Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night

You will be picked up from your accommodation at approximately 4:00-4:30 am to begin the 2-hour journey to the train station by van to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hrs). You will then board the train and travel for 1 hour until you reach Km 104 (trail head) where you pass the permit control point to begin your trek. You will see the ruins of Chachabamba, a stone altar-site that was used to worship the sun and the mountains. After visiting Chachabamba, you will continue uphill to an open meadow. After walking approximately 3 hours, the road will descend into a beautiful forest where you will find a waterfall (when the season permits), then progress to the bottom of the ruins of Winaywayna. The guide will explain this ancient site, which will be followed by your boxed lunch. You will then continue in the afternoon to the cloud forest again, filled with bromeliads, orchids and tree ferns. As we walk the last part of the way we pass many impressive features such as the stone stairs and drums "resting places". You climb 60 stairs before you reach Inti Punku or better known as the infamous "Sun Gate". From this observation point you will then descend for approximately 45 minutes to get to the viewpoint where you board the bus to Aguas Calientes. Here you will be taken to your accommodations where the Inca Trail Explorer guide will review plans and arrangements for the next day.

Meals: box lunch and dinner

Distance: 12 km / 8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Walking time: 6-7 hours, depending on your pace and stops

Starting elevations: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft

Highest elevation: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft

Accommodations: Standard hotel

An early start is essential to make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu. You’ll take a short bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Here a guided tour of Machu Picchu follows, providing you with insights into the history, architecture, and significance of this remarkable Inca citadel.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes (hiking – 1.5 hrs) for lunch (not included). Later in the day, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then continue by bus to Cusco. The tour concludes with your return to Cusco in the evening around 6:30-7:00 pm.

Meals: Breakfast

Difficulty: Moderate

Walking time: 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and stops

Machu Picchu site elevations: 2,430 m / 7,970 ft

Optional extra hikes: Moderate to challenging