Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Duration
2 days / 1 nightTotal distance
12 km / 7.5 milesDifficulty
ModerateGroup size
2 – 8 PersonsThe Short Inca Trail is the ideal trek for travelers short on time. If you’re looking for a 2 day trek jampacked with adventure and Inca history, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is custom tailored just for you.
This 2 day trek will serve you the best of both worlds: a short hike through the wilderness of Peruvian cloud forests and the Inca ruins of Chachabamba, culminating with a day’s tour of one of Peru’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Machu Picchu.
Along the Short Inca Trail, you’ll be confronted with a bevy of beautiful sites including the impressive archeological relics of Inca past, the enchanting fauna and flora endemic to the region, and a convergence of majestic waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and gaping valleys.
Highlights of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Chachabamba Inca Ruins: Immerse yourself in ancient Inca history as you traverse through the well-preserved ruins of Chachabamba, offering a glimpse into the fascinating past of this civilization.
- Peruvian Cloud Forests: Trek through enchanting Peruvian cloud forests, a unique ecosystem filled with diverse flora and fauna, creating a picturesque backdrop for your journey.
- Express Adventure: Tailored for those short on time, the 2-day Short Inca Trail delivers an adventure-packed experience, combining the thrill of hiking with the richness of Inca heritage.
- Majestic Landscapes: Witness the convergence of majestic waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and expansive valleys, creating a stunning panorama that unfolds with each step of your journey.
- Culmination at Machu Picchu: The highlight awaits as you reach Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where you can explore the ancient citadel and marvel at breathtaking views.
- Compact and Manageable: Ideal for both novice and experienced trekkers, the Short Inca Trail offers a manageable yet rewarding hike, ensuring a memorable and accessible adventure to Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
After a 4:00 am pick up from your hotel, you’ll be driven to Ollantaytambo Train Station where we’ll catch the first train to Chachabamba, which lies at an elevation of 2,000 m / 6,561 ft. above sea level. This 80 minute train ride, running parallel to the Urubamba River, is a wonderful at-a-distance exploration of the lush landscapes of the Andes of Peru.
Upon arrival, we’ll head straight to the Chachabamba checkpoint with your passport in hand to begin the much-awaited trek to Machu Picchu.
Our first stop on the 2 day Short Inca Trail trek is the Inca archeological site of Chachabamba. We’ll then take a 4 hour uphill hike to Wiñay Huayna, a marvelous maze of Inca ruins surrounded by cascading steps built on the slopes of a hillside, overlooking the Urubamba River.
We’ll then take a pitstop to enjoy a delicious lunch before we set off on a walk to the Sun Gate, believed to have been the guardian gates to the Machu Picchu citadel.
We’ll then hop on a bus to Machu Picchu town or Aguas Calientes which lies at an elevation of 2,040 m / 6,693 ft. above sea level where you will enjoy a delicious dinner at a Peruvian restaurant.
You’ll then spend the night at a quaint little Peruvian hotel and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
- Difficulty:: Moderate
- Distance:: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Altitude:: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft. above sea level
- Time:: 8 hours
- Weather:: Warm and humid
- Meals:: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation:: Hotel
After an early morning wakeup call and an energizing breakfast, we’ll check-out of the hotel and catch the first bus to Machu Picchu at 5:30 am just in time to witness the spectacular sunrise.
You’ll then be taken on a 2 – 3 hour tour of the Incan citadel in which our guide will take you on a journey through the ages, shedding light on the history, engineering genius, and lives of the ancient Incas.
You’ll then get to explore Peru’s urban areas independently and enjoy a little spontaneous exploration of Peru’s famed archeological site.
You’ll then hop on the bus and head down to Aguas Calientes, where you will reunite with our tour guide. You may then take a pitstop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the tour package) before hopping on a 2 hour train ride to Ollantaytambo. From here you will be chauffer driven to Cusco where you will be dropped off safely at your hotel.
- Difficulty:: Easy
- Altitude:: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft. above sea level
- Time:: 2 – 3 hours
- Weather:: Warm and humid
- Meals:: Breakfast
Inclusions
Included:
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu includes
- All transportation provided including pick up and drop off at your hotel
- Professional guides
- Entrance fee to Inca Trail
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Train tickets
- Bus tickets
- 1 night at a 3 star hotel in Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes
- Satellite phones, first aid kit, and oxygen tank
Not Included:
- Final day’s lunch in Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes
- Walking sticks
Packing List
Day Pack
- Backpack for hiking (25L to 30L)
- Water (we provide water with every meal)
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (phone)
- Earplugs
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Official Papers
- Valid and Original Passport (same passport used for booking your trek)
- Travel insurance (we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for your trip)
Clothing
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof, lightweight, broken-in with aggressive tread)
- Comfortable shoes (walking shoes, sandals or other comfortable footwear to wear on campsites)
Travel Accessories
- Reusable water bottle
- Flashlight
- Toilet paper
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Personal first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent and appropriate clothing for mosquitoes
Extra Money For
- Drinks
- Tip or gratitude
- Souvenirs
Adicional Information
Map
Reviews
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