Inca Trail 03 Days – Explore Sacred Sun Gates
As we are a 100% Ollantaytambo family-owned company, let us guide you through the real ancestral way to explore the sacred mountains surrounding the Machu Picchu area.
This Three Days Inca Trail is one of our signature treks!
Eureka Expeditions Peru is the only tour operator in Peru seeking truly “off-the-beaten-path treks” in the region.
This trek takes you from day one through real Inca trails full of history and ancient knowledge, exploring the only two Sun Gates of the Inca Empire. The Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo is one of the hidden gems of the Sacred Valley of the Incas—considered by locals as a holy temple that offers views of the last pyramid of the Sacred Valley: the Pyramid of Paqariqtampu (The Land of Limitless Origins).
This adventure also gives you the opportunity to explore the last Inca Living Town of Ollantaytambo. As locals, your guide will show you places that not every tourist gets to see. That’s why the first night of our trek is spent at our private small lodge “Eureka Lodge,” an original Inca house filled with ancient instruments from Inca and pre-Inca times—where you can interact with authentic artifacts.
Be amazed by Machu Picchu twice! This trek gives you the chance to visit it for sunset and again for sunrise on day three.
General Itinerary
3 days / 2 nights
Distance
29 km / 18 miles
Duration
3 Days
Day 1: Cusco or Sacred Valley – Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo – Eureka Lodge
- 4:00 AM: Pick-up from Cusco or Sacred Valley hotel
- 6:00 AM: Buffet breakfast at our private lodge in Ollantaytambo
- 7:30 AM: Arrival at Cachicata village, the trailhead.
Begin uphill trek to the Sacred Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo (horse included for uphill if needed) - Explore the Sacred Sun Gate and enjoy a fresh box lunch with views of Wakaywillki Glacier
- Hike through Ollantaytambo’s Inca Quarry and arrive at Wilcamayu Inca Bridge
- Dinner at top restaurant in Ollantaytambo (Mijunapaq, Veronica, or Ollantaytambo Rest.)
- Overnight at our private cozy lodge
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Early breakfast and train ride to Km 104
- Begin hike at Chachabamba archaeological site
- 3-4 hour climb to Wiñay Wayna Inca site
- Box lunch at Wiñay Wayna
- 2-hour flat hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with panoramic views of Machu Picchu
- 45-minute descent to the citadel for a first glimpse of Machu Picchu
- Dinner and overnight at 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
- Breakfast at hotel
- Bus to Machu Picchu and 3-hour guided tour
- Free time, optional hikes (not included)
- Bus down to Aguas Calientes
- Lunch (not included)
- Train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station
- Transfer to your hotel in Cusco
What to Bring
- ORIGINAL PASSPORT
- Comfortable hiking boots (plus a second pair for train/car travel in rainy season)
- Rain gear and warm layers
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Snacks and personal water bottle
- Power banks (optional)
- Any personal medications
Include
- Briefing one day before the trek
- Hotel/train station transfers
- 2 box lunches during the hikes
- 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- 1 night at Eureka Lodge
- 1 night in 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (upgrade available)
- Expedition train (round trip)
- Bus to/from Machu Picchu
- Duffle bag
- Tickets: Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Professional English-speaking certified guide
- Hiking poles, first aid kit, oxygen tank
Not Included
- Last lunch and dinner
- Waynapicchu/Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (optional – inquire for availability)
- Travel insurance
- Day 3 hotel (if required)
- Tips for the team
JOEL BEJAR ESPINOZA
Contact a specialist
Recomendations
It was spectacular!! Beautiful views!! I loved it. I recommend them, excellent guide!! If I were to return, I would hire them again.
It was wonderful how they explained everything, the attention they paid, how quickly they resolved any problems. In short, I loved it, and my friends recommend them 100%. Thank you so much, we felt safe at all times.
Excellent service, responsible, super punctual, excellent guides, very knowledgeable and respectful, they know what they're doing and take beautiful photos, 100% recommended
Very great time and appreciated all Mijail did for me and everyone else. Truly made it a magical experience and we felt cared for the whole way