



Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 2D/1N
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Distance:
14 km
Difficulty:
Medium
An abbreviated take on one of the world’s most famous hikes – Experience the beauty of the Andes on a day hike that winds through Inca ruins on the way to Machu Picchu. The next day you are free to explore Machu Picchu at your leisure and can add-on additional options such as climbing the Huanyna Picchu peak or the Machu Picchu mountain if you wish.
While Machu Picchu is reachable by train/bus – We’d argue that the experience of visiting the ruins is more enjoyable and immersive if you can hike in: Pass through the sun gate as you see the citidel unfold in the distance…
This Trek is perfect for those that are short on time, or not interested in camping.
Short Inca Trail Trek: Overview
- Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Short Inca Trail Trek: Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (L)
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to Ollantaytambo – where you will take a picturesque two hour train ride to the start of the trail at Kilometer 104. From here, we have a walk of approximately 3 hours up to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, (8,858 ft) one of the more significant sites on the Inca trail.
We will then continue on the trail to the sun gate, as Machu Picchu materializes over the horizon. After winding your way down and exploring a bit, we’ll make our way down to Aguas Calientes, a city at the base of the mountain, where you can find a nice place to have dinner and wander around before heading to your hotel.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco (B)
After enjoying breakfast in the hotel, we are trying to beat the crowds, or enjoy the sunrise – we will arrange an early wake-up call so you can take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival, you will receive a guided walking tour visiting some of the most important places in the Machu Picchu complex.
After the tour, if you have booked permits to climb Huayna Picchu peak or the Machu Picchu mountain (both optional) we will make our way to the respective gates. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll still have additional time to explore Machu Picchu. Your guide will let you know when you need to be back to the bus to get a ride back down to Aguas Calientes. From here you can grab lunch at one of the many restaurants and then we will pick up your bags from the hotel and go to the train station where we will take a train back to Ollantaytambo. From there you’ll be transported back to Cusco where your guide will drop you off at your hotel.
Note: The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain entrance fees are not included in this tour and you must inform us in advance if you are interested – so we can purchase the tickets for you. There are limited permits provided each day by the Peruvian government and it is common for them to sell out.
What is included on the Short Inca Trail Trek:
- Pre-departure briefing at your hotel the night before your trek.
- Fluent English / Spanish guide that is very knowledgeable of the surrounding region and its customs.
- Private transfer from and to your hotel.
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to km 104
- All train and bus fares.
- You have a box lunch fist day and breakfast at the hotel second day. Drinks are not included at the dinner, only water.
- Entrance fee to Inca trail and Machu Picchu.
- One night at the Hotel 3 star in Aguas Calientes.
Not included on the Short Inca Trail Trek:
- Meals and drinks that are not referenced in the itinerary.
- Tips for your guide are not included and are optional
Note: The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain entrance fees are not included in this tour and you must inform us in advance if you are interested – so we can purchase the tickets for you. There are limited permits provided each day by the Peruvian government and it is common for them to sell out. Also if you want spend another day in Machu Picchu, just let us know. It is easy to extended your tour an extra day.
What we recommend to need to take: Inca Trail 2 Days trek
- Original passport (International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
- Travel Insurance is essential
- Walking boots
- Walking stick (with rubber tip)
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun protection cream
- Camelback or canteen flour
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries, small towel
- Personal medication
- Camera and memory chip
- Extra money