Inca Trail 2 Days

Pre-Dawn – Transfer & Train Journey

Your short Inca Trail adventure begins with a pre-dawn hotel pickup in Cusco between 5:00-5:15 AM. Transfer through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo train station.

Board the Expedition-class train at 7:45 AM for a scenic journey along the Urubamba River. Watch the landscape transform from agricultural terraces to dramatic canyon walls as you enter the cloud forest zone.

Morning – Km 104 Checkpoint & Chachabamba

Disembark at Km 104 (2,150 m / 7,054 ft), the official Inca Trail checkpoint. Your guide verifies permits and introduces you to this legendary route that has connected travelers to Machu Picchu for over 500 years.

Cross the footbridge over the roaring Urubamba and begin your trek at the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,250 m). This agricultural control center was where Incas collected produce from lower elevation zones to supply Machu Picchu. Your guide explains the sophisticated terracing and water channel systems while hummingbirds dart among wildflowers.

Midday – Cloud Forest Ascent

The trail climbs steadily through subtropical forest draped with orchids, bromeliads, and hanging moss. Keep your eyes open for exotic birds including the red-crested cotinga and Andean cock-of-the-rock.

After approximately 3 hours of hiking, round a final corner to your first breathtaking glimpse of Wiñay Wayna (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), meaning “Forever Young” in Quechua.

Afternoon – Wiñay Wayna Exploration

This stunning archaeological complex cascades down the mountainside in a series of ceremonial fountains, agricultural terraces, and residential buildings connected by original Inca staircases.

• Upper and lower temple sectors
• Ceremonial fountains with flowing water
• Agricultural terraces demonstration
• Checkpoint and ceremonial center significance

After exploring, continue a short 10-minute walk to the Trekker’s Lodge for a well-deserved lunch with mountain views.

Late Afternoon – Final Descent

The afternoon brings your final push along the original Inca stone pathway. Follow the contours of the mountain through increasingly lush cloud forest. Pass through tunnels carved from solid rock and traverse narrow sections where the trail clings to vertical cliffs.

Your first distant view of Machu Picchu appears through the trees. Descend switchbacks to Intipunku (Sun Gate) for photos before continuing down to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m).

Check into your hotel, enjoy a hot shower, and savor dinner at a local restaurant while anticipating tomorrow’s early morning adventure.

Trek distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) | Trek time: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 2,150m to 2,700m to 2,040m | Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Pre-Dawn – First Bus to Machu Picchu

Rise before dawn for the 25-minute bus journey up the zigzagging road to Machu Picchu. Arrive among the first visitors as morning mist lifts from the ancient citadel. This early arrival is crucial—experience the sacred site in relative tranquility before tour buses from Cusco arrive mid-morning.

Morning – Comprehensive Guided Tour

Your 2-hour guided tour explores the most important sectors of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the Guardian’s Hut viewpoint for that iconic postcard photo with Huayna Picchu mountain rising behind the ruins.

Descend into the urban sector to examine key architectural marvels:

• Temple of the Sun with trapezoidal windows aligned to winter solstice sunrise
• Royal Tomb carved beneath the temple
• Sacred Plaza with Temple of Three Windows overlooking Urubamba gorge
• Principal Temple with massive stone walls fitted without mortar
• Intihuatana sundial – astronomical observatory and ritual center
• Agricultural terraces that supplied 750 residents
• Water distribution system with 16 ceremonial fountains

Your guide brings to life the latest archaeological theories about Machu Picchu’s purpose: royal estate, sacred pilgrimage site, or astronomical observatory?

Late Morning – Free Exploration Time

After the guided portion concludes around 10:00 AM, you have free time to explore independently. Consider climbing Huayna Picchu mountain (advance permit required) for aerial views of the entire complex, hike to the Moon Temple, or simply explore the citadel thoroughly at ground level.

Afternoon – Return Journey to Cusco

Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and last-minute souvenir shopping in the artisan market along the river. Board your Expedition train at the scheduled departure time (typically afternoon) for the 2-hour journey through the spectacular Urubamba canyon back to Ollantaytambo.

Watch the landscape transform from humid cloud forest back to the drier Sacred Valley as the sun sets behind mountain peaks. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, transfer by private vehicle for the 1.5-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:00-8:00 PM.

Your Inca Trail adventure concludes with memories of ancient pathways, spectacular ruins, and the magic of reaching Machu Picchu on foot.

Altitude: 2,430 m | Our services conclude upon arrival at your Cusco hotel