Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5:45am, and together we will walk to the train station ready for our 6:10am train. This train ride takes around an hour and a half before we arrive to km104- the short Inca Trail.

The hike begins by crossing the Urubamba footbridge and showing your passports at the checkpoint. At the checkpoint take advantage of the break to apply sunscreen, insect repellant, adjust your hiking poles, and pack your lunch into your daypack.

It doesn’t take long for the action to start, as just a few steps from the checkpoint we come across our first Inca Ruin of the day, Chachabamba. We take a moment to learn about this site and what it was used for before starting the three hour trek to our next ruin: the famous Wiñay Wayna.

The first hour and a half of the hike is a gentle uphill, with plenty of viewpoints to stop and enjoy the Urubamba river far below, the cloud forest we hike through (bring a waterproof!), and multiple microclimates before arriving at our next checkpoint- a beautiful waterfall and a great spot to chill for a moment to prepare for the steep climb ahead.

At the end of this steep climb, Wiñay Wayna (Quechua for Forever Young) awaits. This site is incredibly well preserved, and only discovered in 1940- decades after Machu Picchu. The site is built up the side of the mountain, so we must climb up through it, accompanied by the knowledge of our guide.

Once we reach the top of the ruins, we arrive at a campsite with the same name, where we can finally tuck into lunch, surrounded by the amazing views.

After lunch, we continue on a gradual uphill hike towards the Sun Gate (2,730m/9,00ft). You will face one final challenge before our first magnificent view of the Citadel, these steps are aptly nicknamed the gringo killer steps or monkey steps.

Our suggestion, get on all fours and just get it done, these steep stairs are carved directly into the bedrock of the Trail. Once you walk through the Sun Gate, Machu Picchu Citadel stands in front and its sheer size will take your breath away.

After you take a moment to appreciate the view, we continue on our way. It is just an hour hike down the flat rock stairs to Machu Picchu. Be sure to have your camera ready to take all of the incredible views of Machu Picchu Citadel along the way.

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

You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots.

Take your time to take in this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Your will enjoy a delicious dinner, then have 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: Breakfast in the Hotel – Picnic Lunch – Dinner
• 3* Accommodation: Ferre Hotel
• Difficulty: Moderate