2-Day Inca Trail – Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
Ollantaytanbo, km104, Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna, Inti punku ( Sun gate), Machu Picchu, Aguas Caliente
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type Service: Group or Private
The Short Inca Trail is designed for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail, without committing the time needed for one of the longer multi day hikes This type of hike is for people who want to enter Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail, but doesn’t have too much experience in trekking or don’t have much time to do a trek. Also, this trek can be done by families with young children, (9-14 years old), The trek is about 6 hours total. Along the route you will witness all the beauty of our flora and fauna as well as visit some of our most cherished inca ruins, including Wiñaywayna inca site. And most importantly, the hike ends walking through the Sun Gate with the most spectacular view of Machu Picchu from above for your first glance. You will head back inside the ruins on your second day to explore the mystery and history as you walk around with the best guides of CROSS TRAVEL PERÚ
Day 1: Cusco -Km 104 – Inti Punku (Sun gate) – Aguas Caliente
One day before the trek: Briefing on your hotel with the CROSS TRAVEL PERÚ guide.. Time to be determined by the company.
*Your briefing is usually programmed one day before your program and usually in the morning. However, If your program starts on a Monday, your briefing will be programmed for the Saturday prior to your program and during the morning only. Therefore, please consider this when booking your flights to Cusco.
Early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Train Station at Ollantaytambo; where we will take the train to get to the start point of the trek at Km 104. The transfer between bus and train will be around 3 or 4 hours. Along the way we will see beautiful landscapes, mountains, Andean towns, mount snows and valleys, specially the Sacred Valley. This route will take us to the beginning of the trek and will take us down, even more, to the “Ceja de Selva” (Jungle) and the Urubamba River showing us all its natural beauty.
Once we arrive to Km 104 (start point of the trek) we get close to the principal gate in order to check in and start with our big adventure to Machupicchu. The first archeological center to visit will be Chachabamba (2,050 msnm) which is known for its beautiful construction and location on the valley, that still preserves intact its architecture. After that, we will ascend slowly for about 3 hours to the fascinating archeological center of Wiñaywayna (2,650 msnm), where we will enjoy its charms and taste our box lunch. After a short break, we continue through the semi-tropical forest to the mystic Intipunku (Sun Gate) where, we will appreciate the first panoramic view of the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu, surrounded by impressive mountain peaks, deep valleys and the Urubamba River. From Intipunku we will descend for almost 30 minutes for the citadel and we will place it at the top to rest and take pictures. Finally, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes (2,030 meters), where we will spend the night in the chosen hotel, where we have the opportunity to visit the hot springs of the place. After a good rest we will get together with the group to have dinner.
- Distance to the next destination: 11 Km.
- Walking Hours: 6-7 hours
- Low Altitude: 2030 m. / 6658 Ft.
- High Altitude: 2650 m. / 8692 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 2030 m. / 6658 Ft.
Day 2: Aguas Caliente – Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
After an early warm breakfast, we will take the first bus to Machupicchu so we can enjoy the beautiful sunrise on this magical place and before the arrival of more tourists. The guided visit inside the citadel will take about 2 or 3 hours. After that, we will have the opportunity to explore freely the wonderful lost city of the Incas. By the afternoon, we will go back to Aguas Calientes to take the train back, Peru Rail – Expedition *.
(*) The return from Aguas Calientes will be done together with your tour guide. Time of service to be confirmed.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included
- A briefing prior to your trek
- Transportation from your hotel to the train station (round trip)
- Train ticket with Expedition service (round trip)
- Round Trip bus Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu-Aguas Calientes (2nd Day)
- One night of accommodation at Aguas Calientes
- Professional English and Spanish speaking guide
- Entrances to Inca Trail and MACHUPICCHU
- Food 1B, 1BL, 1D. (Dinner at Aguas Calientes)
- 01 Bus ticket from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes (1st day)
- Emergency Equipment: First Aid Kit and radio communication
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch and dinner on the second day
- Hiking Poles
- Restroom Tent and Portable Toilet
- Personal Porter, to carry personal items from our clients (15Kg)*Entrance to Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain
- Tips.
Extras
- Walking sticks – $10 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes $80 USD (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Observatory at 1:37 pm or 4:22 pm $90 USD (Book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $65 USD (Book in advance)
- Machu picchu Mountain – $65 USD (Book in advance)
- Single Room Supplement – $35 USD
*Please advice of your request for a personal porter at the time of your booking, as they will need permits to enter the Inca Trail as well.
Prices
Group service:
$500 USD Per person.
***For groups of 5+ travelers, $20 USD discount each.
Student Discount
$30 USD off per person Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
$40 USD off per person
For kids under 11 years old, this discount will be applied by default. Send passport copy at the booking time.
Please send all information to info@crosstravelperu.com
Add on’s:
- Walking sticks – $10 USD
- Vistadome Observatory at 1:37 pm or 4:22 pm $90 USD (Book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $65 USD (Book in advance)
- Machupicchu Mountain – $65 USD (Book in advance)
- Upgrate Hotel – $35 USD at 3* Hotel and $95 USD for 4* Hotel
- Private Service + $100 USD
Packing List
Essential Items:
- Original Passport
- VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student)
- Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru)
- Good quality backpack (medium sized)
- Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres
- Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons)
For Your baggage
The train has a luggage limit of 7-8 kilograms per person. We therefore recommend bringing only important and necessary items to Aguas Calientes.
- 3 Long sleeve shirts
- 3 Breathable t-shirts
- 2 Hiking trousers
- 3 Sets of underwear
- 3 Pairs of socks
- 1 Shorts (suitable for hiking)
- 2 Fleece
- 1 Waterproof coat and pants (for rainy seasons)
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sandals – In case you want to visit the hot springs in Machu Picchu town
- Small quick-drying travel towel
- Portable battery charger for your phone and cameras
