Short Inca Trail Hike with Camping

The local team will pick you up from your hotel (between 4am and 4.30am) and take you to the train station to catch the 6.40am train from Ollantaytambo; one of the most magnificent train rides in the world.

Be prepared for phenomenal views of the Urubamba River, towering snow-capped peaks, and corn fields. As you descend, you'll see the microclimate change from mountains and cornfields to lush jungle valleys. This includes ferns, bromeliads, and orchids as the temperature gets warmer. The train takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Km 104, where we'll disembark to meet your chef and porters.

Here you'll be served your freshly cooked breakfast before you start your trek. Be sure to bring your original passport as this is the very first checkpoint on the Inca Trail. After breakfast, you'll have some time to get ready before starting the trek.

Soon after, we'll explore the first Inca site, Chachabamba, which is the first ancient Inca checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. Your guide will give you some background information on these amazing ruins. You'll then take a 3 hour trek to the most famous Inca site along the Wiñay Wayna trail.

Along the way you'll see stunning views of the Machu Picchu Valley and the Urubamba River, as well as the flora and fauna 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 sections. It also has steps in sections that can be narrow in places but are not dangerous.

Once you arrive at the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, you'll have time for a tour with your guide. He'll give you time to explore the Inca site, temples, waterfalls, gardens, warehouses, watchtowers, and agricultural terraces.

Then it's a short walk to the lunch spot where your cook and porters will be waiting for you. You'll be served cold drinks and delicious fresh food prepared by the chef and served buffet style. After lunch there will be time for a short nap.

Then it's an hour's gradual up and down walk to the Sun Gate, where you'll have spectacular views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the surrounding valleys. The Sun Gate was used by the Incas to watch the sun rise from Machu Picchu during the summer solstice. From here it's an hour's walk to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Once there, you can explore the area around the lookout tower, where you can get some stunning views of Machu Picchu without the crowds. It's then a 20 minute bus ride to the Puente Ruinas campsite, where your tents will be set up. You'll meet your porters and enjoy a social happy hour with hot drinks and dinner.

Later in the evening we'll have a small ceremony with your cook and porters for your last night with them. They'll be back the next morning to cook breakfast and say a proper goodbye.

Your 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 enjoy your freshly made breakfast. It's a 30-minute walk to the bus station to be one of the first in line to go up to Machu Picchu.

The first buses leave at 5:30 am and arrive at Machu Picchu at 6:00 am. Again, you will need your original passport at this checkpoint. Your guide will take you to the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise over the mountains and take some amazing pictures (weather permitting). We'll then have a 2-hour private walking tour of the Machu Picchu ruins and its fascinating history. You'll also have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. If you've booked a permit to climb Huayna Picchu, you'll depart at 10:00 am. You'll need to catch your bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before your train departs to allow time for lunch and the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, you'll take a private van back to Cusco, where the team will drop you off at your hotel.