The 4-Day Inca Trail takes you through mountain landscapes and archaeological sites before arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Walk through Andean history, culture and nature on one of Peru’s best-known trekking routes. Choose a shared or private service, and we tailor-make every detail to your travel style, needs and budget.
Incredible Andean scenery
Fascinating archaeological sites
Led by a local expert team
Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
Route and Itinerary
Four Days, One Trail
Interactive map of the Classic Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu including campsites, altitude changes and archaeological sites.
Day 1 covers 10.78 km from Km 82 to Wayllabamba. Next, you hike 7.43 km to Pacaymayo on day 2. Day 3 adds 9.49 km to Wiñay Wayna, and the final stretch to Machu Picchu is 4.91 km.
Your first steps on the original Inca Trail, from Km 82 to the camp at Wayllabamba.
From Km 82 the road falls behind and the valley takes over: river, maize terraces, the first quiet. By Wayllabamba, the pace of the city has worn off, and you are walking at the pace of the Andes.
Highlights
Hike the original Inca Trail.
Explore Llactapata archaeological site.
Scenic views of the Sacred Valley.
Experience your first mountain campsite.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
The hardest day is also the one most walkers remember. After breakfast, you climb step by step out of the forest to 4,210 m a.s.l. At the pass, many people stop, breathe and leave something behind: a worry, an old habit. From there, the descent is lighter.
Highlights
Reach Dead Woman’s Pass.
Incredible panoramic Andes views.
Cloud forest scenery.
The most rewarding challenge of the trek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Cloud forests, original Inca stairways and hidden archaeological sites: often the most beautiful day of the trek.
Inca stone paths, tunnels and ruins appear one after another as the trail drops into the cloud forest. Along the way, the air turns warmer and thicker. It is a long day that asks nothing of you but to keep walking, and to notice.
Highlights
Visit Phuyupatamarca ruins.
Walk through cloud forests.
Explore Wiñay Wayna archaeological site.
Scenic original Inca staircases.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Sunrise at the Sun Gate, then a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
You rise before dawn and walk the last stretch in the half-dark. At the Sun Gate the city appears below, as it did for Inca pilgrims. Finally, you arrive on foot, rested in a way that is hard to explain until you have done it.
Highlights
Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Sunrise views over the Lost City of the Incas.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo, then a private transfer to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Your experience
What’s Included
On the trail
Professional English / Spanish guide.
Inca Trail permit + Machu Picchu entrance.
Porters for camping equipment.
Personal porter (6 kg).
Cooking staff.
First aid kit + oxygen bottle.
Camp and meals
Camping tent for 2 people.
Sleeping mat.
Sleeping bag.
Walking sticks.
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.
Transport
Private transport Cusco to Km 82.
Bus down from Machu Picchu.
Return train to Ollantaytambo (Voyager or Expedition).
Private transfer to Cusco hotel.
What’s not included
Tips for guide and porters.
Breakfast on day 1.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes (last day).
Extra drinks/snacks.
Huayna Picchu mountain ticket (USD 85 per person).
Train upgrade.
Extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
Travel insurance.
Important Notes
Permits are limited. Check availability before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance.
Passport is required during the trek.
All personal data must match the permit reservation.
Student discount requires valid student ID.
Campsites may vary according to government regulations.
Times are approximate.
FAQ
Difficulty and altitude
The 4-day Inca Trail is rated Moderate to Challenging, and altitude is what makes it demanding. Day 2 is the hardest: 7.43 km in 6–7 h, climbing 1,279 m to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,210 m a.s.l. (13,812 ft). By contrast, day 3 is the longest in time, at about 8 h over 9.49 km, with a descent of 1,730 m. Overall, days 1 and 4 are Moderate (10.78 km in 5–6 h, and 4.91 km in about 2 h).
Good physical condition is recommended. Also, porters carry the camping equipment and up to 6 kg of your personal items, so you carry only a daypack. Your team travels with a first aid kit and an oxygen bottle.
