Highlights
- Ideal for Time-Constrained Travelers: This trip is a fantastic option for those with limited time, offering an immersive Inca Trail experience without the need for a multi-day commitment.
- Short Inca Trail Hike: The journey includes a one-day hike on the Inca Trail, providing a taste of the famous trek and its stunning scenery.
- Exploring Machu Picchu Inca City: The following day is dedicated to exploring the iconic site of Machu Picchu, allowing ample time to soak in its history and grandeur.
- Visit Wiñay Wayna Inca Site: Along the trail, you’ll experience the ancient ruins of Wiñay Wayna, a fascinating archaeological site with terraced hills and intricate stonework.
- Hike Through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku): The hike culminates at the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, offering a breathtaking entry into Machu Picchu with panoramic views.
- Easier Permit Availability: Unlike the 4-day Inca Trail, permits for the Short Inca Trail are typically available and rarely sell out, making it a more accessible option.
Trip Details
Short Inca Trail 2 Days Details
- Activities: Trekking Adventure
- Difficulty Level: 3 out of 5
- Maximum Altitude: 3,700 masl / 12,139 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,000 masl / 9,843 ft
- Hiking Distance: 10 Km / 6.2 Miles
- Sites to Visit: Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku, Machu Picchu
- Tour Type: Classic Tour
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
- Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route)
- Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter on open roads, some steep ascending
Trip Summary
ITINERARY SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Day 1: Cusco – Wiñaywayna – Aguas Calientes
- 3:45 A.M. Pick up from the hotel
- 4:00 A.M. Departure by car from Cusco – Train station (Ollantaytambo)
- 6:10 A.M. Travel by train to Km 104
- 7:30 A.M. Walk of Km 104 to Wiñayhuayna
- 11:45 A.M. Rest, Visit and Box Lunch
- 14:00 P.M. Walk to Machu Picchu by circuit 1
- 15:00 P.M. Descent by bus to Aguas Calientes 25 min.
- P.M. overnight in a Hotel
Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco
- 5:00 A.M. Breakfast
- 5:30 A.M. Go up by bus to Machu Picchu 25 minutes approx.
- 6:00 Sunrise at Machu Picchu.
- 7:00 A.M. Guided tour in Machu Picchu 2 hrs. approx by circuit 3
- 11:00 P.M. Return to Aguas Calientes by walking
- PM. Return by train to Ollantaytambo
- PM. Transfer by car, Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- PM. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel
Itinerary
Cusco - Wiñaywayna - Aguas Calientes
AM we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco to transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo where you will board the train for approximately 1 hour 10 min until Km 104, the starting point of our trek. Upon arrival we will meet the guide and cross the bridge that is on the Urubamba River to reach the control point where we must show our documents of entry and corresponding identification.
After a 15-minute walk, we will arrive at the archaeological center of Chachabamba (2250 m.s.n.m) and Choquesuysuy that are hidden in the forest where we will walk arround and we will have the explanation of our guide, then we will continue our trek through stairways from where we will be able to observe our big valley next to its waterfalls and its different types of orchids. After 4 hours of walking we arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2650 m.s.n.m). On the way we also have beautiful views of the Urubamba river.
The name of Wiñaywayna comes from a beautiful orchid that abounds in this area and that its meaning in Spanish is Forever young in the lower part will observe a number of circular terraces where the Incas cultivated their different agricultural products, here also we will find the Temple of the arch Iris also known as Temple of Fertility, the tour in this place will take us about 1 hour and then taste our Box Lunch to replenish the lost energy and continue until we reach the control of Wiñaywayna.
In the afternoon we continue walking for about 2 more hours crossing stone stairs and tambos (rest places) until arriving at Inti Punku or Sun Gate (2720 m.s.n.m) from where we can observe the citadel of Machu Picchu (circuit 1) with the afternoon sun we will descend for about 30 min to the world wonder Machu Picchu World (2490 m), finally we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu Pueblo (2160 m) the journey lasts 25 min, here we will spend the night in a hotel, is very tired can go to the hot springs that is located 5 min from the village, the cost of admission to this place is 15 soles.
Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu - Cusco
This day we will wake up very early and after breakfast we will board the first bus (5:30 am) to climb to Machu Picchu (2490 m) where if the weather favors we can observe the sunrise, where we will also have a guided tour to the majestic city of the Incas for approximately 2 hours followed by a free time to visit it and take photos on their own. In the afternoon we will board the bus back to Aguas Calientes where you will find different restaurants to choose your favorite food, finally we take the train back to Ollantaytambo and the transportation that will bring us to Cusco and its respective transfer to your hotel.
End of services
Our Private Service
For the private option, please consider the following details:
- Minimum Occupancy: A minimum of 2 people is required to make a booking
- Customized Services: With the private option, you have the flexibility to customize your services according to your preferences. You can book with flexibility, tailoring the experience to your needs.
Inclusions
Included
- Pick up from the Hotel in Cusco
- Transfer Cusco- train station Ollanta
- Train ticket Ollanta – km 104.
- Entrance Ticket to the short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Food (1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner).
- Bus tickets Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu
- 01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double room)
- Professional guide throughout the course (English – Spanish)
- Return train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
- Transfer to the hotel.
No included
- Lunch on the last day, after the guided visit to Machupicchu
- Tickets for hot springs in Aguas Calientes
Choose Your PeruRail Train Experience
Discover the perfect journey to Machu Picchu. From comfortable adventure to ultimate luxury, the choice is yours.
PeruRail Trains Comparison
| Feature | Expedition | Vistadome | Observatory | Hiram Bingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Standard Panoramic | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Large Classic Windows |
| Seating Layout | Seats facing each other with table | Leather seats, facing each other | Leather seats, spacious | Plush armchairs, elegant dining tables |
| Food & Drinks | Available for purchase | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Gourmet Lunch/Dinner & Open Bar |
| Entertainment | Ambient Andean Music | Cultural Dance & Fashion Show (Return) | Live Music & Cultural Show | Live Band in Bar Car |
| Special Features | - | - | Access to open-air balcony car | Includes bus, citadel ticket & guide |
| Estimated Price (One-way) | From $65 USD | From $85 USD | From $110 USD | From $490 USD |
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Pricing Options
At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we offer personalized Short Inca Trail 2 Days, designed to match your interests and preferences. With expert local guides and customized itineraries, explore the beauty of the Andes. Check out our pricing options for a memorable adventure.
SHARE SERVICE
(Enjoy this service with a group between 6 – 10 people)
PRIVATE SERVICE
(Enjoy this service only for you and your family – minimun 2 people)
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