Discover Machu Picchu with our 2-day “Short Inca Trail” tour! This journey is specially designed for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the nature, culture, and history of the Inca civilization. Unlike traditional routes, this itinerary allows you to explore the ancient trails of the Incas and, of course, one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
Throughout the journey, you’ll be amazed by breathtaking landscapes, while our professional guide introduces you to the rich history and culture of the region, taking you to the main archaeological sites along the way. Our package includes hiking on the Inca Trail, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and all bus and train transfers.
In short, it’s a unique opportunity to walk the ancient Inca paths in the heart of the Peruvian Andes and discover Machu Picchu in just two days.
Our 2-day/1-night Short Inca Trail tour to the Machu Picchu citadel begins very early, around 3:30 a.m. We’ll transfer you from your hotel in Cusco to the exclusive bus station for train passengers. There, we’ll board the bus that takes us to the train station in the district of Ollantaytambo.
From there, we take the train to Km 104. The Inca Trail is rated at a physical level of 2/5, suitable for travelers aged 12 and up who have a reasonably good physical condition. It’s ideal for adventurous visitors who want the thrill of trekking this route without committing to the classic 4-day hike. Our final destination: Machu Picchu, one of the SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD.
We’ll disembark the train at Km 104 and begin our hike. After crossing the bridge, we’ll arrive at the RUTA 05 checkpoint. The first archaeological site we visit is Chachabamba. Along the trail, we’ll pass the impressive Phuyuwachi Waterfall, a natural water formation cascading down from the heights of Phuyupatamarka. Here, you’ll witness a variety of wild flora and native bird species of the region.
After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we’ll reach Wiñayhuayna, a stunning archaeological site known for its Inca terraces (or andenes). We’ll continue walking to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), from where we’ll get our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
We’ll then descend to the citadel to take the classic postcard photo and contemplate this world-renowned wonder. It’s important to note that entry to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail network is now exclusively through Circuit 1 (Panoramic) We provide access to the citadel, subject to availability. Our team will always be available to assist you before and during the tour to ensure a smooth and informed experience.
After completing the Inca Trail, we’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll head to the hotel to check in and spend the night.
This route is one of the most attractive travel experiences in the world, with astonishing geography and a wealth of archaeological, scenic, and climatic diversity. These conditions have supported the evolution of an incredible variety of plants, animals, and insects that thrive in our mountains and cloud forest.
Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Early in the morning, we’ll have breakfast at the hotel and then board the bus that takes us to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary on a 25-minute ride.
We’ll begin a guided tour of one of the 7 New Wonders of the Modern World. The site's layout includes agricultural terraces supported by stone retaining walls, as well as an advanced hydraulic system made up of channels and aqueducts.
The Machu Picchu citadel is part of a larger protected area that spans over 35,000 hectares and receives more than 1.5 million visitors every year. A true wonder that radiates energy through its natural beauty and majestic presence. In the afternoon, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to return you to your hotel in Cusco.
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Our tour starts early, with a 3:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco to transfer you to the exclusive bus station for train passengers. From there, we’ll take a bus to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we will board the train at 5:00 AM. The 90-minute train ride offers scenic views of the Andean landscapes surrounding the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River.
The geography in this area is astonishing, providing nature enthusiasts with various archaeological attractions, landscapes, and climates that have given rise over time to the evolution of a diversity of plants, animals, and insects populating our mountains and jungles.
At Km 104 (Chachabamba), we will cross a bridge that leads us into an ancient, magical world: the network of Inca trails. At this point, our guide will give you a brief explanation, and after we check our tickets and passports for entry control, we will begin a trek along the sacred path of the Incas. As we ascend, we’ll reach the first archaeological site, where you can enjoy stunning views of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy.
