The day begins early, as your guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4am. From there you will enjoy a 2-hour scenic drive in our private van to the Ollantaytambo train station. If you are already in Ollantaytambo then your pick up time will be at 5:30am. If you are staying in another town in the Sacred Valley, please contact our office to arrange your pick-up.

Our Expedition Train departs from Ollantaytambo station at 6:10am. The train journey takes around an hour and a half, passing through rural farmland and beautiful mountain passes before reaching our stop: KM 104, the starting point of the one day Inca Trail.

We will cross the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, taking a moment to grab a photo with the entrance sign before arriving at the first checkpoint. Here, you will show your passport and gain official entrance to the trail.

Our first stop of the hike is just a few feet from the checkpoint. This archeological site is called Chachabamba (2100m/6890ft). We will take a few moments to admire the site, which is known to have had a number of uses.

One of the uses of this site was as a guardhouse, thanks to its location at the entrance of one of the paths into Machu Picchu. However, it is more than just its prime location. The site is also surrounded by fertile land, used by the Incas to grow crops such as corn, quinoa, and potatoes. Chachabamba was also used as a religious center, offering thanks to the Pachamama (Mother Earth).

After you have enjoyed a tour of the site and taken a little time to snap some pictures, our journey continues. We begin our gentle 1.5 hour hike uphill to the Wiñay Wayna (Quechua for “Forever Young”) archaeological site (2,650/8,747ft).

Along the way we are guided by stunning views of snow capped mountain peaks in the distance. The calming Urubamba River rushes downstream below us, and expansive views of the sacred valley unfold in front of us. There are several viewpoints along the way where you can grab some insta-worthy shots.

A short but steep climb leads us to a pristine waterfall- the perfect place for a few photos and a quick water break. After a minute or so of rest, we begin the steep hill leading to Wiñay Wayna.

Wiñay Wayna was built on the side of a steep mountain, and on a cloudy day the entire site seems as though it is floating in the sky. It’s a truly incredible sight to behold. And the view only improves as you get closer.

Wiñay Wayna is named after a beautiful orange orchid that grows in abundance all year round along the trail. This stunning archeologic site is timeless, one of the most well-preserved archeological sites in the world, and a fantastic example of Incan architecture.

A fascinating history surrounds the site, despite the fact that it was only discovered in 1940. This late discovery helps to explain why this site remains so in tact in comparison to other sites on the trail- in fact, some parts of it are still hidden in the dense jungle.

Once we reach the top of Wiñay Wayna, we arrive at a campsite of the same name. This is where the Short Inca Trail and the Classic Inca Trial intersect. We stop to rest, enjoy our gourmet box lunch and use the bathroom facilities available at camp.

You can also also use this opportunity to ask your guide as many questions as you want about the Inca Trail, the Incas, or any of the sites you have passed along the way. Our guides are experts in their field and know almost everything there is to know about the Incas.

After lunch we begin our final hour of the hike. The majority of this hour is an easy and enjoyable hike, taking in the incredible and completely unique scenery of where the Andes Mountains meet the Amazon Rainforest. Finally, you will reach the Monkey Steps- also known as the Gringo Killer steps.

The steps earned their name by offering a healthy challenge to a many gringos over the years, owing to how steep they are. The easiest way to scale them is to get on all fours and climb like a monkey. The Incas carved the stairs directly into the rock, and they are the final challenge before reaching the Sun Gate.

The Sun Gate (2,730m/9,00ft) is one of the main reasons for choosing for this hike. Upon passing through the Sun Gate, you are faced with your first all encompassing, jaw dropping view of the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and the incredible valley surrounding it. Take a moment to catch your breath, appreciate your achievement, and take in the incredible view unfolding in front of you.

The rest of the way to the citadel is a downhill hike on Incan stone paths, Machu Picchu looming with each step. Upon arrival to the “Guards House” you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu with the spectacular Huayna Picchu Mountain behind it.

Your guide will give you a private tour of the citadel, lasting for around 2 hours depending on your hiking speed. You will learn about some of the most important parts of Machu Picchu and lose yourself in history as your guide shows you hidden corners and famous landmarks alike.

Enjoy the magic of the ruins at your own leisure before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Your train departs from Aguas Calientes train station at 6:20pm, and on arrival to Ollantaytambo our private van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Your estimated arrival time in Cusco is 10pm.

Meals: Picnic lunch
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

***It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints

***You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $57. This train will depart from Aguas Calientes at 6:10pm.