Private Inca Trail Tours 4 days

HIGHLIGHTS

This Private Inca Trail Tours allows you to visit the most magnificent ruins such as LLactapata, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Runkuraqay, and Winawayna, and then enter on foot through the Sun Gate as the Incas did. And on the last day, you will visit Machu Picchu (Seven Wonders of the Modern World) with a private guide.

We follow the “Health Guidelines for COVID-19 for Private Inca Trail Tours” issued by the Peruvian government.

 Why should you hike Private Inca trail Tours with AB Expeditions?

• Top-notch equipment. Including Eureka tents, Mountain wear Sleeping bags, Black Diamond trekking poles, and sleeping pads. We only use top brands and quality to guarantee ache-less nights up in the mountains.
• Portable toilets. We provide you Eco-friendly, comfy & clean portable toilet. It is difficult to walk to the public toilet during the night
• Hotel to Hotel service.  Direct pick-ups and drop-offs from your hotel in Cusco City. We will never leave you stranded before or after any of our tours.
• Our amazing porters are treated with a lot of respect. They get all their equipment for free from our local Company AB Expeditions.  We give them a fair salary, a decent tent with a pad, enough meals, hiking shoes, trekking pants, and a Winter hut. We care for their health, well-being, and the health of their families, and we are committed to social projects to improve their lives.
• We are an honest, practical, punctual, reliable Travel Agency, welcoming individuals or groups. Check out our excellent reviews on Google Reviews, We Travel, and Trip Advisor.
• We pay on time At AB Expeditions, our porters, tour guides, drivers, and Cooks receive their salaries as soon as they finish their job.
• Satellite phones. We provide you with satellite for any emergency on hiking Inca Trail private tours in 4 days.
• 100% Local Company. AB Expeditions is A 100% locally owned Travel Agency and fully licensed Inca Trail operator.
• Highly Trained Guide. Our Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive continuing professional development program. We love showing what a fascinating and unique Inca trail is.
• Ground logistics. transportation, Machu Picchu tickets, Inca Trail permits, train tickets, and bus tickets.  We book, secure, and deliver all minuscule details of your hike for you—worry & stress-free.
• Vistadome Train. After hiking for 4 days in private service, you will come back on Vistadome train, This train has window in its ceiling so you will enjoy the mountains much better. Also you will see peruvian dances in the train.  We will book at 02:55 pm or 3:20 pm from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. So you will get to Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any other tour the next day such as Rainbow Mountain.

Private Inca Trail Tours 4 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Patallacta –  Hatunchaca – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

Our AB team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco City at 4:30 a.m. for your Private Inca Trail tours 4 days. if you stay in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba; we will pick you up after 6:00 a.m. Next, We will drive to Ollantaytambo where we will have our breakfast which is Included. After our delicious meal, we will keep driving until km 82 (Piscakucho) to start the 4-day Private Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu. First, you will meet our amazing cooks, strong porters,  and knowledgeable guides. Then we will go to the checkpoint to show our passports and start our adventure to the New 7 wonders of the world.

After passing the checkpoint gate, we will start our Inca Trail trek. In the beginning, the Trail is relatively easy about a 3-hour hike to Llactapata ruins(the first Inca ruin along the Inca Trail trek). We will visit the upper part of this amazing site and we will take pictures of the lower part. Then we will hike for 1 hour to Hatunchaca campsite, where our AB team will be waiting for a tasty lunch made from fresh local ingredients.

After our delicious lunch, we will keep hiking for about 4 hours to Ayapata(first campsite) where you are going to arrive around 5:00 p.m. Your tents will be already set up, then you will have hot tea waiting for you.

• Elevation Gain: 908 m / 1683 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 251 m / 820 feet.
• Campsite Altitude: 3303m(10828ft).
• Highest altitude: 3303m(10828ft).
• Distance: 14.34 km / 8.34 miles.
• Hiking time: 6 hours.
• Accommodation: Camping in tents.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runkuraqay – Chaquicocha

We will wake you up early in the morning with hot tea or coca tea. The second day is the most challenging of the Private 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. We will hike for around 4-hour to Dead Woman’s Pass (4215m / 13829ft), the highest pass of all the Inca Trail Trek. At the top, we will enjoy the amazing landscape that surrounds us.  Also, our guide will make some offerings to the Apus (local Gods). After appreciating the views, we will start hiking down to Pacaymayu Valley for about 2 hours, we will have our amazing lunch prepared by our chef.

