily permits, so you’ll meet other hikers on the path and at the campsites. Your team, dining tent and schedule are yours alone.
From US$900 per person for 2 or 3 hikers, down to US$760 per person for 8 to 12 hikers. Tips, lunch on Day 4 and optional rentals are extra.
It is if you value a guide’s full attention, a pace set for your group or meals planned around special diets. If you’re traveling alone on a budget and enjoy meeting other hikers, a group departure may suit you better.
Six to seven months ahead for May to August. Permits are limited all year, so book as early as you can for other months too.
Yes, if they are in good health and reasonably fit. A private departure is often the easiest option for families and older hikers because the pace and rest stops follow your group. Tell us everyone’s ages when you book.
Your guide carries emergency oxygen and a first aid kit, and the team carries a satellite phone and radios. Spend at least two days in Cusco before the trek and drink plenty of water.
Your guide follows our safety protocol and, if needed, arranges the safest way out to the nearest exit point. Travel insurance covering evacuation is required.
We set up a private toilet tent at every stop. Wiñay Wayna has basic public showers, usually cold, and we bring warm water for washing every morning and evening.
Up to 7 kg (15 lb) in the duffel bag we give you at the briefing, including your sleeping bag and mattress. That leaves about 4 kg (9 lb) for your clothes.
No. Bring your own or rent one of our down sleeping bags, rated to about –15°C (5°F), for US$25.
Yes, if you book the ticket with your trek and spaces are available. It costs US$80 per person, and you climb it after your guided tour on Day 4.
The last checkpoint opens at 5:30 AM and the walk to the Sun Gate takes about an hour. You usually enter the citadel between about 7:30 and 8:00 AM.
By bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo and private transport to your hotel in Cusco.
Tips aren’t mandatory, but they are customary in Peru and much appreciated by porters, cooks and guides.
The Inca Trail is closed every February. The Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek run that month.
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