Highlight of the day: See stunning scenery as you visit archaeological sites and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

Walk in Ancient Footsteps and Transport Back in Time

Your adventure begins today nice and early as you’ll be picked up from your accommodation at 4 am. You’ll then travel for around 1 and a half hours to the small, quaint town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have a few minutes to make any last-minute purchases. You’ll board the train at the station at 6:10 am to KM 104, from where our trek begins. You can see the golden sun covering the expansive Andean mountains, farming fields, and the Urubamba River along the railway. Before you start walking, you’ll meet your guide and listen to a brief orientation about the details, and we’ll provide you with your box lunch and a snack for you to enjoy later on.

The hike starts on the same path as the Classic Inca Trail. You’ll be immersed in the stunning landscape as you’re surrounded by lush vegetation and towering mountains watching over you. After a short while, we’ll reach our first Inca archaeological site on the trek, Chachabamba, and learn a little about it from our guide.

After another 3 hours, we get to one of the most fascinating Inca sites, the Wiñay Wayna complex (meaning 'forever young' in Quechua) that sits at 2,650 masl / 8,694 fasl. Most trekkers who stop here are amazed by the incredible architecture. You’ll explore the site and discover a ritual water source, temples dedicated to nature's forces, and beautiful agricultural platforms. Wiñay Wayna is the perfect place to learn a little more about the impressive history of the Incas.

While you’re at these sites, take some time to relax, unwind in peace, and connect to Mother Nature through birdsong and the soft whisper of the wind. A little further on, you’ll spot the campsites where those doing the Classic Inca Trail spend the night. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy the tasty lunchbox we’ve prepared for you, chill out, and recharge your batteries.

Once you’re ready to go again, we’ll continue the hike to the Sun Gate, from where you get your first outstanding views of Machu Picchu and all its incredible architecture. You’ll be astounded at how the Incas were able to build such a site on a mountain. The landscape is very dreamy, and you’ll feel the magic and mystery of Machu Picchu that’s withstood the test of time amazingly. Use this opportunity to capture some unique photos and honor the Incas as you ponder how they were able to lift such big stones and try to understand their deep connection with nature.

We won’t be entering the citadel just yet, though. At this time of day, the tourists inside will be leaving, and you’ll be able to watch the magical golden light of the sun setting on the immense stone walls for some tranquility. You can look forward to tomorrow knowing that you’ll be exploring every inch of this masterpiece. For now, you’ll take an alternative path down to the exit where you’ll board a bus that takes us to the small town of Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel. Before you rest your body for the night, we’ll grab some dinner in one of the town’s best restaurants. Make sure you get to sleep early as you’ll be rising before the sun does tomorrow.

Highlight of the day: Step inside the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu and explore its ancient streets and incredible architecture.

Explore the Astounding Inca City of Machu Picchu

After a well-deserved night’s rest, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Today, you’ll be wandering the mysterious streets of the majestic historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu! You’ll need to be up before sunrise to ensure you beat the crowds. You’ll take a short walk from your hotel to catch a bus that’ll take you on a 25-minute drive to the entrance of the Inca citadel. You’ll enter just before the sun comes up and paints the fortress with a gorgeous golden hue.

After soaking it all in and taking your first few photographs, your guide will take you on a 2-hour guided tour of the site. You’ll be visiting all the most important parts of Machu Picchu and learning a lot from your local expert. Once the tour is up, you then have a few more hours to explore by yourself or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you’ve booked tickets in advance. You’ll need up to 3 hours for either and will experience more stunning views of the whole Inca city. If you don’t have pre-booked tickets, you can also take a free hike up to the Inca Bridge.

When you’re ready to leave, usually after another 5 hours or so, it’ll be time to head back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have a bit of time to select a restaurant of your choice for a bite to eat before catching a train, which is usually reserved for 4:22 pm (subject to availability). You’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo by train, and then a private bus will be there to pick you up and take you back to your accommodation in Cusco at around 8 pm.

Now it’s time to enjoy a thoroughly deserved rest and put your feet up. Your trip might be over, but we assure you your heart will be thumping for many years to come as you look back fondly on your incredible adventure.