On every hiker’s list of the best features of the Machu Picchu Inca trail are the incomparable views of the outstanding Andean mountains, the splendor of the rain forest and the numerous stunning Inca ruins. This hike means that the traveler can catch these beautiful views and sights. The hike takes you through dense forest packed with orchids, birds and hidden Inca ruins. The Inca Trail finishes at Machu Picchu with an extensive guided tour around this fantastic complex.
Day 1 Cusco – Km 104
Day 2 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Day 1: Cusco 104 km - Aguas Calientes
Cusco – Machu Picchu Inca trail and Aguas Calientes
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 am in our private bus. Depending on the train timetable, we will drive to Poroy (25 minutes) or Ollantaytambo (1 hour 10 minutes) to catch a train to the 104-km mark on the Cusco-Machu Picchu railroad. This is the starting point of the classic Inca Trail. We will arrive around 10 am where will start packing all the gear and get ready to begin the first day on the exciting Machu Picchu trail.
Just few minutes away from the entrance of the Inca trail, the Chachabamba is the first complex to visit on our route to the highest point of the trail. After a short talk about this fascinating place, we start ascending for about 4 hours until arriving to the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna (“Forever Young”), located at 2,700 m. or 8,858 ft. above sea level. This is an impressive complex built with granitic stones located on a mountain hill site, this place used to be an agricultural center; it has numerous terraces, a religious precinct and an urban settlement. At the top, we will have magnificent views of the Urubamba River Valley and the Chokes archaeological complex located on the opposite side of the river. The name Wiñay Wayna means “Eternal Youth.”. This place overlooks the Urubamba River and contains compact structures of unique architecture that includes staircase with water fountains systems and agricultural terraces that were built to take advantage of the mountain’s topography. The ruins consist of upper and lower house clusters, interconnected by a long, precipitous staircase including fountain structures, often referred to as “baths.” A large area of presumably agricultural terraces lies north of the house-staircase complex. The site is typical of those in this region. After a guide explains the history and nature of this place, we will then start climbing for one more than one hour along a trail of flat stones and cliffs to Intipunku “The Sun Gate”. From this fabulous spot, great views of Machu Picchu are visible and it is ideal for taking pictures and relaxing before continuing descending to Machu Picchu to enjoy and relax in this magical place. After, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and rest for the night.
Overnight: Hotel at Aguas Calientes.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner.
- Hiking distance: 10 km – 67.2 miles / 5 to 6 hours
- Highest pass: 2,700 m. or 8,858 ft. above sea level.
- Departure time: 5:30 am.
- Arrival to Aguas Calientes: between 4 to 6 pm.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu - Cusco
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu guided tour – Cusco
We recommend to begin the trip early in the morning before Machu Picchu gets crowded by the hundreds of tourist coming from Cusco. It takes no more than 30 minutes by bus until we arrive at Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 m or 7,972 ft. above sea level, on top of a tropical mountain forest in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. The city contains about 200 structures between agricultural, religious and astronomical centers all integrated in a sophisticated plan perfectly in harmony with the natural surroundings. The citadel follows a meticulous plan, there are distinct residential from the farming areas. The remarkable agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu provide protection from erosion control and crop production. On the classic Incan Trial, you can really understand how the Inca people lived and their society.
After a two-hour guided tour around this world-famous place, enjoy Machu Picchu at your own pace, walk around, take pictures or climb Huayna Picchu the highest mountain; above the historic site. (Booking in advance is advised to climb Huayna Picchu).
Once you have fully enjoyed this place, we meet at Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo where a tourist bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotels in Cusco, arriving between 6 and 9 pm in the evening.
Overnight: Cusco hotel (not included in the price).
Meals: 1 breakfast.
- Hiking distance: 5 km – 3,1 miles if hiking from Aguas Calientes/ with bus 25 minutes.
- Highest pass: 2,430 m. or 7972 ft. above sea level / 2720 m – 8923 if hiking Huayna Picchu
- Departure time: 5:30 am
- Arrival to Aguas Calientes: between 4 to 6 pm.
* Hiking, departures and arrival times are all approximate on the Inca Trail.
What’s included?
- Transfers to the hotel/train station
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and to Machu Picchu.
- Accommodation in a hotel/hostel in Aguas Calientes.
- Official guide (English/Spanish)
- Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Snack, 1 Lunch (box-lunch), 1 Dinner.
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen for safe hiking on the Inca Trail.
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (2nd day)
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (train backpacker)
- Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
What is not Included?
What’s not included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the last day after the guided tour to Machu Picchu are not part of the package provided. You can also enjoy more time to further visit Machu Picchu and choose to have lunch at the ‘Lost City’ or Aguas Calientes (a town below Machu Picchu) at your own expense.
Arrival in Cusco is estimated around 9 pm; dinner is at your own expense.
A visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end the trek on the classic Inca Trail while you are awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center. Entrance fee is $3.50 USD.
Inca trail checking list
Inca trail checking list
- Mosquito repellent.
- Passport, valid ISIC student card.
- Hiking shoes or trainers.
- Warm clothes: gloves, woolen hat to cover the ears, wool or synthetic socks, woolen or synthetic top and trousers.
- Hiking clothes: Convertible dry fast pants, synthetic or woolen shirt or t-shirt, raincoat, hat, sunblock with SPF 40, refillable (non-disposable) water bottle, personal medical kit, and items can help you have an enjoyable and safe experience during the the 2 day Inca Trail.
Hotel rooms
All our trip’s prices are based on double occupancy hotel rooms and lodges. If you are traveling alone and wish to share, we will assign a same-sex roommate if one is available, but if for example there are 5 in your group and he/she does not have any one to share, we will pay the expenses to cover the hotel room price. If you wish to have your own room, you need to pay extra to cover the expenses of the room. If you request it you can always upgrade your hotel category, ask for more information.
All the services in the tour package including food, buses and hotels are good, safe and clean. The hotels and hostels are 3 stars and they are rated with 4 and 5 points out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
Also available are hotels with 4 and 5 stars, contact us for upgrading your hotel category.
Departures
Daily guaranteed departures, as long as there is a minimum of 2 people. Our maximum number per group for hiking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are 12. We can easily arrange groups of more than 12, please contact us for more information.
Note: The Inca trail is closed for maintenance during February.
