Overview
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous sections of the Qhapaq Ñan or Inca road system, the main Inca route. This extensive network of roads once united the Inca State, serving to politically and administratively integrate all the peoples conquered by the Incas. Today, the well-known Inca Trail, which connects Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu, represents only a small part of this vast system. In fact, the Inca roads linked Cusco with Machu Picchu as well as many other important Inca cities, allowing for efficient communication, trade, and governance across the empire.
Day 1
Day 01 : Cusco – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes Town
Early Morning Adventure: Inca Trail Short Trek to Machu Picchu – 2 Days
Early in the morning, between 3:40 A.M. and 4:00 A.M., we will pick you up from your hotel in our private transportation. To start your day comfortably, we provide a box lunch before heading to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board the train departing at 6:10 A.M. or 6:40 A.M. The train follows the scenic Urubamba River, arriving at KM 104 around 7:30 A.M.
Once we arrive at KM 104, our guide will meet you at the train station to begin our trek at the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,150 m). After a brief visit to this fascinating complex, known for its ancient fountains and water channels, we will start the ascent of approximately 3 hours to reach the impressive Wiñaywayna (Forever Young) archaeological site.
During the hike, we will reach the highest point of the trail, where you can enjoy views of the lush Peruvian tropical forest, filled with giant ferns and enormous-leafed plants typical of the region.
After enjoying your box lunch along the trail or at Wiñaywayna, we continue our trek toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, we will admire the majestic beauty of Machu Picchu, a wonder left by our ancestors. Following this breathtaking view, we continue to the Machu Picchu citadel, where you can take photos and explore before heading down to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Later, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes (included), where you will spend the night in a comfortable hostel, resting for the next day’s early adventure.
Note: Our visit to Machu Picchu will take place on the morning of the second day, giving you plenty of time to explore the citadel.
Meals: Box Lunch – Dinner
Estimated Walking Time: 6-7 Hours
Day 2
Day 02: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
We start the day with an early breakfast, then take the bus up to Machu Picchu (included). Once at the site, you will have time to take classic and panoramic photos before entering the ruins for a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours. During the tour, we will explore the entire archaeological complex, including Inca enclosures, plazas, fountains, sacred temples, urban and agricultural sectors, and the Condor Temple.
After the guided tour, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes (included). From there, you will board the train at 2:55 P.M. or 4:25 P.M., depending on availability (included). Once you arrive at Ollantaytambo, we will take a bus back to Cusco, arriving at the main square.
Optional: Climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (USD 65.00 Additional Cost)
If you wish to extend your visit and climb Huayna Picchu, there is an additional cost of USD 65.00, which covers the required extra entrance ticket. Please note that individual tickets for the mountains are not available. This regulation applies only to original Inca Trail excursions; once you have reserved the special Inca Trail permit, only the entrance to Machu Picchu is included.
Meals: breakfast
Estimated Walking Time: 4-5 Hours
Inclusions
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Includes:
- Pick up from the airport to the hotel
- Transportation from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station
- Train service from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Chachabamba)
- Day 1 Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguascalientes
- Day 2 Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguascalientes
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Return bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Special permit for short Inca Trail
- Professional guide
- Day 1: Box lunch, 01 dinner
- Day 2: Breakfast
- Vegetarian and lactose-free meals available
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Does Not Includes:
- Climb to Hayna Picchu Mountain (USD 65.00 – Additonal Cost – Highly recommended)
- UP-GRADE Return train to Vistadome or 360° (USD 38.00 – Additonal Cost)
- Walking poles (USD 15.00 – Additonal Cost)
- Day 1: Breakfast
- Day 2: Lunch and dinner
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Inca Trail Packing List:
- Your Original passport
- 02 bottles of reusable water, can be made of ecological glass, stainless steel or flexible silicone to pour water from plastic bottles and thus not contribute to the ecological disaster since plastic bottles are not allowed at least for Inca trail
- Student card ISIC (if applicable)
- You only need to carry a small day pack
- Water
- Hiking poles
- Camera
- Rain jacket or rain poncho
- Change of weather gear in rainy season -Dec to Jan
- Toiletries (towel, soap, brush, toothpaste, toilet paper…)
- Hat or cap for the sun, essential
- Sunscream with sun protection
- Insect repellent for mosquitoes (Malaria or Yellow fever not been reported)
- Comfortable hiking boots, runners or sturdy shoes
- Extra Money
Pricing
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Group Tour Cost:
(It is required at least 02 people to open a new annex and permit for a travel date)
Adult USD 490.00
Student USD 470.00
If you like to apply for the student price you need to comply with the next requirements Peruvian regulation for students. If you are a student, you need to send us a copy or picture of both side of your STUDENT CARD also a picture or photo of your PASSPORT in order to verify, to get discount. The student card must be an original student ID gives from the university in PVC material, and it must have the next requirements printed on it: University information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, it year must coincide with the year that student visit Machupicchu, the discount until 25 years old. ISIC cards are not valid for the discount.
It is higly recommended to reserve the Inca Trail at least 3 months in advance, because tickets and permits could run out quickly (Excluding February)
