Highlight of the day: Retracing ancient steps on the Inca Trail and entering the incredible Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Hike Ancient Trails and Travel Back in Time at Historic Sites
Box Lunch and snacks
Meals
Moderate
Difficulty
9 km / 5.6 mi
Walking Distance
5 hours
Walking Time
2,100 m / 6,890 ft
Starting Elevation
2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Min. Elevation
2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Highest Elevation
2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Machu Picchu Site Elevation
Begin with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel. We’ll take you to Ollantaytambo to board the train to KM 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail hike. We’ll start by visiting the Chachabamba archaeological site and continue hiking up the original Inca stone steps to the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. You’ll have an epic exploration and have time to relax, learn about history, and enjoy your box lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue hiking until we reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the iconic entrance to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking views of the citadel. We’ll then walk the final stretch to the classic photo spot overlooking Machu Picchu.
Afterward, we’ll board the bus down to Aguas Calientes, followed by a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo. There, our private transport will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in Cusco for a well-earned rest.
Note: Please be aware that with your current ticket, you will not have access to the lower sector of Machu Picchu.
Kickstart this epic day trip with a pickup from your hotel at around 4:00 a.m. We’ll drive to the Ollantaytambo Train Station and take the train for an hour-and-a-half trip to the starting point of this one-day Inca Trail, the KM 104.
After passing the checkpoint, we´ll go to the first archaeological site, Chachabamba. This was one of the last shelters used by the Inca pilgrims before reaching Machu Picchu. It features several buildings, so this will be the perfect place to hear the guide’s first intro to the fascinating Inca history.
Then, the real hike begins with a 3-hour ascent across the stone steps of the original Inca Trail. The ecosystem in this area is truly unique; you’ll identify different types of flora and fauna: orchids, flowers, trees, and other local species, and even a waterfall in the middle of the trail. We’ll arrive at the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, the most significant along the Inca Trail. Here’s where everyone is amazed by its exquisite architecture!
You’ll see its many water sources for rituals, impressive agricultural platforms, and sacred places dedicated to the natural deities like the Rainbow Temple. Take this time to chill out, rest your legs, be silent, and connect with Mother Nature through birdsong or the refreshing breeze. Then is a little further walk to enjoy lunch at one of the Classic Inca Trail campsites. You’ll have enough time here to recharge energies while looking down at the edgy valleys below before the next leg.
We’ll keep hiking until the famous Inti Punku or Sun Gate, where every Inca Trail hiker accesses Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll stare at the breathtaking views and architecture of this majestic Inca City for the first time. This is also where the Incas would get their first sight of their magnificent Citadel. It’s hard to describe the impact of watching this ancient, sacred, and world-famous site. You’ll feel goosebumps wash over you.
After enjoying the panoramic views and photo opportunities from the Sun Gate, we’ll begin our descent toward Machu Picchu, heading specifically to the classic viewpoint for that iconic photo of the citadel. You’ll have a bit more time to take in the stunning scenery and the majestic setting in which this ancient city was built. Your guide will provide a brief historical explanation as you soak in the atmosphere of this sacred site. Don’t forget to take plenty of memorable photos and allow the energy of the Andes to fill your spirit.
Note: Please be aware that with your current ticket, you will not have access to the lower sector of Machu Picchu.
Later, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, we’ll board the 18:20 train (subject to availability) back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take you to Cusco and drop you off at your accommodation. Time to relax and reflect on this unforgettable journey.