Discover Machu Picchu with our 2-day “Short Inca Trail” tour! This trip is designed for small groups, guaranteeing a more personalized and exclusive experience. On this tour, you will be able to enjoy the culture and history of the Inca civilization. Unlike traditional routes, this itinerary allows you to explore the ancestral paths of the Incas and, of course, the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu.
During the journey, you will be amazed by spectacular landscapes, while our professional guide brings you closer to the history and culture of the region, also taking you to the main archaeological sites in the area. Our package includes trekking along the Inca Trail, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and all bus and train transfers.
This is an exceptional opportunity to walk the ancient Inca trails in the heart of the Peruvian Andes and discover Machu Picchu in just 2 days.
Our 2-day, 1-night Inca Trail tour to the Machu Picchu citadel starts very early, around 3:30 a.m., with a transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the bus station located in the Wanchaq area. This station is exclusively for passengers of the tourist train that connects with the service to Machu Picchu. From there, you will board a bus that will take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where the railway journey through the Sacred Valley toward the Wonder of the World begins.
We will take the train to Km 104. The Inca Trail is a tour with a physical level of 2/5 (moderate), suitable for people from 12 years old up to adults with an adaptable physical condition. It is ideal for adventurous visitors who want to take on the challenge of hiking this route without having to do the classic 4-day trek. Our final destination: Machu Picchu, declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
We will get off the train at Km 104 to begin our journey on foot. We will cross the bridge and arrive at the Route 05 checkpoint. The first archaeological site we visit is Chachabamba. Along the way, we will pass by the impressive Phuyuwachi waterfall, a natural water formation that descends from the heights of Phuyupatamarka. Here, we will be able to observe a variety of wild flora and native birds of the region.
After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we will arrive at Wiñayhuayna, an impressive archaeological site that stands out for its Inca terraces, or andenes. We will then continue our hike to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), from where we will have a panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Then we will descend to the citadel to take the classic photo and admire this amazing world-famous tourist attraction. It is important to keep in mind that entry to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail Network is done exclusively through Circuit 1 (Panoramic). We handle your entry to the citadel on Circuit 1 (Panoramic), always subject to official ticket availability. Our team will always be available to assist you before and during the tour and to ensure a clear, smooth experience with no setbacks.
After finishing the Inca Trail route, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes (the town of Machu Picchu), where we will head to the hotel to check in and spend the night.
Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Early in the morning, we will have breakfast at the hotel and then board the bus that will take us to the Archaeological Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on a 25-minute ride.
We will begin the guided tour of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Its design includes areas such as agricultural terraces, supported by stone retaining walls, and an advanced hydraulic system made up of channels and aqueducts.
The Machu Picchu citadel is part of a larger complex that covers more than 35,000 hectares and receives over 1.5 million visitors per year. In the afternoon, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Cusco.
IMPORTANT: Schedules may vary depending on train departures.
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Our tour starts early, and we will pick you up at around 3:30 a.m. to transfer you from your hotel in Cusco to the bus station exclusively for train passengers, so we can board the bus that will take us to the train station in the district of Ollantaytambo, where we will board the 5:00 a.m. train. The train ride will last approximately 90 minutes, and along the way you will be able to enjoy the Andean landscapes surrounding the Sacred Valley, as well as views of the Vilcanota River.
The geography in this area is impressive, offering nature lovers the chance to discover different archaeological attractions, landscapes, and climates that, over time, have given rise to the evolution of a great diversity of plants, animals, and insects that inhabit our mountains and forests.
Change to: At Km 104 (Chachabamba), we will get off the train and cross the bridge over the Urubamba River. At this point, our guide will give you a brief explanation and, after our tickets and passports are checked at the control point, we will begin trekking along the sacred Inca trail. Hiking uphill, we will reach the first archaeological site, where we will enjoy a beautiful view of the archaeological center of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, a small archaeological group that belongs to Machu Picchu and is hidden in the surrounding semi-tropical forest.
