Inca Trail Private Journey – 5 Days

Your Inca Trail adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your Cusco hotel at 7:00 AM. We’ll drive past the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, offering a chance to purchase any last-minute supplies. Our journey continues to the trailhead at Chilca (often referred to as KM 82), where you’ll meet our dedicated support team of traditional porters.

From here, we embark on the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The trek gently undulates along the banks of the picturesque Urubamba River. We will set up camp for the night at Llactapata (2650 m.a.s.l. / 8692 ft.), situated beside spectacular ruins that you’ll have time to explore if energy permits. Enjoy trekking in comfort, carrying only a daypack, while porters handle all camping equipment and a cook prepares delicious meals.

Today, we trek up the scenic Cusichaca Valley, heading towards the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited settlement along the trail. The path continues its ascent, taking us past vibrant hummingbirds and through a beautiful stunted cloud forest. Our campsite for the night is the picturesque grassy area at Llulluchupampa (3600 m.a.s.l. / 11808 ft.), which boasts outstanding views looking down the valley.

This is arguably the most challenging day of the trek. We rise early and begin our ascent to the highest point of the trail – the impressive Warmiwanusca Pass, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass (4200 m.a.s.l. / 13776 ft.). After conquering the pass, we descend into the Pacasmayo Valley, only to climb again, passing the intriguing Inca ruins of Rucuracay.

Our second pass of the day (3970 m.a.s.l. / 13022 ft.) rewards us with spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on incredibly well-preserved Inca pathway, we reach the Sayacmarca ruins, with ample time for an in-depth tour and explanation. We continue along the ridge, traversing through ancient tunnels and enjoying fantastic vistas. A slight ascent brings us to the magnificent Phuyupatamarca ruins (the place above the clouds), where we will camp for the night (3700 m.a.s.l. / 12136 ft.).

After an early morning opportunity to witness the sunrise illuminate the surrounding snow-capped mountains of Salcantay (6200 m.a.s.l. / 20336 ft.) and Veronica (5800 m.a.s.l. / 19024 ft.), we bid farewell to our porters with a traditional song and dance. Our final day of hiking brings us down into the cloud forest via a series of intricate Inca stairways to Wiñay Wayna, another fascinating ruin teeming with swallows and orchids.

Finally, we contour through the cloud forest to Inti Punku, the legendary Gateway of the Sun, where we catch our first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu. We pass through the ruins and then take a bus down to our comfortable hostel in the vibrant town of Aguas Calientes (2000 m.a.s.l. / 6560 ft.), celebrating our return to civilization.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before an early transfer to the bus stop for a short 25-minute ride up to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you’ll participate in a comprehensive guided tour of this ancient wonder, visiting key areas such as the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the revered Sacred Sun Dial (Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows. You’ll also explore the intricate houses, warehouses, and the large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps surrounded by agricultural terraces cut into the mountainside.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure. There will be an opportunity to climb to the top of Wayna Picchu (requires advance booking and an additional permit, subject to availability), offering a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Sanctuary. In the afternoon, you’ll return by train to Poroy Train Station and then be transferred back to your Cusco hotel, concluding your unforgettable journey.