Itinerary

1. Day 1: Cusco – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

   • We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel early in the morning (about 5:00 am).
   • Drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo and take the train to Kilometer (Km) 104, which takes about three hours. The unscheduled train stop will make you feel a twinge of satisfaction that the train stops, especially for you – and by knowing you are about to see things that no one else will get to! 
   • Get off the train and pass the Inca Trail checkpoint, where we will see our first archaeological center called Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft). These ruins were one of the last shelters that the Incas used before they reached Machu Picchu. This site was also used as a religious and administrative center and featured several buildings. 
   • Gradually ascend for about 2-3 hours climbing Inca stone steps while our guide points out different flora and fauna along the trail.
   • Pass a tall waterfall before arriving at the archaeological site called Wiñay Wayna at (2,650 m / 8,700 ft), which is named after an orchid and means Forever Young in Quechua. 
   • Climb to the top of the ruins and enjoy lunch with an incredible view of Wiñay Wayna and the Sacred Valley. This large site sits on a mountainside and features experimental terraces that the Incas used to grow different crops. 
   • Visit an important temple with seven windows that was dedicated to the rainbow, as well as observe the amazing engineering of water channels that still function today.
   • Continue our hike for about 1 ½ hour on the part of the Inca Trail, which is relatively flat, with small ascents and descents along the way. 
   • At about 2:00 pm, reach the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,920 ft) called Intipunku in Quechua. This is where we will have our first view of Machu Picchu.
   • From there, head down to the ruins to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. 
   • Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, you will check in to your hotel. 
   • The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening if time is available before dinner.

   Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner

   Accommodations: Hotel

   Maximum altitude: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft

   Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft

   Distance to walk: 9.3 miles/15 km

   Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours

2. Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco

   • After an early breakfast, board the bus, which will take us to the most mysterious city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. The same professional guide will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and inspirational place. 
   • Visit the Sun Temple, Royal Palace, Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana sundial. 
   • After the guided tour, we’ve left some free time for you to explore on your own. 
   • If you have booked the Wayna Picchu hike, you’ll need to coordinate with our guide regarding your scheduled time to take this additional hike. For people not hiking Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, there are other optional activities you can do on your own:
     • Hike to the Sun Gate: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see Machu Picchu from a different angle.
     • Trek to the Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adrenaline, and while not a strenuous trek, it is death-defying as the trail is very narrow with steep drops and not for people with vertigo.
   • Back to Cusco in the afternoon, you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. 
   • Upon your arrival at the train station, you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft

   Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/8,052 ft