CUSCO

Inca Trail excursion through the Sun Gate

  • 2 Days and 1 Night
  • Moderate difficulty
  • Max 12 people
DURATION
2 Days and 1 Night
MAX ALTITUDE
2,720 m
DISTANCE
12 km
BEST TIME
Apr – Oct

FROM $429 / person

THE EXPERIENCE

What makes it special to this trip

Two days on the original stone road: enter at km 104, climb to Wiñay Wayna and reach Machu Picchu through Intipunku, the same gate the Incas used.

  • Entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
  • The Wiñay Wayna complex above the canyon
  • Official Inca Trail Network permit
  • Overnight hotel in Aguas Calientes

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM

The route, step by step

Each of the 2 days combines route, history and rest. This is the complete program, step by step.

  1. DAY 1

    Hike towards the wonder of Machu Picchu

    On the first day, we will start early at 4 a.m. with pick-up from your hotel. We will head to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train at 6:10 a.m. Throughout the Inca Trail, you will enjoy breathtaking views of natural landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and the majestic Urubamba River. At Km 104, we will begin our hike towards Machu Picchu. Before starting, we will take a group photo and provide you with snacks for the trail. After the orientation and tour of the initial site, we will venture into the Inca Trail. If weather permits, you will have stunning views of Machu Picchu and other Inca sites. After hiking for three hours, we will arrive at Wiñay Wayna, a beautiful Inca site at 2,600 m altitude. Here you can explore temples, terraces, and learn about Inca history. After a hot lunch, we will hike to the Sun Gate, where you will enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Then we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes and head to your hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at the renowned Indio Feliz restaurant. Meals included: lunch and dinner.

    • 2,600 m
  2. DAY 2

    Discover the "Lost City of the Incas"

    We will wake up early to witness the sunrise at Machu Picchu and have a two-hour guided tour with a private English-speaking guide. After the guided tour, you will have time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. Those who have tickets for Huayna Picchu will be able to enjoy the climb up this mountain. After exploring, you can take the bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a free afternoon. Finally, we will return by train to Ollantaytambo and then take you back to Cusco. Meals included: breakfast only.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Everything you need, no surprises

The tour includes

  • Professional guides.
  • Permits and entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Transportation from the hotel to the start of the hike and return to Cusco.
  • Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
  • Meals during the hike and at the restaurant in Wiñay Wayna and Aguas Calientes.
  • Water bottle during the hike.
  • First aid and first aid kit.
  • Satellite phones for emergencies.

GALLERY

The tour in pictures

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We solve all your doubts

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Talk to an advisor
Do I need previous experience?

It is not required, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended. It is a moderate-difficulty tour: there are sustained uphill sections and you walk for several hours at altitude.

What is the best time to do it?

The best window is Apr – Oct. Outside that season the tour also operates, but there is a higher chance of rain and the terrain can be slippery.

How high do we go and how do I prepare?

The highest point of the route is at 2,720 m. We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before leaving, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol the night before and eating light. If you feel any discomfort from the altitude, let the guide know: the team carries oxygen.

How many people are in the group?

We work with small groups: Max 12 people. This way the guide can look after each traveler and the pace adjusts to the group.

What does the price include?

Check the «Everything you need, no surprises» section of this same page: there you will find the detail of what is included and what is not. If you have any doubts, write to us on WhatsApp.

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