About This Tour
The Short Inca Trail is an extraordinary two-day journey that immerses you in the mystical beauty and profound history of the Incan civilization. This trek is perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure and cultural exploration within a shorter timeframe. Starting from KM 104, your journey begins with a sense of excitement and anticipation as you embark on a trail that weaves through lush cloud forests, stunning Andean landscapes, and ancient ruins.
As you ascend the stone pathways crafted by the Incas, each step brings you closer to the heart of their ancient world. The first major site you encounter is Wiñay Wayna, a breathtaking complex of agricultural terraces and ceremonial centers that seem to hang from the mountainside, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of Incan engineering.
The climax of your trek is reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at dawn, where the first rays of sunlight cast a golden glow on the sacred city of Machu Picchu. The sight is nothing short of magical, filling you with awe and wonder. This journey is not just a trek; it’s a deeply emotional and transformative experience that leaves you with lasting memories and a profound connection to Peru’s ancient heritage.
Short Inca Trail Conclusion:
The Short Inca Trail offers a condensed yet captivating journey through history and nature. With breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and expert guidance, this expedition provides an immersive experience tailored to your preferences. Whether seeking cultural immersion or scenic beauty, embark on this unforgettable adventure to discover the essence of the Inca civilization in just a few days.
Highlights
- Experience the essence of the Inca Trail's beauty and history in a shorter trek.
- Marvel at stunning vistas of the Andes Mountains and lush Peruvian scenery.
- Explore well-preserved Inca ruins, witnessing the remnants of an extraordinary civilization.
- Learn from knowledgeable guides about Inca culture, history, and the surrounding environment.
- Tailor your trek to your preferences, choosing the pace and highlights that suit you.
Tour Plan
Expand allCollapse allCusco - Km 104 (Inca Trail) - Aguas Calientes.
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to transfer you during a 2 hour ride to the Ollantaytambo´s railway station. There, we get on a train and continue until Km 104, where a checking point of the Inca Trail is located. We pass through to the Vilcanota River (bridge) and start the Inca Trail Trekking! The first archaeological site to visit is Chachabamba, guided tour.
Then we continue through a mixture of cacti vegetation and a cloud forest towards another Incan significant site - Wiñay Wayna. But before we reach it, we enjoy a refresh in a local waterfall! Where you have lunch and a rest.
Later on, we can admire the sunset above Machu Picchu when we get to the Sun´s Gate (Inti Punku) before entering the Inka citadel. However, today is too late to have a guided tour of this overwhelming Incan city so we descend slowly to Aguas Calientes Town enjoying beautiful surrounding scenery on the way! We spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Hogwarts Express and Leadenhall Market
After an early morning breakfast, we continue hiking the Inca Trail for about 2 hours up to the mysterious city of Machu Picchu that we enter for the early morning best photos opportunities. Then our Tour Guide shows us around the Incan city and explains us about its history and purposes. After the guided tour, we are given the opportunity to climb up for about 45 minutes to Huayna Picchu or to Machu Picchu Mountain (peaks above Machu Picchu serving to take some panoramic pictures of the Inka city). Then, we are given time off to spend and explore Machu Picchu on our own.
The 2 day Inca Trail ends up with a train ride to Ollantaytambo (alternatively to Poroy), from where we are taken by van back to Cusco.
Machu Picchu is both, the best and the least known site of the Incas as it is not mentioned in any Spanish conquistador´s chronicle so that contemporary archaeologists can not do anything more than just speculate on its functions. Local Quechuan farmers had known about Machu Picchu for centuries before an 11-year-old boy showed the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in a search of Vilcabamba) this site on the 24th of July 1911. At that time, all the rest of the world became aware of its existence. However, the site was covered with thick vegetation so Hiram Bingham along with his team returned and within the years of 1912 and 1915 cleared its surface. Over the years, plenty of work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.
What’s Included
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel (Cusco only)
- Briefing at our office; It will be done the night before your trek at 6:00pm
- Hotel pick up
- Private transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho (company van)
- Extra porter for your belongings(you will need only a day backpack to carry what you will need during day)!
- 4 season Eureka Timberline Tents, (Large & Comfortable) please see equipment
- Thick Comfortable Foam Mattresses
- Professional English speaking guides experienced in trekking
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional: vegetarian or other dietary needs upon request)
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Porter to carry tents, food and cooking equipment
- Hot water for washing purposes
- Boiled water to fill in your bottles
- Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transportation to Cusco(company van)
- Permit to the Classic Inca trail & Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
- Private Toilet Tent With a Seat on the Toilet – Only For Our Group
- 2 Hour Guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Pillow
- Rain Ponchos
- Afternoon Tea time
- Day pack rain covers
Not Included
- Wayna Picchu: $75 USD and Machu Picchu Mountain$70 USD – needs to be booked in advance, if you would like to add an extra hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
- First breakfast and last lunch – We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and have the last lunch at Aguas Calientes after the tour of Machu Picchu.
- VISTADOME Train -$57 USD per person extra.(RETURN ONLY)
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters.
Tour Map
Calendar & Prices
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