THE JOURNEY
The classic route to Machu Picchu in two days, ideal for those short on time. Hike to Wiñaywayna and cross the Sun Gate to reach the lost city of the Incas along the original trail.
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THE ROUTE
04:00 am | Pickup at your Cusco hotel
The adventure begins before dawn. The Machupicchu Glory team picks you up and accompanies you on a private transfer of about 1.5 hours to the Ollantaytambo station, in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
06:10 am | Train to KM 104
We board the morning train, which rolls along the Urubamba River between green mountains. We get off at KM 104 (~2,100 m), the starting point of this authentic Inca Trail. After a briefing with your guide, we cross the bridge over the river to the INC checkpoint (please have your original passport ready).
07:30 am | Chachabamba and the water cult
We explore Chachabamba (~2,170 m), an ancient checkpoint and ceremonial center tied to the cult of water, with its ritual fountains. We spend 15 to 20 minutes interpreting this site before starting the climb.
08:00 am | Ascent along the Inca trail
The main stretch begins: a gradual 3 to 4 hour climb along the stone Inca trail, through cloud forest filled with orchids and ferns. We stop beside a waterfall to rest and take in the scenery.
12:30 pm | Wiñayhuayna, forever young
We reach Wiñayhuayna (~2,600 m), with its temples, terraced platforms and a staircase of ceremonial fountains. Here we enjoy lunch and a well-earned rest surrounded by living history.
03:00 pm | Inti Punku, the Sun Gate
A final flight of stone steps leads us to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate (~2,720 m), where the first panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel unfolds, all the more serene because the day visitors have already left. We descend for 40 minutes and take a 25 minute bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner and an overnight stay at a 3 star hotel.
05:30 am | Breakfast in Aguas Calientes
We start early with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Then we board the bus that climbs for 25 minutes along the Hiram Bingham road to the gate of Machu Picchu (remember to have your passport ready).
06:00 am | Entering the Lost City of the Incas
We enter early, when the atmosphere is calm and you may witness sunrise over the citadel. Cloud forest mist wraps the mountains as the guardian apu awakens with the first rays of sun.
06:30 am | Guided tour of the citadel
For 2 to 2.5 hours your guide leads you through the assigned circuit: the classic panoramic viewpoint platform, the agricultural sector of terraces and the urban sector with the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, the Sacred Rock, the Intihuatana or solar clock, the water fountains and the Temple of the Condor. You will learn about the history, engineering and astronomical and sacred meaning of this place.
09:00 am | Free time and mountain option
Those who booked in advance may climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for even higher views. We then descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, with free time to have lunch on your own and, if you wish, enjoy the hot springs.
02:30 pm | Return train to Ollantaytambo
In the afternoon we board the return train to Ollantaytambo (~1h45), crossing the Sacred Valley once again. There your private transfer to Cusco awaits.
07:30 pm | Arrival in Cusco
After a 1.5 to 2 hour journey, we arrive in Cusco between 7:30 and 8:30 pm, bringing this unforgettable Inca Trail adventure to a close.
THE DETAILS
Before You Go
MOMENTS ALONG THE WAY
TRAVELER STORIES
“Every detail felt considered before we even asked — the private train car, the guide who knew we loved photography and timed our arrival for the light. This is how Machu Picchu should be seen.”
“No crowds, no rush — just the two of us and nine hundred years of stone in the morning mist. Worth every mile.”
