MEALS

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

GROUP SIZE

Private Service (Upon Request)

MAX. ALTITUDE

13,828 ft (4,215 m)

DIFFICULTY

Advanced

Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4 Days / 3 Nights

The All-Inclusive Private Inca Trail

Does the sound of hiking one of the most incredible treks in the world designed exactly the way you want it to appeal to you? Then you’ll love our Private Inca Trail tour. Not only will you hike this amazing route, but you can customize it according to your needs, preferences, and hiking speed. Walk with an elite team of porters, chefs, and a tour guide just for the people in your group. This trek is ideal for couples, families with children, or a group of friends.

What can you expect? You’ll hike through the most stunning Andean landscapes and visit some of the most significant Inca sites along the way, all with your own personal trekking team. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most sought-after trail in Peru and makes for an excellent challenge for any type of hiker.

Private Inca Trail 4D/3N

Do you want to hike the best route in Peru but don’t like the idea of traveling in a group? Then our Private Inca Trail Tour is for you. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an adventure that’ll truly change your life forever with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and the most wonderful scenery. You can join us with your family, friends, or as a couple.

Over 40,000 km of Inca trails run across South America to the ends of their far-reaching empire. This four-day hike to the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu is considered the most iconic trail among all the thousands of kilometers that make up the original network. Many magazines, like National Geographic, list this section of the Inca Trail as one of the top 5 treks across the globe and, most certainly, the most famous trek of all South America.

Along the way, the complexity of these fascinating archeological sites will astound you in contrast with the striking beauty of the surrounding hills and valleys. This tour is ideal for those hungry for adventure and excitement to walk in our Andean ancestors’ footsteps along the sacred route to Machu Picchu.

Enjoy the unique experience of entering Machu Picchu for the first time through the Sun Gate and exploring the site with your knowledgeable guide. This is the ultimate trek for the most epic Inca experience and to learn all about their history. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your hiking boots and retrace ancient steps with Pacha Peru Explorers!

Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – KM 82 – Huayllabamba
Day 2: Huayllabamba – Dead Woman Pass – Pacaymayo
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkuracay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca – Winayhuayna
Day 4: Winayhuayna – Sungate – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Highlights

  • The Inca Trail is the best route in all of Peru and is considered one of the world’s best treks.
  • You’ll see a massive variety of flora and fauna, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, streams, rustic bridges, wildlife, and the cloud forest as you hike through the picturesque Andean landscapes.
  • Walk ancient archeological sites along the way, which you’ll be free to explore while your guide informs you of their history.
  • Machu Picchu, of course, is the biggest highlight of the trip. You can take the train to this Wonder of the World, but trekking is much more rewarding. It takes on a whole new meaning when you have to sweat to get there.
  • Board the Vistadome panoramic or 360° train on the way back to Cusco and enjoy the stunning scenery.

 

DAY 1: Cusco – Piskacucho – Km 82 – Huayllabamba

Highlight of the day: Arriving at Huayllabamba and enjoying the incredible views all day.

Retrace Ancient Steps as Your Adventure Begins

We will come and pick you up from your hotel (Between 4:30am to 5:00am) and leave from Cusco to start the Inca Trail. We travel to Urubamba where we will stop briefly at Ollaytaytambo where you can buy last minute gear and personal needing, then we move on to Piskacuchu (Km 82 – Trailhead) Inca Trail Control Point .and then we start our hike of Inca Trail to Huayllabamba(first campsite). along on the Inca Trail We will have lunch at Miskay (first Inca Trail Village) and relax a bit before hiking to our first Inca Trail Archaelogical site of Patallacta or Llactapata (biggest Inca Trail Quechuan Site) after an explanation of your guide about Llactapata ,you will keep going for 2 more hours to get Huayllabamba (first Inca Trail Camping spot 2900 m.a.s.l)

First day:

  • Total distance: 10 km (aprox.)
  • Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
  • Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (aprox.)
  • Campsite altitude (Huayllabamba): 3,000 m (aprox.)
  • Places to see: Ollantaytambo, Piscakucho, km 82, Kanabamba, Llactapata Incan Site, Tarayoc lunch spot, Hatunchaka, Huayllabamba.

