Inca Trail and Machu Picchu full day

Day 1 | Inca Trail

Cusco – Chachabamba – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

We kick off our day very early (around 04:00 hours) with your guide picking you up from your hotel in Cusco (or an agreed-upon meeting point). We'll head to the Ollantaytambo train station, departing at approximately 06:10 hours.

We board the train and journey through the Sacred Valley on the "Expeditions" train until we reach the starting point of the Inca Trail, also known as "Chachabamba" or Km 104 (2,100 m. / 6,927 ft.).

Around 07:00 hours, we reach the "INRENA Machu Picchu" checkpoint, where we must present our original passports, initiating the half-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

On our way, we visit the archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna "Forever Young" (2,650 m. / 8,747 ft.) and the famous Inti Punku "Sun Gate" (2,730 m. / 9,007 ft.), providing a first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

Around 14:00 hours, we explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Your guide will delve into the history and mysteries of this incredible Inca city, and you'll have the opportunity to capture essential and renowned photos at Machu Picchu (Upper Plaza, Guardian's House, etc.).

Later, we take the bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, Aguas Calientes. Boarding the train at 18:20 hours, we head back to Ollantaytambo, followed by transportation to Cusco. (Train schedule may vary based on availability.) Experience the Short Inca Trail and book your Machu Picchu tour now for an unforgettable adventure.

• Meals: Box Lunch
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Total distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
• Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Maximum altitude: 2,720 m. / 8,924 ft.

What's Included in your Inca Trail Adventure?

• Pre-tour information: You will meet your Inca Trail guide at our offices (or another agreed-upon location) around 18:00 hours for an informative session about the tour.
• Round-trip tourist transportation, Cusco - Ollantaytambo.
• "Expeditions" tourist train, Ollantaytambo - Km 104, Chachabamba.
• "Expeditions" tourist train, Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
• Consettur bus for the return journey from the Machu Picchu citadel.
• Highly qualified professional guide in English and Spanish.
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• 1 box lunch (Options: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
• First aid kit and oxygen tank. (Our guides are highly trained in first aid and mountain rescue, with a comprehensive plan for care, ground evacuations, and air evacuations.)
• 24-Hour Customer Service: We offer a 24-hour telephone service to facilitate communication with our agents before your trek.
• Free Luggage Storage: We provide complimentary luggage storage at our offices in Cusco. You can leave your luggage before starting your tour (exclusive to our passengers).

What's Not Included?

• Trekking poles.
• Additional costs or delays beyond our control, such as natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to passenger health issues (suffering from an illness or health problems), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

Note: Visiting Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain(*) is not possible due to time constraints.

Additional Services

• Trekking poles. ($15.00 USD)
• Upgrade to the Vistadome train. ($50.00 USD)
• We can assist you in booking hotels (standard and luxury) throughout Peru.

Prices

Discounts

• 18 - 24 years old: We offer a $20 discount per student. To qualify as a student, you must have a valid student identity card and be under 25 years of age at the time of your trip. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
• Under 18 years old: We offer a $20 discount per child. (you will need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).

What to Bring on the Inca Trail?

• Original passport (and valid student ID if applicable).
• Hiking boots/shoes.
• Waterproof jacket/poncho.
• Warm jacket, hat, and gloves.
• Short or long-sleeved shirts.
• Comfortable pants.
• Sun hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen (recommended SPF 35).
• Reusable plastic or metal bottles, or a camelback.
• Water – you can buy water bottles from local families along the way.
• Insect repellent.
• Personal medication.
• Camera and camcorder.

Extra Items to Bring

• Shorts.
• Trekking poles (with rubber tips).
• Bandages and plaster.
• Sandals.
• Extra money for personal expenses, tips (recommend 200 Peruvian nuevos soles for extra expenses).

Questions and Answers / Full-Day Inca Trail

Important Information

• The itinerary may change based on the Peruvian government, weather conditions, and the health status of the trekkers.
• The train schedule may vary depending on the availability of the train company.
• We provide the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo: if someone books a train ticket last minute, it's not guaranteed they can be on the same train as the rest of the group.
• If you wish to change the schedule or tickets for your train, you will need to pay an additional fee for transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and for the train price difference.

Wiñaywayna

Wiñay Wayna means 'forever young' and is considered a sacred site along the Inca Trail before reaching Machu Picchu.

Inti Punku or "Sun Gate"

The 'Sun Gate', also known as "Inti Punku," leads to Machu Picchu. It provides a breathtaking vantage point, offering the first view of Machu Picchu. The Incas utilized it for ceremonies during the summer solstice in December.

Chachabamba

Chachabamba is an archeological site left behind by the Incas believed to be dedicated to water.