After our meal, we will hike another 1 hour and a half to the second pass called Runqurakay (4000m / 13123ft). Before getting the pass, we will explore the Inca site Runqurakay. Then we will hike down to Sayacmarca ruins which we will explore too. After visiting those Inca sites, we will keep hiking to our second campsite Chaquicocha ( 3600m / 11811 ft.), where you can enjoy an amazing sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before our dinner. Also, this campsite is the perfect place to observe the Milky Way.

• Elevation Gain: 1272 m / 1683 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 1055 m / 820 feet.
• Campsite Altitude: 3605m(11816ft)
• Highest altitude: 4217m(1383ft)
• Distance: 16.4 km / 9.34 miles
• Hiking time: 10 hours
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Difficult

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Intipata – Wiñaywayna

Today is a more relaxing day. It is only 5 hours of hiking to reach the last campsite. At the beginning, there is a Peruvian flat for about 2 hours, and then you will hike all the way down to the campsite. Along the way, you will hike through several different ecosystems, and admire the amazing panoramic view of the Salkantay glacier (the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region). We are going to explore 2 Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka, and Intipata.

From the Intipata ruins, you could already see the last campsite. Before heading to the campsite our guide will explain the site. We will arrive at the campsite at approximately 12:30 p.m. You will have your meal,  then you can go to take a shower and take a siesta to relax. Around 4 pm, we will hike for 5 minutes to explore the Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna, where our tour guide will explain this amazing site and you will have free time to take amazing pictures. Then we will come back to the campsite to say goodbye to our amazing porters and enjoy our dinner. After enjoying the meal, we will go early to sleep and prepare for the next day.

• Elevation Gain: 157 m / 1683 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 1053 m / 820 feet.
• Campsite Altitude: 2602m – 8532ft
• Highest altitude: 3602m – 11813ft
• Distance: 10.3km / 6.34 miles
• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 4: Machu Picchu –  Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Today is the day you have been waiting for, we will wake up early to head to the last checkpoint of the Inca Trail. We will pass the checkpoint at 05: 30 am. Then, we will hike to the Sun Gate for one hour and 20 minutes, the Trail is up and down, so no more crazy uphills and downhills. Once you get to the gate, you will observe an amazing sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. We will begin our 45-minute final descent toward the lost city of the Incas. You will get to the Mapi checkpoint around 8:00 a.m.

Our tour guide will take you for a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel.  Once we finish visiting the city, we will take a tourist bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes where you will have your lunch. Then you will take the train at 14:55 or 15:20 pm. At the Train station, our AB team will wait for you to return to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. You will arrive back to Cusco  around 07:00 pm

If you hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain (Permits must be reserved as far in advance as possible). You will hike by yourself and our guide will tell you where you will have lunch and where you will pick up your duffle bag then take the train.

• Elevation Gain: 167 m / 1683 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 393 m / 820 feet.
• Highest altitude: 2700m -8858ft
• Distance: 6km / 3 miles
• Hiking time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

INCLUSION

What s Included?

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTION

How to book the Inca Trail private tours with ab expeditions?

To reserve your Inca trail 4-day private service, please find the “book now” button on our website. once you click the button, you will be redirected to a booking platform where you can choose your desired departure date and provide essential personal information about each participant. the payment process can be completed using either a credit card or a debit card.

If you are interested in additional options like the Huayna Picchu mountain hike, we recommend booking them simultaneously with your Inca trail reservation. this approach ensures that you don’t miss out on any possible opportunities due to the rapid-selling Inca trail permits. You can rent walking sticks in Cusco 1 day before your trip. 

We will send you a confirmation email once the Inca trail permit has been secured to ensure a meticulously organized and successful trip. we guarantee that it will proceed as planned once the start date is confirmed.

Can I store my luggage at your office?

Certainly! During the 4-day Inca trail private trek to Machu Picchu, we provide a luggage storage facility at our office. we kindly request that you only bring the essentials necessary for the duration of your hike to Machu Picchu.

What about the outstanding balance?

We would like to inform you that settling your outstanding balance can be done efficiently and securely with our various payment options. you may choose to pay in cash, either in USD or soles, one day prior to your trip. for your convenience, credit card payments can also be made with a 5% service fee. please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.

