Dossier
Day 4 Wiñay Wayna To Machu Picchu (5km), Train To Cusco.

The trail from the hostel to Machu Picchu (11/2 hours away) is clearly marked. Most people have a very early start as they try to leave Wiñay Wayna by 5.30am so they can get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 6am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu around 7am. The trail contours a mountainside and disappears into cloudforest full of begonias, bromeliads and tree ferns, before coming to a steep flight of stairs leading up to the first Inca gate. The path continues to the main gate, Intipunku – ‘the Gateway of the Sun’ – and suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you. A magical moment.

When we arrive there is plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu. We walk down through the site to the main entrance where you can safely leave your backpacks. You can also use the toilet and have a drink in the restaurant just outside the entrance. We head back into the site for a complete tour of the major sectors of Machu Picchu. The tour takes about 2 hours so by about mid-morning you'll be free to continue to explore the ruins alone.

The train back to Cusco leaves from Aguas Calientes, the nearest village to the ruins of Machu Picchu, at approximately 16:30 and you get back into Cusco for about 21:00.

We suggest that after visiting Machu Picchu you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes at 15:30 at the latest (assuming train departs at 16:30). Buses depart every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times. This leaves you plenty of time at the site or to do one of the other walks nearby (see below for suggestions).

There are many restaurants in Aguas Calientes to satisfy all tastes and budgets. Of course you could also visit the hot springs that Agues Calientes is named for, which will help ease those aching muscles. Entrance to the springs costs US$2, and you should allow a couple of hours to fully enjoy them.