Embark on a 2-day adventure on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Explore archaeological sites, hike through stunning landscapes, and enter the lost city via the famous Sun Gate.
Cusco – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Winay Wayna - We collect you from your Cusco hotel early in the morning and then transfer you in our van to the train station at Ollantaytambo.
Our train journey lasts about an hour before making an unscheduled stop at KM 104, the trailhead of the Inca Trail and the start of our hike.
Passing through the Inca Trail checkpoint we immediately see our first archaeological center, Chachabamba. These ruins were one of the last shelters used by the Inca pilgrims before they reached Machu Picchu.
After some hours we arrive at Wiñay Wayna. Named after an orchid and meaning “Forever Young” in Quechua the site provides incredible views far across the Sacred Valley.
Once the tour is complete we continue our hike for another 1-2 hours on a relatively flat section of trail. At around 4:00 pm we will reach the Sun Gate.
Intipunku provides our first views of the magnificent Machu Picchu.
Arriving in Aguas Calientes we will take you to check in at your hotel.
Dinner will be in a local restaurants in town.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Machu Picchu - The hotel will prepare an early breakfast for you before we meet to take a very early bus (5:30 am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu. As we climb gradually to the sacred city we should be lucky enough to see the magnificent sunrise over the Andes.
All of our guides are experts and enthusiasts in the history and legends of Machu Picchu, and so the 2-hour tour of the site will really bring the city to life for you. Of course, there will be plenty of time to take photos, of the city….and of the wild Llamas roaming the terraces!
If you have elected to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, you will begin the hike at 10 AM (Huayna Picchu is not included in the trek price).
If you are not climbing the mountain you will have some time to explore Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival in AC we board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo we will transfer you in our van to your Cusco hotel.
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- Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket
- Tour guide
- One night in a B&B accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Inca Trail Permit
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 1 of the trip
- Round trip train tickets
- Hiking poles (can be rented from us)
- Tips
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on day 2 (US $24).
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a feasible option for those with time limitations or preference for a less strenuous journey. The trail begins at the 104 Kilometer point of the Machu Picchu railway line, leading to two archeological sites, Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. This hike further presents an opportunity to access the hidden Inca city through the legendary Sun Gate, offering the first view of the ancient ruins to the trekkers. A night’s stay in Aguas Calientes is included before waking up on the second day for a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.