Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 2 Days
When you hike the SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU you will see impressive Inca ruins, expansive mountain views, lush subtropical vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The “Ancient Inca Road” goes through the National Park and enters through the Sun Gate with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu! We will pass cloud forests that turn into lush subtropical vegetation. People hiking the short Inca Trail Trek will have the privilege of seeing the famous Machu Picchu Citadel in the afternoon when there isn´t much foot travel for those unobtructed shots of Machu Picchu. They also get to visit the next morning with a 2 hour guided tour. This trek was designed for those with little travel time but would like to experience a part of the Historic Inca Trail.
DAY 1: CUSCO OR OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU
The adventure of a lifetime begins. Your driver will pick you up at the crack of dawn (at around 4am). You have a short tranquil drive to Ollantaytambo, take this opportunity to catch a short nap. If already in Ollantaytambo, your driver will pick you up at around 5:20am. After that it´s a short drive to the train station.
You arrive at the train station as the sky begins to brighten. On your left, the Urubamba River curves gently, acting as a road to the mountains and forest on your right.
The Expedition Train takes you to KM104 (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft), the checkpoint and starting point of your trek. Once at the checkpoint take the opportunity to use the restrooms, apply insect repellent and sunscreen, pack your box lunch (no typical box lunch), purchase extra snacks (only if needed) and fill up on water.
The first Archeological site you get to see is just a minute outside the checkpoint. Learn the history and thriving culture of the Incas from a 100% authentic and knowledgeable Peruvian guide. The trek passes by flora and fauna unique to the Inca trail, with its vivid and radiant colors. The Urubamba River guides your path to your left. Pass a small waterfall with its waters cascading into the rocks.
Now take the moderate climb up to the chiseled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñayhuana, (2,650m/8747 ft). The views from this point are absolutely spectacular. You should be thrilled with your achievement so far. Lunch is only a few minutes away.
Once you reach the campsite of Wiñayhuana, stop and take a breather. Your scrumptious box lunch is a quinoa salad complete with beef, chicken or vegetarian options.
The rest of the trek is pretty gradual. However, there is a short climb up the monkey steps. Once you reach the top of Sun Gate Elevation (2,730mts/9,007ft), the size and majesty of Machu Picchu at the bottom will simply take your breath away. Take loads of pictures, there is no better view in the world. As you make your way down to Machu Picchu be sure to ask your guide as many questions as possible.
At around 4pm, you make your way down the winding roads of Machu Picchu by bus to the quaint town of Agues Caliente. Browse the many local flea markets in town, enjoy the walkability of the coble stone streets and have a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before retiring for the night.
- Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
- Time: 6hrs approximately
- 3* Accommodations: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar
- 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (superior room)
- Difficulty: moderate
You will leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! We will take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is truly an extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a guided tour of about two hours. You get to see the majestic Machu Picchu, how much of it you see depends on the number of circuits purchased, the tour only includes 1 circuit. (please review circuits) . You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
You may wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own (not included in the price):
- Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain– appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from above. These extra hikes sell out fast and must be requested at the time of booking.
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (entrance fee)
When you are ready, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later on board the train at 14:55 for the return trip with the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station, arriving at 16:31 where you will catch our private van back to Cusco, arriving by 18h
- Meals: Breakfast
- Our package includes the 14:55 Expedition train for the way from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then we drive you back to Cusco
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on most days that suit your schedule, except when it is closed in February for maintenance. We only need a minimum of two people in order to book.
PRICES
| Without Hotel | 3* Hotel (Included) | 3* Hotel (Others) | 4* Hotel | |
| Price Per Person | $427 USD | $457 USD | By request | US$577 |
CHECK YOUR SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK AVAILABILITY 2022 BY CLICKING ON MONTH OF YOUR CHOICE!
Hotel Options:
- 3* Hotels: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar (Included)
- 4* Hotels: El Mapi (1st option) or Tierra Viva Hotel (2nd option) – Depends on availability!
***** Single supplement US$40 for 3* Hotel, US$110 for 4* hotel like el Mapi or $75 USD for 4* hotel like Tierra Viva superior room
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike: $75 USD per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain Hike: $75 USD per person
- Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person – (RETURN ONLY)
- Hotel single supplement: $40 USD per night (for a solo traveller who chooses a single room)
- Free duffel bag (5 kilos): will be sent to your hotel in Aguas Calientes for those staying extra days
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of the student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
*** The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is almost always available year round, except when it is closed in February for maintenance. This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the Sun Gate like in ancient times.
Please read the following information carefully, as it will help answer most of your questions about our services and the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
THE BRIEFING
The evening before the tour you will receive a briefing at the office in Cusco or at your hotel in Ollantaytambo.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT THE HOTEL?
Of course! During your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our hotel in our secure storage facilities.
HOW TO BOOK THE INCA SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
FIRST, to book your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Inca Quarry Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make a deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbol on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) in Cusco. There are many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address veronicaviewhotel@gmail.com to make the payment.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is generally No. Once the Machu Picchu tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
*** If you cancel your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or any other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new in order to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this!!
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE SHORT INCA TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you always dress in layers as that makes it easier to adjust to the different climates.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during the hike. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Tourist destinations and the VV Hotel. Of course you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes! Veronica View Hotel & Tours is a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know, understand, and respect the places and its local people.
PACKING LIST FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU HIKE
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE a porter. You will send an overnight bag from Ollantaytambo train station to Aguas Calientes and only carry your daypack on the hike. Please try to pack as light as possible, which is the key to enjoying this amazing trek.
What to put in your daypack?
- Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one used when booking your trek)
- Good daypack (25 to 30L)
- Water 1 to 2 liters in reusable bottles
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet paper
- Polar or sweater
- Hand Sanitizer
- Personal medications
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Rain jacket – rainy season
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Valuables
What to put in your overnight bag?
- A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the second day
- Personal medications
- Charging cords for phones and cameras
- Toiletries for the night at the hotel
- Small umbrella in the rainy season
