Trip Facts

  • Timing: 2 Days / 1 night
  • Activities: Trekking and explore the XV century Inca settlement of Machu Picchu
  • Departure Dates: Every day
  • Best Season: From April to November
  • Altitudes: Min. 2,000m in the town of Aguas Calientes. Max. 2,750m at Inti Punku Pass near Machu Picchu
  • Transportation: Bus, Train and trekking
  • Accommodation: 3-stars hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Restricted Permits: Yes

Important Info

On your request we can try to get others around you (add other people to your groups) BUT we do Not guarantee this will happen as spaces get Sold Out rapidly and unpredictably.

Is this tour for me?…

If you don’t have time to walk the full Inca Trail (4-days trek) or just want a taster of what the route is like, then this section is perfect for you. You still get the great sense of completion, walking into Machu Picchu through the San gate or “Inti Punku” and explore the lost city of the Incas.

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Short Inca Trail

Inca Trail Faq’s

Short Inca Trail

Hotel for Short Inca Trail in the Town of Aguas Calientes

Short Inca Trail 2 Days

  • Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail
  • Short Inca Trail Trek
  • Short Inca Trail Trek

Experience the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by walking through the Andes and the cloud forest; exploring mysterious Inca buildings!…

Overview

Overview for Short Inca Trail

Short Inca Trail is the most well-known trekking routes to Machu Picchu; designed for traveller eager to explore the most popular, natural and cultural highlights of Peru, in a short period of time.  The tour package of Short Inca Trail begins in the city of Cusco, with a morning 2:00-hour car drive to Ollantaytambo’s train station; then approach the train for 1:30 hours to the zone of Chachabamba known as the km 104 situated at 2,100masl;here is the beginning point of the Inca Trail Trek.

The trekking of “Short Inca Trail” goes through the Urubamba Valley/river passing mysterious Inca settlements; of different functionalities such as religious, agriculture, storage, irrigation, and housing. Trekkers will walk through a number of hills; whose vegetation will change according to the elevation and will have the opportunity to experience many different terrain conditions. The trek’s route is well serviced with some shelters to rest from the sun or rain, Our Hike Short Inca Trail icludes a comfortable 3-stars hotel Accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu Inca Santuray.

2-day adventure trip or the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is a combination of wildlife, history, tradition and Inca archaeology. This is one of the Peru’s best  Short Treks, and is one of our most popular Hike to Machu Picchu, set amongst breathtaking mountain sceneries. Magnificent landscapes, imposing and prestigious peaks, popular tourist attractions and colorful villages contribute to turning this short trek into an unforgettable experience. The 2 day 1 night Short Inca Trail option allows you to experience some of the secrets of the Incas without camping in close proximity to absolution facilities.

The Short Inca Trail Description

For 2-day Short Inca Trail, we’ll pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am and from the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo) at 5:30am to take you on a journey of two hours, with a private transportation to the train station in Ollantaytambo (1:45 hours). Here we board the EXPEDITION TRAIN, travel by train for one hour and 45 minutes to the zone of Chachabamba or Km 104 (start of our trek).

At Chachabamba or Km 104 after submitting passport control, we began to walk up to Machu Picchu which will take us 6-7 Hours approximately.  The trekking is rated a moderate trekking but wonderful; along the trail you’ll pass beautiful waterfalls and mysterious Inca ruins where the Inca Trail Guide will explain you the history of the Incas.

After we arrive to Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town and have accommodation in the hotel; the bus journey will be for 25 minutes.

On the first day we’ll visit the Inca ruins of Chachabamba , where we’ll find a stone altar-site that was used to worship the sun and the mountains, still revered by local people. We also will visit the Inca ruins of Winaywayna where we’ll see immense Inca terraces used for agriculture.

The second day after we explore Machu Picchu you’ll have free time for further exploration; then we’ll take the train and return to the station of Ollantaytambo from where you’ll be transferred to Cusco.

Short Inca Trail Availability

We offer daily departures for  Short Inca Trail Trek (excluding February when the trail is closed); the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and repairs the camping sites. We highly recommended reserving your Inca Trail tour in advance due to the spaces can be sold out very fast. For the reservation fats please go in the “Bok Now” from and follow the instructions.

