Ollantaytambo

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. (or around 5:30 a.m. if you are staying near Ollantaytambo). From there, you will travel to the Ollantaytambo Train Station, where you will board your train for a scenic journey toward Machu Picchu. As the train follows the winding course of the Urubamba River, you will enjoy spectacular views of lush valleys, traditional Andean landscapes, and towering mountain scenery—an unforgettable start to your Machu Picchu adventure.

After enjoying breakfast and boarding the train, you will travel for about 1.5 hours through the spectacular Sacred Valley landscape before arriving at KM 104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Upon arrival, you will check in at the trail entrance using your passport, as required for access to the historic Inca Trail. After completing the registration process, you will meet our dedicated trekking team who will assist and support you throughout the hike, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey along this legendary route to Machu Picchu.

We will begin the hike with a visit to Chachabamba, a remarkably well-preserved Inca site featuring ceremonial structures and ancient water channels. From there, the trail gradually ascends through lush cloud forest, where you’ll walk along scenic paths surrounded by vibrant vegetation, hear the songs of native birds, and pass beautiful waterfalls along the way—creating one of the most enchanting sections of the Short Inca Trail experience.

Winay Wayna

The hike begins with a gentle 4-hour ascent along the original stone paths of the Inca Trail, surrounded by lush cloud forest and spectacular Andean landscapes. This scenic section leads you to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites along the route. Its name means “Forever Young,” and the site features impressive agricultural terraces, ancient temples, and breathtaking views over the Andes Mountains. After exploring this fascinating Inca complex and learning about its history from your guide, you will enjoy a delicious eco-friendly box lunch in a stunning natural setting. It’s the perfect moment to relax, recharge, and take in the incredible scenery before continuing your unforgettable journey toward Machu Picchu.

Intipuncu

After lunch, we continue hiking toward the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the historic gateway used by the Incas to enter Machu Picchu. From this spectacular vantage point, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of the Lost City of the Incas, a truly magical moment for every traveler. Arriving in the afternoon offers a quieter and more exclusive experience, with fewer crowds and perfect lighting over the ancient citadel. This panoramic viewpoint provides one of the most iconic photo opportunities of Machu Picchu, making it a highlight of the entire Short Inca Trail experience.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

After reaching Machu Picchu, we will descend toward the citadel and follow Circuit 1, visiting the most iconic panoramic viewpoints. By this time of the afternoon, the crowds have usually begun to fade, allowing you to experience a more peaceful atmosphere while taking stunning photos of Machu Picchu in the soft afternoon light — one of the best moments of the day to capture the classic views of this world wonder.

Aguas Calientes

Afterward, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, the charming town located at the base of Machu Picchu. In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant. Later, you will spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel with a private bathroom, ensuring a relaxing stay before continuing your Machu Picchu experience the following day.

Aguas Calientes

The day begins early with the excitement of visiting Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will head to the bus station to board one of the first buses up to the citadel, allowing you to arrive just as the day begins and experience the magic of this world wonder in the fresh morning light.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

If weather conditions allow, you may have the chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu, one of the most magical moments of the entire journey. Your professional guide will then lead you on a 2 to 3-hour guided tour through the most important areas of the site, exploring temples, ceremonial spaces, and terraces while sharing fascinating insights about the history and significance of the Inca sanctuary. After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore at your own pace, take photos, or enjoy the atmosphere of this extraordinary wonder of the world. Adventurous travelers can also hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for spectacular panoramic views (permits must be reserved in advance). After your visit, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch before boarding the train for your return journey.

Relax and take in the breathtaking scenery as you travel back toward Cusco aboard the panoramic PeruRail Vistadome train. Its large panoramic windows offer spectacular views of the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley, allowing you to comfortably unwind and reflect on your unforgettable adventure.

Ollantaytambo

Our Travel On Green team will be waiting for you at the train station in Ollantaytambo to welcome you upon arrival and provide comfortable transportation back to your hotel in Cusco, ensuring a smooth and stress-free end to your journey.

Cusco

Your journey will come to an end with arrival at your hotel around 7:30 p.m., giving you the rest of the evening free to relax and unwind after an unforgettable day exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu.