Does the idea of hiking one of the most incredible trails on Earth — tailored exactly to your needs — excite you?
Then you’ll love our Private Inca Trail experience.
Not only will you explore this legendary route, but you’ll also have the flexibility to customize the journey to match your pace, interests, and preferences.
Walk with an elite team of porters, chefs, and a private tour guide dedicated exclusively to your group. This trek is perfect for couples, families with children, or groups of friends looking for a more personal and intimate experience.
You’ll hike through breathtaking Andean landscapes and visit some of the most important Inca archaeological sites along the trail — all accompanied by your own private expedition crew.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is Peru’s most sought-after trek and offers a rewarding challenge for adventurers of all levels.
Do you want to explore the best hiking route in Peru but prefer not to travel with strangers? Then our Private Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu is perfect for you.
This once-in-a-lifetime adventure will leave you transformed, offering unforgettable moments as you walk an ancient path with your family, friends, or partner.
Over 40,000 km of Inca roads stretch across South America, linking the vast territories of the former Inca Empire. But the most iconic of them all is this 4-day trek to the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu — considered by many, including National Geographic, to be one of the top 5 hikes in the world and undoubtedly the most famous trail in South America.
As you hike, you’ll be amazed by the complexity of fascinating archaeological sites contrasted with the dramatic beauty of surrounding hills and valleys. This tour is ideal for those who crave adventure and cultural immersion, following the sacred footsteps of our Andean ancestors to Machu Picchu.
Experience the thrill of entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, with your expert guide by your side, and enjoy exploring this world wonder in a unique and personal way.
This is the ultimate Inca hiking adventure — perfect for those eager to learn about Peru’s ancient history and connect deeply with nature.
So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your hiking boots and walk the ancient paths with Tunqui Expeditions.
Day 01: Cusco – Piscacucho (KM 82) – Llactapata – Huayllabamba – Ayapata
Start your trek at KM 82 and pass through Willkarakay and Llactapata before reaching your camp in Ayapata. Enjoy dinner and spend time with the local community.
Day 02: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Runkurakay Pass – Sayacmarca – Chaquicocha
Trek to the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass), then visit the Inca sites of Runkurakay and Sayacmarca. Camp overnight at Chaquicocha.
Day 03: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna
Take in stunning views at Phuyupatamarca and continue to your campsite near Wiñay Wayna, where you’ll explore the site with your guide and enjoy a special group celebration.
Day 04: Wiñay Wayna – Intipunku (Sun Gate) – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Reach the Sun Gate for your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. After a 1.5-hour guided tour, take the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Highlight of the Day: Arrive at the archaeological site of Llactapata and enjoy stunning Andean scenery.
Begin your Inca Trail adventure with an early morning pickup from your hotel. If you’re staying in Cusco, pickup is between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.; in Urubamba, between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m.; and in Ollantaytambo, between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m.
We’ll drive to KM 82 – Piscacucho, the official start of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Enjoy your first breakfast prepared by our chef while organizing your backpack. You’ll meet your dedicated team of porters, cook, and guide, who will accompany you for the entire journey. Please remember to bring your original passport, as it’s required at the trail checkpoint.
After registering at the control point, we begin the ultimate Peru hiking experience.
The first two hours of the trail are relatively flat, helping you warm up. You’ll pass through beautiful valleys and fields of potatoes, corn, and barley, following the flow of the Urubamba River with views of the towering La Veronica Glacier.
We continue toward Willkarakay, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Llactapata ruins, dramatically nestled between three valleys. After a short hike, we’ll reach Tarayoc, where our chef will surprise you with a delicious lunch in the mountains.
In the afternoon, we hike for another 3.5 hours to reach our first campsite in Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). Along the way, we’ll pass small communities where you can buy snacks and drinks.
We arrive around 5:00 p.m. to relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy a warm drink. Dinner is served at 7:30 p.m., followed by a well-deserved rest surrounded by peaceful nature.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate (gradual acclimatization)
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Highlight of the Day: Reach the highest point of the Inca Trail and explore breathtaking Inca ruins.
We start the day early with a cup of hot coca tea delivered to your tent. Today is the most challenging day, with a rewarding climb and spectacular views.
