Q26 WEB PAGE - Inca Trail Express

Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the train station to board the train to Km 104, where we will disembark to begin the Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu. We will cross the bridge over the Urubamba River and visit the first archaeological site, Chachabamba. After a four-hour ascent, we will arrive at the Wiñawayna archaeological site at 2,700 m (8,858 ft) to explore this secluded Inca complex. We will continue for two more hours along the classic Inca Trail until reaching Inti Punku or the "Sun Gate," where we will enjoy an excellent, sweeping view of Machu Picchu visible in the distance. In the afternoon, we will hike down slowly toward Machu Picchu, enjoying the first classic views and taking photos of the main landmarks during a brief introductory tour of the ruins. Afterward, we will take a shuttle bus down to Machu Picchu pueblo to check into the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Most of the following day will be dedicated to a detailed guided exploration of the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Today's meals include a morning snack, box lunch, and dinner.

Early in the morning, we will return to the Machu Picchu citadel for an extensive exploration of the site's landmarks and its famous stone architecture. Once inside, we have several options. One exciting yet challenging choice is to climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu, which requires an early wake-up call to hike up a steep trail to reach the peak of "Huayna Picchu," the iconic mountain overlooking the citadel. This peak features in all classic photos of Machu Picchu and offers a stunning 360-degree view of the ruins, the surrounding mountains, and the deep Urubamba River canyon. The main sectors of the Machu Picchu archaeological site take hours to properly explore. In the afternoon, we will board the Vistadome train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Lunch will be provided at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge restaurant, located right at the entrance of the citadel.