short inca trail to machu picchu
The Inca Trail is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful trails in America and therefore an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. The trail leads through the protected wilderness of the Peruvian jungle and forest steppe, passes several Inca archaeological sites and offers breathtaking views. The Incas used this itinerary for the pilgrimage to the sacred citadel Machu Picchu.
itinerary
Short Inca Trail Itinerary:
Altitude: 2050 – 2650 m. / 6726 – 9350 ss.
High Season: March – January
Duration: 2 days – 1 night
Difficulty level: Normal (Easy)
Route: Closed in February
1st Day: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes
Our journey starts early in the morning. After our arrival by train at km 104, the Royal Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m/7448f), where our guide will inform us about the former function of this archaeological site. Then, we will reach Wiñayhuayna (2650m/8694f), the most important archaeological site besides Machu Picchu. After that, our path continues to the Sun Gate “Inti Punku”, a nice viewpoint from which we can enjoy the sunset at Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f). Since we have to continue our hike to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will only spend a short time at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary on the first day.
- Walking time: 06 hours
- Total distance: 12 km.
2nd Day: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Cusco
We will leave our hotel for Machu Picchu after breakfast at around 5:30 am by bus. We leave this early because at this time the scene is less crowded, and the morning is a good time to enjoy the tranquility and ancestral spirit of the most famous archaeological site on the continent. After our arrival at the citadel around 6:00 am, our guide will give us detailed information about Machu Picchu and the history and culture of the Incas. After the guided tour, a bus takes you to Aguas Calientes. Here you have the possibility to join the town’s hot springs (S/10.00 Nuevos Soles). We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.
- Weather: Warm with mosquitoes
- Walking time: 02 hours
- Total distance: 4 km.
Included:
- Transportation
- Transfer between hotel and train station in Cusco
- Tourist train at km 104
Tourist train from the town of Aguas Calientes to Cusco Poroy / Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco - Tourist bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (2 ways)
- Hostel in the town of Aguas Calientes
- Tickets to the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Food during the excursion (1 breakfast, 1 box lunch, 1 dinner/vegetarian optional)
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
Not included:
- Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance to the thermal baths in the town of Aguas Calientes (costs S/ 10.00 Nuevos Soles or $3.00)
What do i need to bring:
- Small backpack with rain protection (30 or 40 liters is enough).
- Warm and cold weather clothing such as a waterproof jacket.
- Trekking shoes.
- Flip-flops or sandals (for showers and thermal baths).
- Wool or synthetic socks and a sweater.
- Long and short sleeved polos/T-shirts.
- Rain poncho and hat.
- Swimsuit (for the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes).
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol and disinfectant gel, and toilet paper.
- Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), flashlight, and batteries.
- Some snacks such as chocolate bars and nuts.
- Original passport, original ISIC student card (if you are a student) and extra money in Soles.
Notes:
(1) Huayna Picchu Climbing: For Huayna Picchu mountain you are required to book in advance, however we charge an additional $90.00 USD and then we guarantee your entry to Huayna Picchu as well (This new state law started on July 18, 2011). (Only if there are spaces).
(2) Please note that the program deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is used to purchase the entrance ticket to the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and hostel in the town of Aguas Calientes, and once a space is purchased it cannot be resold.
General information and recommendations:
- Booking: Since the number of trekking permits is limited to 500 per day (about 200 tourists and 300 trekking staff), it is important to book well in advance, especially in the high season between May and September. In the low season between December and January, it is possible to get a ticket about 20 days in advance.
- Passport details: Please make sure that your passport is valid for the time you intend to do the Inca Trail. Also, make sure that the passport details you send us by email, such as passport number, your name, etc., are correct. Changes at short notice will complicate entry to Machu Picchu.
- Travel insurance: It is mandatory for all clients to have personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accidents, medical expenses, loss of belongings and all other expenses that may arise as a result of loss, damage or injury suffered by the client. Neither the agency nor the hotel can be held responsible for any accident or loss of personal belongings that the client causes through their own actions.
- Round trip ticket: We will depart Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55 pm or 6:20 pm. This depends on ticket availability and how far in advance you booked your trip. During the afternoon, you will have time to have lunch at one of the nice restaurants in Aguas Calientes. Additionally, you can visit the hot springs to relax a bit. You will be back at your hotel around 7:00 pm or around 10:00 pm.
type of service
- Group service
