DAY’S ROUTE

This hike is ideal for travelers who are short on time and looking for a fun and easy hike.

This great excursion begins at your hotel, which can be located in Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will travel in our private vehicle to the train station located in the town of Ollantaytambo. From there, we will board an Expedition Class Tourist Train that will take us to km 104 (the start of the hike). This area has a very good climate with an average temperature of 23°C, where our travelers can enjoy the Inca archaeological sites located along the 12-kilometer route.

It is truly a unique experience, sharing unforgettable moments in close contact with nature. We arrive in the afternoon at the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu, where we can admire its magic and charm. We will observe its grand old buildings shrouded in history, which has made it recognized as a Wonder of the World.

• 4:00 am: Pickup from your hotel.
• 4:10 am: Transportation from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo Train Station.
  • Before boarding the train, you will have time to purchase hot drinks and snacks inside the train station.
• 6:10 am: Board the train to Km. 104.
  • The train ride lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, where we will be able to see snow-capped mountains, spectacular farmlands, and the mighty Urubamba River, a major tributary of the Amazon River.
• 7:20 am: Arrival at Km. 104 (starting point).
  • Together with your guide, you will head to the checkpoint, take photos, and cross a suspension bridge.
• 7:30 am : Start of the hike from Km. 104 (checkpoint) to Wiñaywayna.
  • You will explore incredible Inca cities along the Inca Trail, especially the Wiñaywayna archaeological complex.
• 10:30 a.m.: Arrival and visit to Wiñaywayna.
  • Visit the archaeological complex.
• 11:00 a.m.: Hike to Intipunku (Sun Gate).
  • This section will be easy as it is a rough path made of flat stones, with stunning views and abundant vegetation.
• 12:00 p.m.: Arrival and rest at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Lunch.
  • We will have enough time to enjoy the panoramic views of Machu Picchu and have a box lunch to regain our strength to continue our adventure.
• 1:00 p.m.: Hike to Machu Picchu.
  • We will continue along the last section of the Inca Trail to the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu.
• 2:00 PM: Arrival and guided tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
  • Your guide will give you a tour of this amazing Inca citadel.
• 5:00 PM: Bus transfer to the town of Aguas Calientes.
• 5:30 PM: Arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • Time for a quick dinner or takeout at the town’s restaurants.
• 6:20 PM: Return train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • The service contracted is Expedition class.
• 8:20 PM: Arrival at Ollantaytambo Station.
  • Return transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• 10:20 PM: Arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

All this makes Machu Picchu Peru’s main tourist destination, receiving nearly 2 million visitors a year, all of whom marvel at its majesty. Let us be your host, assisting and guiding you to this Wonder of the World, and you too will be one of those privileged visitors.

SAMIN CUSCO TRAVEL will ensure your return to your hotel.

• Difficulty level: Moderate – pleasant.
• Total hike distance: 13 km / 8 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 8 hours.
• Ollantaytambo train station elevation: 2,792 meters / 9,169 feet.
• Km. 104 elevation (start of hike): 2,100 meters / 6,889 feet.
• Wiñaywayna elevation: 2,650 meters / 8,694 feet.
• Intipuncu (Sun Gate) Height: 2,745 meters above sea level/9,005 feet.
• Height of the Inca site of Machu Picchu: 2,430 meters above sea level/7,972 feet.
• Height of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village): 2,060 meters above sea level/6,758 feet.
• Meals included: Box lunch.
• Accommodation: Hotel – Cusco.

• Experienced, professional, bilingual guide. Orientation meeting at your hotel with your guide 1 or 2 days before the start of the trek.
• Permits: Since the Inca Trail is a protected area, government permits are required. As soon as we receive your information and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability; see our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They cannot be changed once confirmed. Only updating your passport number is allowed.
  • • Entrance to the Inca Trail.
    • Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• All private transportation:
  • • Airport transfers to your hotel.
    • Pickup from your hotel by your guide.
    • Cusco to Ollantaytambo (train station).
    • One bus ticket: down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
    • Expedition-class Tourist Train from Ollantaytambo – km 104.
    • Expedition-class Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
    • Private transportation to Cusco.
    • Hotel transfer to the airport.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (vegetarian option upon request).
• First aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank.
• Taxes.

• Breakfast and dinner.
• Walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended. If you don’t wish to bring them, they are available for rent:
  • • Walking sticks (pair): $20.
• Vistadome Class train for $75 USD per person.
• Travel Insurance:
  • • To protect your travel investment, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before leaving home is highly recommended and easy.
• TIPS:
  • • At SAMIN EXPEDITIONS, our staff are provided a fair salary indicated as medium-high. Tips are optional but greatly appreciated.

Essentials:

• Passport.
• Valid STUDENT ID (if booked as a student).
• Immigration card (given at the airport upon entering Peru).
• Backpack (the smaller the better).
• Water storage: A camelback with a capacity of 2 or 3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles).

Inside your Backpack:

Backpacks can be any size for the hike, but we always suggest the smaller the better. Inside the citadel of Machu Picchu, backpacks larger than 25L will not be allowed. If it’s larger, you’ll need to store it outside the citadel gates. But don’t worry, they have a secure storage facility.

• Water: We will provide drinking water in your boxed lunch. It’s at your discretion to bring the appropriate amount of water for your trek.
• Personal medication.
• Some snacks such as chocolate bars and fruit.
• Sunhat.
• Rain gear.
• Rain poncho.
• Camera.
• Music (cell phone).
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.

What is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail (also called the «Inca Trail» or «Camino Inca») is one of the most important hiking routes in South America. This is influenced by its original Inca architecture, the archaeological remains along the route, and the natural mix of jungle and cloud forest along the way.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or the Red Trail of the Tahuantinsuyu to Machu Picchu is a hiking trail in Peru that ends at Machu Picchu.

What was the Inca Trail?

The Tahuantinsuyu (in Quechua, Qhapaq Ñan or Inka naani) was a system of long-distance trails in the Inca civilization that linked important cities on the coast and in the mountains. It was structured around two longitudinal axes: the mountainous sector and the coastal plain.

What is the Inca Trail and what places does it cover?

If you thought the Inca Trail was just the route you walked from Cusco to Machu Picchu, you were very wrong. The Tahuantinsuyo Trail Network actually covers 30,000 kilometers, spanning southern Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile.

How is the Inca Trail done?

The Inca Trail is only permitted with a tour guide. Admission must be purchased through an authorized travel agency. The agency will book your entry ticket and everything you need to complete the Inca Trail. Tickets must be booked six months in advance.

Can Machu Picchu be visited by people of any age?

Yes, it can be visited by people of all ages. However, to ascend Huayna Picchu, only people over 12 years old are allowed to visit.

At what time can I enter Machu Picchu?

Public access is from 6 am to 5 pm.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is home to nearly 150 amazing structures. These are some of the highlights:

• • The Temple of the Sun.
  • The Intihuatana.
  • The Temple of the Three Windows.
  • The Temple of the Condor.
  • The Hall of Mirrors.
  • The Staircase of the Fountains.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • The Temple of the Moon.
  • The Gate of the Sun (Intipunku).
  • The Main Plaza.
  • The Royal Tomb.
  • The Sacred Rock.