Alpaca Expeditions’ team will pick you up from your hotel at 4 a.m. You’ll head to the train station and leave on the 6:10 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo. This train is one of the most magnificent trains to ride in the world. Be prepared for phenomenal views of the Urubamba River, the soaring snow-capped mountain peaks, and cornfield farms. As we descend, you’ll see the micro-climate change from the mountains and cornfields to green jungle valleys. As the temperature rises, this includes ferns, bromeliads, and orchids. This train ride is one hour and 45 minutes to 104 km, where we’ll disembark to meet your Alpaca Expeditions trekking chef and porters.
This is where you’ll be served your freshly cooked breakfast before starting your trek. Be sure to bring your original passport since this is the very first checkpoint along the Inca Trail. After breakfast you’ll have some time to prepare before beginning the hike.
Soon after we’ll get to explore the first Inca site, Chachabamba, which is first ancient Incan checkpoint to enter the Inca trail. Your Alpaca Expeditions tour guide will give you some background history on these amazing archaeological sites. Then you’ll have a three-hour hike up to the most famous Inca site along the trail Wiñay Wayna.
You’ll see amazing views of Machu Picchu Valley and the Urubamba River along the trail as well as the flora and fauna that are native to the area. There are also waterfalls and spectacular views of Machu Picchu Mountain. The trail itself has some flat areas as well as some short uphill and downhill hikes. It also has steps arranged in sections that can be narrow in some areas but not dangerous.
Once you arrive at the Wiñay Wayna Inca site you’ll have time for a tour by your Alpaca Expeditions guide. He’ll provide you with time to explore the Inca site, temples, waterfalls, gardens, storehouses, watchtowers and farming terraces.
Then it’s only a short walk to the lunch spot where your Alpaca Expeditions trekking chef and porters will be ready for your arrival. They’ll have cold drinks and delicious fresh food prepared by Alpaca Expeditions’ chef and served buffet-style. After lunch there’ll be time for a short nap.
Then it’ll be a one hour gradual up and downhill hike to get to the Sun Gate. There you’ll have spectacular views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the surrounding valleys. The Sun Gate was used by Incas to observe the sunrise from Machu Picchu during the summer solstice. From here it’s another hour hike to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Once in Machu Picchu you can explore the watchtower area where you can get charming pictures of Machu Picchu (without crowds). We’ll then take the 20-minute bus ride to the campsite of Puente Ruinas. When you arrive at the campsite your tents will be all set up. You’ll meet your Alpaca Expeditions porters and enjoy a social happy hour with hot drinks and dinner.
Later in the evening we’ll have a small ceremony with your chef and porters for your last night with them. They’ll still be there the next morning to cook breakfast and for a proper goodbye.
* This hiking route is identical to our 2 Day Inca Trail with Hotel.
Highlight: Trekking the Inca Trail, enjoying the views from the Sun Gate, sunset views from Machu Picchu, camping at the foot of Machu Picchu
Walking Distance: 15 km / 8 miles
Meals: Included
Elevations: Trek starting point 2,000 m, the highest point is Sun Gate 2,720 m, the camp is at 1,900 m
Weather: Hot and humid
