The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu is a great option for these who are limited on time. If you can’t hike the Classic Inca Trail No Worries!!! Hike on the best section of the famous trail and be amazed with the most beautiful landscapes and impressive Inca archaeological sites before reaching the iconic Machu Picchu.
Explore the lost city of the Incas arriving through the Sun Gate which offers the most fascinating views of the iconic Machu Picchu and surrounding mountains.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
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Embark on a lifetime experience through the Short Inca Trail 2 Days which is the best alternative route to explore Machu Picchu and its wonderful areas. Explore some of the most astonishing archaeological site located on the way, Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna and the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate) before heading to Machu Picchu.
This short Inca Trail provides hikers with the more accessible and shorter experience while still capturing some of the highlights of the classic trail, stunning views of Urubamba valley which changes while you are descending towards the cloud forest where you will be able to see different ecosystems in the Peru.
Highlight of this Tour: Wiñaywayna, Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
Hiking distance: 12 Km/7.4 miles
Considerations: Permit Required
Season: March through January
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day01
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - KM 104 - Wiñaywayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
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Day02
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Train station - Ollantaytambo-Cusco
Hiking to Machu Picchu
Walking Distance: 12km / 7.4 miles
Starting Elevation: 2,100 meters ASL / 6889 feet ASL
Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 meters ASL / 6561 feet ASL
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hostel
Adventure: Absolutely, completely satisfactory
Highlights of today: Hiking on the ancient Inca trail, best trail in South America with unique views that ends in Machu Picchu.
You will be picked up from your hotel at 4 a.m. Following, we will head to the train station in Ollataytambo, which leaves at 6:10 a.m. The train follows the Urubamba River until we reach km 104, where we’ll begin our trek. Along the way, you will see spectacular views of the farmlands, snow-capped mountains, and the mighty Urubamba River, one of the sources of the Amazon River. At 104 km (2,100 m or 6,889 ft), we will begin our trek. Once you have everything you need, we will provide you with a packed lunch, energy drinks, and take a group photo before visiting our first Inca site. After an orientation and tour of the Inca site, we will begin hiking upwards as we head for the Classic Inca Trail. If the weather is clear, we’ll have tremendous views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and other surrounding Inca sites.
After hiking for three hours, we will reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), at 2,600 m (8,500 ft). Most people do not get the opportunity to see an elaborate water fountain, temples, and some agricultural terraces, which provide a perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the Incas. The backdrop of this site drops off a cliff, with beautiful mountains surrounding the area. From Wiñay Wayna, we will walk to the Sun Gate, where we will see the picturesque landscape of Machu Picchu. After taking in the once-in-a-lifetime views, we will begin our descent to Machu Picchu.
A big advantage of this hike is that by the time we reach Machu Picchu, most of the day travelers will have returned home, so you will have the area to yourself. After taking photos, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and head to your hotel. Following, we will head to Indio Feliz for dinner (also included). This restaurant is considered to have the best food in Aguas Calientes. After dinner, we recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day.
Visit the “Lost City of the Incas”
Walking Distance: 4km / 2.48 miles( or bus to Machu Picchu)
Starting Elevation: 2,000 meters ASL / 6889 feet ASL
Machu Picchu Elevation: 2,400 meters ASL / 7961 feet ASL
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast
Adventure: Absolutely, completely satisfactory
Highlights of today: Machu Picchu the mystical Inca archaeological site will rise as we are hiking early in the morning through the forest to reach the site before most other tourists – even the other Inca Trail trekkers! You will have plenty of time to explore this truly magnificent World Wonder while you enjoy the beautiful sunrise from this once-in-a-lifetime viewpoint.
We will wake up early in the morning in order to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu. You will have a two-hour guided tour by your private English-speaking guide. After that, you will have time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. Those who have tickets to Huayna Picchu will have time to climb the mountain, which takes approximately an hour and a half round-trip. When you are done exploring, you can either take a bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes for a free afternoon before you board the train, which will depart later that afternoon back to Ollantaytambo, and then we will drive you back to Cusco.
