Itinerary Inca Trail Express

Our Inca Trail Express tour begins early in the morning, with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 3:30 a.m., transferring you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, we will board the 5:40 a.m. train, which takes us to Km 104. The train ride lasts about 90 minutes, giving you the chance to enjoy the breathtaking Andean landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River. The diverse geography of this area offers a rich environment for ornithologists, biologists, and nature lovers, featuring a wide variety of archaeological sites, climates, and species of plants and animals.

At Km 104, we will disembark at CHACHABAMBA, cross a bridge, and enter the Inca trail network. After checking our tickets and passports, we will begin our hike on this sacred path. We will climb to our first stop with a scenic view of the Chachabamba archaeological site and Choquesuysuy, a small Inca site nestled in the semi-tropical forest.

Continuing the trek, we’ll ascend through a lush landscape featuring orchids, mushrooms, epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants), and lithophytes (plants growing on rocks). The inter-Andean climate and tropical mist make for an unforgettable hiking experience. Along the way, we’ll also get stunning panoramic views of Wiñaywayna from scenic lookouts, and pass by the Phuyuwachi waterfall, observing a variety of native plants and birds. After about 3 hours of hiking, we will reach Wiñaywayna, a well-preserved Inca site at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet), located just 5 km from Machu Picchu. This site, rich in ceremonial and agricultural history, once served as a control center for accessing Machu Picchu. The name Wiñaywayna comes from an orchid species abundant in the area.

After exploring Wiñaywayna, we will continue the hike to Intipunko, or «Sun Gate,» which serves as the entrance to Machu Picchu. Here, we’ll celebrate completing the Inca Trail with a well-earned rest and enjoy the first stunning view of the Machu Picchu citadel from this vantage point.

We will then make our final descent to Machu Picchu, taking time to explore the site and gain an orientation of this majestic archaeological wonder. Afterward, a tourist bus will take us to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll board our train back to Cusco, wrapping up the incredible 1-day Inca Trail Express experience. CuscoPeru.com offers you an unforgettable journey on this iconic trail, combining history, culture, and natural beauty.

HIKING LEVEL:

The 1-Day Express Inca Trail is rated as a level 3 to 4 hike:

• Level 1: Easy, flat terrain.
• Level 2: Mix of flat terrain and gentle slopes.
• Level 3: Uneven terrain with steeper inclines.
• Level 4: Steep and rugged terrain.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Hiking time is approximately 6 hours, we recommend you to wear trekking shoes.
• Carry a small backpack, a camera, a sun hat, sunscreen, a warm jacket, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a water bottle.
• The hike is at high altitude, so make sure to be comfortable.
• Wear trekking shoes.
• Bring a waterproof jacket.
• Personal hygiene items.