Please note that cash payments must be made one day prior to your trip without exception. we appreciate your prompt attention in settling your outstanding balance and look forward to providing you with the best service possible.

How about the student discount?

Please note that individuals who are 18 years or older must present a valid student card in order to be eligible for discounts on the tour. for students aged 11-17 years, a discount of $30 USD applies, while children aged 2-11 years can avail of a discount of $ 40 USD. in order to obtain the student discount, please ensure that a copy of your passport and student card are sent to our team at the time of booking via email to info@abexpeditions.com.

May I change the departure date after the permits have been bought?

We regret to inform you that the Inca trail permits are non-transferable and non-refundable, according to the regulations set forth by the government. we would like to clarify that the only information allowed to be modified is the passport numbers. please let us know if there are any other questions we can help answer or concerns we can address. thank you for your understanding.

Do I need to bring my original passport on the private Inca trail 4 days to Machu Picchu?

We kindly remind you that it is imperative to bring your original passport for your upcoming private Inca trail tours 4-day permits. it is highly important that the passport you bring is the same one you provided to us during the reservation process. we just want to ensure that you have a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout your journey. please take note that your passport will be checked at three different Inca trail checkpoints, as well as at Machu Picchu, and when boarding the train.

Updating passport numbers

If you are in the process of renewing your passport and planning to book Inca Trail private guided trek permits, we kindly request that you email us a copy of your old passport for verification purposes. in case you do not possess your old passport anymore, any valid government-issued identity card can be presented as long as it bears the same name.

Furthermore, once you receive your new passport, we sincerely ask that you immediately email us a copy of it to modify the information on your permit. it is essential to ensure that all details on your permit match those on your passport exactly to avoid any inconvenience during your private premium Inca Trail Tours.

What is the schedule of my train ticket?

Typically, return train tickets are reserved for departure at 14:55 pm or 15:20 on day 4, allowing arrivals in Cusco at 07:00 pm. This itinerary allows for sufficient rest and the opportunity to participate in tours such as Rainbow Mountain on the subsequent day.

Can I stay in the Sacred Valley for my Private Inca trail 4 days?

We recommend that you consider staying in either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo during your visit to the sacred valley. by opting for accommodation in this area, your pick-up time will be scheduled an hour and a half after the usual pick-up time in Cusco, which will allow you some more time to rest.

If I cancel my Inca trail private tour. do I get any refund?

If you are unable to join us for any reason such as illness, missing your flight, or a natural disaster, we regret to inform you that we will lose $150 USD automatically. please note that once the Inca trail permit is purchased, it becomes non-refundable and non-transferable. this is because the Ministry of Culture of Peru and Peru Rail are in charge of issuing permits and train tickets, and do not provide refunds.

We understand that unexpected changes can occur, and we want to assure you that we will always do our best to be reasonable and only charge you for any expenses that have already been incurred.

What time will we get to Machu Picchu?

our group’s usual arrival time at the sun gate is around 7:00 a.m. with slight variations. afterward, it takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Machu Picchu from the Sun gate. thus, we can estimate your arrival at Machu Picchu at around 8:00 am in the morning.

Will water be provided?

We recommend that you purchase 2 liters of water for the first day of your trek for adequate hydration. From the second day onwards, we will supply you with boiled water three times a day — after breakfast, during lunchtime, and at dinner. this measure has been implemented for your health and safety, ensuring that you have access to safe drinking water throughout your trekking journey.

What kinds of reusable water bottles should we bring to the Inca Trail private Tours 4 days?

From march 2022, the use of single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste will be strictly prohibited while trekking on the Inca trail for 4 days and 3 nights. to comply with this policy, we kindly ask that all guests bring their own personal reusable water bottles to be filled with the water we provide. we suggest opting for a bladder, hard shell bottle, or pouch that is most convenient for your needs. this measure is part of our ongoing commitment to minimize our environmental impact and preserve the natural beauty of this iconic landmark. thank you for your cooperation in this endeavor.

Is there an age limit for the Private Inca trail tour 4 days?

It is important to note that there is no age limit for the Inca trail private tours 4-days 3 nights. however, for safety purposes, ab expeditions recommend a minimum age of 6 years old. this is due to the presence of steep sections that may prove challenging for younger individuals. our team prioritizes the safety and well-being of our customers, and we believe that this recommendation will help ensure an enjoyable, memorable, and safe experience for all who embark on this journey with us. we appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing you with an exceptional experience on the Inca trail.

