Tour Type: Hiking, adventure, historical, cultural and nature

Recommended season: From April to November

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna, Sun Gate and Machu Picchu archaeological sites, flora and fauna.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hiking to Machu Picchu

Your short Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu beings, picking you up from your hotel early in the morning. It will take about 1h 30 minutes to get to the train station where we will take a train from Ollantaytambo. The trail follows the Urubamba River until we reach Km 104, where we begin our trek. Along the way you will see spectacular views of farmlands, snow-capped mountains and the mighty Urubamba River. The Urubamba River is one of the sources of the massive Amazon River so it is very impressive to see. At 104 km, we will start our beautiful and epic trek.

Once you are off the train we will pass a checkpoint, where you will need to show your original passport. Afterwards, we will provide you with some snacks. We will then begin our trek, by visiting the first Inca site. Here you will have a history lesson about this historical Inca site as well as a walking tour. Following this, we will head to the original restored Inca Trail; here there are tremendous views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River and other surrounding Inca Sites.

After hiking for about 3 hours, the hike reaches the most beautiful Inca site on this IncaTrail; Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2,600 m.a.s.l /8,500 feet. Few people get the opportunity to see these elaborate water fountains, temples and agricultural terraces. These provide a perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the Incas. The backdrop of this site is a cliff drop with beautiful mountains surrounding the area.

Wiñayhuayna is located a few minutes away by foot. Here, there are toilets and where we will have some time to enjoy our packed lunch. From Wiñayhuayna the walking continues to the Sun Gate, which is an amazing lookout where you will see the picturesque landscape of Machu Picchu. After taking in the once-in-a-lifetime views, we carry on descending to Machu Picchu.

One of the many advantages of this trek is that by the time we reach Machu Picchu in the afternoon, there are not many tourists, so it means you will be able to enjoy it more. After taking photos of the area, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. In this small and beautiful town you have many restaurants to choose from for dinner, and if you would like, we can help you with your booking. After dinner, we recommend going to bed early to rest for the next day.

Box lunch included.

Hotel in Aguas Calientes town 

Day 2: Visit the Machu Picchu Citadel

We will wake up early so that we can catch one of the first buses. We can see the striking sunrise in Machu Picchu. You will have a two hour guided walking tour by your private English speaking INKA HORIZON guide. Those who have tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to climb it. Wayna picchu is approximately an hour and a half round-trip. Machu Picchu needs about 3 hours to climb up and down. After your Machu Picchu experience, we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes along with your lunch. Please remember to catch the train, which will depart that afternoon to Ollantaytambo. Once you arrive at the station in Ollantaytambo we will be there to meet you and drive you back to Cusco. 

Breakfast at the hotel.

INCLUDED

• A professional English, Spanish and Quechua speaking guide.
• Hotel, we include a 3 star Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Our price is based on two people per room. There is a $50 surcharge for a single (prices vary by hotel).
• Entrance to Inca trail and Machu Picchu
• Private  transportationCusco-Ollantambo- Cusco,
• Expedition Train class train going and back
• Bus tickets in Machu Picchu.
• Included meals 1 box lunch and 1 breakfast
• First aid kit

NOT INCLUDED

• Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance.
• Machu Picchu Mountain entrance.
• Tipping is always appreciated and should be based completely on your satisfaction.
• Travel Insurance, This is not required, but always recommended.
• Walking poles, a pair 5 USD.

WHAT TO BRING?

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better 25 Lt)
• Reusable water bottles or camelback are recommended for this trek.
• Comfortable hiking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Sun hat
• Bathing suits for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes)
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent
• Your personal medication
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
• Your favorite snacks
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