Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco - Km 104 - Machu Picchu

1. Inca Trail
   7h · Admission ticket included
   We start very early from Cusco, with transport taking us to Ollantaytambo, where we have free time for breakfast at the station before boarding the tourist train to Km 104. Our journey begins with a visit to the Inca checkpoint at Chachabamba (2170 masl / 7119 ft). From here, we ascend to the stunning archaeological site of Wiñaywayna (2650 masl / 8692 ft), our resting point where we’ll enjoy a scheduled box lunch.
   
   Afterward, we continue to Intipunku, the Sun Gate (2745 masl / 9005 ft), for a panoramic view of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel (2430 masl / 7972 ft). We then descend along a scenic path to the main checkpoint, where a tourist bus awaits to take us to Aguas Calientes (2040 masl / 6692 ft). Here, we’ll head to our selected comfortable hotel for a well-deserved rest.
2. 20m · Admission ticket included
   Location: Chachabamba is nestled in Peru's Andean region, situated along the route to Machu Picchu, at an altitude of around 2,250 meters above sea level.
   
   Historical Importance: Although smaller than Machu Picchu or Wiñaywayna, Chachabamba holds significant historical and archaeological value. This site was a place of worship, dedicated to Inca deities, with rituals likely focused on agriculture and fertility, making it an essential piece of Inca spiritual and cultural heritage.
3. Winay Wayna
   40m · Admission ticket included
   Wiñaywayna: Wiñaywayna is an archaeological site found along the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu in Peru. The name "Wiñaywayna" means "Forever Young" in Quechua, the native language of the region.
   
   Location: Situated in Peru's Andean region, Wiñaywayna lies on the trail to Machu Picchu at an altitude of about 2,650 meters above sea level.
4. Machu Picchu
   20m
   Inti Punku: Translating to "Gate of the Sun" in Quechua, Inti Punku is an archaeological site located near Aguas Calientes in the Cusco region of Peru.
   
   Access: Visitors on the Inca Trail pass through Inti Punku before reaching Machu Picchu, making it one of the most memorable highlights of the hike. Positioned as the traditional gateway to the Machu Picchu sanctuary, this site offers an incredible, panoramic view of the iconic Inca citadel and its surrounding landscapes, adding both historical significance and stunning scenery to the journey.

Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

1. Machu Picchu
   7h
   On your second day, after an early breakfast at your hotel, you will take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise over the citadel. Your guide will take you on a full 2 to 3 hour tour of the most important sections of Machu Picchu, including its temples, plazas and terraces, while explaining the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic site.
   After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore more on your own or take an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to get an additional perspective of the area (tickets for these hikes must be booked well in advance). Once you have fully immersed yourself in the wonder of Machu Picchu, you will descend by bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
   In the afternoon, you will board a scenic train back to Ollantaytambo, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. You can expect to arrive in Cusco around 7:30 p.m.

Pickup details

Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, our team will welcome you with a sign with your name and will assist you with your luggage. Enjoy a private and comfortable transfer to your hotel in Cusco, for a hassle-free arrival and a perfect start to your adventure.

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness