The best services, the best team and lodges for the nature lovers, enjoy with us
The best services, the best team and lodges for the nature lovers, enjoy with us
The best services, the best team and lodges for the nature lovers, enjoy with us
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world and even if you are short of time, you can still get a taste of what people rave about! The Short Inca trail is shorter than the Traditional Inca Trail, but an interesting 2-day program that joins the classical 4-day route at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, continuing through the famous Inti Punku or Sun Gate. Day two includes a full day visit of the world-famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Highly recommended for those short of time and who don’t want to camp but still have a “taste” of the Inca Trail!.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Full Itinerary
DAY ONE: Cusco - Km 104 - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu.
You will be picked up at your hotel around 5.30am (depending on train time) and transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station. We travel by train, on a very picturesque route for 2 and a half hours until we reach kilometer 104 - the start of the trail for us. From here, we will hike upwards for about 8km (approximately 4 hours). The trail is well established, but there are still many stairs and the hike is mostly upwards! While this is one of the easiest treks around the Cusco region, you still need to have a reasonable level of fitness to complete it. After our upwards climb, we arrive at the Inca site Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young') (2680m/8792ft) This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. Many consider this the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail. We will have our boxed lunch at Wiñay Wayna.
We will then continue for about one hour further onto 'Inti Punku' (The 'Sun gate') (2730m/8792ft) from where you will have your first dramatic and impressive view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft). As you are arriving late in the day you may be lucky enough to enjoy the view by yourself! After getting those classic photos, we will walk down the last part of the trail towards the ancient city itself. Before entering Machu Picchu, we will take a side path off the trail to go down to Aguas Calientes, as we will visit Machu Picchu on day 2. We will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will check into your accommodation, and a celebratory dinner before getting to bed early in preparation for the next day’s early start.
L: D.
Total distance: 13 km (8,08 miles), estimated walking time 6-7 hours
DAY TWO: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We have breakfast and then take the first bus up to Machu Picchu. A walking tour (approximately 2.5 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! (You need to buy a separate entry to do this) From the top of Huayna Piccchu is one of the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu and there is also an opportunity to visit the Temple of the Moon or the Inca Bridge. We include in your tour a box lunch in Machu Picchu and your bus ticket back down to Aguas Calientes. The train usually leaves between 2.30pm and 6pm depending on Peru Rail availability. If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. B:
IMPORTANT: government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist in the 500 people a day rule. Therefore to guarantee your place on the Inca trail you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non refundable deposit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of passport number change this information must be relayed to us or you will lose your booking. Original passport must be carried on trail. All times noted are approximate.
Practical Information
What's included?
• Pre trek briefing
• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Transport from Cusco to the train station
• Train ticket to Km 104
• Inca Trail Permit
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
• Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a basic hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hostel with breakfast included and private bathroom.
What is not included?
• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Lunch on the last day.
• Entrance to the thermal springs
• Entry to Huayna Picchu ($20)
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters
You should bring:
• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
• Cash - sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
• Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
• Binoculars (if you have them)
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS (these discounts are not cumulative)
• Students: US$ 30.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
• Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children: US$ 45.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings).
the best services, the best team and lodges for the nature lovers, enjoy with us.
