Day 1 - Cuzco - Ollantaytambo - k.104 - Aguas Calientes
Morning you will be met by your guide and depart by Vistadome train into the Sacred Valley passing through the Andean mountains. Here there are small Indian villages and the abundance of semi tropical plants that leads you to the starting point of your trek at k.104. After your arrival at K.104 you will begin your full day hiking journey on the Inca Trail. After a short hike the first point of interest is the archaeological site of Chachabamba, which ascends through the ruins of Choquesuysuy that will later lead to Winay Wayna. After a couple hours of hiking a picnic style lunch will be prepared as you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the Andean mountains. Later continue a short distance on a rapid descent that takes you through the cloud forest where a variety of flowers and tropical vegetation, mosses & tree ferns as well as a small waterfall escort you to the magical ruins of Winay Wayna. Here there are several baths and newly uncovered terraces. After a time to appreciate the Incas skill we will continue further on the trail towards to the base town of Aguas Calientes and the hotel of choice.
Meals - Box Lunch ( NOTE: hotel night not included.)
Driving distance (private vehicle) Cuzco - Ollantaytambo : 77 kilometers / 47.4 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)
Train to K104 distance - Ollantaytambo : 36 kilometers / 22.4 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
Trekking distance - 9.3 kilometers / 5.8 miles (5-6 hours)
Altitudes - Wi�ay Wayna: 2665 meters / 8743 ft.; Intipunku: 2693 meters / 8833 ft.; Machu Picchu: 2460 meters / 8071 ft.; Aguas Calientes: 2070 meters / 6791 ft.

Day 2 - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Early morning departure by foot to the top of the Machu Picchu site for the rising sun. On your arrival into Machu Picchu several large rock structures or temples are along the path to which the guide will point out as you make your way into the "coliseum" like site. As you arrive your guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder. Several ideas or possibilities have been noted of this massive archaeological complex of acropolis proportion. Wether this site was a pre Incan, a previous leaders sanctuary for his retirement, maybe a location for the virgins to be separated from the kingdom and used as wives for the Inca rulers or even sacrificial for the gods. It seems that the world will never know. Time will permit as well to hike to the Inti Punku Pass (Gate of the Sun ) or explore and take more photographs of the area. Mid day you will bid farewell to the lost city of Machu Picchu and proceed to the Aguas Calientes train station where you will board the by Expedition or Vistadome train (Hiram Bingham train available on request)for your return to Cuzco. After your arrival into the Cuzco train station (6:45 -7:00 p.m.) our staff will meet and transfer you to the hotel of choice.
Altitudes: Aguas Calientes: 2070 meters / 6791 ft.; Machu Picchu: 2460 meters / 8071 ft.
Meals - Lunch
NOTE : Inca Trail permit allows for 1/2 day visit of Machu Picchu. Additional 1/2 day entry are available for $50.00 U.S.