After breakfast, we hike four hours uphill to Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass), at 4,215 m (13,829 ft), the highest point of the Inca Trail. Here, take a deep breath and connect with the spirit of the Andes. You’ll feel the sacred energy that guided the ancient Incas.
We descend for 1.5 hours to Pacaymayu Valley, where we enjoy lunch and refill water bottles.
After resting, we climb 45 minutes to Runkurakay, a mysterious archaeological site surrounded by waterfalls and cloud forest. From there, we continue to Runkurakay Pass, where we take in majestic views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range and pause for a traditional offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
We descend for another hour to Sayacmarca, a striking fortress perched on the edge of a cliff. After our guided visit, we walk 25 minutes to our camp in Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft).
After dinner, enjoy Andean stargazing and learn about Inca constellations far from city lights.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles
Hiking Time: 8 – 9 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Highlight of the Day: Visit the ancient site of Wiñay Wayna and enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley.
Congratulations! You’ve completed the hardest part. Today will be more relaxed and full of spectacular scenery.
After breakfast, we begin a 1.5-hour hike to Phuyupatamarca (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), the “Town in the Clouds.” Enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
We then begin a scenic descent through cloud forest and lush vegetation, following a well-preserved stone path for 2.5 hours to reach Intipata, an impressive Inca agricultural site with expansive terraces and views of the Urubamba River winding through the valley like a serpent.
After a short 30-minute hike, we reach our final campsite near Wiñay Wayna, the most important site on the trail after Machu Picchu. The name means “Forever Young,” and the site includes water fountains, sacred temples, and magnificent terraces.
Enjoy a guided tour with stories that bring the ruins to life. In the evening, we host a farewell celebration with our porters and chefs, showing gratitude for their dedication.
This is a great time to offer optional tips and express your appreciation before we say goodbye to the team.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Hiking Time: 8 – 9 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft
Campsite Altitude: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
Highlight of the Day: Explore the majestic lost city of Machu Picchu.
Today, all your effort will be rewarded! We wake up at 3:30 a.m., pack our bags, and head to the checkpoint by 4:00 a.m. to be among the first to arrive.
We walk for about an hour in the dark to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll witness the first magical view of Machu Picchu as the sun rises — a moment you’ll never forget.
You made it! Welcome to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take time to feel its sacred energy and admire its perfect stone architecture.
After a short rest, you’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour through temples, ceremonial centers, and aqueducts, learning how the Incas built this magnificent city in complete harmony with nature.
Once you’re ready, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice. Later, your guide will provide your Vistadome panoramic train tickets and ensure you have everything needed for the return trip.
At Ollantaytambo Station, a Tunqui Expeditions representative will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Hiking Time: 2 – 3 hours
Sun Gate Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Huayna Picchu Mountain: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Machu Picchu Mountain: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
At Tunqui Expeditions, we clearly specify what is included and not included in all the travel itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay close attention to the details so you don’t miss anything.
Inca Trail Permits and Entry Tickets
Once we receive your full personal information and your deposit to secure your booking, we will purchase all the necessary permits (subject to availability). These permits are issued for a specific date and under your name. They cannot be changed under any circumstances. Passport number changes are allowed only for renewal purposes. In that case, you must bring both the old and new passports.
Entrance to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Circuit 3)
Pre-Departure Briefing
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office the evening before your trek at 5:00 pm. There, you’ll receive a duffel bag (max 7 kg / 15.4 lb) carried by our porters. This should include your sleeping bag and inflatable mat if you’re bringing or renting one.
Experienced Tour Guide
Bilingual (English-Spanish) professional guides, all graduates in Tourism from the National University of San Antonio Abad of Cusco. Chosen for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, and deep passion for sharing our culture and history. All our guides are locals who grew up in this region and are eager to ensure your safety and happiness.
First Aid Kit & Emergency Equipment
All our guides are certified in first aid and receive mandatory yearly training. They carry a first aid kit, oxygen, and will coordinate evacuation if needed.
3 Nights Camping
High-quality tents such as Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear.
All applicable taxes and permit fees are included in our prices. No hidden costs.
These values define who we are:
Ethical Treatment of Porters
Founded by former porter Silvio Tunqui, we ensure fair wages, provide high-quality gear, and support the families of our porters with school aid, medical missions, and reforestation projects.
Porter Trips to Machu Picchu
We organize four annual trips for our porters and their families to visit the citadel they help others reach but rarely experience themselves.
