Machupicchu Condor Trek staff pick you up at your hotel at 04:30 am, and then drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo and take the train to Kilometer (Km) 104, which takes about 3 hours. Km 104 is an unscheduled train stop so you will probably feel a twinge of satisfaction that the train is stopping especially for you – and by knowing you are about to see things that no one else will get to! At Km 104 we will get off the train and pass the Inca Trail checkpoint where we will see our first archaeological place called Chachabamba (2,100 m / 6,889 f).

These archaeological places were one of the last shelters that the Incas used before they reached Machu Picchu. This site was also used as a religious and administrative center and features several buildings. Then, we will gradually ascend for about 2 hours climbing Inca stone steps while our guide points out different flora and fauna along the trail.

We will then pass a tall waterfall before arriving at the archaeological places called Wiñay Wayna at (2,600 m / 8,530 f), which is named after an orchid and means Forever Young. We will climb to the top of the archaeological places and enjoy lunch with an incredible view of Wiñay Wayna and the Sacred Valley. This large site sits on a mountainside and features experimental terraces that the Incas used to grow different crops. We will visit an important temple with 7 windows that was dedicated to the rainbow as well as observe the amazing engineering of water channels that still function today.

Once we finish our tour here, we will continue our hike for about 2 hours on a part of the Inca Trail which is relatively flat, with small ascents and descents along the way. At about 2:00 pm we will reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku 2,730 m / 8,956 f) which is called Intipunku in Quechua. This is where we will have our first view of Machu Picchu and from there, we will head down to the archaeological places of Machupicchu to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel. The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening if time is available before dinner.

Summary day 1: Short Inca Trail.

Difficulty level         : Moderate to Difficult

Distance                   : 9 km / 5.6 miles approximately.

Hiking time              : 6 to 7 hours approximately.

Meals included       : Box lunch, snacks, and dinner.