Time to start your exciting Full Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with 69 Explorer!
This is a journey that combines history, stunning landscapes, and an unforgettable trekking experience. Perfect for those seeking the essence of the Inca Trail in a single day. It’s an adventure you don’t want to miss.
Cusco to KM104.
You will be pick up at your hotel in Cusco at 4 am, for a drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. Our comfortable, private transport ensures a smooth start to your day. If you’re staying in Ollantaytambo, we will meet you at your hotel at 5:30 am.
Before boarding the train in Ollantaytambo, we will provide you a box lunch to carry in your daypack. The scenic train ride in the Sacred Valley will take about one hour and fifteen minutes. Then, we will disembark at the renowned Km 104 (2,000m/6,560ft). From here, we will start our hike.
Time to start the hike.
After crossing a picturesque footbridge over the Urubamba River, you will have to show your passport at the checkpoint. The first hour and a half will be a gentle upward hike.
On the hike, you will have expansive views of the Urubamba River and pass through various microclimates, including a cloud forest. Bring your rain gear! In the cloud forest rain can come at any time.
Wiñay Wayna.
The trail becomes slightly steeper for the next hour and a half, culminating in a beautiful waterfall. Here, we will stop to take photos and to admire the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna ruins (2,600m/8,500ft), which translates to “Forever Young” in Quechua. Wiñay Wayna is remarkably well preserved making it the most impressive ruin on the Inca Trail. Lush sub-tropical jungle surrounds this site, shrouding it in mystery.
After exploring Wiñay Wayna, enjoy our box lunch at a sheltered area near the Wiñay Wayna campground. With nearby facilities for convenience, take your time to savor your meal in the surrounding tropical beauty.
Sun Gate (Intipunku).
After lunch, we will continue on the trail for one hour. Then to a steep section of stone steps leading us directly to the Sun Gate. The Sun Gate, or “Inti Punku”, is a significant structure as it was the original entrance to Machu Picchu during the times of the Inca Empire. Upon reaching the Sun Gate, the first stunning view of Machu Picchu awaits – It’ll be a moment to cherish and capture in photos.
Machu Picchu Citadel.
After admiring the views from the Sun gate, its time to descend to Machu Picchu. Take every chance to snap more photos from this unique angle of the citadel.
On reaching Machu Picchu, we will pass next the Guard House, this is where the famous pictures are taken, due to the iconic views of the site. Arriving in the afternoon has its perks. You will enjoy a quieter exploration as the crowds diminish. Our guide will take you on a 2-hour tour. Covering the agricultural, residential, and religious sectors of Machu Picchu.
After our 2-hour tour of the majestic of Machu Picchu, we will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. At 6:20 pm we will board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo. Once in Ollantaytambo our private van will take you directly to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 10:00 pm. If you opt for the Vistadome Train, you will depart Aguas Calientes at 6:10 pm.
Key Statistics of the Full Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
- Distance Covered: 13 kilometers (8 miles)
- Highest Altitude: 2,720 meters (8,924 feet) at the Sun Gate
- Lowest Altitude: 2,040 meters (6,692 feet) at Machu Picchu
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Join 69 Explorer for this memorable Full Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Here, wonders and natural splendor create an unparalleled trekking experience.