How many kilos is it allowed to carry on the Inca trail?

As per our porter policy, our porters carry no more than 20 kilograms for safety and well-being. however, we understand that as a guest, you may wish to carry your own personal belongings, there is no weight limit for guests. so you can carry the weight that you want. we saw some people carrying up to 30 kg.

Is there any location where I can plug and charge my electronic devices on the Inca trail?

“Please note that there is currently no electricity available at any of the campsites. to ensure a comfortable stay, we highly recommend that all visitors bring along extra portable battery packs or power banks to keep their devices charged.”

What is the temperature rating of ab expeditions sleeping bags?

We offer top-quality mummy-style sleeping bags that are designed for use in temperatures as low as -15°c / 5°f. the brand is mountain hard wear.

Which campsites do you usually book for your groups?

During the booking process, you will be presented with four options to choose from. we typically recommend selecting option 01 or 02. By choosing either of these options, your last campsite will be wiñaywayna, which is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Machu Picchu. this allows you to reach Machu Picchu early in the morning, ensuring you have ample time to explore and fully enjoy the site.

On the other hand, options 03 and 04 are not recommended. these options involve camping at phuyupamarca, which is situated around 6 hours away from machu picchu. choosing these options would result in a longer trekking time on the final day, and you might arrive at machu picchu later in the day, potentially limiting the time you have to explore the site.

Additional Info for Private Inca Trail Tours

We would like to inform you of the regulations put in place by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and SERNANP regarding access to the Inca Trail. Please ensure that you have a permit that matches your full name, passport number, nationality, and age, issued by the Ministry of Culture.

The number of visitors to the Inca Trail is tightly controlled with a maximum of 500 people per day, including support staff such as authorized porters, cooks, and tour guides. It’s important to note that when the daily visitor limit is reached, the Trail is closed off, and no further reservations can be made. We highly recommend booking permits a year in advance if possible.

Please note that only licensed Inca Trail Travel Agencies like AB EXPEDITIONS can secure permits, which are not transferable at any point. In case of a change in the start date, a new permit must be purchased. We strictly adhere to the regulations set by the government of Peru.

In the event that permits are sold out for your desired start date, we are happy to suggest alternative treks to Machu Picchu, including Salkantay Trek, Inca Quarry Trek, and Lares Trek. Please feel free to contact us for further assistance.

Things to know

• To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Inca Trail hike, we recommend breaking in your trekking shoes beforehand.
• We advise spending two days in Cusco prior to the hike, especially for those not acclimatized to the altitude.
• For peak season bookings in June to August, it is essential to reserve permits a year in advance.
• Along the trail, bottled water is available for purchase on the first and second days, but not again until Machu Picchu.
• Please keep in mind that individuals with back problems are discouraged from taking part in this 4-day trek.
• Departures are available daily for groups of two or more, with no departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• wheelchair access is not available on the trail.
• DON’T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, insurance card, and personal medications.

Duffle bag

As part of our service, we will provide you with duffel bags that can be collected from our office after the briefing. These duffel bags will be carried by your porters and will only be accessible at the campsites. We suggest placing your non-hiking attire and personal items in the duffel bag, allowing you to carry your essential items, such as water, snacks, first aid kit, and rain gear, separately in your day pack.

We ask that you ensure that your duffel bag does not exceed 10kg, of which only 7kg should be allocated to your personal belongings. The remaining 3kg should be reserved for your sleeping pad and sleeping bag. By allocating the weight correctly, you will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience.

Strikes

We would like to inform you that, at times, strikes and roadblocks may occur in Peru which may cause disruption to our Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike and rail service to and from Machu Picchu.  We understand the importance of your journey and want to ensure that any changes to your travel plans are kept to a minimum.

If a strike occurs on the first day of your Private Machu Picchu 4-day tour, we will take you to the trailhead the night before your start date, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. In the event that a strike occurs on the day of your return from the Private Inca Trail 4-day hike, we will send our vans to Hidroelectrica, where you will be required to hike an additional 2 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica. From there, we will transport you by van to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

We are committed to providing a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, and we thank you for your understanding should any unforeseen circumstances arise.

Returning from Machu Picchu to Cusco.