At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in the short Inca trail to Machu Picchu. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your WE INCLUDE
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Machu Picchu hike. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the Inca Trail trek. All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Magical Machu Picchu. Once we receive your details and the deposit for the tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek (subject to availability). These permits will be for a specific date and will be in your name. Unfortunately, this information can’t be modified under any circumstance once confirmed. Only your passport number it can to be updated, however for this change you must to bring both you old and new passport. Along this short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will spend a night in a hotel located in Aguas Calientes town near to Machu Picchu citadel, your tour guide will transfer to you there after the day hiking along the Inca trail. We include all the transportations during your trek. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, and take you to Ollantaytambo near to the train station. At the end of the trek, the bus returning from Ollantaytambo to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel. For the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we include the returning train ticket after you have explored Machu Picchu on the last day. The train ticket will be one of the available trains scheduled for 14:20hrs, 14:55hrs and 16:20hrs. The Bus ticket from from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes once you are done exploring Machu Picchu is also included. We include trekking poles because it has its benefits – protect your knees while you are hiking downhill. Specially on ancient Inca trail which are many stairs up and down, trekking poles help you during the ascent, increase stability. All our tour guides are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it. At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial. For your trek, we include 3 breakfast, 3 lunch and 3 dinner. We cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free and others – just let us know your dietary restrictions at the time of your booking. Our team is well-trained to prepare the best food ever you’ve had with local and organic ingredients. Our team will provide snack every morning before leaving each campsite so you can enjoy it during your hike along the day. There will be many breaks where you can enjoy the delicious local fruits, biscuits, caramels. Every trekker along the Inca trail needs a proper sleeping bag which has to be for -15°C / 5° F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or you don’t have one you, can rent a sleeping bag from us. Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits – protect your knees while you are hiking downhill. Specially on ancient Inca trail which are many stairs up and down, trekking poles help you during the ascent, increase stability. If you don’t have a pair of trekking poles, you can rent them from our office. We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotel offers breakfast during your stay there. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near to Ollantaytambo where you will be available to purchase a breakfast. We recommend to bring with you a water bottle, two litters will be enough, during the hike you won’t have any chance to buy water due there is not any shops Lunch on the last day at Aguas Calientes is not included in the trek. However, you and the group can enjoy the last lunch together in a restaurant recommended by your tour guide. We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru Tips are not included. Tipping the team is typical on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work. Huayna Picchu is the mountain which stands next to Machu Picchu. It is really famous hike normally takes 45 minutes hike up to the top by narrow steps steep with a great view of Machu Picchu citadel. If you would like to hike Huayna Picchu after your tour to Machu Picchu there is an extra cost of USD 75.00. Also, this booking must be done at least 3 months in advance due the popularity.Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Professional Trekking Guide
Permits Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Accommodations
Transportations
Private Transport
Train Ticket
Bus Ticket
Equipment
Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles
Medical First Aid Kit
Meals
Meals
Snacks
WE NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping bag
Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles
Breakfast on the First day
Water
Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Travel Insurance
Tips for our team
Huayna Picchu
SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS INFO
At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack? Important
- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT 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 Camelback is encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. (We dont Include the porter, in case you want to hire a porter who will carry your luggage write our team)
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- 2 wicking t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 2 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
- Small towel
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Battery Charger:
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- There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags:
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- to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Small towel
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
Here some frequently asked question about the Inca trail to Machu Picchu
OUR BOOKING SYSTEM
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we do the best of us to booking system works as easy as possible for you, once you decided to do the Short Inca trail, we will send to you a booking form where you need to complete all the required detail which can’t be changed once it been confirmed, we need a previous deposit of $200USD per person. Once as soon as you paid it we immediately book a spot for the Inca trail once we have done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that all the booking process has set up satisfactorily.
INCA TRAIL PERMITS
To book the Short Inca Trail permit you should do it in advance because there is a limitations about how many people can hike every day in this trail, the capacity is 230 tourists per day. Once your permit is confirmed the start dates and your name there is no way to be changed under any circumstance. According of the government rules the only information permits us to change is the passport number, which you should take care before to confirmed the booking form.
UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS
The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire six months or less from your trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO?
Cusco is a big city enough to find different categories of hotels from 2 stars to 5 stars also there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow specially near to the main square and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs, we will send you a notify for the pick up if is not possible the access with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop off. Also is possible to stay in the Sacred Valley near to Urubamba city or Ollantaytambo where we can pick you up 1.20 hour lately than in Cusco. In case you want some recommendations please ask to Machu Picchu by Locals sales team.
CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES?
Yes. It is possible, if you are ok with taking the same train out of Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is typically at 14:30 or 14:55 that afternoon than there is no additional charge to move the train back a day. If you need us to secure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will be an additional cost. If you do choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes, make sure you tell the Machu Picchu by Locals office at least one month in advance, so your train ticket is purchased for the right day.
ALONG THE INCA TRAIL IS THERE ELECTRICITY ALONG THE TRAIL?
Not. The Inca trail is located in the remote places where there is not access to electricity, you should bring an extra battery or power bank for 4 days, you can have change to buy one in Cusco also no cellphone service which we recommended to tell your family you are going to the trail where is not phone signal.
HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK?
While you don’t need any specific training to do the 2 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, being fit will help. The best preparation for the trek is treadmill exercises with steep inclines and stairs. With some days of acclimatization in Cusco you will be fine along the trail. The second day will be your toughest day, as you will climb up to the highest peak which is called Death Woman Pass (4215m /13779ft)
DO I NEED HIKING BOOTS?
Definitely, it is always recommendable to wear a light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing, going down so many steps created by the Incas, some of them are slippery as time goes, now uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles.
SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS?
Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, but particularly on this trek. There are so many stairs that you will walk down and all made by the Incas 600 years ago. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing this portion of the trail. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well. For those who are bringing your own, make sure you have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco if you forget before you leave also at the beginning of the trail.
WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?
In case you have extra luggage which you not need to bring to the Inca trail all the hotels in Cusco have storage where you can leave your luggage completely free, if you will change your hotel after the trek, we have available our storage in Vidal Expeditions office, get more info with from our office team.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER?
The weather in Cusco regions and part of the Andes is unpredictable even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny, we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months – a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up you should be comfortable hiking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.
From: USD 520.00 per person
* Upgrade your hotel to 4 stars $100USD
* Upgrade the returning train to Vistadome service (With larger windows and more comfortable seats) $60US per person
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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2 Days / 1 Night
Exclusive Short Inca Trail 2 Days
Map of Exclusive Short Inca Trail 2 Days
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Machu Picchu by Locals we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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