Gender Equality
Since 2022, we’ve proudly included female guides, porters, and cooks in our team. We aim for a 50/50 gender balance in the future.
Sustainable Travel
We leave no trace. We include an extra porter just to collect trash left by others. We use biodegradable and local organic products whenever possible.
Tipping is a traditional part of trekking experiences in Peru. While we pay fair wages, guests often contribute extra to thank our hardworking team.
Please understand that weather conditions are beyond our control.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your journey to Peru to be as memorable and stress-free as possible. In this section, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about traveling with us — all in one place.
Please read the information carefully — it will help you better understand our services.
Still have a question we didn’t answer here?
Contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
It’s very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude before starting your trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your Inca Trail adventure to adapt and avoid altitude sickness.
If you’ve already visited another high-altitude area in Peru, we still suggest spending at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recover from travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.
Things to do around Cusco before your trek:
All briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) at 5:00 pm, the evening before your trek begins. These meetings last 30 to 45 minutes.
If you can’t attend, please contact us by email, phone, or visit our office to schedule an alternative.
If you still have an outstanding balance, it must be paid at least 2 days before the trek. Otherwise, your trip will not be confirmed.
We appreciate cash payments in USD or Peruvian soles at our office in Cusco. You can find ATMs on Avenida El Sol that dispense both currencies.
You may also pay via credit/debit card or PayPal, either in person or online. Please note that both our payment processor (Niubiz) and PayPal charge a 5% service fee. We do not accept personal checks or traveler’s checks.
You’ll receive your duffel bag at the pre-trek briefing. Porters will carry these along the trail and hand them over at each campsite.
Dimensions: 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in)
Weight limit: 7 kg / 15.4 lb (includes sleeping bag, mat, clothing, and other items)
Absolutely!
You may leave your main luggage at our office or at your hotel — both options are free of charge. Let us know at your briefing or by email.
Most hotels in Cusco offer luggage storage, but we recommend not leaving any valuables in your bags. Keep important items like passports, credit cards, and electronics in the hotel safe and request a detailed receipt in case you need to file a travel insurance claim.
We offer pick-up from hotels located in Cusco’s Historic Center. Your guide will confirm the exact pick-up time during the briefing.
Note: Cusco is an old city with narrow, cobblestone streets. Some hotels or Airbnbs may not be accessible by car or may be located on steep hills. For this reason, we highly recommend booking accommodations with easy vehicle access.
Our group treks bring together people of different ages and fitness levels. If you join a group tour, please be aware that some hikers may be faster or slower than others. Each participant is free to hike at their own pace.
In case the group wants to change the itinerary, your guide will make the final decision after consulting all participants.
Returning from Machu Picchu involves several steps — but don’t worry, everything is included:
Strikes and protests are common in Peru and may affect your travel plans. Roads or train tracks may be blocked.
We will do everything we can to maintain your original itinerary, even if it means leaving earlier than planned. If changes or cancellations are necessary, our operations team will keep you informed. Your safety is our top priority.
Please keep track of your belongings throughout the tour. Make sure to take everything with you when leaving our transport, tents, or restaurants.
You are solely responsible for your items during the trek.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience, please review the following packing list. It covers the basics, clothing, equipment, and recommended extras.
Your porters will carry up to 7 kg (15.4 lb) of your personal gear, including your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress (together these weigh approx. 3.5 kg).
Our 4-Day Private Inca Trail Trek can depart any day of the week, from March to January.
Note: We do not operate this itinerary during the rainy season in February.
This small-group private tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Important:
PayPal charges a 5% service fee, which must be covered by the client when making the online deposit. This fee only applies to the deposit — the remaining balance is paid in cash (during the briefing in Cusco) with no additional charges.
You can customize your Peru adventure with add-on tours before or after your trek:
Enhance your trekking experience with these optional permits:
These permits are subject to availability, so please request them when booking.
Once your booking is confirmed, we guarantee your price will not change, no matter the circumstances.
Before booking, make sure to read all important information about this tour.
We offer a US$ 20.00 discount for students 17 years old or younger.
To qualify, we require a clear photo or scan of a valid passport at the time of booking. The passport must not expire before or during your travel dates.
Please send the document to: info@tunquiexpeditions.com
