Leave hotel
The tour starts at 4:00 am in the morning, where we will collect you from your hotel in Cusco. You will be transferred in one of our mini-vans to the train station at Ollantaytambo. The train ride will last about two hours.
Explore the Chachabamba Ruins
Our stop at Kilometer 104, the trailhead of the Inca Trail, is where our Short Inca Trail adventure begins. As we pass through the Inca Trail checkpoint, the first archaeological site you will discover is the magnificent ruins at Chachabamba.
This ancient outpost served as a spiritual and agricultural center for the Incas, featuring well-preserved terraces, temples, and ritual structures. Our expert guide will share interesting facts and stories about these ancient ruins.
Hike the Inca stone steps
For about 3 hours of ascent, you will be climbing the original Inca stone steps while discovering and appreciating the unique ecosystems in the area. Your guide will help you identify the different types of flora and fauna along the trail.
Eat lunch at the Ruins of Wiñay Wayna
Coming shortly after a lovely cascading waterfall is the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. This archaeological site is named after an orchid that means “Forever Young”.
It boasts well-preserved Inca terraces, religious structures, and ceremonial baths, providing a practical waypoint for trekkers en route to Machu Picchu while offering a memorable glimpse into the rich history and ingenuity of the Inca people.
As we reach this destination by noon time, you will have your well-deserved lunch at the top of the ruins or somewhere around it while taking in the breathtaking views and sceneries around you.
Visit a temple
Part of the lunch break is a visit to a temple with 7 windows, each one representing the colors of the rainbow. You will get to observe the incredible engineering of the water channels that are still functional up to this day. After the temple tour, we will continue our hike for another 1 to 2 hours on a relatively flat section of trail.
Reach the Sun Gate of Machu PicchuMachu Picchu View from the Sun Gate
At around 3:00 p.m., we will reach the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu or what is locally called “Intipunku” in the Quechua language.
This marks the entrance to the Sacred City, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Intipunku serves as a symbolic and awe-inspiring threshold to the majestic wonder of Machu Picchu, creating a moment of anticipation and revelation as you complete your journey. Make sure to have your cameras ready at this point!
Take a bus to Aguas Calientes
We will give you time to enjoy the view, take lots of photos, and simply take in this memorable milestone that you’ve reached. Afterwards, we will make a final short walk down to the main entrance of the ruins where we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes.
Check in at hotel and have dinner
As we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we will check you in at your hotel (Hatun Inti Classic Machu Picchu hotel) so you can rest and freshen up. Aguas Calientes is a charming town surrounded by lush greenery and features hot springs. You can have a quick dip in the hot springs if there is time available before dinner.
Dinner will be arranged at one of the best restaurants in town (Indio Feliz), where you and your group will all dine together to share food, drinks, and stories about your memorable day.
- Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 m/8,920 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
- Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
