Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu

An Adventure into the Backwoods of the Andean Mountains!

Get ready for this amazing adventure into the backwoods of the breathtaking Andean Mountains! Hike up to the impressive hidden Inca citadel of Machu Picchu deep in the Peruvian jungle, along the original stone staircases of the Inca Trail that lead to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate).

This invigorating short trek is an excellent alternative to the longer and more physically demanding four-day Inca Trail trek. You are rewarded with astounding views overlooking the magical site of Machu Picchu. Enjoy this unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most amazing archaeological sites!

Itinerary

Trek Briefings: All travelers are required to visit the Cuzco office for a mandatory briefing on your trek one day prior to departure. At this meeting, you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up for the morning of the trek, and be able to ask questions.

Please note: You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers, you will not be accompanied by a guide.

Day 1: Cuzco – Aguas Calientes, Peru

Commence your adventure with a hotel pick-up at 3:45 – 4:00 am, heading to the Ollantaytambo train station for a journey to KM 104, the trek’s starting point. Embark on a 4-hour uphill hike to the Wiñayhuayna archaeological site (2,700m), where our guide illuminates the site’s cultural and historical significance. After a short 10-minute hike, enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, continue the trek to reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate), offering breathtaking views of the majestic Machu Picchu. Transfer to Aguas Calientes by a tourist-class bus for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cuzco, Peru

Depart Aguas Calientes early, taking a tourist-class bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour with a bilingual guide, delving into the site’s history and culture. Opt for an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or return to the Inti Punku during your free time. Wander at your leisure, capturing the magical vibes of this mountaintop citadel. Return to Aguas Calientes by tourist-class bus, exploring the town’s offerings. Visit the local marketplace before boarding the bus back to Cuzco, where you’ll be dropped off at Plaza San Francisco. Make your way to your chosen accommodation.

Description of Machu Picchu Guided Site Visit: Explore the awe-inspiring archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu during a 2-hour guided tour. Delve into the site’s history and significance, followed by free time for personal exploration and photography.

Optional Hike: Consider an optional hike up the steep peak of Huayna Picchu within the Machu Picchu archaeological site, offering unique views. Secure your ticket at least 2 weeks in advance for an additional cost. Trekkers from the Inca Trail will align with the 10:00 am trek. Adventurers can email directly to request this extra ticket.

-Included-

Activities:

• 1 Active Adventure
• 1 Trekking

Transport:

• 6 Bus and train transfers
• Cuzco accommodation pick-up
• Round trip bus Cuzco – Ollantaytambo
• Train Ollantaytambo – KM 104 (starting point of trek)
• Tourist bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes on Day 1
• Round trip tourist bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu on Day 2
• Train transfer Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo

Accommodation:

• 1 Night in a 3-star hotel at Aguas Calientes

Meals:

• 1 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Lunch (L)
• 1 Dinner (D)

Guides:

• Professional bilingual guide on the trek and Machu Picchu tour

Extras:

• Fee and briefing
• Inca Trail permits
• Machu Picchu entrance fees
• Pre-departure briefing

-Not Included-

• Airport pick-up/drop-off (please make your own way)
• Day 1 breakfast, Day 2 lunch and dinner
• Bottled water
• Trekking poles
• Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
• Optional Huayna Picchu trek (200 soles) must be booked 1 to 2 months in advance
• Optional Machu Picchu mountain hike (200 soles) must be booked 1 to 2 months in advance
• Accommodation in Cuzco
• Guides: 20-30 soles per guide per trekker
• Tips