At 5:40 a.m., we’ll meet you at your hotel for your short Inca trail hike. From there, we’ll head to the train station and catch the 6:10 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo. This train ride is one of the most magnificent in the world, with breathtaking views of the rough-and-tumble Urubamba River, snow-capped mountain peaks, and cornfield farms. As we descend, you’ll notice micro-climate changes, from mountains and cornfields to green jungle valleys with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids, as the temperature starts to get warmer. We’ll disembark at Km 104, where we’ll enjoy some snacks before starting the trek. Don’t forget to bring your original passport, as this is the first checkpoint along the Inca Trail. After some preparation time, we’ll explore the first Inca site, Chachabamaba, which was the first ancient Incan checkpoint for entering the trail. Your expert guide will provide some historical background on this ruin, followed by a three-hour climb up to the most famous Inca site along the trail, Wiñay Wayna. Along the way, you’ll see amazing views of Machu Picchu cannon and the Urubamba River, as well as the flora and fauna 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, with steps arranged in sections that can be narrow in some areas, but not dangerous. Once we arrive at the Wiñay Wayna Inca site, you’ll have time for a guided tour of the temples, waterfalls, gardens, storehouses, watchtowers, and farming terraces. After a short walk, we’ll enjoy a pack lunch before a nap break. Then, we’ll embark on a one-hour gradual up-and-downhill hike to the Sun Gate, where you’ll have spectacular views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the surrounding valleys. The Sun Gate was used by the Incas to observe the sunrise from Machu Picchu during the summer solstice. From here, it’s another hour hike to the Machu Picchu ruins. Once in Machu Picchu, you can explore the watchtower area where you can get charming pictures of Machu Picchu without crowds. Afterward, we’ll take a 30-minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have a nice hotel and hot shower waiting for you. Later in the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the nice restaurants.
Highlight: Trekking the Inca Trail, enjoying the views from the Sun Gate, sunset views from Machu Picchu
Walking Distance: 15 km / 8 miles
Meals: Included
Elevations: Trek starting point is 2,000 m, the highest point is Sun Gate at 2,720 m, and the camp is at 1,900 m
Weather: Hot and humid
