Andean Route’ team will pick you up from your hotel at 4 a.m. You’ll head to the train station and leave on the 6:10 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo. This train is one of the most magnificent trains to ride in the world. Be prepared for phenomenal views of the Urubamba River, the soaring snow-capped mountain peaks and cornfield farms. As we descend, you’ll see the micro-climate changes from the mountains and cornfields to green jungle valleys. This includes ferns, bromeliads, and orchids as the temperature starts to get warmer. This train ride is one hour and 45 minutes to Km 104, where we’ll disembark to meet your Andean Routes trekking chef and porters.

This is where you’ll be served your freshly cooked breakfast before starting your trek. Be sure to bring your original passport since this is the very first checkpoint along the Inca Trail. After breakfast you’ll have some time to prepare before beginning the hike.

Soon after we’ll get to explore the first Inca site, Chachabamba, which is first ancient Incan checkpoint to enter the Inca trail. Your Andean Routes tour guide will give you some background history on these amazing ruins. Then you’ll have a three-hour hike up to the most famous Inca site along the trail Wiñay Wayna.

You’ll see amazing views of Machu Picchu Valley and the Urubamba River along the trail as well as the flora and fauna that re native to the area. There are also waterfalls and spectacular views of Machu Picchu Mountain. The trail itself has some flat areas as well as some short uphill and downhill hikes. It also has steps arranged in sections that can be narrow in some areas but not dangerous.

Once you arrive at the Wiñay Wayna Inca site you’ll have time for a tour by your Andean Routes guide. He’ll provide you with time to explore the Inca site, temples, waterfalls, gardens, storehouses, watchtowers and farming terraces.

Then it’s only a short walk to the lunch spot where your Andean Routes trekking chef and porters will be ready for your arrival. They’ll have cold drinks and delicious fresh food prepared by Andean Routes’ chef and served buffet-style. After lunch there’ll be time for a short nap.

Then it’ll be a one hour gradual up and downhill hike to get to the Sun Gate. There you’ll have spectacular views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the surrounding valleys. The Sun Gate was used by Incas to observe the sunrise from Machu Picchu during the summer solstice. From here it’s another hour hike to the Machu Picchu ruins. Once in Machu Picchu you can explore the watchtower area where you can get charming pictures of Machu Picchu (without crowds). We’ll then take the 20-minute bus ride to the campsite of Puente Ruinas. When you arrive at the campsite your tents will be all set up. You’ll meet your Andean Routes porters and enjoy a social happy hour with hot drinks and dinner.

Later in the evening we’ll have a small ceremony with your chef and porters for your last night with them. They’ll still be there the next morning to cook breakfast and for a proper goodbye.
* This hiking route is identical to our 2 Day Inca Trail with Hotel.

Your Andean Route team will wake you up early with your choice of hot drinks. You’ll then have time to prepare your duffel bags, day packs and to enjoy your freshly made breakfast. We’ll walk 30 minutes to the bus station to be one of the first in line to go up to Machu Picchu (sometimes there is a 20-30 min wait in the line to board the bus).

The first buses will depart at 5:30 a.m. and arrive at 6:00 a.m., into Machu Picchu. Again, you need to have your original passport at this checkpoint. Your Andean Routes tour guide will take you to the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise over the mountains and gets some amazing pictures (weather permitting). We’ll then have a two hour private walking tour of the Machu Picchu ruins with all of its fascinating history. You’ll also have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. If you have booked a permit to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain you’ll start at 10:00 a.m. However, there are a lot of other things to see around Machu Picchu. There is the Inca Bridge, the Sun Gate, or you can walk around the temple and residential areas of Machu Picchu and mingle with the llamas. You’ll need to catch your bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch and train to Ollantaytambo. From there you’ll go by private van back to Cusco where your Andean Routes team will drop you off at your hotel.