Inca Trail Express

The Inca Trail Express is the perfect choice for those without the time for the longer classic trail. The well-preserved final stretch of the Inca Trail starts at Chachabamba. The accent takes you up to Wiñay Wayna before a stunning descent to Machu Picchu, hiking into the citadel through Intipunka, the Door of the Sun. An overnight in nearby Aguas Calientes gives you time to explore the citadel the next day before returning to Cuzco by train.

Day 1
Cusco – Machu Picchu

Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the train station. The train stops at Km 104  where we cross a hanging bridge and we continue to Chachabamba site. These ruins, discovered in 1940, are located on the old Inca road that ran along the southern bank of the Urubamba river. The style of buildings and stonework suggest that this was an important religious site, as well as having the secondary function as a gate house guarding this entrance to Machu Picchu. From Chachabamba the Inca Trail climbs the hillside, entering some woods and crossing a small stream.  About 2 hours after leaving Chachabamba, the path descends into a nice Valley where it becomes a canyon and the cloud forest begins to appear (Box Lunch time).

After lunch we continue and we will reach a beautiful waterfall and soon after we leave the forest to arrive at the foot of the superb ruins of Wiñay Wayna. We will climb up the stairway and pass through the urban area of the terraces, passing a series of Inca baths and many stone buildings.

In the afternoon we will finally reach Intipunku, the door of the sun, from where the trail winds downhill. The classic view into the lost citadel will be a unique experience as we descend toward the town of Aguas Calientes. Overnight at the hotel where you have the reservation.

Day 2
Machu Picchu – Cusco

After an early breakfast we will take the bus to get Machu Picchu and make a guided tour to the Inca Citadel and surroundings. After lunch return by train to Ollantaytambo where we will transfer by bus to the Sacred Valley or Cusco.

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Photo top page by Ayesha Parikh on Unsplash.