Machu Picchu & Mountain · 2 Days

Firstly, leaving Cusco in the morning we'll travel by private tourist bus to the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Consequently, we'll board our train to Aguas Calientes.

So, the train ride is breathtaking with very comfortable seats. During the trip, you will see many glaciers and snow-capped peaks, lush, green valleys, and Incan farming terraces on both sites of the valley. You can also see the many Inca ruins along the way and Km 82, where the Classic 4 day Inca Trail begins. After a while, you will enter the subtropical areas with bromeliads and ferns growing. Then, arrive in Aguas Calientes (2000m/6000ft above sea level), the town for Machu Picchu. Our representative will meet you just outside the train station.

To clarify, you'll have the afternoon free. If you want to take advantage of your free afternoon you can visit the Machu Picchu Museum and Orchid exhibition which is a 35-minute walk outside of the village. Also, you can only relax in the hot springs or enjoy the hotel.

ROUTE DETAILS:

• Min. Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,692.9 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,399 m / 11,151.6 ft
• Campsite Elevation: --
• Walking Distance: 49 km / 30.44 mi
• Walking time: --
• Difficulty: Easy
• Weather: Warm & Cold
• Meals: --
• Accommodation: Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel *** or similar

After breakfast, you will head with your guide to the bus station to take the first buses (this varies according to your preference) to the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, sometimes called "The Crystal City". We will receive the sunrise already in the citadel and, after that, you will have a guided tour in-situ of 2 hours, followed by free time so that you can ascend towards 'Machu Picchu Mountain' - an entrance that is included in your tour (*depending on availability) - to be able to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views that this place can offer. You can also do it towards Huayna Picchu mountain.

In the afternoon we will meet in Aguas Calientes to board the return train to Ollantaytambo, from where our private van will take us back to your hotel in Cusco (thus ending our tour of Machu Picchu + Mountain).

OPTIONAL:

1.- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN, EXTRA COST (YOU MUST CONFIRM IT AT THE SAME TIME OF YOUR BOOKING)

At Machu Picchu, you can climb Huayna Picchu (mountain behind Machu Picchu). Certainly, it takes 45 minutes to reach the top and the view from the top over Machu Picchu is worth it. (There is a limit of 400 people who are permitted to climb this. So, if you want to do it, it is good to go immediately after your tour.) this needs to be booked in advance (at least 03 months before). From the top of this mountain, you can also walk down to the Moon Temple which takes 45 more minutes. From there, it takes about one hour to get back to Machu Picchu itself.

2.-MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN, OPTIONAL HIKING (INCLUDED)

• OVERVIEW:

Machu Picchu Mountain is the most spectacular yet one of the most overlooked optional treks available at Machu Picchu. So, located to the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel and towering 3,050 meters (10,007 feet) above sea level, the mountain trek offers unparalleled views of the famous Inca sanctuary and panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain scenery.

• THE TRAIL:

Unlike the Huayna Picchu or Putucusi Mountain, the trail to Machu Picchu Mountain is wide and properly demarcated. After the control cabin, the trail continues on a fairly uniform ascent for about 1 hour, gradually gaining steady height. The views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains become more impressive as you ascend. There are several viewpoints and rest points along the way.

As the road rises, the steps become steeper, narrower, and more challenging. Going up the road for another 30 minutes or so, you will pass a stone walkway, before continuing on a narrow mountain ridge to the summit. A small circular hut offers shelter and seating, while the viewpoint offers spectacular views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, Putucusi, and the surrounding mountains. The descent follows the same route but lasts about 20 or 30 minutes less.

• DIFFICULTY:

The trek to Machu Picchu Mountain is considered moderate to challenging. Following an original route of the Inca Trail and ascending continuously until arriving at the summit; a good physical condition is required. During the rainy season, the trail can become somewhat slippery making it even more challenging.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.

ROUTE DETAILS:

• Min. Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,692.9 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972.4 ft
• Campsite Elevation: --
• Walking Distance: 2 km / 1.25 mi
• Walking time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: --