Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel lobby and transfer you by private transport to Ollantaytambo train station, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, agricultural fields, and majestic snow-capped mountains.

At Ollantaytambo, you will board the train that will take you to Kilometer 104 (2,200 m / 7,217 ft.), the starting point of your trek. Upon arrival, we’ll cross a bridge over the Urubamba River, known in Quechua as Willkamayuc, meaning “Sacred River”, which held great significance for the Incas. After passing the checkpoint (where you’ll need to present your passport), we’ll visit the first archaeological site: Chachabamba, hidden within the semi-tropical forest.

We then begin our uphill trek through the lush vegetation, passing waterfalls and a variety of orchids native to this region. After approximately 3 hours of hiking, we will reach the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft.), an outstanding example of Inca agricultural terraces built along the steep mountain slopes. The name Wiñay Wayna means “Forever Young” in Quechua, and the site consists of more than twenty structures, including the Temple of the Iris Rainbow, also known as the Temple of Fertility. We will explore the site for about 1 hour before enjoying a box lunch to recharge for the second part of the trek.

The final stretch takes approximately 2 hours along an Andean path of stone stairs and tambos (Inca resting places), until we reach the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate) at 2,720 m / 8,923 ft., the ancient entrance control point to Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel and the surrounding valley.

We then descend for about 30 minutes to reach Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft.), and from there take the bus down to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,086 ft.), a ride of approximately 20 minutes. In Aguas Calientes, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.