Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu: iconic summit above Machu Picchu
- Meals
- Not included
- Accommodation
- Not included
- Difficulty
- Very difficult
- Walking distance
- 3-4 km Machu Picchu + 2 km Huayna Picchu
- Walking time
- 2-3 hours Machu Picchu + 1.5 hours Huayna Picchu
- Start elevation
- 2,040 m (Aguas Calientes)
- Lowest point
- 2,040 m (Aguas Calientes)
- Highest point
- 2,693 m (Huayna picchu)
- Stop 01
A sunrise on the way
The day starts early with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We board a tourist transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo, enjoying the sunrise over the Andes and the beginning of a journey that combines history, spectacular landscapes and adventure. Known as the starting point of the train to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo is much more than a transit. Its Inca charm and legacy invite you to stay and explore.
- Stop 02
Train ride through the Sacred Valley
From Ollantaytambo, we board a panoramic train that will take us to Aguas Calientes. During the journey of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, the Urubamba River accompanies us as we cross the Sacred Valley, surrounded by imposing mountains, Inca terraces and cloud forests that mark the transition to the jungle eyebrow.
- Stop 03
Arrival in Aguas Calientes and ascent to Machu Picchu
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we are greeted by our guide, who will give us the final directions before boarding the bus that will take us along the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. At this point, the landscape already announces the grandeur of what is to come.
- Stop 04
The Huayna Picchu Challenge: The Top of the Inca World
As we cross the entrance, we are greeted by the iconic image of Machu Picchu: perfectly aligned green terraces, stone walls that defy time and a mountainous setting covered in mist that clears in the sun. We will cross the whole citadel to begin the ascent of Huayna Picchu, where the real adventure begins. This iconic mountain rising behind Machu Picchu offers one of the most exciting hikes in the world. The climb is steep and challenging, with stone stairs winding up the mountain. However, the reward is unmatched: from the top, the view of Machu Picchu and the valley is simply breathtaking.
You will have approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for the hike, depending on your pace. Being at this privileged point is a unique experience and the highlight of the tour.
- Stop 05
Exploring Machu Picchu: Inca Citadel
After coming down from Huayna Picchu, you will have approximately 3 hours to immerse yourself in the Inca citadel. Our professional bilingual guide will take you through the most important sectors of Machu Picchu:
- Temple of the Sun: a sacred enclosure where the Incas paid tribute to the sun, with perfectly carved walls and a strategic position for observing the solstice.
- Intihuatana: one of the most mysterious pieces of the citadel, a carved stone that served as a sundial and astronomical tool.
- Sacred Plaza: the social and political center where important ceremonies and meetings were held.
- Temple of the Three Windows: a symbolic structure with impressively precise stonework.
- Agricultural terraces: an example of Inca ingenuity in managing land and microclimates, essential for their self-sufficiency.
- Stop 06
Rest in Aguas Calientes
After exploring Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, we descend to Aguas Calientes. Here you will have free time to have lunch, stroll around the village, buy souvenirs or simply relax before heading back.
- Stop 07
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon, we board the train back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying again the landscapes of the Sacred Valley. From the station, we continue by ground transportation to Cusco, concluding an unforgettable day that combines history, nature and challenge.