DAY 2: Huayllabamba – Warmiwanusca – Pacaymayu

Highlight of the day: Reaching the trek’s highest point and visiting enchanting archaelogical complexes.

Take in the Amazing Views of the Andean Mountain Range

We will start our Inca Trail day, early in the morning, just to take advantage of the shade of the mountains. Because it’s much better to hike up to the first Inca Trail pass (Warmihuañusca or Dead Woman pass 4200 m.a.s.l). The highest point of the Inca Trail. Here, we can literally see the various Inca Trail ecological zones and microclimates, which make up the area in front of us. We will cross the Warmiwañusca pass and once we are on the top, we are going to see many snow-capped mountains around. Here we will take our group picture. Then we will keep going down to Pacaymayo (second Inca Trail Campsite 3600 m.a.s.l) where we have our lunch and then we will have a free afternoon to explore by ourselves.

Second day:

  • Estimated walking time: 6 – 7 hours
  • Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (aprox.)
  • Campsite altitude(Pacaymayu): 3,650 m (aprox.)
  • Places to see: Huayllabamba, Yunkachimpa, Tres pierdas, Llulluchapampa, Warmihuañusca(Dead woman Pass), Pacaymayu.

DAY 3: Pacaymayu – Chaquicocha – Winayhuayna

Highlight of the day: Exploring the truly fascnating Wiñay Wayna archaeological site.

Travel Back Hundreds of Years at Incan Archaeological Sites

Beautiful day to explore some incan sites. After a nice breakfast we will have a 45-minute hike up to Runcurakay Pass (second highest pass on the Trail 3,850 m.a.s.l), and along the way we will visit the Runcuracay archeological site. During the day’s hike, we will also visit the Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca incan archeological sites of the Inca Trail. After lunch we will head to the Wiñaywayna incan site , where we will spend our last night on the inca Trail and then we will have a celebratory dinner to then say good bye to our Inca Trail porters.
Third day: Total distance: 16 km (aprox.) We explore the incan site along the inca trail

Third day:

  • Estimated walking time: 7 – 8 hours
  • Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (aprox.)
  • Campsite altitude (Wiñayhuayna)2,650 m (aprox.)
  • Places to see: Pacaymayu, Runkurachay Incan Site, Runkurakay pass(3900 meters high) Sayacmarca Incan Site, Conchamarca Incan Site, Chaquicocha Lunch spot, Phuyupatamarca incan site, Intipata incan site, Wiñayhuayna incan site.

DAY 4: Winaywayna – Machupicchu – Cusco

Highlight of the day: Without a doubt, exploring the incredible archaeological complex of Machu Picchu.

Explore the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Inca Trail Important 4th Day After an early breakfast, we begin the final leg of the Inca Trail to the lost city of Machu picchu. First, we will hike to Inti Punku (“Sun Gate”), Gate of the Inca Trail where we will take in an inspiring and panoramic view of the Machu picchu citadel. After a short hike down to Machu picchu, we will register and then enjoy a 2-hours guided tour of the sanctuary-city. After the tour of Machupicchu there will free time to explore by yourself and you will stay almost all day and then after you will have to be in aguas calientes to take the train which is between 4:30 to 6:20pm leacing from aguas calientes to ollantaytambo and there will be a private bus back to cusco and we will be arriving between 9:30pm to 10:00pm

Fourth Day:

  • Total distance: 7 km (aprox.)
  • Estimated walking time: 2 – 3 hours
  • Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)
  • Places to see: Wiñayhuayna, Intipunku(Sungate), Machupicchu city, Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain(optional), Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu Town.

