The Short Inca Trail is a condensed version of the classic Inca Trail, offering a thrilling two-day trek through stunning Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, and lush cloud forests.
Day 1 begins with an early morning start, as you depart from Cusco by bus to the trailhead at Km 104. After a brief stop for registration, the trek commences with a moderate ascent through the Sacred Valley, passing by the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna. The day’s journey culminates at the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu below.
Day 2 starts before dawn, as you make your way to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise over the ancient citadel. A guided tour unveils the mysteries and history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by free time to explore further or simply soak in the awe-inspiring atmosphere. The trek concludes with a descent to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax in the town’s hot springs before returning to Cusco by train and bus.
In just two days, the Short Inca Trail delivers an unforgettable adventure, blending natural beauty, cultural immersion, and archaeological wonders.
Overview
INCA TRAIL 02 DAYS/01 NIGHT.
If you don’t have much time and want to enjoy the famous Inca trail, we offer you this option, the short Inca trail 2 days and 1 night, with this tour you can enjoy part of the Inca trail and reach Machu Picchu through the famous Puerta del Sol, here you can enjoy the first views of the city and take panoramic photos of the Inca city
USEFUL INFORMATION:
- Altitude Starting point – 2,100. m.a.s.l.
- Maximum height – 2,615 m.a.s.l.
- Hiking Distance – 12km.-
- Difficulty: moderate/easy.
Itinerary
DAY 01: CUSCO – WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU.
We will pick you up at your hotel at 4:00 a.m., then we will have transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station. We will travel by train, along a very picturesque route for approximately 1.30 hours until we reach kilometer 104 (chachabamba), at this place we will carry out passport control and government permits. From here, we have a gradual walk along a beautiful trail until we reach the archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna (‘Forever Young’) (2680 m/8792 feet). This is the most impressive Inca place on the Inca trail. After visiting this place we will have a walk to the Wiñaywayna control, where we will have our lunch.
Then we will continue our walk along a path that is drawn between the mountains until we reach the Puerta del Sol (2730 8792 meters above sea level) from this place you will have the first panoramic view of the Inca city of Machu Picchu (2400 m/7873 ft). We will continue walking, downhill until we reach the city of Machu Picchu, specifically the guardian’s house, where we will have a moment to enjoy the view and the magic of the city, to explore the next day, then we will leave the city to board the bus heading to the town of Aguas Calientes. Here we will have our accommodation to rest and have dinner at a tourist restaurant.
- Food: Lunch and Dinner.
- Accommodation: Hostel
- Difficulty: moderate.
DAY 02: TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU.
We will have breakfast at our accommodation, and then we will go to the bus station and be able to board the first bus heading to the city, we will head along a zigzagging path for approximately 25 minutes to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Here the Guide will offer you a visit (approximately 2 hours) where you can visit different places of importance within the city, then you have free time to explore the city more and if you still have energy, you can also climb the Wayna Picchu mountain (Here you need a ticket, optional) (2720m / 8923ft).
To reach the top it is a 45-minute climb. After visiting the Inca citadel you have 2 options to return to the town of Aguas Calientes, walking or by bus (optional) here you will have the option of having lunch and receiving your train ticket to return to Ollantaytambo and then the bus transfer to the city of Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Difficulty: easy.
The train service that is included in all tours (is the Expedition to Ollanta) and bus to Cusco, the schedule depends on the availability of seats on the train, it can be at 14:30 p.m. or 18:30 p.m.
Options: If you want to stay one more night in Aguas Calientes you have to notify us in advance so we can organize your hotel, with an increase in the cost and modify the return train service.
Inclusions
OUR SERVICE INCLUDES:
- • Professional, bilingual guide
• Transfer from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station
• Tourist train (Expedition Service)
• Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
• 1 bus ticket from Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes
• 1 bus ticket from the city of Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• 1 bus ticket from Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes
• 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
• Oxygen bottle
• First aid box
Should Bring
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:
- Original passport
- Walking boots
- Walking stick (with rubber tip)
- Waterproof rain jacket/poncho
- T-shirts
- comfortable pants for walking
- Sun hat
- Sun protection cream (factor 70 recommended)
- Reusable plastic or metal container or bags.
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Personal hygiene items
OPTIONAL TO TAKE:
- Shorts
- Extra money
- Swimsuit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Price
Price: Season 2024
Shared Service:
- Price per person U$. 500.00
- The approximate group is 10 people
Private & Personalized Service:
- Price per person U$ .570
- Minimum people 02 pax
Booking
