Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Trip of a lifetime - Combined Salkantay and Inca Trail (6 Days / 5 Nights)

This was one of the most extraordinary experiences I have ever had. What made the Combined Salkantay and Inca Trail so special was that we enjoyed the best elements of two bucket-list hikes together in a single journey. We experienced the dramatic high-altitude wilderness of the Salkantay region before seamlessly transitioning to the history, culture and iconic archaeology of the Inca Trail. The scenery throughout the Salkantay section was simply breathtaking. The trek takes you through an ever-changing landscape of towering Andean peaks, immense valleys and stunning glaciers, with the majestic Nevado Salkantay dominating the horizon for much of the route. One of the most memorable moments was visiting the spectacular alpine lagoons, particularly Humantay Lake with its unreal turquoise waters beneath glacier-covered mountains, and the beautiful Salkantaycocha Lagoon, sitting peacefully beneath the immense ice-covered slopes of Salkantay itself. These places felt almost otherworldly and were among the most beautiful mountain landscapes I have ever seen. Reaching Salkantay Pass was a genuine highlight and personal achievement, but what really surprised me was what came afterwards. The valley connecting the Salkantay route to the start of the Inca Trail was absolutely magical. While the classic trails can understandably be busy at times, this section felt like a hidden world. We walked through spectacular mountain scenery and remote Andean landscapes with a sense of solitude that we really didn't expect on such famous trekking routes. For long stretches, it felt as though we had this incredible valley almost entirely to ourselves. That transition between the grandeur of Salkantay and the anticipation of the Inca Trail created some of the most memorable moments of the entire trip. The Inca Trail then delivered a completely different but equally rewarding experience. The focus shifted from glaciers and mountain wilderness to cloud forests, ancient pathways and remarkable archaeological sites. Having already experienced the grandeur of Salkantay, arriving at the Inca ruins along the trail and ultimately Machu Picchu felt even more meaningful. Rather than choosing between two great treks, this itinerary allowed us to experience the best of both worlds. As incredible as the landscapes were, the people behind the experience made it truly exceptional. Every member of the team looked after us with genuine warmth, professionalism and care from start to finish. The porters, both young and old, were remarkable. Their strength, resilience and positive attitude never ceased to amaze us, and they always greeted us with smiles despite carrying far heavier loads and often arriving well ahead of us each day. The food deserves special mention. Balbino and Ezequiel somehow produced restaurant-quality meals in the middle of the Andes, day after day. Every meal felt like a feast. The variety, freshness, presentation, quantity and quality of the food were astounding, and it was almost impossible to believe what they were able to create from remote mountain camps. Mealtimes were one of the highlights of each day. Most of all, however, our deepest thanks go to our guide, Cesar. Quite simply, he transformed an outstanding hike into an unforgettable life experience. His knowledge of the Andes, Inca history, plants and animals and especially Quechua culture and traditions was extraordinary. More importantly, his passion for sharing that knowledge brought every part of the journey to life. Whether explaining the significance of a mountain, discussing local customs, interpreting archaeological sites or sharing stories passed down through generations, Cesar provided a depth of understanding that no guidebook could ever replicate. What truly set Cesar apart was the personal connection he created with every member of the group. He took the time to get to know us as individuals, tailored his explanations to our interests and made everyone feel welcome and supported throughout the trek. His pride in his culture, genuine kindness and infectious enthusiasm left a lasting impression on all of us. The Combined Salkantay and Inca Trail is not just a hike to Machu Picchu. It is a journey through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world, past glaciers and turquoise lagoons, through remote valleys and ancient pathways (some photos attached to show the variety of the landscapes), accompanied by an exceptional team of people. Thanks to Balbino, Ezequiel, the incredible porters and especially Cesar, it became far more than a trek. It was a profound cultural experience and undoubtedly one of the greatest adventures of a lifetime.

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Fabulous!

Highly recommend the private Inca Trail tour with Trexperience. Very easy booking process, great communication. We were a group of 4 aged 60, 62, 65 & 67, it was hard work! We had trained a reasonable amount prior to arriving, however you cannot train for the altitude! 3 of us were very short of breath, no appetite and headaches, in spite of acclimatising in Cusco for 4 nights beforehand. Thony, our guide was very patient even though we missed lunch on one day and arrived in camp a couple of hours later than expected. However, we made it to the Sun Gate on day 4 which was magnificent and worth the pain! A special mention to Gabriella and Florentino who went above and beyond to assist us. Thank you. Thony was very knowledgeable, who thoroughly enjoyed his job, his enthusiasm rubbed off on everyone. He certainly gave us the strength to finish the trail and kept us motivated. The chef “Teddy Bear” was amazing, we have no idea how he can put together the wonderful meals with limited facilities. The porters did an amazing job, how they carry the equipment and get to the camp in such a short space of time is unbelievable. Don’t think about it, just book it with Trexperience, you won’t be disappointed.

Response from the operator: Dear suemK8800JB, Thank you for sharing such a detailed and heartfelt review. We are very happy to know that, despite the challenges of altitude, you and your group were able to complete the Inca Trail and reach the Sun Gate. It’s wonderful to hear that Thony, Gabriela, Florentino, Chef “Teddy Bear,” and our porters supported you with care, patience, and dedication throughout the journey. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to the entire TreXperience team. We hope to welcome you again in Peru for another adventure. Warm regards, TreXperience Yosselyn

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Amazing Peru Trip

This trip was incredible! Roger, our guide, was incredibly phenomenal. He expressed so much interest in our enjoyment and understanding of the Inca sites we visited! He led excellently with Balbino, the second guide and they helped us every step of the way. The food? INCREDIBLE:) our porters and chefs were absolutely fantastic and made our experience absolutely amazing. 10 out of 10 would recommend this company and guide and trip. Please try, you won’t be disappointed:)

Response from the operator: Dear N1108TKcalebm, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to know that your Peru trip was incredible and that Roger, Balbino, our chefs, and porters made your Inca Trail experience so special. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation. TreXperience

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Amazing Trekking Experience

Our 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was amazing. Our guide, Filio, was excellent. He took care of our group. We had one member get sick and he was able to ensure we could still keep trekking and were able to rest and recover. Our chef, Beltran, and porters were SO amazing. Watching the porters run the trail that we were slowly trekking was quite the scene. Overall TreXperience handled our group from booking to final lunch and everything was flawless! I would 100% recommend this tour group and Filio as a tour guide to anyone interested in doing this trek.

Response from the operator: Dear BethLH77, Thank you so much for your kind words. We are very happy to know that your 4-day Inca Trail experience was amazing and that everything went smoothly from booking to the final lunch. Filio, Beltran, and our porters will be truly grateful for your recognition. It means a lot to know that their care, support, and hard work helped make your trek safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. TreXperience

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Best experience ever!

The best experience we could’ve asked for. Alan was our tour guide and he did an amazing job explaining the history about the Inca’s and all the sacred places, also keeping us motivated during the long hike. Leandro and his kitchen team were amazing, preparing some of the best food during the hike. Lots of food and options, it’s impressive all they can prepare up in the trails. Benedicto and his porters team were always making us feel like part of the family, they also worked super hard moving all the equipment from camp to camp to make sure everything was ready for us once we arrived at the camp. They were always waiting for us with smiles and clapping, congratulating us every time we reached the camp. Blessed to had such a great team for my 4 day Inca Trail!

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