Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we’ll head to the train station and embark on a breathtaking 2.5-hour train ride through the Andean landscape to the starting point at Kilometer 104. This is where the Short Inca Trail trek kicks off.

The trek starts with a gradual ascent that takes around four hours, leading us to the captivating ruins of Wiñay Wayna, which sits at an altitude of 2,680 meters (8,792 feet). This site, meaning ‘Forever Young’ in Quechua, is an awe-inspiring display of Inca architecture with its steep terraces, interconnected stairways, and cascading water channels. Wiñay Wayna was likely an agricultural and ceremonial hub, offering both historical significance and panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley below.

After taking in the sights of Wiñay Wayna, we continue our hike toward Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate. Here, you’ll witness your first spectacular view of Machu Picchu, perched majestically amidst the surrounding peaks. Historically, Inti Punku served as the main entrance to Machu Picchu, aligned perfectly for the sun to pass through on the summer solstice. We will descend along the trail that gets us tantalizingly close to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. However, we’ll save the full exploration of the citadel for the following day. We’ll then descend to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll settle in for dinner and rest at a comfortable hotel, preparing for an exciting day ahead.

Services included:

• Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner.
• Tour Guide: Local Tour Guide: English/Spanish
• Transfer: Hotel – Ollantaytambo Train Station
• Train Ticket: Ollantaytambo Train Station – KM 104
• Entrance Fee: Inca Trail KM 104.
• Bus: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Rise early to make the most of your visit to the legendary Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel at around 5:40 a.m., and together we will head to the bus station for a short 45-minute ride up to the archaeological site.

Once inside the citadel, you will embark on a two-hour guided tour that will uncover the history and mysteries of Machu Picchu. Your guide will lead you through iconic sections of the site, including the House of the Guardian, the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, the Sacred Plaza, and more. As you explore, you’ll be treated to incredible views of Machu Picchu’s terraced slopes, surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains and deep valleys.

After exploring the ancient ruins, we’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time to relax and grab a bite to eat (lunch not included). Later, we’ll board the train back to Poroy station, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you on a short ride back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding your unforgettable journey through the heart of Inca civilization.

Services included:

• Meals: Not Included
• Tour Guide: Local Tour Guide: English/Spanish.
• Bus: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (20 minutes approx).
• Entrance Fee: Machu Picchu Citadel.
• Train Ticket: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy.
• Transfer: Train Station – Cusco Hotel.