SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU IN 2 DAYS
The original Inka Trail to Machu Picchu!
2724 m / 8928 feet
Daily Departures
Dificult
Included Hotel
Small Group
Hike and adventure
TRAVEL DESCRIPTION
The Short Inca Trail from Illa Kuntur Travel is one of the most impressive hikes in Peru. It is the most accessible alternative to the classic Inca Trail, ideal for travelers who have little time but do not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Aimed at travelers with limited time, this walk allows you to enjoy a memorable experience. Adventure lovers will delight in the landscapes of valleys that are home to endemic fauna and cloud forests. Along the way, you visit various Inca archaeological sites that offer captivating panoramic views before reaching the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Do not miss it!
Therefore, covering a distance of only 10 km / 6.3 miles; perfect trail for families with children.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
DAY 01: CUSCO / KM 104 / WIÑAY WAYNA / AGUAS CALIENTES
Travel to KM 104 and walk the original Inca Trail through beautiful landscapes surrounded by gigantic mountains and exuberant vegetation. Explore the Inka archaeological sites and get a first view of Machupicchu before spending the night in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 02: AGUAS CALIENTES / MACHU PICCHU / AGUAS CALIENTES / CUSCO
Explore the magical Machu Picchu with our expert guide and learn its history and secrets. In the afternoon return to Cusco.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 01: Cusco / Km 104 / Wiñay Wayna / Aguas Calientes
- We leave early in the morning from the hotel in Cusco and head to the Ollantaytambo train station, passing through the impressive Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once there, we will board the train that will take us to kilometer 104.
- We will begin the walk after registering at the corresponding checkpoint. During this incredible tour, we will visit several Inca constructions and enjoy a wide variety of flora and fauna, all with the best views of the Andes Mountains.
- We will continue observing the different peculiarities that nature offers us, from the arid mountainous landscape to the lush tropical green, until we reach today’s main point: Wiñay Wayna.
- Afterwards, we will continue the walk to Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol. This will be a memorable moment, since the evening light will be perfect for taking incredible photographs and from this point we will be able to observe the long-awaited and mysterious Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
- Finally, we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can rest at the hotel. At night, dinner will be on your own and you can take the opportunity to visit the Aguas Calientes thermal baths (optional).
- FOOD: Box lunch and dinner
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: (8 kilometers / 5.35 Miles) – (5 to 6 hours)
- ELEVATION: (2045 m / 6699 ft) – (2724 m / 8928 ft)
- ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
Day 02: Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo / Cusco
- Very early in the morning we will take the bus again that will take us to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Once there, together with our guide, we will enjoy the sunrise and the dreamlike landscapes of Machu Picchu, contemplating it in all its splendor.
- The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours. After this, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own or to ascend Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (if you have entrance tickets).
- After our visit to this incredible place, we will take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Afterwards, you will have time to have lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo and finally take a private bus back that will drop you off at the door of your hotel in Cusco.
- FOOD: Breakfast
- DIFFICULTY: Easy
- WALKING DISTANCE: (1 kilometer / 3280 Miles) (2 to 3 hours)
- ELEVATION: (2430 m / 7972 ft) – (2724 m / 8928 ft)
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TRAVEL?
- Informative talk with your guide, 01 or 02 days before the tour date.
- Professional tour guide.
- Tourist Guide Assistant for groups of more than 09 people.
- Pick up from your hotel.
- Transfer to your hotel at the end of the tour.
- Train to km 104 and return train to Ollantaytambo.
- 01 breakfast, 01 lunch (box lunch), 01 dinner. (If you have any food preferences, such as vegetarian food, please let us know.)
- 03 star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Oxygen bottle.
- Transportation back to Cusco.
- First aid kit.
- Tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Round trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain or Machupicchu mountain: US$85.00 per traveler.
- Change to the train to Vistadome (Peru Rail company): additional US$ 40.00 (return only). Price per person.
- Travel insurance – it is recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of the trip.
- Water and Snaks.
- Breakfast of the first day; lunch and dinner on day 02.
- Tips
What to Bring
- Original passport.
- ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for a discount price).
- Mountain/trekking boots.
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
- Warm jacket.
- Hat and gloves.
- Polos (quick drying).
- Trekking pants.
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen (SPF 35+).
- Insect repellent (We recommend NATURAL).
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- personal medication
- Camera and video recorder.
- Flashlight with spare batteries (or an environmentally friendly option)
Travel Guide
Read the frequently asked questions before making your reservation.
Recommendations
The short Inca Trail is a safe route, but it is advisable to take these recommendations to have a better experience without any setbacks:
- To be better acclimatized to the symptoms of altitude sickness, it is advisable to spend at least two days in the city of Cusco before doing the short Inca Trail. This way you can better acclimatize to the mountainous geography of the Andes Mountains.
- It is important to bring only what is necessary for the walk (a backpack with a maximum of 15 kilos). The heavier your backpack, the greater the physical wear on the route.
- Do not do the walk with headphones. It is always advisable to have all the senses on the road.
- Following the directions and advice of the tour guide is really key to a safe trip. The Inca Trail follows the trails built by the Incas to reach Machu Picchu. Taking an unmarked trail can be risky.
- Pick up the pace in the sections close to the rocks. Rockfall can be dangerous, especially in the rainy season like January or March (in February, the Inca Trail is closed to the public).
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages and much less take drugs on camping nights. A hangover could cause you a lot of physical problems on the demanding hike.
Don’t risk your life taking pictures in dangerous places like cliffs. - The Inca Trail is a walk with many stairs, long steps, streams, paths through the vegetation where there are loose branches, stones, etc. And even though the road is well maintained, you can always have a mishap. Although all agencies include a first aid kit, it is good to bring disinfectants, bandages, cotton, gauze, etc.
TRAVEL PRICES
The “Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 Days” is available any day of the year. We didn’t do this hike at all in February due to maintenance season and heavy rain.
PRICE: US$ 550 per person
PRE-PAYMENT: US$ 300 per person
BALANCE: US$ 250 (commonly paid in Cusco after the informative talk)
DEPOSIT CHARGES
Please note that WeTravel charges a 2.9% fee, which we ask the customer to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is for online deposits only.
PRICE GUARANTEE
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with only two guests.
We like to think that we trek a little differently than our competitors. We stand by our clients and guarantee that we comply 100% with our prices and our departure dates on all our trips.
EXTRA AND UPDATES
Huayna Picchu Mountain:
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute hike to the top. Note that going back down is quite steep. So if you have a fear of heights, this may not be a hike you enjoy. You would do this after your Machu Picchu tour and there is an additional fee. Arrangements must be made at least a month or two in advance due to popularity.
You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 60.00 per person.
Vistadome 360° train (panoramic train):
The Vistadome 360° train offers a different way of traveling to the citadel. The cars have panoramic windows located on the walls and ceilings of the cars, which allow you to have a connection with the outside. Also, on the return trip you can enjoy a fashion show on board that will show you an exclusive collection of baby alpaca garments with the latest trends which you can purchase if you wish. The Vistadome 360° train brings the landscapes of the route to Machu Picchu closer in a unique way, making passengers feel part of the nature that surrounds them.
You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 45.00 per person.
STUDENT DISCOUNT
$25.00 discount
Student discounts apply to anyone under the age of 17
Book now, live a unique experience
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