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 Inca civilization.
Unlike traditional routes, this itinerary allows you to explore the ancestral paths of the Incas, in addition to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. During the journey, you will be amazed by spectacular landscapes, and our professional guide will immerse you in the history and culture of the region, taking you to the main archaeological sites. Our package includes trekking on the Inca Trail, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and all transfers by bus and train. In short, it's a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Inca trails in the heart of the Peruvian Andes and Machu Picchu in just 2 days.
Our 2-day, 1-night Inca Trail tour to the Machu Picchu citadel begins very early, around 3:30 a.m. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to transfer you to the exclusive bus station for train passengers, where we will board the bus that will take us to the Ollantaytambo train station.
We will board the train that will take us to Km. 104. The Inca Trail is a tour with a physical level of 2/5 for ages 12 and up or individuals with adaptable physical conditions. It is for adventurous visitors who want to take on the challenge of walking the short Inca Trail, a tour for those who do not wish to undertake the traditional 4-day hike but still want to experience the unique journey to Machu Picchu, declared one of the SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD.
We will disembark from the train at kilometer 104 to begin our trek. We will cross the bridge to reach the RUTA 05 entry control. The first point we reach is Chachabamba. During the journey, we will pass by the impressive Phuyuwachi waterfall, a natural water formation coming 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 will then begin our descent to the citadel to take the classic photo and admire this global tourist 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 an attractive location in the world, with a stunning geography that includes 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 jungle.
Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
In the early morning, we will have breakfast at the hotel and take the bus that will transfer us to the Archaeological Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, in a 25-minute journey, arriving at Machu Picchu.
We will start the guided tour of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. 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. The Machu Picchu citadel is part of a much larger area, covering an area of over 35 thousand hectares and is a major tourist attraction that welcomes 1.5 million visitors each year. It is a wonder of the world that fills with energy with its beauty and majesty.
In the afternoon, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where we will pick you up from the station and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.
IMPORTANT: Timings may vary based on train departures.
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NOT INCLUDED:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Our tour starts early, and we will pick you up at around 3:30 a.m. to transfer you from your hotel in Cusco to the exclusive bus station for train passengers. From there, we will board the bus that will take us to the train station in the district of Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train at 05:00 a.m. The train journey will last approximately 90 minutes, and along the way, you can enjoy the Andean landscapes surrounding the Sacred Valley, as well as a view of 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 take a moment to cross the bridge that will lead us to an ancient and 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. Uphill, we will reach the first archaeological center, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the archaeological center of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, a small archaeological group that belongs to Machu Picchu and is hidden in the semi-tropical forest surrounding it.
After visiting this archaeological center, we will start an ascent, encountering orchids, fungi, a variety of epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants attached to the trunks and branches of trees and shrubs), and lithophytes (plants that grow on rocks) due to the inter-Andean climate and air vaporizations typical of the tropical forest. 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 Wiñaywayna 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 our Inca Trail, we will continue the descent to take the buses that will take us to Aguas Calientes. Once settled in your accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes, you can stroll through its streets, visit restaurants or cafes, and enjoy the thermal baths offered by this picturesque town. However, don't forget to rest early to start our tour to the Machu Picchu sanctuary with enthusiasm the next day.
Hotel night 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 (Incas) 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.
Hotel night in Cusco.
INCLUDES:
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* Hotel
Hotel Wiracocha Inn - Hotel Retama Machupicchu - Hotel Terrazas De Luna, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending On Availability, A Hotel Of Similar Category Will Be Assigned.
The Voyager Or Expedition Train
3* Hotel
Hotel Tara Machupicchu - Hotel Ferre Machupicchu - Hotel Waman Machupicchu, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending On Availability, A Hotel Of Similar Category Will Be Assigned.
The Voyager Or Expedition Train
3* Superior Hotel
Hotel Casa Andina Standard Machupicchu - Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu - Hotel Inti Punku, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending On Availability, A Hotel Of Similar Category Will Be Assigned.
The Voyager Or Expedition Train
4* Hotel
Hotel Tierra Viva Machupicchu - Hotel Jaya Machupicchu - Hotel Hatun Inti Boutique, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending On Availability, A Hotel Of Similar Category Will Be Assigned.
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