Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
from $ USD
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail is a fantastic option for people who want to hike the original Inca Trail but not for too many days. It is perfect for families, young and old, and you will have incredible views of the magical citadel of Machu Picchu.
Our 2-day Inca Trail begins with an idyllic early wake-up call. Then, our private transportation takes us to the Ollantaytambo train station to board a train that will take us to the starting point of the 2-day trek: the so-called Km 104. We get off there and pass through an Inca Trail checkpoint to begin the hike through the lush vegetation of a cloud forest while being greeted by local exotic birds such as the Andean guan, the gray-breasted mountain toucan, etc. In the forest, we can also see various wild orchids and bromeliads along the way. Our guide explains about the Chachabamba Ruins which were rediscovered in 1940. Near the ruins, we have lunch. Our next stop is at Wiñay Wayna, an Inca complex neighboring Machu Picchu. The complex, whose name means “Eternal Youth”, boasts an impressive view of the Urubamba River. In the afternoon, we will descend to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), which is the gateway to Machu Picchu. From there, we continue descending until we reach our hotel in Aguas Calientes (a small town located below the historic Inca citadel), where we will rest. The next early morning adventure begins with the two-hour hike to Machu Picchu. Once at the top, we enter the “Lost City of the Incas” to enjoy a guided tour.
Min 2 Persons
Moderate
The 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a fantastic option for those who do not have enough time or the desire to hike the full length of the Classic Inca Trail. Above all, with beautiful scenery, a great variety of flora and fauna on display, and a visit to the most beautiful site on the Inca Trail (Wiñay Wayna). You will also be able to enjoy the best of the Inca Trail condensed into a one-day hike. Certainly covering a distance of only 10 km / 6.3 miles (10.14 km) the 2-day Inca Trail is not too difficult which makes it perfect for families with children and those on a tight schedule.
Highlights
- Discover the best of the famous Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu Citadel in two days
- Travel & Trek with an authentic Local Tour Operator from Cusco city
- Spend the last day exploring the Machu Picchu ruins with a private guide
- Trek the last day of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and see it twice
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DAY 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate/ Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
First, our short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu today takes us along the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail. We visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna, and get to enjoy the fantastic panoramas of the Andes mountain range.
fantastic panoramas of the Andes mountain range.
Also covering 10 km of the trail, our journey begins in the Sacred Valley and ascends along an original Inca trail to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna before continuing on to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
As we make our way to Machu Picchu, we will pass through the lush green cloud forest that covers the mountain and will be able to see a variety of plants, flowers and birds along the way. We may also see some larger mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears (if we are very lucky).
After that, we arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain below.
Overall, the light at this time of day is excellent for photos, and with fewer tourists at the site, it is a perfect time to take some pictures of the site.
We will then continue along the trail for a bit before taking a side road that will take us to Aguas Calientes, in the valley below, where we will stay at our hotel.
Lodging in Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Waking up early we will take the first bus back to Machu Picchu to enter the site at the time of its opening.
Then, we will have a 2-hour guided tour of the site during which you will learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel.
Afterwards, you will have free time to climb, if you have permission, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain.
In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will continue by bus back to Cusco.
Included
- English speaking professional guide.
- Assistant guide for groups of more than 9 people.
- Pick up at your hotel.
- Train to Km 104.
- Return transportation by train to Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation by bus to Cusco.
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Boxed Lunch, 1 Dinner. If you have any dietary requirement such as vegetarian food please let us know.
- 3 star hotel.
- Oxygen bottle.
- First aid kit.
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- 2 bus trips between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
No Included
- Water and tips.
- Breakfast on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 2.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu mountain: additional US $ 85.00 per traveler.
- Change of train category to Vistadome (Peru Rail company): additional US $ 45.00 (round trip only) per traveler.
- Travel insurance: it is recommended to purchase travel insurance for the duration of the trip.
What to Bring
- Pasaporte original
- Tarjeta ISIC (si es estudiante y desea beneficiarse de un descuento)
- Botas de montaña
- Chaqueta impermeable / poncho para la lluvia
- Chaqueta de abrigo
- Gorro y guantes
- Camisetas (de secado rápido)
- Pantalones de trekking cómodos
- Protector solar (SPF 35+)
- Repelente de insectos (recomendamos encarecidamente el repelente NATURAL)
- Artículos de aseo y desinfectante de manos
- Medicación personal
- Cámara y carrete
- Linterna con pilas de repuesto (o una opción respetuosa con el medio ambiente)
Optional Services
Travel Guide
The two-day excursion consists of a one-day hike to cover the last part of the Inca Trail, followed by arrival at Machu Picchu in the late afternoon. There is a lot of walking, but it can be done with an average level of fitness.
Before we started we had a briefing the night before the hike. Our guide, Eban, from Llama Path Sustainable Tours went over everything we needed to bring, the weather forecast and how long the hike would take.
Early the next morning he picked us up at our hotel in Ollantaytambo and took us aboard the PeruRail Expedition. The train was in good condition, with large windows that gave us breathtaking views of the mountains and the Urubamba River. The train stopped at marker km 104 and what was our queue to disembark.
And so, we started walking.
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