At AB Expeditions, we have taken care of all the logistics for your return trip from Machu Picchu to Cusco. We have arranged for a bus to take you from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, with buses departing every 15 minutes. From there, you will take a train to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Our guide will provide you with your train tickets and we ask that you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure time.

The journey to Ollantaytambo is estimated to take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the journey to Poroy will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Once you arrive at the train station, our transfer will be waiting for you with the AB Expeditions logo and will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Inca trail weather

When hiking the Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it is important to understand that the weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, with rain falling during the dry season and sunshine during the rainy season. As a professional, we recommend hikers prepare for variable weather conditions by bringing essential gear such as a rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Additionally, hikers should be aware that the trail has various microclimates that can change throughout the day, so it is important to dress in layers that can be easily adapted to temperature changes. Hikers should also bring a down jacket for the early morning and evenings when the weather is colder. Overall, being prepared with the right gear and clothing will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Travel Insurance

We highly suggest that you acquire travel insurance as it offers essential coverage for unforeseen circumstances during your Private 4-day Inca Trail tour. It can provide reimbursement for your pre-paid, non-refundable Inca Trail permit in case of last-minute cancellations. Additionally, having travel insurance can offer peace of mind as it can cover medical emergencies that may arise while traveling far away from home. In the event of a covered medical emergency, travel insurance can reimburse for necessary medical expenses incurred. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase travel insurance to ensure that you have adequate protection throughout your journey.

Physical requirements

We highly recommend that individuals embarking on this trek be in good physical condition due to the strenuous nature of the hike. The classic Inca Trail boasts elevation changes that challenge even seasoned hikers, featuring three passes throughout the trek. It is important to prepare and take into consideration the physical demands of the trail in order to fully enjoy your experience.

Pre-departure briefing

We would like to remind you that a pre-departure briefing is essential for a successful and unforgettable Inca Trail experience. The briefing is scheduled at our Cusco Office, located at Marquez Street 250, Second Floor, Office 03 in Cuzco, Peru. The session takes approximately 30-45 minutes where your guide will be introduced to you and provide you with detailed information about the upcoming private tours to the Inca Trail, such as the list of essential items to bring, rental equipment, and answer any questions you may have. Should you have any difficulty attending the scheduled briefing, please contact the AB Expeditions team via email to coordinate an alternative time. We look forward to welcoming you to our Cusco Office at 06:00 pm one day before your departure to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Tipping

We kindly remind our valued guests that it is customary to tip Inca Trail Trail tour staff, including our hard-working porters and skilled chefs. On the third afternoon of the tour, we will bid farewell to these incredible individuals and it is at this time that we request you provide a gratuity, if you so choose. Please note that tipping is voluntary and should never be a source of discomfort or coercion.

Typically, our guests choose to combine their tips for the chefs and porters, while tips for the tour guide are reserved for after the Machu Picchu guided tour. Additionally, we recommend providing tips in Soles for our chefs and porters, while both Soles and U.S. dollars are acceptable for the tour guide.

To assist in guiding your gratuity amount, we suggest considering a range of 50-90 Soles per porter and 120-150 Soles per chef. As always, any additional amount is greatly appreciated by our staff members. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to providing you with an unforgettable Inca Trail experience.

Typical meals on the trek

Our commitment to offering the ultimate culinary experience during your trek to Machu Picchu is unwavering. To ensure that our meals are always of the highest quality, we regularly provide our cooks with intensive training during the low season. The menus we prepare are designed to showcase the freshest local ingredients and provide you with a range of dietary options, which includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options upon request at the time of booking.

For breakfast, indulge in hot porridge, quinoa, or oats, accompanied by a variety of freshly baked bread, fried eggs, omelets, and pancakes. To complete the meal, enjoy fresh fruit and a selection of hot beverages like coca tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.

Our lunch and dinner course offerings, a combination of traditional dishes and international cuisine, are served in two courses. The first course is typically a vegetable-based soup or a stuffed avocado, followed by hearty options such as beef stew, quinoa, and hamburgers. Finally, cap off the dining experience with a selection of desserts like chocolate pudding, vanilla cake, or fresh fruit.

During the trek, snacks such as candies, cookies, fruit juices, and a variety of Peruvian fruits, like bananas, chirimoya, and apples are also available to satisfy any cravings or keep up your energy levels.