Itinerary
- Day 1
Cusco to Machu Picchu via Short Inca Trail
Your hotel pickup happens early in the morning from Cusco, and then you'll board a train headed to Kilometer 104 where the Short Inca Trail kicks off. The hike takes you through thick forest and past ancient Inca ruins at Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna. You'll reach the Sun Gate after climbing through the day, which gives you your first view of Machu Picchu spread out below. From there it's a descent down to the citadel itself. Later you'll catch a bus down to Aguas Calientes where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Lunch (Box lunch during trek at Wiñaywayna), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hotel pick-up from Cusco
- Train to Kilometer 104 (Chachabamba)
- Guided trek on Short Inca Trail (approximately 10 km)
- Visit Chachabamba archaeological site
- Hike through Inca stone staircases and subtropical forest
- Explore Wiñaywayna archaeological site
- Hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) with panoramic views of Machu Picchu
- Descent to Machu Picchu citadel
- Bus ride to Aguas Calientes
- Professional guide throughout trek
- Pre-trip informative meeting with guide
Optional Activities
- Visit hot springs in Aguas Calientes (10-minute walk, additional fee)
- Vistadome Train upgrade from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (US$50 per person, includes fashion show, cultural performance, and local snacks)
Landmarks/POIs Chachabamba Wiñaywayna Inti Punku (Sun Gate) Machu Picchu - Day 2
Machu Picchu Exploration and Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast at your hotel, a bus takes you to the Machu Picchu entrance for a guided tour running about 2 hours. You'll see the Temple of the Sun, the agricultural zones, and the water systems throughout the site. If you arranged it in advance, climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain gets you additional perspectives from higher up. The train then takes you from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, and from there a private van completes the journey back to Cusco.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Bus ride to Machu Picchu entrance
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approximately 2 hours)
- Explore Circuit 5 including: Qollpas, Agricultural Zone, Water Canal, Dry Moat, Temple of the Sun Complex, Inca House Complex, Water Fountains, Three Doorways Complex, Pisonay Square, and Archaeological Reserve
- Bus return to Aguas Calientes
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Optional Activities
- Climb Huayna Picchu (special ticket required, US$90 per person, must be booked minimum 6 months in advance)
- Climb Huchuy Picchu (special ticket required, must be booked minimum 6 months in advance)
- Climb Machu Picchu Mountain (special ticket required, US$90 per person, must be booked minimum 6 months in advance)
- Vistadome Train upgrade from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (US$50 per person, includes fashion show, cultural performance, and local snacks)
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu Temple of the Sun Complex Huayna Picchu Machu Picchu Mountain
