short inca trail to the citadel of machu picchu

Program: 2 days - 1 night

Day 1º: Train ride to km 104 - Full Day Trek to Machu Picchu

Our clients are collected from their hostel/hotels at 05.30am and then transferred to the San Pedro train station, to board the train that will take us to the Km. 104 on the Cusco – Machu Picchu Railway (at this point we will start our trek). We will reach Km. 104 around 10:00 am. On this point we get off the train and start our journey crossing the Willkamayu River (Urubamba River) using a spectacular bridge (cable and wood made). We start the trek visiting the famous Inca Sanctuary of Chachabamba, a beautiful palace with nice rooms and walls. After having a proper introduction of Inca History, we will climb up a trail of roughly 8 km. (4 hours), and afterwards we will reach the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna (2700 m), second only to Machu Picchu in beauty. This fantastic site is a perfect example of Inca terrace farming, and it was probably an experimental laboratory for agricultural purposes in Inca times. The name Wiñaywayna comes from a name given to a beautiful orchid typical in the zone, and it means FOREVER YOUNG. We will have lunch near this site.
Later on we will continue our trek, crossing the cloud forest though a narrow path till we reach the Inti Punko (Sun Gate). At this spot you will have a great view of the most beautiful Inca Citadel of Peru, “Machu Picchu”. This is indeed a special point where most of the hikers gather to get the best photo of this gorgeous sacred city.
Afterwards we will descend towards Machu Picchu. Upon our arrival you we will have some free time to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu, and after some group photos we will get off the sanctuary.(please note we will not do the guided tour on this day, but on the second). Finally will go down to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night at the designated hostel. On this evening hiker got the option of visiting and relax at the hot springs located at the upper section of valley or just chill out in the streets of this charming village.

Day 2º: Guided visit in Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

In order to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere in Machu Picchu, it is advisable to go there early in the morning; therefore we will leave at 5:30 am. Our guide will take you to the local station to catch the bus that goes up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The bus ride to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu lasts around 20 minutes and it follows a steep winding path, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Upon your arrival, our guide will show you the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock), the Sun Temple, the urban sector, the agricultural sector among others.
Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then in 1911, the explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it remains. Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.
The guided tour in Machu Picchu will last about 2 hours, and afterwards you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own, and if you wish, you might climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, the huge mountain that appears on the background in every classic picture of Machu Picchu. It takes about one hour or so to get to the top, following very steep stairs, though is a little hard, at the top you will be rewarded with one of the most impressive views in your lifetime. Later on, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch and also to explore the many craft shops in Aguas Calientes. At Aguas Calientes, if you wish, you can go to relax in the thermal baths. The hot springs are located on the upper section of the village; visitors may ask their local guide how to get there. Finally, at around 4:00 pm, we take the train back to the city of Cusco, arriving there after nightfall.

End of the excursion.

Included:

• Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the Train Station.
• Train ticket to the KM 104 (starting point of the trail)
• Entrance fees for the Inca Trail and the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
• English speaking professional guide.
• Meals (01 B – 01 L - 01 D)
• First aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Round trip bus tickets from the village of Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu.
• Backpacker Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco .
• Transfer to your hotel upon your arrival.

Not included:

• Lunch and dinner on the second day.
• Entrance fees to the thermal pools of Aguas Calientes.
• Tips.

You need to bring:

• Your original passport must be shown at the entrance and if you wish you can have it stamped at the end of the trek)
• Water bottle and sterilizing tablets.
• A backpack with a change of clothes for 02 days.
• Rain jacket (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Camera, films and batteries.
• Strong footwear.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
• Swimsuit (if you wish to visit the hot springs)
• Cash in soles and US.
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold.
• Insect repellent, toilet paper, small towel & sun block.

Additional information:

• Confirmation of the excursion will be received at time of booking.
• All tours are operated in English unless otherwise stated.
• All your personal information is required at the moment of your booking.
• This excursion is available all year round, except in February. In case you want to book this tour, please just send us an e-mail. We will reply within the next 24 hours.

Travel Voucher:

• For every confirmed booking you will be required to print a voucher for presentation at our office in Cusco.
• You will receive an electronic voucher via e-mail once your booking is confirmed.

Local Operator Information:

• We will send you a complete operator information, including phone numbers at your destination in Cusco.
• Our Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Accommodation in Cusco:

• In order to meet you easily in the city of Cusco, we might book also a hotel or hostel room for you depending on your budget. We have especial deals with hotels and hostel in Cusco. Do not hesitate in asking.

How to book this tour....

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