5-Day Private Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu

d 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.

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.

ll 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.

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.

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.