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Step off the beaten path and into a journey crafted just for you with Andean Path travel. Our Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a soulful adventure through history, nature, and culture. You can wake up each morning under the Andes sky, accompanied by an expert guide and support team, so that you can connect deeply with the ancient trail.
We are a 100% Peruvian-owned and fully licensed Inca Trail operator. Andean Path Travel delivers personalized experiences with heart, designing the journey from your departure in Cusco to your triumphant sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate. We have created every detail thoughtfully. We offer private transportation, curate camping comforts, nourishing meals, and attentive local guides and porters.
It isn’t just a trek but an intimate communication with sacred landscapes, archaeological wonders, and the timeless mystery of the Incan Empire. Are you ready to tread ancient paths in your own rhythm? We bring you a personalized and unforgettable pilgrimage.
Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days
The Incan Trail is the most scenic and well-preserved ancient route from the Incan period. This sacred path was designed for religious pilgrimages, cultural ceremonies, and trade. It connects the heart of Cusco with distant regions of the empire.
You can follow the footsteps of the Incas through this Private Inca Trail. It will lead you through breathtaking Andean landscapes, past snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, and lush cloud forests. Call it a day at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, the most sacred sanctuary of the Incas.
Our private tour is specially crafted for travelers who value privacy and comfort. This experience allows you to enjoy each day at your own pace while soaking in the natural beauty and rich history that surround you.
Private Inca Trail Highlights
Trip Style: Adventures, History & Cultural Immersion
Length: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Frequency: From March to January (Closed in February)
Group Size: Minimum 2 persons, Maximum 10 persons
Physical Grading: Moderate, Challenging
Total Distance: 45 km / 28 miles
Beginning Altitude: 3,800 m / 9,512 ft
Maximum Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,910 ft
This trip combine’s adventure, history, and cultural immersion. We have crafted the journey to offer you the perfect balance of exploration and connection with the Incan world.
This trek lasts 5 days and 4 nights. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the landscapes, archaeological sites, and call it off with the rewarding arrival at Machu Picchu.
This trail is available from March to January each year. Please note that February is closed for maintenance and conservation.
For a more personalized experience, we keep the groups small with a minimum of 2 travelers and a maximum of 10.
The trek is rated moderate to challenging. Thus, it is suitable for adventurous hikers with a good level of fitness.
Over the course of the trek, you will hike approximately 45 km (28 miles) across diverse Andean terrain.
The journey begins at 3,800 m (9,512 ft), with the highest point reaching 4,215 m (13,910 ft). We recommend proper acclimatization for a comfortable and safe experience.
Here’s the detailed 5 Day Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu itinerary:
At approximately 5:30 am, we will pick you up from your hotel and then drive to Ollantaytambo for two hours, and then stop for a quick breakfast. After driving for another hour, we will reach the start point of the Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The real adventure begins while hiking through a gently undulating path for one and a half hours. After that, we ascend gradually for another half an hour until we reach the Incan site of Llactapata. Here you can enjoy the amazing snow-capped views of the Veronica mountain peak and begin the descent to our lunch spot. We will continue hiking for another two and a half hours and reach our camping site for the night at Huayllabamba. You can expect the following throughout the trek:
The next day, too begins early at approximately 5:30 am, followed by a delicious breakfast. We will start hiking up to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m. It is the highest point of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Explore the amazing forest, the native trees, and hanging mosses if you are a nature lover. You can take some time to enjoy the stunning snowy mountains after reaching the pass. Next, we will begin the descent to the camping site for the night at Pacaymallo. You will have your lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon here. On the second day of the trek, you can expect the following:
On day 3 of the trek, we begin early again, followed by a tasty and nutritious breakfast. We will begin with a hike for two hours towards the second mountain pass of the Inca Trail. Here you can find stunning views of the snow-capped Pumacillo peak.
Next, we trek from the second pass to the Incan site of Sayacmarka. Then, we will take a short lunch break before hiking gently back up to the third mountain pass.
The third day of the Private Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is the most beautiful with the views of the Veronica mountain peak, Vilcabamba mountain range, and the magical Cloud forest. You will also explore the Incan sites of Puyupatamarka and Intipata, along the way. Finally, there are another three hours before we complete our descent and reach the campsite for the night at Winayhauna. You can expect the following on the Day 3 of the trek:
The 3rd day of the trek comes with moderate difficulty and an overnight camping.
Day 4 starts early at 5:30 am to catch a spectacular view of the sunrise at Puyupatamarka. After a delicious breakfast, we descend for 3 hours to Winayhuayna. Then trek for another 1 hour and 30 minutes and arrive at the Sun Gate entrance. Next, follow in the footsteps of the Incas and take in the splendour of Machu Picchu, an archaeological wonder of the world.
Enjoy a delicious box lunch, prepared by our excellent local chefs, with a magical view of Machu Picchu before descending into the complex. Here you can click iconic photos from the best photo spots in the complex. After soaking in the views some more, you will travel down to Machu Picchu Town by bus and stay here for the night. For day 4, you can expect:
Day 5, too, we will wake early to catch a bus back up to the Inca site to enjoy and experience the wonder of Machu Picchu in the morning light. Next, you will have a two-hour Private Inca Trail Tour from a local guide around this astonishing archeological site.
Around this time, you can opt to hike to the iconic mountain peak of Huayna Picchu that overlooks the site of Machu Picchu. This, however, is based on availability and requires an additional permit. The tour ends with the journey by bus to Machu Picchu Town and then to Ollantaytambo by train. Then you will take a private bus back to Cusco. As per the itinerary, you will reach Cusco between 6.30-7 pm, depending on traffic and conditions. The final day of the trail includes:
Important: Price includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need for extra Porter hire!).
Discounts
Optional upgrade:
Optional upgrade (Need to book in advance):
Trust Andean Path Travel for your Private Inca Trail, as we offer an end-to-end experience curate for an unforgettable experience.
We’re a 100% Peruvian-owned, fully licensed operator based in Cusco, offering unmatched local expertise rooted in passion for our heritage.
Our professional local guides hold tourism degrees, are bilingual, and bring the Andes to life with deep knowledge, storytelling, and a personal touch.
Enjoy a fully private trek experience—no crowds, no fixed schedule—just a journey curate for you, at your pace, with heartfelt personal attention.
From Cusco departure to Machu Picchu arrival and your return, we handle every logistical detail—from transport to gear—so you can focus solely on the magic of the trail.
We lead responsible tourism initiatives—supporting local communities, reducing environmental impact, and celebrating indigenous culture every step of the way.
From carefully selected campsites to delicious Peruvian meals and immersive storytelling, we ensure each moment on the trail resonates long before—and long after—your trek ends.
The package includes a professional English-speaking guide, an assistant guide for larger groups, chefs, porters, and a personal porter allowance of up to 6 kg. You’ll also receive all meals during the trek (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and snacks), purified water after the first 4 hours, high-quality camping equipment, a sleeping mattress, an oxygen bottle, and a first aid kit. Transportation (hotel pick-up, private bus to KM 82, train back to Ollantaytambo, and bus to Cusco) as well as the Machu Picchu entrance ticket and bus to Aguas Calientes are also included.
Not included are personal items such as sleeping bags, hiking poles, and air mattresses (these can be rented), as well as lunch and dinner on Day 4, travel insurance, entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, and staff tips.
You’ll need your original passport, ISIC card (for student discounts), sturdy walking boots, waterproof clothing, warm layers, hat and gloves, sun protection, insect repellent, toiletries, personal medication, flashlight with spare batteries, camera, and a comfortable daypack (28L recommended).
The price is US$990 per person and includes porterage for 6 kg of personal belongings. Discounts of US$20 are available for students with an ISIC card and travelers under 18. Optional upgrades like single tent supplements, Vistadome train, or extra nights in Aguas Calientes are available at an additional cost.
Yes, optional extras must be reserved in advance. These include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climbs (US$75 each), Vista dome train upgrade (US$50), sleeping bag rental (US$20), hiking poles (US$15), air mattress (US$20), single tent (US$35), or additional tours such as the Sacred Valley Tour or Rainbow Mountain Full Day.