Machu Picchu — 1 Day Inca Trail

Heart of Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, 5 min from train station. Minimal spacious rooms, no AC but good ventilation. Early morning buffet breakfast perfect for hikers. 10 min from main square with shops/restaurants. Stay here the night before the hike for 3 extra hours of sleep vs leaving from Cusco.

Delicious pizza. Two-storied restaurant, hard to find — take the by-lane off 'Horno Calle'. Home to two wonderful cats (mother and daughter). Good for the evening before the hike.

7-hour hike, 12km, 5000+ steps, 700m elevation gain. Not easy but worth it. 104km to Wiñay Wayna is hardest (6km, 4hrs, most of the steps, little shade). Single 15-min rest stop for 20 people. Wiñay Wayna to Sun Gate is 2.5km, 1.5-2hrs, relatively flat and shaded — ends with 'Monkey Climb'/'Gringo Killer' steep ascent. Sun Gate to Machu Picchu is gentle downhill. One of the most remarkable hikes they've ever done.

15th century Incan citadel at 2,430m. One of the Seven Wonders. Built as royal retreat. Requires licensed guide. Guided 4-5 hour tour of the citadel the following day. Blogs, videos & photos don't do justice to the actual experience.

10 min walk from Pakaritampu. Be at station 15 min early — trains depart on time with or without you. 1.5 hour journey. Greeted by locals in Inca attire with music and dance. Their train was delayed 1.5 hrs due to landslide. If delayed, maintain pace to reach second checkpoint before 2pm. Last bus leaves Machu Picchu at 5:30pm.

Urban hotel in middle of Aguas Calientes. Walking distance from bus station, train station, spas, restaurants. Buffet breakfast included. Ministry of Culture is a block away for Machu Picchu tickets.

Inca ruins on steep hillside overlooking Urubamba River. Upper and lower house complexes connected by staircase and fountains. Steep climb but breathtaking views. Lunch break here before continuing.

First glimpse of Machu Picchu after 6 hours of hiking. Breathtaking sight, fills you with energy and accomplishment.

Town at base of Machu Picchu. Plenty of spas for post-hike massage. Off-leash friendly dogs everywhere — dogs welcome in every establishment. As dog lovers, D&G were overjoyed.

Awesome beer and food in Aguas Calientes. Try the Chifa and the burgers.