INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 2D/1N
Private Service

This route encompasses the final section of the regular 4 day Inka Trail to Machu Picchu. The later is Peru’s best known hike and one of the most popular treks in the world as well as among the most beautiful. This modified version covers a total of 13 km., most of it on a an alternative Inka road rising from the Urubamba valley bottom and joining up with the standard Inka Trail at the spectacular archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna, thence continuing along it for the final few kilometers to the gateway of the Sun at Intipunku. The following day is devoted to a full day visit and in-depth tour of the celebrated Citadel of Machu Picchu.  This program is designed and recommended for those folk with less time at their disposal or simply desirous of a shorter hike to Machu Picchu without any overnight camping involved.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Private transfer from hotel at 5:30 a.m. to the San Pedro Train Station. There we board the train which will take us to kilometer 104 of the railway, which is the trailhead of our hike and where we should be arriving at around 10:00 a.m. We begin our activities by visiting the nearby archaeological complex of  Chachabamba (elev.: 2150m/7052ft above sea level) situated on the left bank of the Vilcanota -or Urubamba- River. Following this we set off on an 8 km. ascent along a well marked trail, reaching the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna after 4 hours. Wiñaywayna (elev.: 2650m/8692ft above sea level) is an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, an upper religious sector and a lower urban sector connected by a chain of fountains. In the course of our ascent we shall have enjoyed impressive views of the Urubamba River Vallrey as well as the archaeological complex of Choquesuysuy situated on the opposite bank of the river. Another breathtaking view is that of a very beautiful waterfall cascading several hundred feet in the vicinity of Wiñaywayna. This site possesses an impressive layout including an upper ceremonial sector with circular structures and double jamb portals and windows, as well as a lower residential –or urban- one, with elegant delicately gabled constructions; the two being connected by a stairway paralleling a row of 10 baths or fountains. There are also numerous terraces. From Wiñaywayna we proceed westward along the main Inka Trail, following a moderate ascent through sections of cloud forest characterized by the presence of numerous giant fern and cycads. Large sections of the trail are paved with ashlars and flagstones of fine workmanship and skirt the edges of steep precipitous cliffs many thousands of feet above the valley bottom.. After one hour of hiking we arrive at Intipunku (the Gateway of the Sun ). From this magical spot we may contemplate the “classic” view of Machu Pichu, the Sacred City of the Inkas. Afterwards, we descend from Intipunku into Machu Pichu itself and from there by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the right bank of the Urubamba. Once in Aguas Calientes we settle into our lodgings at the selected hotel/hostel.
Meals: L , D

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Cusco

We rise early and board a bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu,. Upon arrival we immediately set forth on a complete guided tour of the site, lasting approximately 2 hours. Once the tour has concluded we will have free time at our disposal to walk around, explore and climb to the summit of Huaynapicchu mountain (usually seen in the background of the classic vista of Machupicchu) from where quite spectacular views of Machu Pichu seen from a different angle –as well as the breathtaking and dramatic panorama of the surrounding mountain peaks and the great gorge of the Urubamba canyon- can be fully appreciated. it is likewise possible, from the summit of Huayna Picchu,  to visit the Temple of the Moon. Another feature of interest accessible from Machu Picchu is the vertiginous Inka Bridge. Come the afternoon, we all converge and meet up in the town of Aguas Calientes where those who may wish to do so can devote some time to rest and relaxation in the local hot springs. In Aguas Calientes. we board the afternoon train back to Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals: -

Services Included:

• Transfer on private Transport from Hotel  to An Pedro Train Station in Cusco on Day 01
• Train Fare from Cusco to km. 82 (trailhead)
• Inca Trail and Machupicchu admission fee (valid for 2 days)
• Professional English-speaking Guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
• Meals (01L (box-lunch), 01 dinner)
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus fare from Machupicchu ruins down to Town of Aguas Calientes – 1st day
• Round trip bus fare Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – 2nd day
• Train fare from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Backpacker or Vistadome Service, upon request)
• Transfer train station – hotel in Cusco

Services NOT Included:

• Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu.
• Lunch and Dinner on last day:  after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time for lengthier visit of the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense as well..
• Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to cap off the trek while awaiting departure on the return train to Cusco. The baths are only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is US$ 1,50. Extra towels can be rented in Aguas Calientes. Use of swimming suit is obligatory.