It is strongly recommended to book your Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail at least 4 to 5 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out. See the Availability

By now we are accepting the reservation for the Short Inca Trail for the 2019; for it we’ll need your Name, Passport number, birthdate and your nationality; in addition we’ll require a pre-payment of the 40%.

Suitable Information for Short Inca Trail

  • Starting Altitude – 2100m / 6900ft
  • Highest Altitude – 2730m / 8,792ft
  • Walking Distance – 12km
  • Accommodation – 3 Star Hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes
  • Overall Difficulty – Easy to Moderate difficult (depends on your level of fitness).

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to the town of Aguas Calientes town – Near Machu Picchu

Drive from Cusco to Chachabamba, 3:30 hours (bus and train). After arrived in Chachabamba you’ll pass the control point showing the permits and your passport, then trek for 6 -7 hours to Machu Picchu; from Machu Picchu we’ll take the bus donw to Aguas Calientes town. Overnight at Hotel

Day 2 : Explore Machu Picchu

Full day will be dedicated to explore the stunning Machu Picchu, the tour will last for 2 -3 hours; then you’ll have free time for further exploration. Optionally you can climb the Mountain of Huaynapicchu (check availability at booking time). In the afternoon return to Cusco.

Itinerary

DAY TO DAY FOR SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK

Day 1: Drive from Cusco to Chachabamba and trek to Machu Picchu

The tow-day Short Inca Trail starts when we pick you up from your hotel at 4.00am and take you by car (1:45 hours) to the train station of Ollantaytambo; then we travel by train for 1:45 hours until we reach the zone of Cahchabamba or kilometer 104.

At Km 104 or Chachabamba we’ll pass the control point with the trek permits and your passport. Then we begin to walk softly around of the Urubamba River/ Valley; after we walk five-minutes from the control we will arrive to the first Inca the ruins of Chachabamba, a beautiful Inca built located near the Urubamba River; here you’ll see a beautiful stone altar-site that was used by the Incas to worship the sun and the mountains.

Here you’ll have a guided tour for half hour; then, continue the trail to the south of the ruins and started a gradual climb to the mountain; the trail leaves the forest and goes west while continuing uphill for about three hours to the waterfall where you can rest and take pictures, the water is very clean sometimes tourist takes shower; from here we’ll continue hiking the to the Inca ruins of Wiñayhuana. We’ll have our lunch.

Wiñayhuayna is a beautiful Inca agricultural site where you’ll see Inca terraces, aqueducts, storehouses, domestic houses and many water baths.  Wiñayhuayna is located at altitude of 2,650masl, the name is in Quechua the official Inca language; It means “Forever young”. From here is 4km to sun gate and 6 km to Machu Picchu.

After lunch, we will continue through the cloud forest. As we walk the last part of the way we pass many impressive features such as the stone stairs and Inca ruins. We’ll arrive to the highest point of the trek (2,750m) at Inti Punku. From this point, you can see and observe the sunset over Machu Picchu. Then we’ll descend for 45 minutes to Machu Picchu and take sufficient pictures before we take the bus for 25 minutes down to Aguas Calientes town and have accommodation in the hotel.

Trekking Facts

  • Meals included: L – D
  • Accommodation: 3-stars category hotel
  • Walking distance: 12 Km.
  • Approximate Walking Time: 6 – 7 Hours

Places to be visited today

Short Inca Trail Short Inca Trail

Day 2 : Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

Today breakfast is at 04:30 am, after breakfast you’ll leave your belongings in the reception of the Hotel, then we walk 5 minutes to the bus station and board the bus to up Machu Picchu (25 minutes), the park opens at 6:00 am. We’ll have a guided tour of Machu Picchu for 2 – 3 hours; during which we’ll visit the most important places as the Royal Mausoleum, the Temple of the three windows, the main temple, the Sacred Plaza, the famous Intihuatana where wise Incas tied to the sun in the winter solstice in June, stairways, plazas, fountains, etc.

After the tour you’ll have about 2 – 3  hours extra time within Machu Picchu for further exploration or you can optionally climb Huaynapicchu Mountain (US$ 65 extra for the entrance). After finishing our masterful visit, we return down to Aguas Calientes town to enjoy our lunch in one of the restaurants. Then we have some free time to explore this quaint village before boarding our train back to Cusco.

