On our first day of the Short 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we kick things off in the historic Plaza Regocijo in the morning.

We'll escort you through the mystical Sacred Valley of the Incas, heading to the Ollantaytambo train station. Next, you'll embark on a train journey toward Aguas Calientes.

Disembarking at Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Once your passport is verified with your permit at the security checkpoint, our ascent will gently commence. As we tread this ancient path, you'll encounter the region's indigenous flora and fauna. Your guide will share fascinating details about these natural wonders. Over the span of 10 kilometers, we'll explore numerous Inca remnants. Noteworthy among them are Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku, the revered Sun Gate.

Positioned at an elevation of 2150 meters (7053 ft.), Chachabamba is a significant Inca landmark. It harbors a stone shrine where Incas venerated celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and the sacred mountains (Apus). Our guide will shed light on the rich traditions and their continued relevance to modern inhabitants.

As we delve deeper into the Andean civilization's intricacies, our path will lead to Wiñay Wayna, arguably the crown jewel of this esteemed South American trek, situated at 2650m (8694 ft). In the native Quechua tongue, Wiñay Wayna translates to "forever young." This site boasts impressive agricultural terraces. Following our exploration, we'll pause for lunch at a nearby campsite.

Subsequent to immersing ourselves in history and breathtaking vistas, our journey brings us to the final noteworthy landmark — the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, perched at 2745m (9005 ft). This spot offers the inaugural glimpse of the Machu Picchu fortress. Only trekkers on the esteemed Inca Trail can enter the citadel via this gate.

After absorbing the panoramic sights of the Inca stronghold, a downhill trek of 45 minutes takes us to the exit. We then catch a 25-minute bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where a comfortable hotel room awaits you.