The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 2-day trek that takes you through the magnificent Peruvian Andes. This trek is a great option for travelers who do not have the time or energy for the 4-day traditional Inca Trail Trek.
It begins with a drive from Cusco to the Km 104 train station, where you will start the hike. You will then ascend through the mountains, passing through lush forests and stunning mountain vistas.
After trekking for around 2 hours, you will arrive at the Sun Gate, where you will have your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. From there, you will make your way to the ancient city, taking in the breathtaking sights and learning about the Inca culture and history. The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
Enjoy the majestic Andean mountain range, the amazing gastronomy of the Sacred Valley, and the traditional villages of the region. As a local tour operator, we are committed to providing the highest quality service to our clients, ensuring their safety and comfort. Our tours are tailored to your individual needs, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
We offer a range of tours, from day trips to multi-day excursions, that are designed to give you the best of the region. Our experienced guides are all native to Cusco and have a deep understanding of the area and its history. They will show you the best of the region, with the aim of making your trip a truly memorable experience.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
4:00 am
Our adventure begins when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am. Then, we will drive in our private vehicle to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is a small town in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas, located in the Cusco Region.
Ollantaytambo is a popular tourist destination due to its Inca ruins and its location at the base of the imposing Ollantaytambo Fortress. The town is also known for its well-preserved Incan architecture, its cobblestone streets, and its many small shops and restaurants. Once at Ollantaytambo, we will board a train to Km 104 train station, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
After arriving at Km 104, we will enter the Inca Trail after passing a security checkpoint. Then, we will hike to the famous Wiñay Wayna Inca site. This archaeological site is located along the Inca Trail in Peru. It is a complex of terraces, plazas, and buildings, and was once an important religious and agricultural center. It is located at an altitude of 2,650 meters (8,700 feet) and is a popular stop for hikers on the Inca Trail.
We will stop at a campsite near Wiñay Wayna to have a light lunch. Then, we will continue our trek to the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku). After passing this structure, we will enter the Machu Picchu citadel.
On this day, you will not have the guided tour of Machu Picchu. We will leave the citadel and board a bus to the town of Aguas Calientes. After arriving there, our staff will transfer you to your hotel room. Then, you will have plenty of time to visit the town and its famous hot springs.
We will leave the hotel early in the morning after having breakfast. Then, we will board a bus to Machu Picchu citadel. We will enter the archaeological site after passing a security checkpoint.
Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. It was built in the 15th century by the Inca people and is located in the Andes Mountains in Peru. The buildings of Machu Picchu are composed of a variety of styles and materials, including granite and limestone. The most iconic and recognizable buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
The Intihuatana is a stone structure that was used by the Inca people to determine the solstices and equinoxes. The Temple of the Sun is a large circular structure that was used for religious ceremonies. The Temple of the Three Windows is a building with three large windows that are believed to have been used by the Inca priests to observe the stars and planets.
In addition to these iconic structures, Machu Picchu is also home to a number of other buildings, including residences, temples, and terraces. All of these structures are carefully constructed and have been well-preserved over time, making them a fascinating and unique site to visit.
If you have purchased entrance tickets to Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu mountain, our staff will guide you to the respective entrances. After exploring Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes.
After arriving at Aguas Calientes, you will be free to have lunch at a local restaurant. The cost of the lunch is not included in the tour price. In the afternoon, we will board a train to Ollantaytambo. Once there, we will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We will be arriving at Cusco city around 10:00 pm.