The train departs Aguas Calientes town in the afternoon between 16:00pm – 17.00pm arrives in the train station of Ollantaytambo 1:45 after. From Ollantaytambo we’ll travel two hours by bus to Cusco with a van, arrived at approximately 9:00 pm.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast in the Hotel
  • Please Note: while we visit Machu Picchu your personal belongings you can leaved in the storage of the hotel in Cusco.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

When it comes to money we would like to explain to you what you are paying for. We are a local company providing world-wide travelers with internationally qualified services. We provide you with the lowest prices possible for fully inclusive Short Inca Trail which has no hidden fees. As one of the leading trekking companies in Peru, we guarantee your safety, satisfaction, and long-lasting memories of your experience.

Places to be visited today

Short Inca Trail

Includes

The Short Inca Trail Includes

  • Pre-departure briefing at 6:00pm or 7:00pm, in your Hotel or  in our Office one day before the tour; the time will be confirmed.
  • Pick up from your Hotel at 04:30 am
  • Private transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Train Station (2 Hrs)
  • Expedition train to Km 104 (starting point of the hike)
  • Entrance fees for the trail and the Machupicchu sanctuary
  • Permits and fees for the Short Inca Trail
  • Walk with an excellent English speaking guide.
  • Guided visit of Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna and Choquesuysuy
  • Guided Tour of Machupicchu on the second Day
  • 1 Box Lunch, 1 Dinner and 1 Breakfast
  • Accommodation in a 3-stars hotel.
  • 3 bus tickets (Machu Picchu -Aguas Calientes / Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu  – Aguas Calientes)
  • Expedition train return to Cusco or train to Ollanta and transport to Cusco

Excludes

Breakfast on the first morning which you can get in your hotel in Cusco
Lunch on the second day which you can get in the town of Aguas Calientes  (US$15 – 20pp)
Hot spring pools 20 soles. (Optional)
Entrance fee for Huaynapicchu $65.00 (Optional)

Packing List

Packing List for Short Inca Trail

  • Passport
  • Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbacks or bottles is good for this trek.
  • Water for the beginning of your hike.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
  • 1 Wicking/Hiking Shirt & hiking pants
  • Nice shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
  • 2 sets of undergarments including one pair of hiking socks
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  • Sun hat
  • Bathing suits for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes)
  • Sun protection cream
  • Insect Repellent
  • Personal medication
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Camera
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Price

Short Inca Trail Price

Group Service price US$ 450 per person

  • We can customize the trip according to tour need and the number of travellers you are

If you are group of people family (more people pay less).

  • 2 people    US$450 per person
  • 3 people    US$440 per person
  • 4 people    US$430 per person
  • 5 people    US$395 per person
  • 6+ people  US$385 per person

 Discounts:

  • Student Discount: US$20 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
  • Under 18’s Discount: US$20

Optional Extras:

  • Machu Picchu Mountain climbing:  USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 70.00 (Need to book in advance)
  • Vistadome Train Aguas Calientes-Cusco: USD50.00 (Need to book in advance)

Photo gallery

SHORT INCA TRAIL PHOTO GALLERY

Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail  Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail
 Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail  Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail
 Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail  Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail

Short Inca Trail video

The Short Inca Trail Highlights

The walk along the up and down trails that stretch on the verdant rolling mountains, occasionally encountering other landscapes that include Inca terraced, Inca setlements fields, rivers and waterfalls.
The ethnic lifestyle and cultural riches of the Incas. Observing and mingling the Inca VX century buildings can be the most rewarding experience during the trek.
The floral and faunal biodiversity of Machu Picchu Conservation Area Project, which is also the ideal destination for bird watching.
The view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, which is an incredible experience to gain while trekking in the Andes of Peru.
Wiñayhuana and Machu Picchu, which are the destinations from where trekkers get to enjoy and savor the views

Day 1

The Inca site of Wiñaywayna located at 2,600masl…

Day 2

Iconic Machu Picchu located at 2,400 masl

IMPORTANT INFO Find here Inca Trail info     BOOKING INFOHow to make a reservation      MEALS INFORMATIONFood on the Inca Trail

The Short Inca Trail Map

Short Inca Trail Trek Location

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