Explorer’s Journal: Hike the Inca Trail Express with Destination Expert Mikey

Join Destination Expert Mikey on an unforgettable trek along the Short Inca Trail, where ancient pathways, cloud-kissed valleys, and timeless ruins lead to the legendary Machu Picchu. From tracing the sacred steps of the Qhapaq Ñan to discovering hidden sites like Wiñay Wayna and witnessing the first glimpse of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, every moment was a journey through history, beauty, and wonder. 

Hola from Peru! My name is Mikey, Destination Expert at SA Expeditions. Come along as I hike the Inca Trail Express and share tips, insights, and inspiration to help you experience this iconic adventure for yourself. 

Preparing for the Journey 

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Exploring nearby sites while acclimating to the altitude (Photo: Mikey Blount).

The Inca Trail Express is a popular way to visit the world wonder of Machu Picchu. It’s the perfect middle ground for those who aren’t quite up for the full four days of hiking and camping but still want to experience parts of the original Qhapaq Ñan, or Andean Road System, which once spanned more than 30,000 km (18,640 miles). Join me as I walk you through the ins and outs of this unforgettable day hike—so you’ll feel ready to tackle it yourself! 

Our journey began with a flight from Lima, Peru’s modern capital, to Cusco, the ancient Incan capital perched high in the Andes at over 11,000 feet above sea level. Before embarking on the hike, it’s crucial to allow your body a few days to acclimate. We used this time to explore Maras, Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo—some of the fascinating Inca sites scattered throughout the Sacred Valley, nestled between Cusco and Machu Picchu. 

The night before the hike, we stayed at El Albergue, a charming hotel in Ollantaytambo. Its proximity to the train station gave us the gift of an extra hour of sleep before the big day—a much-appreciated bonus ahead of a full day on the trail. 

En Route to the Inca Trail: KM 104 & Chachabamba 

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Hoping off the train and beginning our journey to the Sun Gate! (Photo: Mikey Blount)

After a quick breakfast at El Albergue, our guide, Marco, met us at 6:45 a.m., handed us our train tickets, and collected the carry-on luggage we didn’t want to take on the hike. These items were sent directly to our post-hike hotel, allowing us to carry only the essentials: water bottles, optional hiking poles, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, and—most importantly—our passports, which were required to board the train and pass through the Inca Trail checkpoint. 

Aboard the Vistadome Train, panoramic windows revealed a dramatic shift in scenery as the dry Andean mountains gave way to lush greenery. Machu Picchu sits at the meeting point of the Andes and the Amazon rainforest, in a region known as the Cloud Forest. This unique climate often creates morning mist, especially during the rainy season (November–March). Traveling in July, we were rewarded with clear skies but shared the trail with more hikers. 

After the hour-and-a-half ride to KM 104, we applied sunscreen and bug spray and made a quick restroom stop—our last one for several hours. At 9:00 a.m., we set off, pausing shortly after at the Chachabamba Ruins, an Inca site believed to have been used for purification rituals along the sacred road to Machu Picchu. From there, the real hike began, and before long, we spotted the stunning Wiñay Wayna ruins perched high above, fueling our excitement for the journey ahead. 

The Climb to Wiñay Wayna 

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The beautiful scenery along the way to Machu Picchu (Photo: Mikey Blount).

The first stretch of the hike, from Chachabamba to Wiñay Wayna, is mostly uphill and takes around three to four hours. We kept a steady pace with occasional photo stops to capture the incredible scenery. Along the way, small huts are spaced roughly every 30 minutes, offering perfect spots to rest, hydrate, or reapply sunscreen—the sun at this altitude is no joke! 

As we neared Wiñay Wayna, I began to grasp the sheer scale of its terraces. I must admit—it was even more impressive than I had imagined! Of course, those countless terraces also meant plenty of stairs. Climbing to the top was one of the toughest parts of the day, but the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and peaks made every step worthwhile. The promise of lunch waiting just around the corner certainly helped keep us motivated! 

Before our much-needed lunch break, we passed through the Wiñay Wayna campsite for the second (and last) bathroom stop of the hike. We finally settled into a shaded shelter for lunch around 12:30 p.m., feeling thoroughly spoiled as our guide unpacked a feast of sandwiches, chocolate bars, pasta, cakes, fruit, and more. 

First Glimpse of Machu Picchu 

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Made it to the Sun Gate for our first views of Machu Picchu (Photo: Mikey Blount).

The final stretch of the hike was, for the most part, less demanding—except for the notorious “Monkey Stairs,” a short but very steep section where you have to climb using all fours (hence the name). Shortly after conquering that climb, we arrived at the legendary Sun Gate, where we caught our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. 

Marco explained the significance of the Sun Gate, once the entry point for the Incas on their sacred pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. During the summer solstice, sunlight passes perfectly through the gate, symbolizing a divine connection with the sun—a cornerstone of Incan spirituality. 

After about another hour of descending downhill, we finally reached the upper terraces of Machu Picchu, where we paused to take the classic postcard photo before exiting the site and boarding a shuttle down to Aguas Calientes for some much-needed rest. Dinner awaited us at our hotel, Sumaq, where we enjoyed a well-deserved meal from a selection of delicious entrées. 

Exploring Machu Picchu & Returning to Cusco 

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Exploring the ins and outs of the Inca citadel (Photo: Mikey Blount).

After a restful night at the beautiful Sumaq Hotel, we began the day early with a 20-minute shuttle ride back up to Machu Picchu. This morning’s tour focused on the lower terraces and ruins. Although it was my fourth visit, the site still felt as mysterious and enchanting as ever. One of the highlights was exploring the magnificent Temple of the Condor. 

Our guided tour lasted about an hour and a half, leaving us time to return to the hotel, freshen up, and check out. After lunch, the hotel staff kindly assisted with our luggage and escorted us to the train station, where we boarded the Vistadome back to Ollantaytambo. Saying farewell to Machu Picchu was bittersweet, but our spirits were lifted by an onboard fashion show and Andean cultural performance—we didn’t buy anything, though it was certainly tempting! 

The final leg of our journey was a scenic transfer from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco, where we settled into our hotel and enjoyed one last night in the imperial city. 

Thank you for following along on this unforgettable journey along the Short Inca Trail. From mist-shrouded mountain paths to the awe-inspiring first glimpse of Machu Picchu, every step revealed the magic of Peru’s ancient past and breathtaking landscapes. Until the next adventure — may your travels be filled with wonder, connection, and discovery.