Cusco – KM 104 – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes
Early morning, we pick you up from your hotel and drive to the train station to board the train that will take us to km.104 on the Cusco – Machupicchu railroad (starting point of the hike), where we arrive at around 10:00 am. We start visiting the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2150m/7052ft), located very close to the control point, to then embark upon an 8 km (5 miles) ascending trail, which after four hours takes us to the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft). This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. On the way up we may enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river, and also of a beautiful waterfall located just a few minutes away from Wiñaywayna. We then continue and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may contemplate the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend to Machupicchu and then by bus to Aguas Calientes. We are then accommodated at the selected hotel/hostel.
Meals: Lunch (box-lunch), dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
Total distance: 12 kms (7.5 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6hrs approximately
Accommodations: Hotel / Hostels according your reservation
Difficulty: Easy / moderate