Private Inca Trail Includes

  • PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION/ Private Tourist transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo and then KM 82 (The Trailhead) (We never share Bus service with other companies as most agencies do here to minimize costs) and Please, Note. we always use the same tourist transportation for our porters. we wont send them by an unconfortable truck as most do here.
  • First Class Vistadome Train Back From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Train Time from 1:37pm to 7:00pm) Subjet to Availability, then bus back to cusco and we willdropp you off at the hotel.
  • PROFFESIONAL GUIDES/ English – Spanish speaking guide for 4 days of the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.(All our Guides work for us only) All of them speak Fluent English & Second Guide Over 08 people Group(Large Group Service)
  • CAMPING EQUIPMENT/ Thermarest air-inflate Confortable sleeping Mattress (While others agencies are using foam mat) Thats why many of them run away from us. Because they dont want their passengers to see the Quality of our Camping equipment)
  • Two person CAMPING TENTS (3-people capacity tent used as doubles – Kayla Doite) 4 season tent Aluminium poles Tents
  • MASTER CHEFFS/Cook and assistance of the Cook. (We have chosen the best cook/cheffs and all are trained by Pacha Peru Explorers every month)
  • Cooking equipment (We use New cooking equipment and change all every 3 months) Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
  • Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
  • Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
  • FOOD/Food service in the campsites (3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! as well as Guinea Pig for free because we want you to taste all from Peru.
  • Vegetarian and free Gluten menu at no extra cost (Please let us know at the time of booking)
  • Portering Service. As detailed in the table authorised by the INC. (To carry our camping equipment and food) We Never overload our porters. Please, see a detailed page where you can see how we threat our porter Chaskis.
  • Extra Portering Service of 7 Kilos/14 pounds for our personal stuff (We will provide you a duffel bag to put all your personal stuff as well as the sleeping bag & Mat).
  • INCA TRAIL PERMITS AND ADMISION TICKETS/Inca Trail and Machupicchu Permits & entrance fees as well as all the porters and cooks valid for 4 days as well as insurance policy of life for all our staff.
  • Visit to Machu Picchu on the 4th day (2 hours guide tour to explore the whole incan site)
  • Camping equipment and basic field equipment for our porters as well as adecuate clothing like: (Sleeping bag, Mat, Jacket, T-shirt, pant, rain poncho, shoes, hat, belts, proper backpack to carry the equipment and all of them are limited to carry 20kg only).
  • Private Transportation from the train station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco (2 hours drive) and drop off at the hotel.(we only use our Private Transportation. so you will never wait at the train station till the bus of 30 ppl gets full).
  • First-aid kit (Our Guide will carry while on the Inca Trail) Please, note all our Guides are trained every year in first-aid).
  • Emergency oxygen bottle (Our guide will carry while on the Inca Trail).
    Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks as well as Rain poncho
  • Pre trek Orientation – briefing (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email [email protected]
  • Single Tents upon request with no extra cost.
  • Water for Driking: we will supply with filtered and boiled water and your bottles will be filled at each meal time.

 


Private Inca Trail Not Include

  • Breakfast – Day 1.
  • Lunch and dinner – Day 4.
  • Tips (optional).
  • Travel and health insurance. (bring copies with you please): Pacha Peru highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.

 


UPGRADES:

  • Huaynapicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking).
  • MachuPicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking).
  • Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$60 per person (Twin Bed room, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom).

 


RENTALS:

  • Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$35 for the entire trip
    (Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip.
  • Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$20 for the entire trip.

 


ADITIONAL INFO:

  • BRIEFING for all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet you guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
  • STORAGE Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage with no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)
  • Please note that we require a minimum of two participants for the trip. You can choose any departure day that best fits your schedule. Rest assured, once you’re booked, your departure is 100% guaranteed. For the confirmation and security of your Inca Trail permits, kindly send us the completed booking form along with a 50% deposit, and you’ll be all set for your journey.

 


Private Inca Trail Packing List

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

  • Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
  • Travel insurance is essential (and some copies).
  • Airline tickets (and some copies).
  • US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money).
  • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required.
  • Camera and Memory cards.
  • Rechargeable batteries and adapters.
  • Reading/writing material.
  • Binoculars.
  • Cover for backpacks.
  • Pocketknife.
  • Fleece top.
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket.
  • Small towel and swim wear.
  • Shirts/t-shirts.
  • Sun hat.
  • 2 pairs of shorts.
  • 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off.
  • 1 pair hiking pants/track pants.
  • Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors).
  • Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge).
  • Sport hiking sandals.
  • Sun block.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Toiletries (biodegradable).
  • Watch or alarm clock.
  • Water bottle.
  • Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded).
  • Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also by in cusco.
  • Flashlight (head light recommended).
  • Money belt.
  • Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags).
  • Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof).
  • Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry.
  • Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us) we have goose down or syntetic sleeping bag.
  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen).
  • Thermal underwear.
  • Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

“The Private Inca Trail” can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.