After visiting this archaeological site, we will begin an ascent, and along the way we will see orchids, mushrooms, and a variety of epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants, attached to the trunks and branches of trees and shrubs) and lithophytes (plants that grow on rocks), which thrive thanks to the inter-Andean climate and air vapors typical of the tropical forest. Continuing on, we will enjoy the first panoramic view of Wiñaywayna from beautiful viewpoints. Along the route, we will pass by the large Phuyuwachi waterfall, a natural water formation that comes from the heights of Phuyupatamarka, where we will observe a variety of wild flora and native birds of the region. After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we will arrive at Wiñaywayna, located at 2,650 m a.s.l. (8,694 ft) and 5 km southeast of Machu Picchu. It is an archaeological site with a ceremonial and productive complex and an architectural layout that belongs to the Inca culture, serving as a control center for access to Machu Picchu. The name Wiñaywayna comes from an orchid that is abundant in the area.
After recharging our energy, we will continue along the trail towards Intipunku, also known as the “Sun Gate.” This gate marks the entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel. Once you arrive there, you will be able to enjoy the satisfaction of having completed the Inca route. After this special moment, it is important to take some time to rest and relax. You will be able to admire the beauty of the place and explore the panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its surroundings from this privileged viewpoint.
Machu Picchu is a place full of mystery and charm, and the first view from Intipunku (Sun Gate) will surely be impressive. You will be able to appreciate the majesty of the mountains, the lush vegetation, and the fascinating architecture of the citadel. Remember that Machu Picchu is an important and sacred archaeological site, so it is essential to treat it with respect and care. Enjoy your visit and make the most of this opportunity to connect with the history and culture of the Incas.
Once we have completed our Inca Trail route, we will continue descending to take the buses that will take us to Aguas Calientes. After settling into your accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes, you will be able to stroll through its streets, visit restaurants or cafés, and enjoy the hot springs that this picturesque town offers—but don’t forget to get an early night’s rest so you can start our tour to the Machu Picchu sanctuary full of energy the next day.
Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
In the early hours of the morning, we will head enthusiastically to the bus station, ready to go up to the Archaeological Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. On a journey of approximately 25 minutes, we will be transported toward the amazing spectacle of sunrise. It is at this moment that we will begin our guided tour of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Machu Picchu awaits us with all its history and, as we move forward, we will learn about the details and secrets held by this ancient city.
Our guide will tell you about the history and architecture of the citadel, and you will be amazed by the Inca constructions and the natural surroundings. Machu Picchu is a marvel of engineering, art, and architecture in perfect harmony with nature. The citadel has an agricultural and urban area made up of plazas, temples, paths, stairways, terraces, aqueducts, among others. Its design includes areas such as the agricultural terraces, which are held in place by stone retaining walls, and the hydraulic system, which includes channels and aqueducts for transporting water.
Machu Picchu is considered a marvel of agricultural engineering. The Inca city is part of a much larger area known as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which covers more than 35,000 hectares and is an important tourist attraction that receives 1.5 million visitors every year.
We then return by bus to Aguas Calientes and, in the afternoon, you will have time for lunch and to share your experiences. Later in the afternoon, we will board the train headed to the Ollantaytambo station, where we will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.
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NOT INCLUDED:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
| Distance | 10.37 km / 6.44 mile |
|---|---|
| Technical difficulty | Moderate |
| Maximum altitude | 2690 m / 8825 ft |
| Minimum altitude | 2141 m / 7,024 ft |
| Estimated hiking time | 6.20 h |
| Elevation gain | 1424 m / 4671 ft |
THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION Train
2★ Hotels
Hotel Wiracocha Inn - Hotel Terrazas De Luna, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending on availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned. (Subject to availability).
THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION Train
3★ Hotels
Hotel Tara Machupicchu, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending on availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned. (Subject to availability).
THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION Train
3★ Superior Hotels
Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu - Hotel Inti Punku, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending on availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned. (Subject to availability).
THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION Train
4★ Hotels
Hotel Jaya Machupicchu - Hotel Hatun Inti Boutique, In Aguas Calientes
Important: Depending on availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned. (Subject to availability).
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