Highlights
- Hike the iconic Inca Trail to one of the New Seven Wonders of the world
- Visit Machu Picchu at sunset and sunrise, for magical views
- Explore Inca sites: Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and the Sun Gate
- Savor freshly prepared picnic breakfast and lunch along the trail
- Travel back in style aboard the panoramic Vistadome train
Description
Day 1: Cusco - Inca Trail - Machu Picchu Pueblo
Begin with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. (or the Sacred Valley around 5:00 a.m.) and travel to Ollantaytambo train station for a scenic train ride. Arrive at Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, where a freshly prepared breakfast cooked by our expert trekking chefs fuels you for the adventure ahead.
Visit Chachabamba, a beautifully preserved Inca site hidden among lush vegetation. Hike at your own pace on a steady, picturesque climb through mountains and cloud forest until reaching Wiñay Wayna, famous for its sweeping terraces and breathtaking views. Explore this remarkable site, then savor a delicious buffet lunch prepared by our chef.
After lunch, continue along the Inca Trail toward the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Arrive in the afternoon to your first—and most amazing—view of Machu Picchu. Spend time enjoying the vistas, then walk down through the upper terraces via Circuit 1, passing the Guardhouse and the most iconic viewpoints. Take in 180° panoramas of Machu Picchu and the left and right banks of the Urubamba River surrounding the citadel. End the day with a bus ride to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), check in to a comfortable 3‑star hotel, and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco
Start with breakfast at your hotel before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Enter in the soft morning light and explore with our expert guide along Circuit 3, focusing on the central area and its most important temples and plazas. Visit highlights such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Palace, the Sacred Water Fountains, terraces, and ceremonial sectors while learning the history, engineering, and meaning of this Wonder of the World.
For extra adventure, optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available on request (not included; permits required in advance). After the guided tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch or free time to browse the market and charming streets. In the afternoon, board the panoramic Vistadome train for a stunning journey back to Ollantaytambo, soaking in mountain scenery and the winding Urubamba River. Upon arrival, our staff will meet you and transfer you to Cusco, with drop‑off at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.
Includes
Safety briefing one day before the tour and free luggage storage
Entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Professional tour guide for the Inca Trail and full guided tour of Machu Picchu
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo
Train to Km 104 (Expedition or Voyager)
Return on the panoramic Vistadome train
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1) and round-trip bus on Day 2
1 night in a 3-star hotel, shared twin room (2 travelers per room)
Day 1: Picnic breakfast and lunch prepared by chef
Day 1: Dinner at a local restaurant
Satellite phone, first-aid kit, and oxygen tank
Excludes
Lunch on day 2
Trekking poles (can be rented)
Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets (must be booked in advance)
Machu Picchu Montaña tickets (must be booked in advance)
Travel insurance
Important Information
- If you wish to hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, book your tickets in advance. Availability is extremely limited
- Dietary options available upon request
- Each participant's passport details are required at the time of booking:
- Passport name
- Passport number
- Expiration date
- Country
- Recommended gear: light, comfortable hiking boots, a quality daypack with 2L water storage, hiking pants, a change of clothes for Machu Picchu, undergarments, hiking socks, rain gear, and a warm layer
Easy cancellation
This activity is non-refundable
