Breakfast at camp. Departure time is 7:00 a.m. The path immediately descends on an original Inca trail into León Punku Ravine. Large rock walls rise on both sides, and sections of an old Inca bridge still remain visible.

Arrival at Huchuy Qosqo Inca City (3,650 m) on a flat area full of agricultural terraces. The site has large ceremonial plazas, finely worked stone buildings, and water systems. The guide – a local expert with years of experience leading travelers from all over the world in multiple languages – explains the purpose of each construction and the daily life that once took place here. The position offers a complete view across the Sacred Valley to the Vilcanota River.

After the visit, the trail descends for 2 hours to the community of Tauca (3,762 m). Lunch is prepared with natural ingredients from nearby farms. If someone prefers international-style dishes, they can be arranged (possible extra cost – check with the Machu Picchu Peru Travel reservations team).

Private transportation from Machu Picchu Peru Travel, driven by highly trained staff, waits in Tauca to take you directly to your Ollantaytambo hotel. Dinner that evening is in a restaurant in town.

Early pickup at the hotel and short ride to Ollantaytambo train station. The train departs at 7:20 a.m. and reaches kilometer 104 (2,200 m) after 1 hour – the official start of the Short Inca Trail.

You cross the bridge over the Vilcanota River, show permits at the control post, and soon reach the Inca constructions of Chachabamba, located among dense semi-tropical vegetation.

The trail then climbs for 3 hours to Wiñaywayna Inca City (2,650 m). Forty levels of agricultural terraces cover the slope. The guide details the religious and farming functions of the buildings while you eat the boxed lunch provided.

After resting, the path continues about 1 hour to Inti Punku (Sun Gate, 2,720 m). The complete panorama of Machu Picchu opens in front. Time for photographs. From the Sun Gate it is a 45-minute descent to the main guardian house at Machu Picchu (2,490 m). Arrival is late afternoon, so the site feels almost private.

A 30-minute tourist bus descends to Aguas Calientes town (2,160 m). The guide checks you into the hotel and shows the restaurant selected for the à la carte dinner. The natural hot springs are a 10-minute walk from the main square and stay open until 8:00 p.m. (entrance 10 soles, optional).

Hotel breakfast. The guide meets you early to catch one of the first buses up the mountain. The 2-hour guided visit inside Machu Picchu covers the Temple of the Sun, the central plaza, royal residences, water channels, and the classic upper viewpoint for photographs.

Free time follows to walk alone through different sectors. Optional climbs to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are possible after the main tour (extra $70 USD per person, 2 more hours of walking, must be reserved in advance).

Bus down to Aguas Calientes. Lunch in town (not included). Afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, then private transportation from Machu Picchu Peru Travel back to your Cusco hotel. Arrival around 6:30 p.m. (or approximately 8:30 p.m. if one of the mountains was climbed).

Additional Information

• Guides are local professionals with extensive knowledge of these routes and fluency in several languages.
• All meals on trekking days use fresh, organic ingredients from Andean producers. International options can be requested.
• Includes: Huchuy Qosqo entrance, Short Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance, train tickets, camping night with full equipment, hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, all mentioned private transportation owned by Machu Picchu Peru Travel.