 


2025 Land Cost

Private Service: Prices are based on Number of people/ We will leave with Minimum of 02 Ppl.

01 Person Group / US$2200 per person
02 People Group / US$1350 per person
03 People Group / US$1300 per person
04 People Group / US$1250 per person
05 People Group / US$1200 per person
06 People Group / US$1150 per person
07 – or More People Group / US$1100 per person

Required Pre-payment: US$ 550.00 per person

Balance (Cusco): US$ (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).

This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.

Notice that PayPal, credit cards charge a 6% fee for the use of their secure payment gateway. This tax is just for online and card payments. You can also pay the remaining balance in cash (the briefing day) without charges.

 


Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the Price won’t increase, whatever the circunstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.

 


Student Discount

US$20.00

Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to [email protected]

Inca Trail Travel Information

The Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the most breathtaking adventures in the world. Built by the Incas in the 15th century, it is part of a big ancient Inca path system called Qhapac Ñam. This extensive network of trails helped to connect the Inca empire, which included Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Cusco was the capital of Great Inca Empire and, therefore, the most important city in the empire. The Inca trails that formed the Qapac Ñam led from Cusco to the provinces and covered more than 40,000 kilometers throughout South America.

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has 42-kilometer (26-mile) extension and is part of Qapac Ñam.

Inca Trail elevation gain

The Inca Trail elevation gain is around 3,000 feet (914 meters) from start to finish. The highest point on the trail is 13,828 feet (4,215 meters) at Dead Woman’s Pass. Most of the elevation gain is in the first few days, with around 1,000 feet (305 meters) of ascent on Day 1 and 800 feet (244 meters) on Day 2. After that, the trial levels out somewhat, although there are still some ups and downs.

Highest point on the trail

The Dead Woman’s Pass is a high mountain on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is located at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet) above sea level and is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The pass gets its name from its resemblance to a woman lying on her back. The pass is a challenging section of the Inca Trail, with steep ascents and descents.

Location

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which is well-known around the world, begins at Kilometer 82 – Piscacucho Village, located in Ollantaytambo district, Urubamba Province, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru.

History

The Incas built the Iconic Classic Machu Picchu Inca Trail in the 15th century. It is thought that the same people who built Machu Picchu also built the Inca Trail. The trail was used for trading between Cusco and the area around the Amazon region.

After the Spanish conquest, this trail was lost for many years with Machu Picchu, and it was re-discovered in 1911 by an American, Hiram Bingham III, during his expeditions to Peru, searching for the Lost City of the Incas. Today, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are some of Peru’s most famous tourist destinations.

Weather

The weather on the Inca Trail is unpredictable and variable. We have 2 seasons. However, you need to be prepared for all seasons when hiking to Machu Picchu.

  • The wet season runs from November to March
  • The dry season runs from April to October

The temperature during the Machu Picchu Trek varies significantly depending on the altitude and season; temperatures can reach as high as 80°F (27°C) during the day and drop below freezing at night, so hikers must come prepared for hot and cold weather conditions.

Difficulty

Hiking the Machu Picchu Inca Trail can be challenging due to its length and high altitudes; however, its rewards make the experience worthwhile. Its breathtaking scenery will impress anyone while feeling great satisfaction from having accomplished something big!

Inca trail Permits

To participate in the Classic Machu Picchu Trek, you will need to secure the permits long in advance. Every day, there are only 500 permits available, including porters, chefs, tour guides, and travelers.

Inca trail Lenght

The Inca Trail trek stretches for about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from the Sacred Valley (Km 82), through the Andes Mountains, to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail Compared With Other Tours

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, but if it is sold out, you might consider alternative treks to Machu Picchu. Below, you will find a fair comparison of the most popular tours.

Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek

There are two main options for trekking to Machu Picchu: the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek. Both tours offer stunning scenery and an unforgettable experience, but they have some key differences.
The Inca Trail hike is the classic choice for a Machu Picchu trek. It’s the most popular option—it’s an incredible journey through some of the most stunning scenery and through history. The Classic Machu Picchu Trek follows the ancient path of the Incas and ends with a spectacular entrance into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

The Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. It’s less crowded, more affordable, and still takes you through beautiful scenery. The highlight of the Salkantay Trek is Mount Salkantay, which, at 6,271 meters (20,549 feet), is one of the tallest mountains in Peru. The views from the summit are breathtaking! Another plus of the Salkantay Trek is that it ends with a visit to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax in the hotel before going to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail vs. Lares Trek

Another great alternative Trek to Machu Picchu is the Lares Route, which is famous for being more cultural and less intense than the Salkantay and Inca Trails.

The Inca Trail takes you on a 4-day hike directly to the great citadel of Machu Picchu. You will be hiking through the mountains, spending the night in isolated campsites, and arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun gate; this is the only trek that actually allows you to arrive hiking to Machu Picchu.

The Lares Trek is a shorter, 4-day option that starts in the village of Lares and ends at Machu Picchu. While it doesn’t have as many Inca ruins along the route, it’s a great choice if you want to avoid crowds and learn from the locals. To arrive at Machu Picchu, you need to travel by train and stay 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Classic Inca Trail vs. Short Inca Trail hike

The original Classic Inca Trail 4 days is a long and challenging hike, but there is also a shorter version known as the Short Inca Trail. So, which one should you choose?

The Classic Machu Picchu Inca Trail is a 26-mile (42-kilometer) hike that takes four days to complete. It starts at Km 82 in the Sacred Valley; and ends at Machu Picchu. Along the way, trekkers will pass through beautiful scenery, including alpine forests, mountain valleys, and lush jungles. The trail also crosses several high-altitude passes, reaching a maximum elevation of 13,829 feet (4,215 meters).

The Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is only 10 miles (16 kilometers) long and can be completed in just 1 day. It starts at Km 104 and ends at Machu Picchu. While this route doesn’t offer the same variety of scenery as the longer Inca Trail, it still passes through some stunning landscapes, including cloud forests.

Inca Trail vs. Quarry Trek

For those travelers searching for unique adventures, there is another amazing trek called the Cachicata Trek or Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu. The Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu is a new but amazing route to Machu Picchu that few people know about or hike.

The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an epic trek many travelers want to complete, but few will dare. This trek is a complete experience combining adventure, camping, hiking, challenge, history, culture, and the amazing reward of arriving at Machu Picchu hiking.

The Quarry Trek is an excellent option If you’re looking for a shorter, easier trek. It’s only 20 miles long and takes you to some of the best viewpoints of the Sacred Valley. The Quarry Trek is also a great option if you want to avoid the crowds of the Inca Trail.

Inca Trail vs. Choquequirao trek

The Inca Trail and Choquequirao Hike are 2 of the most epic hikes to an ancient citadel in Peru. Both treks offer stunning views of the Andes mountains and the ancient Inca ruins, but there are some critical differences between the two.

  • The Inca Trail is much more popular than the Choquequirao trek.
  • The Choquequirao trek is more challenging but less crowded and offers a more authentic experience.
  • The Inca Trail trek takes 4 days to complete, while the Choquequirao trek can be 4,5, up to 8-10 days.

Inca Trail Marathon

One of the most popular events in the world is the Inca Trail Marathon. This race takes place in Peru and follows the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The marathon is considered one of the most difficult in the world due to the high altitude and rugged terrain. However, many runners find the challenge to be worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Inca Trail Marathon is held every May or June. The race starts at KM 82 of the Inca Trail, about 2,000 meters above sea level. Runners then pass through the jungle, mountains, and ancient ruins before finishing at Machu Picchu. The total race distance is approximately 42 kilometers.

Inca Trail Reservations

If you plan to participate in the Classic Machu Picchu Trek, you’ll need to make sure you have a reservation. This trek is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world, and it cannot be easy to get a spot.

  • There is only one way to make a reservation for the trail. You need to book through an authorized tour company like Pacha Peru Explorers.
  • When making your reservation, you must provide your passport information and choose a start date for your hike.
  • It’s important to note that the Inca Trail is closed in February.
  • You should also try booking at least six months in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
  • Once your reservation is secured, all that is left is packing for your adventure!

Inca Trail’s Highest Point

Dead Woman’s Pass is a high mountain on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is 4,215 meters (13,829 ft) above sea level and is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The pass gets its name from its resemblance to a woman lying on her back. The pass is a challenging section of the Inca Trail, with steep ascents and descents.