After visiting this site, we will begin our ascent, encountering orchids, fungi, and a variety of epiphytes and lithophytes. Continuing, we will have the first panoramic view of Wiñaywayna with beautiful viewpoints. During the hike, we will pass by the grand Phuyuwachi waterfall, a natural water formation coming from the heights of Phuyupatamarka, where you will observe a variety of wild flora and native birds of the region. After an approximately 4-hour hike, we will reach Wiñayhuayna (Wiñaywayna), which is located at 2650 meters above sea level and 5 km southeast of Machu Picchu. It is an archaeological center with a ceremonial and productive complex, with an architectural distribution belonging to the Inca culture and a control center for access to Machu Picchu. The name Wiñayhuayna comes from an orchid that abounds in the area.
After recharging energy, we will continue the journey towards Intipunku, also known as the “Sun Gate.” This gate marks the entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel. Once there, you can enjoy the hug and joy of satisfaction for completing the Inca Trail. After this special moment, it's important to take some time to rest and relax. You can admire the beauty of the place and explore panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its surroundings from this privileged point.
Machu Picchu is a place full of mystery and charm, and the first view from the Intipunku will surely be impressive. You can appreciate the majesty of the mountains, the lush vegetation, and the fascinating architecture of the citadel. Make sure to take the necessary time to absorb all the beauty around you and make the most of this unique experience. Remember that Machu Picchu is an important and sacred archaeological site, so it's crucial to treat it with respect and care. Enjoy your visit and make the most of this opportunity to connect with the history and culture of the Incas.
After completing the Inca Trail, we will descend to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes. After settling into your accommodation in Aguas Calientes, you can stroll through its streets, visit local restaurants or cafés, and enjoy the thermal baths in this picturesque town. Be sure to get some rest early so you can start our tour of the Machu Picchu sanctuary with enthusiasm the next day.
Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
In the early morning light, we will head with enthusiasm to the bus station, eager to ascend to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary. In a journey of approximately 25 minutes, we will be transported to the amazing spectacle of the sunrise. It is here, in this magical and serene moment, that we will begin our guided tour of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. The grandeur of Machu Picchu will unfold before us like an ancient treasure, and with each step, we will discover the secrets that this ancient city has to offer.
Our guide will tell you about the history and architecture of the citadel, and you will be amazed by the constructions of the Cusqueños and the natural environment that surrounds them. Machu Picchu is a marvel of engineering, art, and architecture in perfect harmony with nature. The citadel has an agricultural and urban area consisting of squares, temples, roads, stairways, terraces, aqueducts, among others. Its design includes areas such as agricultural terraces or platforms, which are held in place by stone retaining walls, and the hydraulic system that includes channels and aqueducts for water transport.
Machu Picchu is considered a marvel of agricultural engineering. The Inca city is part of a much larger area called the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, which covers an area of more than 35 thousand hectares and is a major tourist attraction that welcomes 1.5 million visitors each year. It is a World Wonder that fills with energy with its beauty and majesty.
We return by bus to Aguas Calientes, and in the afternoon, we will have time for lunch and to share our experiences. In the afternoon, we will board the train, heading to the Ollantaytambo station, where we will pick you up to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.
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NOT INCLUDED:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
| Distance | 10.37 km / 6.44 miles |
|---|---|
| Technical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Maximum Altitude | 2690 m / 8825 ft |
| Minimum Altitude | 2141 m / 7,024 ft |
| Estimated Walking Time | 6.20 h |
| Positive Elevation Gain | 1424 m / 4671 ft |
THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION Train
2★ Hotels
Hotel Wiracocha Inn - Hotel Terrazas De Luna, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending on availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned. (Subject to availability).
THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION Train
3★ Hotels
Hotel Tara Machupicchu - Hotel Waman Machupicchu, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending on availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned. (Subject to availability).
THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION Train
3★ Superior Hotels
Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu - Hotel Inti Punku, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending on availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned. (Subject to availability).
THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION Train
4★ Hotels
Hotel Jaya Machupicchu - Hotel Hatun Inti Boutique, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending on availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned. (Subject to availability).
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