Early in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you’ll board a scenic train ride (about 1 hour) to Km 104, where your adventure begins.
At the checkpoint, you’ll need to show your passport/ID to enter the Inca Trail. We’ll start with a visit to Chachabamba, an important archaeological site hidden in the lush cloud forest. Then we begin the hike, ascending stone stairways surrounded by waterfalls, dense vegetation, and beautiful native orchids.
After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we arrive at the impressive site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft)—one of the most spectacular ruins on the Inca Trail. After exploring the terraces and temples, we continue to the Wiñay Wayna control point, where we’ll enjoy our boxed lunch.
The second part of the trail takes about 2 hours, following ancient stone paths, stairs, and traditional tambos (Inca rest stops) until we reach Inti Punku – the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,924 ft). During Inca times, this was the main entrance and control point to Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley—an unforgettable moment.
After taking in the views, we descend for about 1 hour to Machu Picchu, stopping at a viewpoint platform for iconic photos. Then we take the shared bus down to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,087 ft) (about 25 minutes) and check in to your hotel for one night.
Day 1 Includes:
-
Breakfast
-
Box lunch
-
Shared bus up & down (Machu Picchu)
-
1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
-
Inca Trail permits / entrance tickets