Embark on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and immerse yourself in breathtaking Inca ruins, panoramic mountain landscapes, lush subtropical vegetation, and incredible ecological diversity. This ancient Inca pathway winds through the stunning Machu Picchu National Park, guiding you to the iconic Sun Gate, where you'll witness unforgettable views of the legendary Machu Picchu Citadel.
Along the journey, you'll traverse enchanting cloud forests and vibrant subtropical environments, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Short Inca Trail trek provides a rare opportunity to explore Machu Picchu twice—once in the afternoon of the first day and again the following morning, ensuring ample time to marvel at its grandeur.
Perfect for travelers with limited time, this trek allows you to experience a portion of the renowned Classic Inca Trail while making your way to one of the New 7 Wonders of the World—Machu Picchu. Discover history, adventure, and natural splendor in just two unforgettable days!
Your exciting adventure begins bright and early at 4:00 AM, with your transfer driver picking you up from your hotel in Cusco or an agreed meeting point. You'll head to Ollantaytambo train station to board the train at approximately 6:10 AM, embarking on a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley. You'll reach the starting point of the Inca Trail at Chachabamba (Km 104) around 7:00 AM, located at an altitude of 2,150 m / 6,927 ft.
At the INRENA Machu Picchu checkpoint, you will present your original passport to officially begin your Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.
Along the way, you'll visit the stunning Wiñaywayna archaeological site (2,650 m / 8,747 ft), set in a lush cloud forest. Take a moment to enjoy a delicious box lunch, surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.
After lunch, the hike continues for about two more hours, leading you to Intipunku (the Sun Gate, at 2,730 m / 9,007 ft), where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding peaks.
Upon arrival, you will enter Machu Picchu through the Guardian's House sector, an ideal spot for classic photographs. Your expert guide will provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and mysteries of this incredible Inca city, making your visit truly unforgettable.
Afterward, take a bus to Aguas Calientes and transfer to your hotel for some rest. At 7:00 PM, enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind in preparation for the next day's adventures.
Perfect for travelers with limited time, this Inca Trail trek offers the opportunity to explore a portion of the renowned Classic Inca Trail while reaching one of the New 7 Wonders of the World—Machu Picchu. Experience history, adventure, and natural beauty in just two unforgettable days!
On the second day of your Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, your adventure begins with an early breakfast at 5:30 AM. After breakfast, you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes station, where you'll board another bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Please ensure you have your passport, entrance ticket, and student card (if applicable) ready for verification.
Upon arrival, your expert guide will lead you through the most significant sites within Machu Picchu (classic circuit 2), including its fascinating temples and surrounding areas.
If you have purchased an entrance ticket to climb Wayna Picchu Mountain (a 2-hour round trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (a 3-hour round trip), you can embark on your chosen hike after the guided tour.
Following your exploration, you'll use your included bus ticket to return to Aguas Calientes, where you'll board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus will take you to Cusco, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
The typical train departure from Aguas Calientes is scheduled for 4:22 PM (subject to availability and potential changes). You can adjust your train schedule to arrive in Cusco earlier or later, depending on your planned activities, with prior coordination.
TRANSFER FROM THE AIRTPORT TO YOUR HOTEL:
The day of your arrival in Cusco we will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.
BRIEFING:
Prior to departure you will have a meeting with your guide in our office or your hotel to go over all the details regarding your tour. The orientation will be at 6:00 pm the night before your trip.
EXPERIENCE OF OUR GUIDES :
All of our guides have a minimum of 3 years of guiding experience. They are professional, responsible, and all have a deep love and respect for mother nature and her mountains. They will make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable.
PERMITS:
When we receive your data and permits, we will buy your permits (depending on availability, ask us about our Inca trail availability). These permissions are for a specific date and in your name, they cannot be changed once confirmed. The update of the passport number is allowed, this permit includes the entrance to Machu Picchu.
FIRST AID:
All of our guides are certified in high mountain first aid training. They always carry a first aid kit on our treks (including pills for altitude sickness, diarrhea, vomiting, cuts, and cream for muscle aches). They also carry extra oxygen in cases of emergency.
TRANSPORTATION:
Our private transport vehicles will come pick you up at your hotel the morning of your trip and take you to your trek starting point. You will also return in our vehicles to Cusco at the end of the trek.
