Short Inca Trail Itinerary & Trip Details
Overview
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Kilometer 104 (Chachabamba) – Wiñayhuayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Caliente
- Departure from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Train to KM104 (Chachabamba)
- Hike to Wiñayhuayna, passing archaeological sites.
- Continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for the first view of Machu Picchu.
- Descend to Machu Picchu and then transfer to Aguas Calientes for the night.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Early morning bus to Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu (Circuit #3- Depending on availability)
- Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
- Train back to Ollantaytambo and then transfer to Cusco.
Itinerary for the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU
- Your Inca Trail Trek Begins!
Wake up early and start the adventure of a lifetime! The guide will pick you up at the Cusco hotel at 4am. Rest or even sleep in our comfortable, private transportation to Ollantaytambo. Arrive at the train station and the guide will have a lunchbox to put into your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included).
Get off the train at the famous Km104, where the trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, show your passport at the checkpoint and visit the first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half are a gentle upward climb. Along the way, stop at several outlooks with expansive view of the Urubamba River. Pass through several microclimates, including cloud forests, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. For the next hour and a half the walk is slightly steeper with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end!
When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some photos and find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. The guide will talk about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this area.
Take your time to enjoy your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!
After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, Though the hour-long walk is a gentle up and down path, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca, known as the Gringo Killers. As you turn the corner from the Sun Gate, you will enjoy the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. So, take time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide opportunities to take photos of Machu Picchu. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, ask your guide questions about these historical places on your way to Machu Picchu.
Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. Arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in the shots. Enjoy this magical experience before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into the hotel. Have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to the hotel to rest after such an exciting day.
- Meals included: Box Lunch, dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
- Time: 6hrs approximately
- 3* Accommodations: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar
- 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu upgrade (superior room)
- Difficulty: moderate
***You can leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes (Up to 5 kilos per person).
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
- The Full Machu Picchu Experience!
Today is the day, Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast at the hotel, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness this amazing Inca city. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something to miss! The guide will give you a tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel.
When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on the train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. See Wiñay Wayna from the train looking up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to travel back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. Arrive at your hotel at 7:00pm.
- Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
After the tour those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu, this is not a guided tour.
***IMPORTANT:
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized by requeste and it has to be done by booking time.
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
- The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will include the CIRCUIT #1 and #3,
- OPTIONAL extra tickets for Machu Picchu (Circuit #2 ) will cost US $55 per person.
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS ?
Included
- Hotel pick up (We do offer DOOR to DOOR service).
- Private transportation from your hotel to the train station
- Permits for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and entrance to Machu Picchu.
- 3 Bus tickets: from Machu Pichu down to Aguas Calientes, the next morning from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu, the afternoon return down to Aguas Calientes
- Licensed guide experienced in trekking and fluent in English
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to KM104 – Ollantaytambo with private van connection to Cusco
- Admission tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site.
- 3* One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (hot shower, bathroom, private room and breakfast included)
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Taxes
Not Included
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- First breakfast (Usually served at your hotel) and last lunch at Aguas Calientes – There are a lot of restaurants at the town.
- OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel
- VISTADOME Trains – $67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Tips for your staff (Sam Travel Peru staff receive a fair payment immediately after they end their trip, tips are optional but greatly appreciated)
Huayna Picchu is optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which does 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.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Prices & Booking Info
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on almost any day that suits your schedule! We only need a minimum of two people in order to book!
PRICES
| Without Hotel | 3* Hotel (Included) | 3* Hotel (Others) | 4* Hotel | |
| Price Per Person | $499 USD | $522 USD | By request | $622 USD |
Hotel Options:
- 3*** Hotel: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu (Included)
- 4****: El Mapi (1st option)or Tierra Viva Hotel (As 2nd option) – They depend on availability!
***** Single supplement $40 USD for 3*** (other 3* upgrades $60 USD) Hotel, $110 USD for 4**** hotel like el Mapi or $75 USD for 4**** hotel like Tierra Viva superior room
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike: $75 USD per person
- Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person – (RETURN ONLY)
- Hotel single supplement $40 USD per night for Ferre´ Hotel (for solo travelers with single room)
- Duffel bag (5 kilos or 11 lbs): sent to your hotel in Aguas Calientes for those staying extra days
**Huayna Picchu is 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.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
*** The 2 day short Inca trail to Machu Picchu is almost always available year round, except when it is closed in February for maintenance — This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE like in the ancient times, you will explore some amazing Inca ruins along the way like Wiñay Wayna.
CHECK YOUR 2 DAY SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK AVAILABILITY BY CLICKING ON MONTH OF YOUR CHOICE!
Act quickly — spots sell out fast!
FREE ADDED VALUES
- SMALL GROUPS: average 4 to 6 people, with a maximum of 8 hikers
- AFTERNOON TRAIN: We give you enough time to explore Machu Picchu and have a relaxing lunch at Aguas Calientes. Your train back to Ollantaytambo is at 14:55 or 15:20, and when you arrive in Ollantaytambo you catch your private van to Cusco, arriving in Cusco by 7:00 PM.
- HOTEL AT AGUAS CALIENTES: includes private bathroom, hot shower, buffet breakfast, and wifi etc.
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL?
SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOUR GUIDES
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
At SAM Travel Peru, we have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support our local people, not only by employing them but also by going back to our grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
PACKING LIST FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU TREK
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE an extra porter. Your duffel bag will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas calientes. Please try to pack as light as possible, which is key to enjoying this amazing trek.
In your daypack, or on the first day’s hike you will need:
- Original Passport ( the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (25 to 30L)
- Water 1 to 2 liters of water
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Polar or sweater for early mornings and evenings
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
- Camera
- Valuables
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
In your duffel, you should pack
- A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
- Face moisturizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Battery chargers
SELECT A DEPARTURE DATE
Comfortable lodging near the ruins of Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
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