Our journey starts early in the morning. After our arrival at km 104 by train, the Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m/7448f), where your guide will talk about the previous function of this archeological site.  Afterwards, we will reach Wiñayhuayna (2650m/8694f), the most important archeological site besides Machu Picchu. Next, the trail continues towards the Sun Gate “Inti Punku” and a wonderful view of nightfall at Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f). Since we have to continue hiking until we reach the bus that takes us to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, we’ll only spend a little time in Machu Picchu on the first day.

Hiking time: 06 hours
Total distance: 12 km/7.5 m
Level of difficulty: Moderate

We’ll leave our hotel after breakfast at about 5:30 am, and take a bus up to Machu Picchu. We leave so early because the site is less crowded, and early morning is a good time to enjoy the ancient spirit of the best-known archaeological site on the continent. After arriving around 6:00 am, your guide will give detailed information about Machu Picchu, its history and the culture of the Incas. After this orientation, you will have free time to enjoy and explore the site on your own (for example, visit the Inka Bridge, explore buildings or climb Wayna Picchu, only with an advanced reservation, for an amazing panoramic picture). After the bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes, you can soak in the town’s soothing natural springs (cost 10 soles). We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon by train.

Climate: warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 02 hours
Total distance: 4 km/2.5m
Level of difficulty: moderate