Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 1 - Cuzco - train to KM104 - Chachabamba - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu 

Leave your Cuzco (or Sacred Valley) hotel early in the morning and transfer to the train station for the scenic Vistadome departure for Aguas Calientes. Part way along the journey you will disembark at KM104 of the Inca Trail, which is where you start the hike to Machu Picchu. En-route stop at Chachabamba, a small Inca site, which belongs to the archaeological complex of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. After this visit ascend for almost 2 hours towards a beautiful valley shrouded in stunning Cloud Forest where you will stop for a break.

After lunch,  you will continue walking until you reach a beautiful waterfall, which in turn later leads to Wiñay Wayna, the most important archaeological site after Machu Picchu. Continue to  ascend by Inca steps walking through what could have been an urban area, full of terraces and several stone buildings. You will finally reach the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) or Intipunku, gateway to Machu Picchu and an amazing location for scenic shots of the impressive citadel. 

Total distance walked : 13km (8.08 miles), Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours

Day 2 - Machu Picchu

After breakfast you will board the bus to Machu Picchu, for a guided tour of the citadel, with plenty of time to enjoy the surrounding area. We can also include the trek to Huanay Picchu, a steep climb which is rewarded with a bird eye’s view of the citadel. In the afternoon board the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy to you chosen hotel.