+51 984 751 486 perutravelcompany@gmail.com Cuesta Santa Ana N° 701 and siete cuartones Nº 245

Price

From$485

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Length

2 days, 1 night

Group

Min 8, Max 16

Trip Style

Cultural

Grading

2, 3, of 5.

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable two-day adventure to Machu Picchu, exploring rich history and breathtaking landscapes on our Classic Inca Trail.

This iconic excursion is not just a trek; it’s a passage through the annals of time, where each step reveals the ingenuity and spirit of the Inca civilization. The journey culminates in a spectacular sunrise over the majestic Machu Picchu, offering a profound connection with the past amidst awe-inspiring scenery.

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a full day of hiking to the iconic site. Explore stunning landscapes and the beautiful Wiñaywayna Inca site before reaching Machu Picchu via the iconic Sun Gate. This allows you to witness the Lost City from its highest vantage point at the perfect time. Along the way, you can enjoy delicious picnic meals prepared by our expert trekking chefs.

The following morning, enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu at sunrise and learn all about its history. Then, you will return on the panoramic Vistadome train. PERU TRAVEL takes care of all the details, ensuring that your group’s journey is stress-free and unforgettable. Book now to create lifetime memories

Highlights

Arrive at Machu Picchu twice during exclusive hours.
Follow the ancient Inca path, surrounded by stunning flora and fauna that will captivate your senses.
Take in breathtaking views of the Andes while discovering the rich history and culture of the Incas.
Take in the best views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Intipunku).
Explore Wiñay Wayna, an impressive archaeological site with remarkable terraces showcasing Inca engineering mastery.
Return on panoramic trains.
Small-group tours ensure personalised service.

Short Inca Trail at a Glance

Day 1: Cusco – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu (13 km, 7 hrs)

Start your day with a scenic train ride to Km 104 (Chachabamba). Begin your hike through lush cloud forests, passing remarkable Inca sites like Wiñay Wayna. Enjoy a delicious lunch along the way.

After lunch, hike for about an hour to the Sun Gate for your first stunning view of Machu Picchu. Explore the ancient citadel on Circuit 1, then unwind with dinner and a comfortable overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu — Return to Cusco

After breakfast, take the bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the terraces, temples, and palaces along Circuit 3. Our expert guides will bring the history of this ancient wonder to life.

Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available (advance booking required). After enjoying lunch in Aguas Calientes, take the scenic panoramic train and bus ride back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

Inclusions

Safety Briefing: The evening before the Inca Trail hike, your tour guide will provide a complete briefing at 7:00 p.m. covering everything you need to know about the hike. Please let us know where you are staying in Cusco so that we can coordinate properly.
Hotel pick-up : We will collect you from your hotel in the Sacred Valley or Cusco at 4:00 a.m.
Professional tour guides:Experienced and licensed guide. Spanish, English and Quechua speaking guides will accompany you during the excursion, to immerse you in the history, culture, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Meals : A boxed lunch on the first day, dinner at a restaurant in the town of Aguas Calientes, and breakfast at the hotel on the second day.
Entrance tiket to Short inca trail and Machu Picchu: The tour price includes tickets, so you won't have to pay extra to visit the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Round trip train tickets from: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 (starting Point) - Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (expedition/standard class).
Round trip Transport from: Cusco -Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
Round Trip bus tickets from: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes : 1 night hote in Aguas Calientes ( includes Breakfast) .

Excludes

Meals Notice: Breakfast on the first morning and lunch on the last day after machu picchu.
Entrance to the hot spring in Aguas Calientes :you can go and relax for only , 20 soles (US$ 6) (optional)
Tips for our team: Gratuities for guides, drivers and other staff are not included in the tour price. Tipping is optional but appreciated for good service.
The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain : This treks are optional within the Machu Picchu Citadel and do not include a guide. You can usually climb them on your own after the guided tour of Machu Picchu. If you would like a guide for the extra hike, please request this in advance. There is an additional cost of $40 USD for this guided tour. Tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain cost US$60 each.
Travel Insurance: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself fromunexpected events during your trip.
Rentals: The following items such as sleeping bag and trekking poles, can be hired from us.

What to Bring

Original Passports: you can't use a copy of your passport; you need to make sure your original passport is valid for at least six months to enter and leave Peru. Also, make sure your passport has two blank pages for the stamps when you come in and out.
Student ID: You only need this if you have booked the Inca Trail as a student. You must have a student ID issued by your university (up to the age of 25). It should have the following details: university information, personal information, a student photo, and a valid date no later than December 31 of the year of travel.
Good-quality daypack: It's really important to find a good backpack that's comfortable, light and small, to fill in and carry all your belonging
Botle water or Camel Bag: The bottle needs to hold 2 litres of water. It is important to choose a water bottle that can keep your water cold.
Trekking poles: We really recommend them for the Salkantay Trek and they are very useful. You can rent them from us.
Hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors)
Emergency money: Please remember to bring extra money for any emergencies that might happen on the trip. is ideal to bring 300 soles/90 dollars and in cash

What to Pack

1.Packing List

Here’s what you need to pack for the Inca Trail (2 days).

If you’re planning to do the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in two days, bear in mind that the porters won’t be helping you carry your stuff, so it’s a good idea to pack as lightly as you can. We suggest you take a good-quality, light and comfortable daypack.

We highly recommend using our service, as we can send some of your stuff directly to the hotel by train for free (just let us know in advance).

Here’s a full list of what you’ll need for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which includes two days and one night at a hotel.

