Wiñay Wayna – Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The trail route lies within the biodiverse, 32,592 hectare Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, which was created by the government in 1981 to protect both the natural beauty and the archaeological sites of this unique region.
Day 1: Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Km. 104 by train.
On reaching Km.104 we cross the Urubamba River and head for the archaeological complex of Choquesuysuy, where we will pass through the Inca Trail control point. Here the trail climbs slowly to halfway up the mountain, where we arrive at Wiñay Wayna, passing a high waterfall where we will have a chance to cool off.
The Wiñay Wayna complex was originally inhabited by Inca farmers who reclaimed the steep slopes by building terraces. There are some twenty constructions, all of which have been recently restored, as well as an irrigation system and a splendid Inca temple. In the afternoon we will continue along the trail to Machu Picchu, enjoying along the way the spectacular scenery, with the river far below, and the snowy peaks emerging from the surrounding cloud forest. Following a path which is very narrow in places, we eventually arrive at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu, from where we will get our first glimpse of the ruins below us. From here it is a forty-minute walk to Machu Picchu. We will stay at a hotel close to the ruins or in the village of Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Machu Picchu
We will get up early to visit this lost city, which was rediscovered in 1911. Standing at the top of a steep, forested hill overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was hidden by dense vegetation for centuries until the American explorer Hiram Bingham began to clear the site. Our tour includes a visit to the temples, plazas, palaces, watercourses and residential areas and will also leave you time to explore the ruins on your own.
Return to Cusco by train, transfer to hotel.
Includes:
- Transfer to the trailhead and return to Cusco from Machu Picchu by train.
- English-speaking guide.
- All our trash produced during the trek returns to Cusco.
- First-aid kit.
Not included:
- Personal expenses, clothing.
We recommend that you bring the
following personal equipment:
- Day pack for personal items and camera.
- Warm jacket for the evening, wool sweater, long pants, light cotton shirt and T-shirt, hat with brim, wool or flannel shirt.
- Comfortable walking shoes (well broken in).
- Rain jacket or rain poncho, sun block, insect repellent.
- Canteen or plastic water bottle.
- Binoculars (for bird watching), camera and film.
