Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days 1 night

Itinerary

The following itinerary details the progression of the walk and the visit to the citadel. Train times are subject to official availability.

Día 1: Trekking desde el Kilómetro 104 hasta Machu Picchu

• 4:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo or Poroy.
• 6:10 AM – Travel by tourist train through the Sacred Valley to Kilometer 104, the official starting point of the trek.
• 7:30 AM – Document check at the official checkpoint and start of the trek. Visit to the first archaeological site on the route, Chachabamba.
• 11:30 AM – Arrival at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna complex, an architectural gem built into the mountainside. Guided tour.
• 1:00 PM – Time to enjoy a boxed lunch en route, surrounded by nature.
• 3:00 PM – Arrival at Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for the first panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel illuminated by the afternoon sun.
• 4:00 PM – Descent to the Machu Picchu checkpoint and boarding of the eco-friendly bus to Aguas Calientes.
• 5:30 PM – Check-in at your selected hotel in Aguas Calientes and dinner at a local restaurant. Restful sleep.

Día 2: Exploración de la ciudadela y retorno a Cusco

• 5:30 AM – Early breakfast at the hotel.
• 6:00 AM – Board the bus to travel back up the Hiram Bingham Highway to the entrance of the historic sanctuary.
• 6:30 AM – Entrance to Machu Picchu and start of the approximately two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the sacred sites, temples, and agricultural terraces.
• 10:30 AM – Descent by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes.
• 12:00 PM – Free time to explore the town or have a leisurely lunch.
• 2:30 PM or 4:22 PM – Meet at the train station to board the train back to Ollantaytambo.
• 6:30 PM – Reception at the train station and transfer by tourist transport to your hotel in Cusco.

Includes

• Transfers from your hotel in Cusco to the train station and vice versa.
• Tourist train tickets (one way to Kilometer 104 and return from Aguas Calientes).
• Official permit to enter the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu citadel.
• Service of a professional tour guide specializing in the route (Spanish and English).
• Meals on the trail: 1 boxed lunch, 1 dinner (Day 1) and 1 breakfast at the hotel (Day 2).
• One night’s accommodation in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Ecological bus tickets (one way down on the first day; round trip on the second day).
• First-aid kit and ongoing assistance.

Not Include

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the second day.
• Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Tips for the guide or support staff.
• Personal expenses, extra bottled drinks, and souvenir purchases.
• Travel insurance.

Recommendations

• Book several months in advance. Permits for this route are issued by the Peruvian government, are strictly limited, and tend to sell out quickly.
• You must bring your original passport or physical ID used to make the reservation, as it will be thoroughly checked at the checkpoint at Kilometer 104.
• Pack light in a comfortable trekking backpack (maximum 5 kg) with a change of fresh clothes, toiletries, and essentials for one night. Leave the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco.
• Wear trekking boots that are already broken in to avoid blisters while hiking on the rocky trails.
• Apply insect repellent frequently, and also use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong radiation in the cloud forest.

Additional Information

• Difficulty: Moderate. The first day involves a hike of approximately 12 kilometers, with sections of gradual, stepped ascent and original stone paths.
• Climate: Warm and humid. Located in the transition zone to the Amazon rainforest, the route experiences higher temperatures than the city of Cusco, with the possibility of brief rain showers at any time of year.
• Altitude: The highest point of the hike is Inti Punku at 2,720 meters above sea level. This altitude is quite manageable and significantly minimizes the effects of altitude sickness.
• Recommended Age: This route is suitable for people 8 years and older who are in good physical condition and enjoy hiking outdoors.
• Approximate Schedule: Exact train schedules and trail entry times are determined upon official confirmation of permit purchase.