Cuzco – Ollantaytambo – KM 82 – Ayapata
Our journey will begin early in the morning out of our hotel in Cuzco and will be achieved by means of personal transportation to Ollantaytambo, along the beautiful Sacred Valley. There will be rivers, green fields, mountains and small Andean villages on the drive. After arriving at Ollantaytambo we will take the train and have a scenic ride up to Km 104 which is the actual starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
We will start the hike after reaching Km 104 at a point of 2,100 meters above the sea level. Our guide will tell us how the day will be, give snacks and ensure that we are all prepared. The first archeological site we explore is Chachabamba which is an Inca ceremony complex that includes terraces, walls and stone tracks that provide us with our initial experience with Inca history.
Moving on, the path has several small ascents and pebbles over which we proceed to Winay Wayna, 2,650 meters above sea level. One of the most impressive places is covered with agricultural terraces, temples, and beautifully constructed waterways with a viewing of green vegetation. We will pause and sightsee in the area, take a rest and picnic lunch here, taking photos of the beautiful picture.
The afternoon will be spent hiking to the Sun Gate, Inti Punku, at 2,720 meters above the sea level. In this perspective, our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu shall be taken in a high perspective. The hike followed by a drink in the moment has memorable views of the citadel and the adjacent mountains that cannot be forgotten.
Then we will take our time and make it to Machu Picchu at 2,430 meters and do a guided sightseeing of its major temples, plazas, and terraces. We will explore the citadel and capture many photos, then we will take the transport of Aguas Calientes and will take a break that does not last long, and then get on the train to go back to Ollantaytambo.
We will be taken back to Cuzco by private transport late at night, which is going to make the day of our life complete with history, adventure, and magnificent landscapes.
Day Statistics:
Distance: 12 km
Highest altitude: 2,720 meters above sea level
Lowest altitude: 2,100 meters above sea level
Route: Hotel – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Return to Cuzco
Difficulty: Moderate
