Short Inca Trail 2 days and 1 night

Description

The short Inca Trail 2 days is a condensed version of the iconic 4-day trek, ideal for travelers with limited time or those seeking a quick yet thrilling adventure. The journey begins at Km 104, where we start our hike toward the stunning Wiñahuayna archaeological site. From there, we’ll make our way to the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, to witness a breathtaking sunset before heading down to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay. On the second day, we’ll explore the legendary Lost City of the Incas—the world-famous Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Day 1: Short Inca Trail: Cusco > Wiñaywayna > Águas Calientes > 12 km

We will pick you up from your hotel around 5:00 a.m. and head to either the Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station, depending on train availability. From there, the train will take us to Km 104, where our adventure begins amidst the lush subtropical jungle.

Our first stop will be the Chachabamba archaeological site (2,150 meters above sea level). After approximately 3 hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at Wiñaywayna, a stunning complex featuring agricultural terraces, religious structures, and urban ruins. From there, we’ll ascend to Intipunku, the “Sun Gate,” via a 1-hour walk along a flat stone path with breathtaking mountain views. This is where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the majestic Machu Picchu.

Next, we’ll make our way to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before taking a bus to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos, including the classic shot from the upper section of the site.

The hike lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, and you’ll spend the night in pre-selected accommodations. Use the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

Important Tips:
After a hearty breakfast and a cup of coca tea, we recommend packing a light backpack (25L) for the trek. Include essentials like money, light clothing, travel documents, a camera, insect repellent, a sunhat, sunscreen, and personal hygiene items. Leave the rest of your luggage at your Cusco hotel, as you’ll return there the following day. This will make your journey much more comfortable.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Box lunch and dinner

Day 2: Aguas Calientes > Machu Picchu > Cusco > 01h30m tour > Circuit 5

In the morning, at the scheduled time, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to the bus station. From there, you’ll embark on a 20-minute ride along a winding road, ascending 400 meters to reach the awe-inspiring Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas. Upon arrival, our guide will lead you through the entrance, and your exploration of this incredible citadel will begin.

For approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll visit the most significant sites within Machu Picchu. After the tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants (lunch not included). Following lunch, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo (subject to train availability). The return journey will follow the same route as the outbound trip. Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to a bus that will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Important Information

Starting January 1, 2019, new regulations were implemented for visiting Machu Picchu. The archaeological site now follows a one-way route, meaning you cannot backtrack once you’ve passed a specific area. Re-entry is not permitted unless you have an additional ticket to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. If you plan to climb one of these mountains, your guided tour of the main citadel will be adjusted accordingly:

For Machu Picchu Mountain, the tour will last 1 hour to allow time for the climb.
For Huayna Picchu, the tour will last 2 hours.

Important Tips

Before heading to Machu Picchu, we recommend leaving your light backpack at your hotel in Aguas Calientes and carrying only essentials:

Water (note: Machu Picchu is a plastic-free zone, so plastic bottles will be confiscated at the entrance).
Passport, cash, entrance ticket, sunhat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

You can retrieve your overnight bag from the hotel when you return to Aguas Calientes. If time permits, consider visiting the Chávez Ballón Museum (Machu Picchu Museum), which offers free entry after midday—just present your passport.

Please note that there are often queues for the shuttle buses to and from Machu Picchu, as well as for the train back to Ollantaytambo. Plan accordingly, and your guide will assist you in managing your time effectively.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (at your own expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

Day 1- Pre-tour briefing: Detailed assistance and discussion about the tour (1 or 2 days before the hike).
- transportation: Hotel pickup and transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station, and return to your hotel after the tour.
- Train tickets: Round-trip tickets from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 (operated by PERURAIL or INCA RAIL).
- Special authorization: Permission to disembark at Kilometer 104 to begin the Inca Trail.
- Entrance fees: Included for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Meals: 1 light box lunch for the hike and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- Professional guide: Bilingual guide (English-Spanish) to accompany you throughout the tour.
- Bus ticket: One-way ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Assistance: Continuous support and guidance during the tour.
Day 2- Bus tickets: Round-trip transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back.
- Entrance fees: Included for Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour: A 1.5-hour exploration of Machu Picchu with a professional guide.
- Train tickets: One-way ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (operated by PERURAIL or INCA RAIL).
- Safety equipment: First aid kit and oxygen balloon for emergencies.
- Agency services: Full support and organization provided by the agency throughout your journey.
Hotels- 1 night at Hotel Machupicchu Inn/Alegrias Inn or similar in Aguas Calientes with breakfast
- 24-hour assistence

What's Not Included

Drinks except those mentioned in the itinerary
Meals except those mentioned in the itinerary
Snacks except those mentioned in the itinerary
Extra spending money
Travel insurance
Tips/gratuities
Phone calls
Walking sticks add USD 10.00 per each one

Optional Services

Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance: Additional cost of USD 80.00 per person (requires advance booking).
Upgraded return train service: Enjoy a scenic journey on the VISTADOME/360° train with panoramic views and a traditional dance show (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo). Upgrade cost: USD 65.00 per person.