Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco (3,399 masl / 11,152 ft.), followed by a scenic minivan ride to Ollantaytambo (2,792 masl / 9,160 ft.). From here, we board a train to Km 104 (Chachabamba, 2,100 masl / 6,890 ft.), where we begin our trek along the most breathtaking stretch of the Inca Trail. Our first stop is Chachabamba, an archaeological site once used as a religious and agricultural center. As we ascend toward Wiñay Wayna (2,650 masl / 8,694 ft.), we navigate zigzagging trails through the lush cloud forest, passing a small cascading waterfall, a refreshing sight amid the climb. Along the way, we may spot colorful orchids, exotic birds, and, if lucky, viscachas or spectacled bears. By late afternoon, we reach Inti Punku (2,720 masl / 8,924 ft.), where we take in our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,430 masl / 7,972 ft.) before descending to Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl / 6,692 ft.) for a well-earned rest.