Your Inca Trail Trek Begins!

Your pick-up is the crack of dawn, at 4 am, ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Catch up on sleep or just enjoy the views in our comfortable, private transportation to Ollantaytambo.

On arrival at the train station, take some time to grab a quick cup of coffee before your guide hands you your lunch to add to your daypack. Your train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included).

(Ask your hotel to pack you a picnic breakfast, this complimentary service is included in many hotels. Or you can pack your own breakfast.)

We then disembark at the famous Km104 where your trek begins, at (2,000m/6,560 ft) above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site just a few feet away.

The first hour and a half is a gentle uphill climb. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks for an expansive view of the Urubamba river and valley. You also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any time of the year. The next hour and a half is a slightly steeper climb with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the section!

From the waterfall, find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna at (2,600m/8,500ft) above sea level. These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history with some parts still hidden by the dense jungle.

This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna unique to the Inca Trail and answer any questions you might have.

A short walk later, you will have lunch at a covered shelter at the Wiñay Wayna campground. This is the last campground for those hiking the Classic Inca Trail. The campsite has camping toilets and sinks with running water to wash your hands.

Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking!

After lunch, you have a mostly flat hour-long walk before reaching a short but very steep set of Inca stairs that are directly carved into the rock. Once this section is conquered, you will arrive at the Sun Gate where you will be faced with the most jaw dropping and expansive view of the great citadel of Machu Picchu.

Seize this opportunity and take plenty of pictures from this unique vintage point- after all, you’ve earned it. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking on the Royal Inca Path.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (where you will visit the iconic Guard House), and you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu.

You will arrive to Machu Picchu in the afternoon, just as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists. This gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light as the crowds begin to thin.

Take your time and enjoy this magical experience, before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes and checking into your hotel. Your will have a delicious dinner, then enjoy some free time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

• Meals included: Box Lunch, dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
• Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
• Time: 6hrs approximately
• 3* Accommodations: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar
• 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu upgrade (superior room)
• Difficulty: moderate

***You can leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes (Up to 5 kilos per person).