2-Day Shared Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo Train Station, then board the train to Chachabamba (Km 104), the trailhead. After passport control, start your hike through lush cloud forest rich in flora and fauna. Our first stop is Chachabamba (2150m), once used for ceremonies dedicated to the Sun (Inti) and mountain spirits (Apus). We then continue uphill to Wiñay Wayna (2650m), the most beautiful site on the Inca Trail, known for its impressive terraces and water channels. After a guided visit and boxed lunch, we hike further to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, a privilege only for Inca Trail hikers. We then descend for 45 minutes to the citadel exit and take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will stay in a comfortable hotel. In the evening, you may relax in the town’s famous hot springs.

Your guide will assist you through the control point, where your passport is verified against your entrance ticket. As the sun rises over the Andes, watch the citadel slowly emerge from the morning mist—an unforgettable moment. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour covering the most important sectors, including the Main Square, agricultural terraces, royal quarters, and ceremonial sites. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Those with pre-booked permits can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (permits are limited and sell out months in advance). Later, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch (not included) and to browse local shops. In the evening, board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our representative will meet you for your transfer back to Cusco. Arrival is expected around 10:30 PM.