2.Essentials for doing the Short Inca Trail:

Original passport: you can’t use a copy of your passport; you need to make sure your original passport is valid for at least six months to enter and leave Peru. Also, make sure your passport has two blank pages for the stamps when you come in and out.
Hats and sunglasses: The sun is intense at high altitude and you should protect your eyes from the glare. Wear one that offers UV protection and is comfortable.
Rain gear: The trail can be wet especially in the rainy season. Have quality gear and clothing with materials such as Gore-tex that will keep your skin dry while you perspire during the hike.
Warm clothing: During the Inca Trail, where the temperature fluctuates during the day and night, it is mandatory to have good clothing equipment such as: fleeces, long-sleeved shirts, down jackets and a waterproof layer.
Sunscreen: Choose a good sunscreen (high factor) and apply it before starting the hike and regularly during the day if you are sweating.
Hand sanitizer: Carry a good hand sanitizer to disinfect hands before eating, drinking and after using the bathroom. We recommend carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer throughout the day.
Snacks: bring snacks that are rich in energy and easy to digest. This, because chocolate bars or cookies are not ideal, as they can be heavy for the stomach and leave you with an impression of sluggishness, so we recommend taking granola bars or a mixture of nuts which will give enough energy to perform the walk.
Extra money: take money preferably in soles for drinks, tips and souvenirs: during the excursion you will find facilities or bathrooms where you will have to pay for the use of some of them, especially the first day.

Clothing:

Two t-shirts. Long sleeves are better.
Two pairs of hiking trousers: One for the Inca Trail and another for Machu Picchu the following day.
Underwear and socks: It is best if they are moisture-wicking.
Change of clothes: necessary for the two-day tour.
Warm layers: You need layers that can be removed quickly in the early morning when you are hiking.
Swimsuit (optional): Bring one for the hot springs in Machu Picchu town or Aguas Calientes.

About toiletries:

Toothbrush and toothpaste.
Toilet paper or wet wipes are needed.

Accessories:

A camera and fully charged phones.
Extra batteries are needed for Machu Picchu.

Extra Snacks:

Snacks, energy bars and chocolate.

Extra Money:

For souvenirs, drinks and tips on the Short Inca Trail.

First Aid Kit:

Pain relievers: Examples include ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Band-Aids: For minor cuts and blisters.
Sunscreen: The sun is very strong in the cloud forest.
Insect repellent: For preventing insect bites.
Aloe vera gel: For treatment of minor burns
Hydrocortisone cream: Relieves itching and rashes.
Bandage: ideal for treating sprains and strains.
Moleskin: Ideal for preventing and treating blisters.

Guidance on what to pack:

Pack light: There is no porter assistance, so focus on the essentials.
Reusable containers: Make sure that all water storage containers are reusable.
Health essentials: Remember to pack your personal medication and first aid items.

Sending a carry-on directly to a hotel is simple and convenient:

You can send a small carry-on bag directly to your hotel in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. Each bag must weigh no more than 5 kilos. If you don’t have any additional luggage, we can provide a duffel bag.

Make sure you pack all the essentials for the day in your backpack. In your carry-on bag, put clothes for the next day, toiletries and anything else you won’t need during the the first day of hiking.

If you would like to send a bag as a carry-on, please let us know after booking the Short Inca Trail so that we can obtain the necessary permissions to transfer the bags by train.

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wiñaywayna – Aguas Calientes

Early Start: Begin your adventure with a pick-up from your Cusco hotel at 4:00 AM.

Train Journey: Board the train in Ollantaytambo and enjoy a scenic ride through the Sacred Valley for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Km 104, the official trailhead.

Entering the Inca Trail: Cross the Vilcanota River and embark on the trail, heading towards the archaeological site of Chachabamba. Explore its well-preserved structures and learn about its possible function as a checkpoint or resting point for travelers.

Ascending into the Mountains: The trail gradually climbs towards the cloud forest, offering a change in scenery and a chance to spot diverse flora and fauna.

Lunch Break: Savor a delicious lunch amidst stunning mountain scenery.

Wiñaywayna’s Enchantment: Descend into the lower part of the magnificent ruins of Wiñaywayna, an impressive Inca complex showcasing agricultural terraces, houses, and a ceremonial center.

Sun Gate Glory: Hike the final stretch of the trail, climbing 60 steps to reach the Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Witness the unforgettable sunrise over Machu Picchu, a truly magical experience.

Descent to Aguas Calientes: Descend towards the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the base of Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Day 2Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early Rise and Machu Picchu Awaits: Grab an early breakfast and catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to avoid crowds.

Guided Tour: Join a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, delving into the history, architecture, and significance of this remarkable citadel. Explore the various sectors, including the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (Sun Hitching Post), and the intricate agricultural terraces.

Optional Hike: If you have booked in advance, conquer the challenging but rewarding hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.

Descent and Return: Descend back to Aguas Calientes, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, and take a bus back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.

Photos

Gallery

FAQs

1.What time does the adventure start on Day 1?

The adventure begins with a pick-up from your Cusco hotel at 4:30 AM.

2.Where does the train journey start?

The train journey starts in Ollantaytambo and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Km 104, the official trailhead.

3.What is the highlight of Wiñaywayna?

Wiñaywayna is an impressive Inca complex showcasing agricultural terraces, houses, and a ceremonial center.

4.What is witnessed from the Inti Punku (Sun Gate)?

From the Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, you witness the unforgettable sunrise over Machu Picchu.

5.What is the optional activity on Day 2?

The optional activity on Day 2 is the challenging but rewarding hike to either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.

Inca Trail Trek 2 Days classic