Discover Machu Picchu with our “Short Inca Trail” 2-day tour! This journey is specially designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the nature, culture, and history of the Incan civilization.
Unlike traditional routes, this itinerary allows you to explore the ancient paths of the Incas, along with the world wonder, Machu Picchu. Whether you choose the short Inca Trail trek or any of our other carefully curated tours, you will marvel at spectacular landscapes as our professional guide immerses you in the region's history and culture, leading you to its main archaeological sites. Our package includes trekking along the Inca Trail, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and all transfers via bus and train. In short, this is a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Incan trails and Machu Picchu, nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, in just 2 days.
Our 2-day, 1-night Inca Trail tour to the Machu Picchu citadel starts very early, around 3:30 AM. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you to the exclusive bus station for train passengers, where we’ll board the bus to the Ollantaytambo train station.
We will board the train to Km 104. The Inca Trail is rated 2/5 in difficulty and is suitable for ages 12 and up or individuals in adaptable physical condition. This tour is designed for adventurous visitors who want to take on the challenge of the short Inca Trail 2 days. Offering an alternative to the traditional 4-day hike while still providing the unforgettable experience of visiting Machu Picchu.
We will disembark from the train at kilometer 104 to begin our trek. We will cross a bridge to reach the Route 05 entry checkpoint. The first point we reach is Chachabamba. Along the way, we will pass the impressive Phuyuwachi waterfall, a natural formation flowing from the heights of Phuyupatamarka, where we will observe a variety of wild flora and native birds.
After approximately 4 hours of walking, we will reach Wiñayhuayna, an impressive archaeological site with Inca terraces. We will continue our hike until we reach Intipunku (Sun Gate), where we will have a beautiful view of Machu Picchu. We’ll then begin our descent to the citadel to take the iconic photo and admire this world-famous attraction. After completing our Inca Trail, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will transfer to the hotel to settle in for the night.
This route is a world-renowned destination with stunning geography that features archaeological sites, diverse landscapes, and climates. These have fostered the evolution of a rich variety of plants, animals, and insects that inhabit our mountains and jungle.
Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Early in the morning, we will have breakfast at the hotel and take a bus to the Archaeological Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The 25-minute ride will bring us directly to the site.
We will begin a guided tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Many travelers prefer the two day inca trail to machu picchu to fully experience the breathtaking beauty of this route. Its design includes agricultural terraces or platforms, supported by stone retaining walls, as well as a hydraulic system featuring channels and aqueducts for water transport. The Machu Picchu citadel is part of a much larger area, covering over 35,000 hectares, and is a major tourist attraction that welcomes 1.5 million visitors annually. It is a world wonder that radiates energy through its beauty and majesty.
In the afternoon, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where we will pick you up and transfer 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.
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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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