20+ Years of Experience
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Locally Based in the Sacred Valley
The Route at a Glance
The complete Inca Trail experience, walked at a steady pace over four days. You build up gradually to the final approach to Machu Picchu, with time to enjoy the ruins and campsites along the way. Best for travelers who want to do the iconic trek properly.
- Distance
- 32.60 km
- Km 82 to Machu Picchu
- Duration
- 4 days
- 3 nights, on foot
- Start
- 2,644 m a.s.l.
- Km 82
- Highest point
- 4,210 m a.s.l.
- 13,812 ft · Dead Woman’s Pass
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Trek Highlights
- Cross Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,210 m a.s.l.
- Walk original Inca stone paths through the cloud forest.
- Visit Llactapata, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna.
- Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Day 1 of 4
Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
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: the river, the maize terraces, and a sense of quiet. By the time you reach Wayllabamba, the pace of the city has faded, and you find yourself walking to the rhythm of the Andes.
Highlights
- Hike the original Inca Trail.
- Explore Llactapata archaeological site.
- Scenic views of the Sacred Valley.
- Experience your first mountain campsite.
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Day 2 of 4
Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
The highest and most challenging day of the trek.
The hardest day is also the one many trekkers remember most. After breakfast, you climb steadily out of the forest to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft). At the summit, many pause to catch their breath and take in the achievement — perhaps leaving a worry or an old habit behind. From there, the descent begins, and the trail feels a little lighter.
Highlights
- Reach Dead Woman’s Pass.
- Incredible panoramic Andes views.
- Cloud forest scenery.
- The most rewarding challenge of the trek.
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Day 3 of 4
Pacaymayo – Wiñay Wayna
Cloud forests, original Inca stairways and hidden archaeological sites: often the most beautiful day of the trek.
Ancient Inca stone paths, tunnels, and archaeological sites unfold one after another as the trail descends into the cloud forest. Along the way, the air grows warmer and more humid, and the landscape gradually transforms. It’s a long day on the trail, asking little more than that you keep walking, take in your surroundings, and enjoy the journey.
Highlights
- Visit Phuyupatamarca ruins.
- Walk through cloud forests.
- Explore Wiñay Wayna archaeological site.
- Scenic original Inca staircases.
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Day 4 of 4
Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Sunrise at the Sun Gate, then a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
You wake before dawn and begin the final stretch of the trail in the soft light of early morning. As you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), Machu Picchu reveals itself below, offering one of the most unforgettable views of the entire journey. After four days of trekking, you finally arrive at the legendary Inca citadel on foot — a truly rewarding experience that words can hardly describe.
Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours following Circuit 3, which covers the lower sector of Machu Picchu and its remarkable archaeological features.
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.
Return to Cusco or the Sacred Valley
Return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. Our preferred departure is at 2.30 p.m. (subject to availability). Passengers must be at the train station 30 minutes before departure for boarding. Ask us about later departures, which may be available.
Approximate schedule:
- 2:00 p.m. – Arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station.
- 2:30 p.m. – 3:56 p.m. – Voyager train, Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- 4:15 p.m. – Private transfer to your hotel: about 1 hour to the Sacred Valley or 2 hours to Cusco.
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Upgrade Your Machu Picchu Train
Your program includes a standard panoramic train. Upgrade it for more windows, an open-air car or onboard entertainment.
Included
Expedition or Voyager Train
Comfortable seats and large windows. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.
Upgrade
Vistadome Train
Enjoy larger panoramic windows, comfortable premium seating, and onboard entertainment.
Upgrade
Vistadome Observatory Train
Everything in the panoramic experience, plus an open-air observatory car with unobstructed views.
Upgrades apply to the return train or the round trip, depending on your program. Price per person, subject to availability. Departure times depend on the train you choose and are confirmed when you book.
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.
Sun and rain
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof poncho
- Jacket
Daypack essentials
- Water
- Snacks
- Toilet paper
- Headlamp
Documents and health
- Documents (passport)
- Personal medication
Camera and power
- Camera / phone
- Power bank
Full daypack checklist, footwear and packing tips in the free guide →
On the trail
Food and dietary needs
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.”
“… 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 …”