Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - KM. 104 - Machu Picchu
We will pick you up from your hotel and then drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. From here we will take the train to Km. 104, where we will begin our walk by crossing the Urubamba (Vilcanota) River and visit the archaeological complex of Chachabamba. After a brief visit, we will start a four-hour climb to Wiñay Wayna (2,700m / 8,858ft). At this point, the trek will join the main Inca Trail route.
Finally, we will arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the entrance gate overlooking Machu Picchu. From here, we will wind our way 40 minutes down a sinuous path to reach Machu Picchu citadel (2,450m / 8,038ft). Then, we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes and our hotel. At night we will visit the hot springs at the north end of town (optional).
Day 2: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Our day begins with a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the modern Wonders of the World. Built by Inca Emperor Pachacuteq, this spectacular city has houses, temples, storage buildings and a huge main plaza, all connected with tight streets and stairways. The steep slopes around Machu Picchu are covered in terraces once used for agriculture, possibly to grow the corn used to make the chicha (corn beer) used in sacred rituals and ceremonies.
After the two-hour guided visit, you will have free time to enjoy this spiritual Inca citadel. We’ll return to Ollantaytambo and then to your Cusco hotel.