This trip allows a taste of the Inca Trail without days of hiking and camping. We begin the hike from the train stop at Kilometer 104 and follow the trail for six hours to the spectacular view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. From here we descend into the world famous 'Lost City'. After a restful night in a hotel, we return to Machu Picchu at dawn to see the ruins in perfect morning light. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco by train.

Day 1: KM. 104/CHACHABAMBA/WINAY WAYNA /MACHU PICCHU
Leaving Cusco or Ollantaytambo on the early train, following the Urubamba river to km 104 of the railroad, where you alight and cross a footbridge to begin your hike at the Inca site of Cachabamba. After a brief visit to this lovely ruin with its water channels and fountains, you will start the four hour ascent that will take you past spectacular overlooks above the great valley, then below a lovely waterfall near the delightful site of Winay Wayna (Forever Young). You'll ascend through this largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites, passing its chain of ritual baths and elegantly curved terracing, and then joining the main Inca Trail. Follow it across a steep mountainside and up narrow stairways through lush, humid cloud forest of giant ferns and broad leaf vegetation. Suddenly you will cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (sun gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. You will walk the last half-hour or so down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and through the heart of Machu Picchu, taking a bus to the small town of Aguas Calientes where you will overnight in a local hotel. Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
Enjoy an early visit to the fabled ruins, spending the day in both guided and individual exploration. After a visit to the most fascinating features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement, some will want to take the optional hike to an amazing overview of the site, while other may prefer to investigate Machu Picchu's multitude of hidden nooks and corners. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, you will return to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Cuzco. Breakfast and Lunch.

HOTELS OPTIONS

El Mapi:
Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), from where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and get a different perspective. The hotel is efficient, playful and people friendly; it welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit.

Hatuchay Tower:
Located at the end side of the town of Aguas Calientes, facing the Urubamba river. Hatuchay Tower Machu Picchu Hotel, a hotel fitted out with exclusive touches, has successfully managed to blend security and comfort with the solid quality and mystery inspired by one of the word's most awe-inspiring archaeological complexes.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu:
Luxury boutique hotel, a pueblo of luxurious whitewashed bungalow nestles into terraced hills. Spa services use sublime natural essences, and a first-class restaurant boasts stunning views of the rushing Vilcanota River.

Sanctuary Lodge:
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located adjacent to this ancient Inca citadel. Located right on the top of the mountain; a couple of seconds from the actual ruins themselves and thus enjoys the prime position within the Sanctuary. Enjoy unforgettable sunrises and magical moonlit nights at this unique site.

Your package includes:
Briefing lecture before the tour.
A licensed, well-trained, English-speaking guide.
Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (last day).
Well-paid and well-treated porters and staff.
Private transportation from Cusco to the start of the trail.
Expedition train.
Bus transportation to/from Machu Picchu.
Permit fees to the Inca trail.
Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites.
Hotel accommodation at Machu Picchu area.
High quality maps.
24-hour telephone assistance in Lima and Cusco
One entrance ticket to the archaeological site.

Not Included:
Alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, airport taxes, additional tours, laundry and insurance and air tickets. Dinner at Machu Picchu.

Recommendations:
Although the trek is rated as moderate, we strongly suggest spending at least two nights before the start of the trek to totally adjust to the altitude.
Do some exercise before you go.
Altitude at the Inca Trail: Minimum 2430m/Maximum 4200m.
Keep hydrated. Drink Plenty of water that also helps to acclimatize to the altitude.
The paving on the trail is irregular. Please be careful with your steps.
The maximum kilogram per person: 20 pounds/10 kilograms which you have to store in the provided duffle bag.

Weather:
The Andean weather can be unpredictable, despite the sharp divide between dry and wet seasons. The dry season runs from May to October or November (the best time for this amazing trek); the rainy season goes from December through April. Nevertheless, in the forested fringes of the Amazon basin where Machu Picchu lies, showers are not uncommon at any time of year. Therefore rain pants and jacket are essential gear that should always be in your daypack.

Please be advised that starting this year, the operator of the train to Machu Picchu, Peru Rail, is announcing new regulations for the passengers traveling in all daily schedules
On boarding, an ID (identification) and the train ticket will be required. A photocopy of the passport or other ID is accepted. If the passengers will overnight in the Machu Picchu area, they must take the original passport or ID, along with the Andean Immigration Card, so that the hotel may exonerate the sales tax of the overnight. The Andean Immigration Card is handed by the plane crew upon arrival in Peru.Only carry on or backpacks will be allowed with the following characteristics: Not more than 5 kilos or 11 pounds,not more than 62 inches (157 centimeters) (height+length+width).Backpacks or Carry On will go with the passenger, and by no means should block the access gates or the corridors.

This package is recommended from April to October, not recommended from November to March due to rainy seasons.