Inca Trail 2 Days

The short Inca Trail is an excellent option for those who want to hike the trail but are short on time. The trail is only 2 days long and is a great way to see some of the most incredible views of the Andes Mountains. The trail starts at Km 104, about 1 hour from Cusco by train from Ollantaytambo. From there, you will hike for about 4-5 hours to reach the site of Wiñay Wayna. You will enjoy a box lunch and continue the final stretch of the trail to Machu Picchu to the Sun Gate (Initupunku), from where you will have the first and most amazing view of Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail 5 Days

The Inca Trail 5-day slow version is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the scenery and take their time on the trail. The slower pace means you’ll have more time to take photos, enjoy the views, and explore the ruins. This version of the trail is also a good option for those not as physically fit, as it is not as strenuous as the shorter versions. Book your tour early if you’re planning on hiking the Inca Trail. Tours often fill up months in advance, especially during peak season (May-September).

Sun Gate or Intipunku

Sungate, or Intipunku, is the official name for the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail. The views from the Sun Gate are breathtaking, and it’s incredible to stand at the top of Machu Picchu and take it all in.

Inca Bridge in Machu Picchu

The Inca Bridge stretches across a deep gorge, which is approximately 60 meters (200 feet) high. The Incas constructed the structure during the 15th century. It’s not entirely clear what the Inca Bridge was used for, but it’s believed that it could have served as a means for the Incas to traverse the gorge without having to go down into the valley beneath it.

It’s possible that the bridge was built as a defensive structure to stop enemies from entering the citadel. The Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is a remarkable engineering achievement that will impress anyone who sees it.

Training for the Inca Trail

Preparing for the Machu Picchu Inca Trail can be demanding. Below are some recommendations for enjoying this amazing hike.

  • After booking the tour, start training and going on regular hikes
  • Increase your physical activities gradually
  • Walking or running for 30 minutes three to five days a week improves health.
  • Fitness requires strong legs. Untrained legs may struggle in Vietnam’s hilly terrain.
  • Squats and lunges at home or mountain hikes will prepare you for your holiday.

Before hiking Machu Picchu, allow time to acclimate to Cusco’s high altitude. The trail reaches 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Progressive acclimatization is required to prevent altitude sickness.

Inca Trail Stairs

The Inca Trail has different routes with varying numbers of stairs based on the path you choose. The number of trails changes every year due to maintenance and updates, so we can’t give an exact number. However, we can share feedback from past hikers to give you an idea of what to expect on your trek.

Research on hikers who completed the Inca Trail found that they took around 5,000-7,000 steps. On average, a person takes 200 to 300 steps to walk one mile, equivalent to 120 to 190 steps for every kilometer. If you are going to hike the Inca Trail, keep in mind that you will come across many stairs! Don’t be discouraged; the experience you gain here will be valuable.

Inca Trail Facts

  • The Inca Trails are an ancient network of roads and trails spanning more than 4,000 miles through the Andes Mountains. The Classic Inca Trail connects Cusco with Machu Picchu.
  • The Incas constructed it over 500 years ago and it remains one of the world’s premier hiking trails today. At 13,000 feet in the Andes Mountains, the Inca Trail covers 26 miles and takes four days to complete.
  • The Inca Trail is a rewarding hike with stunning panoramic views of mountains, valleys, rivers, and ancient ruins. However, its trail has many challenges for hikers, such as narrow paths with steep ascents/descents and unpredictable weather conditions.
  • Trekkers typically spend four days traversing their trail, though shorter and longer options may also be available.

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Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availlability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 950 705034 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.

Tour Price
Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Price

1100

USD

Per Person

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The Pacha Peru Explorers Difference

Pacha Peru Explorers is a 100% peruvian, separates ourselves by our dedication to both our customer and our team. We work very hard to make sure that all our clients needs are taken care of throughout the tour with us. At the same time, we never forget about our brothers and sisters working tirelessly for us to make all of this possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism that gives as much to our community as to our clients.

Camping Equipment

Persinal Porters of 7 kg Included

Private Toilet Tents

Safety on the Trail Satellite Phone

Social Projects

The Best Trekking Food in Peru!

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