Inca Trail – Short

Embark on a six-hour hike up to the awe-inspiring Inca citadel before exploring Machu Picchu, fresh from a night’s stay at Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel right at the entrance’s gates.

Your day begins with a private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station where you will take the Vistadome train to kilometer 104 on the Cusco-Machu Picchu railroad. Start your trek with a visit to the impressive Chachabamba archaeological complex. Then begin climbing the trail, arriving after four hours at the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. On the way up, you can admire magnificent views of the Urubamba Valley, a beautiful waterfall and the Choquesuysuy Inca ruins on the other side of the river.

Next begins your climb to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, which involves an hour of hiking along a cliff-edge trail through highland jungle. From the fabulous vantage point, you can see Machu Picchu, your next destination. On reaching the Historic Sanctuary, check in at Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel to rest and rejuvenate.

After an early breakfast, visit the mystical Inca citadel and its surrounding complexes on a half-day private excursion. Machu Picchu stands 2,430m (7,972ft) above sea level in the middle of a tropical mountain forest. Enjoy an optional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (both subject to availability). From here you gain breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the magical lost city. In the afternoon, board the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will take your train back to Cusco.