ENTRANCE TICKETS:
ACCOMMODATION: hotel ***
The accommodation that is included in Hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes.
FOOD
Acclimatize min. 2 days to the altitude of Cusco city before doing the walk. Thus, the symptoms of altitude sickness will be avoided.
Packing List.
Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail.
You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport by one of our team and taken to your hotel (private services). Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to your arrival. Look for our representative holding an dark blue board Machupicchu Trekking Peru at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal, in order, to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at around 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Santa Teresa 399, Cusco centre.
Of course! During the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please only pack what you will need for the trek!
FIRST, To book your adventure to Machu Picchu, select the tour or trek you would like to do and click BOOK NOW. Fill out a form with your personal information, after completing the form click on SENT YOU RESERVATION button, then we will send you by e-mail a payment link of US$ 200 plus the 5% commission per bank transaction.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality
*** We require clear photos of each participants’ passport at the booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$ 200 per person in order to purchase permits for the Tour or Trek to Machu Picchu.
the fastest ways to send and receive money with fairly low fees, are through:
machupicchutrekking.pe@gmail.com
The balance, to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay IN CASH at our office with (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATM within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by your CREDIT CARD but you will have to pay a 5% service fee, to the iZipay collection company.
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
We look forward to meeting you.
This walk has no age restriction, however, it is recommended for parents to take into account the travel of children under 8 years of age and also for older people.
The dry season between April and October, with sunny days, cold nights with frost and an average temperature of 13 ° C. The rainy season, between the months of November to March, the average temperature in this season is 12 ° C. On sunny days the temperature reaches 20 ° C, although the light mountain wind is usually cold.
The greatest influx of people to the Inca Trail occurs during the dry season between the months of May to September, however, July and August are the months that the Inca Trail receives the most visitors. It is important to make reservations in advance because although it is true there are 500 spaces for the Inca Trail Tour, these spaces include the porters and guide staff.
What is the season with the least influx of visitors to the Inca Trail?
The season with the least influx of visitors on the Inca Trail, occurs between the months of October and April.
NOTE: During the month of February, the entrance to Machu Picchu is restricted due to problems of the rainy season, others that are used this month for the respective maintenance of the seventh wonder of the world.
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
The maximum group service size is 16 persons. Our private groups are usually between 2-8 persons. Machupicchu Trekking Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes within the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is at (4,217m/13,907ft). On the second day of the trek, we will climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Machupicchu Trekking Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, Machupicchu Trekking Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey towards Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 14:55 or 16:22, depending on availability.
How to book your 2-Day inca Trail Hike?
To book your adventure to Machu Picchu, select the tour or trek you would like to do and click BOOK NOW. Fill out a form with your personal information, after completing the form click on SENT YOU RESERVATION button, then we will send you by e-mail a payment link of US$ 200 plus the 5% commission per bank transaction.
NOTE: During the month of February, the entrance to the Inca Trail is restricted due to problems of the rainy season, others that are used this month for the respective maintenance of the seventh wonder of the world.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers
door to door sevices
from US$ 520 - Panoramic Train
from US$ 490 - Expedition Train
Groups of 5 or more receive a $20 USD discount per person.
PRIVATE SERVICE : (min: 1 Pax – Max: 10 Pax)
door to door sevices - panoramic train
US$ 920 per person – 1 person.
US$ 700 per person – 2 to 3 persons
US$ 570 per person – 4 to 6 persons
US$ 520 per person – + 7 people.
To book the 2-day Short inca trail, you need to make an initial payment of $ 300 USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or at our Cusco office with any credit card.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS THAT YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR INCA TRAIL
Waynapicchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
It is important to acclimatize for at least 2 days and for this we recommend the following tours:
Day tours to do before your inca tail tour
"WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE INCA TRAIL IS FULLY BOOKED FOR MY PREFERRED DATES?"
"If permits Inca Trail Trek are unavailable on your preferred date, there are plenty of alternative trekking options that will still allow you to enjoy the Andes en route to Machu Picchu. These alternative treks offer the same breathtaking beauty as the Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek but with fewer crowds, as we take you off the beaten path in the Andes and ensure you don't miss any highlights on your journey to Machu Picchu."
Machupicchu trekking Peru requires only a 2 participant minimum for our departures! You can choose any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers.
If you are a solo traveler and are flexible with your start date, we will make sure you have a group to travel with and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
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