Private Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days

The sooner, the better. Ideally, book about 8 months in advance and, in high season (April to October), at least 6 months ahead. The government limits Inca Trail access to just 200 hikers per day, not counting support staff and porters.

That is why we recommend booking as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

The Andes have two seasons: the dry season, from April to October, and the rainy season, from November to March. Even in the rainy season, a single day can combine sun, clouds and rain. The Inca Trail opens on March 1 and stays open until the end of January; the busiest months are April to September. Machu Picchu lies in the cloud forest, with a warm, humid climate and temperatures between 8 °C and 20 °C (46 °F and 68 °F), so bring clothes for both cold and warm weather.

The 4-Day Private Classic Inca Trail is ideal if you want a more exclusive, flexible and personalized experience to Machu Picchu. It follows one of the best-preserved Inca trails in the world, through Andean landscapes, ancient archaeological centers and the history of one of the most fascinating civilizations in the Americas.

We especially recommend it for couples, families and groups of friends who prefer not to adjust to the pace of a shared group: as a private service, you walk at your own pace, with more photo stops, breaks whenever you need them and more time to make the most of your guide’s explanations.

We recommend the hike for children aged 8 and over who are used to walking and outdoor activities. There is no maximum age for adults: many travelers in their 60s and 70s, and even older, complete the route without problems. Even so, we advise a medical check-up beforehand and travel insurance covering hiking and medical emergencies.

More than age, what matters is being able to walk for several hours. The private service is especially comfortable if you travel with children or older adults: you go at your own pace, have more time with the guide and can stop longer at the places that interest you most.

No. Peruvian and Andean Community citizens do not get a discount on the Inca Trail or the Machu Picchu ticket. The CAN benefit only applies to programs that do not include the Inca Trail.

As such a busy route, the Inca Trail needs maintenance every year. This work is done in February, the month with the heaviest rains, and the trail reopens on March 1.

To enjoy the adventure and avoid altitude sickness, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days in advance. During that time you can acclimatize with activities such as a half-day city tour or a full-day trip to the Sacred Valley. If you are coming from another high-altitude area of Peru, 1 full day in Cusco may be enough.

Its difficulty is moderate. The most demanding day is the second, because of the climb to Warmiwañusca Pass, at over 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level. With good acclimatization and a steady pace, most travelers complete the route without problems.

The full route is about 45 km (28 miles), spread over days of 5 to 7 hours of hiking, depending on the group’s pace, the weather, and stops to rest and visit the archaeological sites.

The hike starts at Piscacucho (Km 82), at 2,720 m (8,923 ft) above sea level. The highest point is Warmiwañusca Pass, or Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,215 m (13,828 ft), reached on the second day.

It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Good insurance gives you support with unforeseen events such as lost luggage, cancellations, strikes or natural disasters.

Yes. One day before, your guide will give you a detailed briefing, in a group or in person, at your hotel.

Only if you provide a copy of both the new and the old passport, as required by the government. If you no longer have the old passport, any official ID with the same name is accepted. Also check that your passport does not expire within six months before or during the trip.

Most travelers arrive by plane. Cusco airport only receives domestic flights, so if you are coming from abroad via Lima, you must collect your luggage in Lima and check it in again for the flight to Cusco. Several airlines fly the Lima – Cusco route with similar schedules.

No, the first breakfast is not included. You can ask your hotel for a box breakfast or have breakfast at our stop in Ollantaytambo, before continuing to Piscacucho (Km 82).

Comfortable, light clothing suited to the Andean climate: waterproof hiking boots with good non-slip soles, breathable technical garments (better to avoid cotton), a waterproof jacket or poncho, warm clothes for the cold nights, moisture-wicking shirts, hiking pants, socks, underwear, a hat or cap, sunglasses and a special outfit for your photos at Machu Picchu.

Yes. On the Private Classic Inca Trail, the porters carry your sleeping bag, sleeping mat and up to 5 kg of personal luggage. That way you only hike with a light backpack while the team takes care of the logistics and your comfort.

They are highly recommended: they improve stability and reduce the impact on your knees, especially going up and down the many stone stairways. On the private service we provide poles with rubber tips, which the Ministry of Culture requires to protect the trail, so you don’t need to bring or buy them in Cusco.

Drones are not allowed: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are protected by the Peruvian government and UNESCO. GoPro and small cameras are allowed.

Yes. Our kitchen team prepares vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at no extra cost. Just tell us your preferences or restrictions when booking.

The guided visit lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours on Circuit 3B. Along the way, the guide will share the history, mysteries and secrets of this wonder of the world.

Strikes, demonstrations or roadblocks may change schedules or services. Our operations team monitors the situation constantly to give you timely solutions. If something unexpected happens, we coordinate schedule changes, alternative routes or rescheduling according to the Ministry of Culture’s rules, always with your safety in mind.

Since some changes may involve additional costs, we recommend having travel insurance.

If you feel unwell because of the altitude, fatigue or another cause, the guide will assess your situation immediately and assist you. Depending on your condition and where you are on the route, we will coordinate your return by the safest route or help from the authorities: the Ministry of Culture, SERNANP and the High Mountain Division of the Peruvian National Police.

Our goal is to act quickly and responsibly to keep every traveler safe.

Yes. If you take the train the next day at the same time as in your original itinerary (usually 6:20 p.m.), there is no additional charge. If you need us to book your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, there is an additional cost.

Let us know at least one month in advance, so we can buy your train ticket for the correct date.

1. Availability check: Email us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant.

2. Traveler details: To process the permits, we need each traveler’s full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality, exactly as they appear on the passport. Without these details we cannot buy permits or tickets.

3. Deposit: Once the forms are complete, we will ask for a deposit of US$ 300 per person to buy the permits.

4. Confirmation: Once the permits are secured, you will receive the official confirmation invoice and your booking will be 100% guaranteed.

The balance is paid in cash, in US dollars or soles, at our office in Cusco. There are plenty of ATMs in the historic center to withdraw money.

Yes. During the hike, you can store your main luggage free of charge at our office or at your hotel.

Yes, tipping is part of the tradition of hikes to Machu Picchu. Although our team receives fair pay, any extra gratuity is always appreciated. It is not mandatory and should never feel like an obligation.

Contact our sales team via WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com. We will gladly help you plan your experience to Machu Picchu.