Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• Departure from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
• Train to KM104 (Chachabamba)
• Hike to Wiñayhuayna, passing archaeological sites.
• Continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for the first view of Machu Picchu.
• Descend to Machu Picchu and then transfer to Aguas Calientes for the night.

Discover Short Inca Trail  with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco (around 4:00 a.m.) or the Sacred Valley (around 5:30 a.m.), depending on your location. If you want to save travel time, we recommend staying closer to Ollantaytambo the night before. From Cusco, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo.

Once aboard the train, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride along the Urubamba River toward Km 104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Before we hit the trail, we’ll stop for a delicious breakfast to fuel up. Don’t forget to bring your original passport—it’s required at the checkpoint to register.

The hike begins with a visit to Chachabamba, the first major archaeological site and a great introduction to the Inca Trail. From there, we’ll start a steady 4-hour uphill hike to Wiñaywayna, one of the most stunning sites along the route. We’ll take our time to explore its terraces and enjoy the spectacular views before sitting down for a picnic lunch, freshly prepared by our chef nearby.

Energized and ready, we’ll continue the final stretch to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), where Machu Picchu comes into view for the first time. We’ll arrive there around 3 and 4 pm, just in time to catch the sunset light over the Inca citadel. Then, after a short downhill walk of about 30 minutes, we'll begin our exploration of the citadel via Circuit 1, where there are the best views of Machu Picchu, with few visitors around, perfect timing for photos.

Finally, we’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for dinner at a restaurant and spend the night in a 3-star hotel, complete with private bathrooms, hot showers, and beautiful mountain views.

• Early morning bus to Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu (Circuit #2 or #3- Depending on availability)
• Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
• Train back to Ollantaytambo and then transfer to Cusco.

Today is exclusively dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu, the famous Lost City of the Incas. We’ll start early with breakfast before catching one of the first buses up to the site. As we arrive and the sky brightens, you'll be welcomed by incredible views, and if the weather is clear, we might even catch the sunrise over Machu Picchu.

The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts about 2 to 3 hours, with a guide leading the way through Circuit 3, which gives us access to the most exclusive and important areas of the Inca citadel. You’ll cover the main plazas, aqueducts, temples, palaces, farming terraces, and the central area of Machu Picchu while learning about the citadel's history and significance. The site is massive, but you’ll have plenty of time to truly take it all in. If you’re up for more adventure, there’s the option to hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked well in advance).

Optional: After the main tour, you can hike down to Aguas Calientes using the original Hiram Bingham trail. On the way, you can visit the Machu Picchu Museum, stop by the butterfly station, and enjoy some fantastic views.

Later, we’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. You will have time to explore the town, choose a restaurant, or browse the local market for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we’ll take the Panoramic train (Vistadome or 360°) and then take a bus back to Cusco. The Machupicchu Discover Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to our hotel. Our arrival time in Cusco is around 7:30 p.m.