We recommend at least one full day in Cusco (3,399 m a.s.l.) or the Sacred Valley before you start, and more time if your schedule allows. As a result, your body has time to adjust before the climb to 4,210 m a.s.l. on day 2. Take it easy on that first day and drink plenty of water. In fact, the trail itself begins lower than Cusco: Km 82 is at 2,644 m a.s.l. and the first camp, Wayllabamba, at 2,942 m a.s.l. If you have a health condition, check with your doctor before you travel.
Packing and booking
Bring your original passport, waterproof trekking boots that you have already walked in, a rain jacket or poncho, warm layers for the cold nights, a hat, gloves, eco-friendly sunscreen and insect repellent, a flashlight or headlamp, a reusable water bottle, snacks and any personal medication. A 25–35 L daypack is enough for the day. In addition, we provide the tent for two, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, walking sticks and boiled, filtered drinking water. Porters carry up to 6 kg of your personal items, not counting the sleeping bag. Some cash in soles is useful for tips.
Book as early as possible. Inca Trail permits are limited and can sell out months in advance, so we recommend checking availability early. Your booking is confirmed with a 50% deposit and your passenger details.
The permit is issued in the name on your passport, so send your details exactly as they appear on it. The balance is due 30 days before the trek (60 days for groups of 10 or more).
The trail is closed in February. Tell us your preferred dates on WhatsApp and we will reply as soon as we can.
Before and after the trek
The day before the trek, your guide holds a briefing at your hotel. On day 1 we pick you up at about 6 a.m. in Cusco or about 7 a.m. in the Sacred Valley and drive you privately to Km 82, where you meet your guide, cooks and porters.
Carry your original passport: the name must match your permit exactly, and details cannot be changed once the permit is purchased. Also, breakfast on day 1 is not included (lunch and dinner are), so have breakfast before pickup.
On day 4 you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, visit the citadel with your guide and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. From there, you take the train to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer to your Cusco hotel. Lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included.
Vegetarian meals are available; vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals are available with advance notice. Campsites may change under government regulations, and times are approximate.
Santu Tour Operator
The 4-Day Inca Trail Guide
Route, training, packing and altitude
Free Guide
Still Planning Your Trek?
Get the free 4-Day Inca Trail Guide from the local team that walks this route.
Day-by-day route and itinerary
What to pack, footwear and trekking poles
Training plan, altitude and weather
Permits and booking timeline
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Pack light
What to bring
The bag you carry yourself while walking. Camping equipment is normally carried by the trekking crew.
Vegetarian options are available on the 4-day Inca Trail. Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals are available on request with advance notice. Please tell us about any food allergies when you book, so we can confirm what we can arrange for you.
Traveling responsibly
We buy local products whenever we can, to support the local economy. On the trail we take care to recycle, reuse and avoid single-use plastic.
Our porters, protected by law
Porters are part of every Santu trek. We follow Peru’s Porter Law (Law 31614):
Maximum load: up to 20 kg for men and 15 kg for women.
Equipment: uniform, protective gear and a lumbar support belt.
Food and shelter: nutritious meals and covered sleeping quarters.
Minimum age: 18 years.
That is why your personal items are limited to 6 kg (13 lb).
Tripadvisor · 2026 Reviews
What Our Travelers Say
Recent Tripadvisor reviews of Santu trips in Peru, posted in 2026.
“The experience was incredible; we were 3 families and we loved it. The level of food, the tents, the guides. A ten.”
Edgardo C · Toledo, Spain Written 4 August 2026 · Translated from Spanish by Tripadvisor
“… Giuliana exceeded our expectations. She did an amazing job listening to our wants/needs, make recommendations and take care of all the steps along the way. We felt fully informed.”
“Giuliana who is an amazing travel agent who planned everything for Us and give us lots of great ideas and she came with an amazing package that it took care of all our needs …”
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