Kaymara Luxury Travel

2 Days / 1 Night

The Lost Inca Trail

Cusco / Ollantaytambo / Km 104 / Chachabamba / Wiñay Wayna / Inti Punku (Sun Gate) / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo / Cusco

From USD $1,211.00

OVERVIEW

An exclusive journey that combines the adventure of the Short Inca Trail with the most iconic entrance to Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. This unforgettable route weaves together nature, history, and extraordinary landscapes along one of the most celebrated trekking experiences in the Andes.

 

DURATION: 

2 Days / 1 Night

 

DESTINATIONS: 

Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Km 104 → Chachabamba → Wiñay Wayna → Inti Punku (Sun Gate) → Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 → From Km 104 to Wiñay Wayna & Arrival at Machu Picchu through Inti Punku

Begin with a scenic train journey through the Sacred Valley to Km 104, the starting point of your trek.

Follow ancient Inca trails through cloud forest, orchids, waterfalls, and archaeological treasures including Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.

Continue to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu before descending to Aguas Calientes.

More than a trek, this is your first encounter with Machu Picchu through the ancient paths of the Incas.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

What's Included

Meals Included

  • Box lunch during the hike.
  • Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
  • Breakfast is not included.

The morning begins with a bus ride up the winding road leading to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Once inside the citadel, you will enjoy a private guided tour of approximately two and a half hours, exploring its principal temples, plazas, terraces, and ceremonial spaces. Along the way, your guide will share the historical, architectural, and cultural insights that have made Machu Picchu one of the world’s most admired archaeological sites.

After the guided visit, you will have free time in Aguas Calientes before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival, private transportation will take you back to Cusco, concluding an experience that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and one of Peru’s most iconic trekking routes.

Overnight in Cusco (End of the experience; no overnight accommodation included.)

Overnight

Cusco (End of the experience; no overnight accommodation included.)

What's Included

Meals Included

  • Breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Lunch and dinner are not included.

Availability & Operations

Operating Season

The route operates from March through January, subject to the availability of official permits.

Annual Inca Trail Closure

Throughout the month of February, the Inca Trail is closed by the Ministry of Culture for maintenance, conservation, and restoration work.

Rainy Season (January & March)

The experience continues to operate during these months, although weather conditions can vary considerably. We recommend wearing trekking footwear with good traction, waterproof clothing, and being prepared for sudden changes in weather.

Booking Notes

Inca Trail Permits

Permits for the Km 104 route are limited, personal, and non-transferable. Due to strong international demand, reservations should be made 4 to 6 months before the intended travel date.

Luggage for the Trek

Prior to departure, you will receive a duffel bag for your overnight belongings. This bag will be transported directly to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. During the hike, you only need to carry a daypack with your essential personal items.

Recommended Acclimatization

To fully enjoy the trek and perform comfortably on the trail, we recommend spending one to two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before beginning the experience.

INCLUDED:

  • Private transportation throughout the experience.
  • Private bilingual guide.
  • All entrance tickets
  • Official Inca Trail permits.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket – Circuit 3-B
  • Cultural activities and community demonstrations.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Trekking poles.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Tips
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Additional drinks
  • Food not mentioned in the program
  • Personal expenses and services not specified in the itinerary

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 

ARE PERMITS, ENTRANCE FEES, AND TRANSFERS INCLUDED?
Yes. It includes private transportation, official Inca Trail permits, entrance fees for all archaeological sites, train tickets, trekking poles, a box lunch, dinner in Aguas Calientes, a private bilingual guide, and round-trip bus tickets for Machu Picchu.

WHAT IS THE MOST ACTIVE PART OF THE TRIP?The 5-to-6-hour hike along the Short Inca Trail from Km 104 through Wiñay Wayna to Inti Punku and down to Aguas Calientes is the most active and physically demanding experience.

DO I NEED TO GET USED TO THE ALTITUDE FIRST?
Yes. Although the trek reaches a maximum elevation of 2,730 meters (8,957 feet), lower than Cusco, we recommend spending one to two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand to ensure proper acclimatization and comfort on the trail.

WILL I HAVE MOBILE AND INTERNET COVERAGE?
Signal is available in Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and within parts of Machu Picchu, but will be limited or unavailable while hiking along remote sections of the Inca Trail.

CAN THIS JOURNEY BE ENJOYED YEAR-ROUND?
The route operates from March through January, but is completely closed throughout the month of February by the Ministry of Culture for annual maintenance and conservation.

 

Every extraordinary journey starts here

Design your experience in Peru

YOUR TRIP

Private & personalized — we respond within 24 hours

THE PERSONAL JOURNEY IS THE ONLY JOURNEY

YOUR STORY WITH PERU BEGINS HERE

While you can explore sample itineraries on our website for inspiration, we go beyond standard travel. We create exceptional private journeys across Peru, carefully tailored to your interests, pace, and aspirations.

Full Day (1 Day)

Cusco – Taray – Potato Park – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Andean Essence: Culture, Cuisine & Spirits

From USD $485.00 / per person
(based on two guests traveling)

Full Day (1 Day)

Pachar, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco – Peru

Skylodge a Table Above the Sacred Valley

From USD $196.00 / per person
(based on two guests traveling)

Full Day

Cusco / Cruzpata / Moray / Maras Salt Terraces / Chinchero / Cusco

Mountain Trails on Wheels

From USD $390.00 / per person
(based on two guests traveling)
Serene sunrise over a misty landscape with a tranquil lake reflecting the sky during a Gourmet Adventure at SkyLodge, Cusco, Peru, Kaymara Luxury Travel.

Full Day (1 Day)

Cusco → Sacred Valley (Pachar / SkyLodge Sector) → Cusco

Adventure at SkyLodge: A Night Among the Stars

From USD $635.00 / per person
(based on two guests traveling)
Lush green landscape with wildflowers and a winding path during the Ausangate Lakes Expedition, Cusco, Peru, Kaymara Luxury Travel.

2 Days / 1 Night

Cusco / Abra Uyuni / Pacchanta / Jampa Camp / Seven Lakes Circuit (Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, among others) / Pacchanta / Cusco

Ausangate Lakes Expedition

From USD $685.00 / per person
(based on two guests traveling)
Serene landscape of a lush green meadow and rolling hills under a clear blue sky in Maras, Cusco, Peru, Kaymara Luxury Travel.

Half Day

Sacred Valley of the Incas, Maras, Cusco – Peru

A Table in the Andes an Intimate Culinary Experience in the Sacred Valley

From USD $142.00 / per person
(based on two guests traveling)

Get unforgettable pleasure with us

Discover Peru, Beautifully

Plan Your Adventure

Every extraordinary journey starts here

Design your experience in Peru

YOUR TRIP

Private & personalized — we respond within 24 hours

Serene lake at dusk reflecting vibrant sunset colors with silhouetted trees on the Lost Inca Trail, Peru, Kaymara Luxury Travel.
Tranquil winter landscape with freshly fallen snow and snow-capped mountains on the Lost Inca Trail, Peru, Kaymara Luxury Travel.
The Lost Inca Trail 3
The Lost Inca Trail 2
The Lost Inca Trail 1
Serene lake at dusk reflecting vibrant sunset colors with silhouetted trees on the Lost Inca Trail, Peru, Kaymara Luxury Travel.
Tranquil winter landscape with freshly fallen snow and snow-capped mountains on the Lost Inca Trail, Peru, Kaymara Luxury Travel.
The Lost Inca Trail 3
The Lost Inca Trail 2
The Lost Inca Trail 1