Day hike (KM 104 Trail) to Machu Picchu

Early morning start to board the train that runs to Aguas Calientes, the village at the base of Machu Picchu. You will be taken to Ollantaytambo train station from your hotel with your guide.

You will disembark around half an hour before reaching Aguas Calientes, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. However, a short walk down the trackside bank will bring you to the head of KM104 in order to trek the last part of the legendary Inca Trail. The trek is approximately 10 km in length, and can take anything between five to eight hours depending on your walking pace and the length of time you spend at the sites en route.

There is an initial, steady, continuous climb for the first 6 km to the impressive site of Winay Wayna. It should be noted that some parts of this initial section of the trail are narrow and exposed. Shortly after leaving these ruins you will join up with the main section of the Inca Trail that is hiked by people of the four-day trek.

By early to mid-afternoon, after a further 3 km, you will arrive at the Inti Punku Sun Gate, which will give you your first, unforgettable view of Machu Picchu, shimmering down below. After a further 1 km of downhill walking you will arrive at the site itself. A packed lunch is provided during the trek and is normally taken around Winay Wayna ruins or at a nearby campsite which has a small café and seating area.