Short itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Inti Punku – Aguas Calientes
- Early morning pickup at your hotel in Cusco (3:30 a.m.) and transfer to Ollantaytambo.
- Train journey from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 to start the hike.
- Guided visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site and trek toward the Wiñayhuayna complex.
- Hike toward Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to appreciate the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
- Bus descent to the town of Aguas Calientes, accommodation at the selected hostel, and dinner included.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Bus transfer from Aguas Calientes to the main entrance of the archaeological site.
- Professional guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel and subsequent free time.
- Option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (requested in advance and subject to availability).
- Return bus to Aguas Calientes, train ride back to Ollantaytambo, and final transfer to Cusco in the evening.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Inti Punku – Aguas Calientes
Today, the Pakareqtampu Travel team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. The adventure begins early, around 3:30 a.m., when Pakareqtampu Travel starts one of the most iconic experiences in the Andes. With the logistical support of Pakareqtampu Travel, we will travel by tourist transportation to the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we will board the train to Kilometer 104, the starting point of the short Inca Trail. Once at Km 104, we will begin the trek with a guided visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site (2,250 m a.s.l.), an ancient Inca structure believed to have had religious and administrative functions. From there, we will embark on a hike along natural trails until reaching one of the most beautiful complexes on the Inca Trail: Wiñayhuayna, whose name means «Forever Young». This site offers a unique combination of terraces, temples, ceremonial fountains, and dwellings, directly connecting us with the spiritual and agricultural legacy of the Incas. After a break to rest and have lunch, we will continue hiking along a trail until reaching the magical Inti Punku or Sun Gate, the ancient ceremonial entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu. From this high vantage point, you will have your first panoramic view of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the most anticipated postcard views for travelers. After contemplating this incredible view, we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will stay at a comfortable hostel pre-selected by Pakareqtampu Travel. In the evening, you will enjoy an included dinner and have time to relax and prepare for the second day.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This day is dedicated to thoroughly exploring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The visiting schedule for the second day will be coordinated by Pakareqtampu Travel according to ticket availability; subsequently, we will take the bus that will take us to the entrance of the archaeological site. Once inside, we will have a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. At the end of the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, take photos, or simply contemplate this site. If you wish, you can request entry to an additional mountain (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) in advance through Pakareqtampu Travel, subject to availability. In the afternoon, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will board the return train to Ollantaytambo, and from there, Pakareqtampu Travel’s transportation will take you back to Cusco, arriving in the evening and closing one of the most enriching experiences of the trip.
Inclusions
Includes
- Pre-tour information through a briefing with the Pakareqtampu Travel team.
- Transfers from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo (round trip), organized by Pakareqtampu Travel.
- Train tickets Ollantaytambo – Km 104 and Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo.
- Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail.
- Entrance ticket to the citadel according to availability (Day 2).
- 1 box lunch.
- Dinner (Day 1).
- Breakfast (Day 2).
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes selected by Pakareqtampu Travel.
- Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (Day 2).
- Professional bilingual guide from Pakareqtampu Travel (English – Spanish).
Does not include
- Huayna Picchu.
- Breakfast (Day 1).
- Lunch and Dinner (Day 2).
- Bus ticket Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (Day 1).
- Other services not mentioned.
We recommend bringing
- Book in advance through Pakareqtampu Travel.
- Original passport (mandatory requirement to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu).
- Small backpack (maximum 25L).
- Comfortable hiking clothes: sports pants, breathable t-shirt, thermal clothing for the night.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Trekking footwear with good traction.
- Sun hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle (minimum 1.5L).
- Energy snacks: dried fruits, cereal bars, or chocolate.
- Cash (for personal purchases or tips).
- Trekking poles (optional, but recommended)
