Overview
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful treks and is ideal for those with limited time but who still want to walk along the original paved Inca pathways. Experience the breathtaking scenery of Machu Picchu and explore fascinating archaeological sites, dense forests, waterfalls, and native flora and fauna.
The trek begins with a visit to the Cochabamba ruins, followed by a 3-hour uphill hike to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, and another 2 hours to reach the Lost City of the Incas. You’ll visit Machu Picchu twice: once in the afternoon after your hike, and again the next morning to enjoy the early light over the Inca citadel.
Extras & Upgrades
- Optional visit of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: $60.00 per person. Let us know at the time of booking as it requires a separate permit.
- Trekking poles: Available for rent for $15.00 per person.
Highlights
Recommended For:
All Types of Hikers
Highest Altitude:
2,730m / 8,792ft
Hiking Distance:
10km / 6.3mi
Itinerary
Early in the morning at 3:30 am, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, we will board the train to the trailhead at Km. 104, where our local guide will be waiting to provide detailed information about the tour before we begin the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Our first stop will be the nearby archaeological site of Chachabamba, which is situated in a beautiful jungle setting, atop a hill, and surrounded by stunning landscapes. As we continue our hike, we will occasionally pause to enjoy expansive views of the Urubamba River. After a slightly steeper climb, we will reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650m / 8,694 ft), meaning “forever young” in Quechua. Here, our guide will explain the fascinating history of this site, which includes an agricultural sector with terraces, as well as religious and urban centers.
We will then trek for an hour along a stone path on the edge of the highland jungle cliffs to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), the ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. From this vantage point, we will get our first view of the majestic Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Afterward, we will descend for 40 minutes to the Machu Picchu citadel, the “Lost City of the Incas.” This architectural marvel is a complete town with various quarters, squares, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories, and terraces, and was rediscovered in 1911 by US researcher Hiram Bingham. We will then take a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, enjoy a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant, and check in at our hotel.
Very early in the morning, we will head back to the World Wonder of Machu Picchu. Our professional guide will provide a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour, sharing fascinating details about the history and significance of this remarkable site. After the tour, you will have ample time to explore the Inca citadel on your own.
For those who have opted to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will do so at your designated time.*
In the afternoon, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley during the journey. Upon arrival at the train station, we will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.
*Please inquire in advance about availability. The cost is $65.00 per person for either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
📦 ¿QUÉ ESTÁ INCLUIDO?
🏨 Alojamiento
- Estancia Nocturna: En Aguas Calientes en un hotel estándar. Este hotel será limpio, seguro y cómodo, con Wi-Fi, desayuno para llevar y baño privado con agua caliente. También puedes optar por una mejora a hoteles de mayor calidad si lo prefieres.
🍽️ Comidas
- Comidas Incluidas: Según el itinerario (1x almuerzo para llevar, 1x cena en un restaurante local en Aguas Calientes, 1x desayuno para llevar).
- Requisitos Dietéticos: Podemos acomodar cualquier necesidad dietética, incluyendo opciones vegetarianas o veganas. Por favor, infórmanos con antelación sobre tus preferencias específicas para que podamos planificar en consecuencia.
🚗 Transporte
- Desde Cusco: Transporte desde tu hotel en Cusco hasta el punto de inicio en KM104.
- Bus de Enlace: Desde Machu Picchu a Aguas Calientes.
- Tren: Desde Aguas Calientes a Ollantaytambo en el Día 2.
- Regreso a Cusco: Transporte desde Ollantaytambo a Cusco (Plaza Recojigo).
🧭 Guías Locales y Equipo
- Guías: Guía profesional que habla inglés/español, además de un guía asistente para grupos de más de 12 personas.
- Experiencia: Todos nuestros guías de trekking tienen un mínimo de 3 años de experiencia y están certificados. Llevan un botiquín de primeros auxilios y una botella extra de oxígeno para emergencias.
➕ Adicional
- Reunión Informativa: Tendrás una reunión con tu guía en nuestra oficina para revisar todos los detalles del tour. La orientación será entre las 5:00 y las 7:30 pm en nuestra oficina de Cusco el día antes de la salida.
- Entradas: Las entradas a Machu Picchu y al Inca Trail de 2 días están incluidas.
❌ ¿QUÉ NO ESTÁ INCLUIDO?
🍽️ Comidas
- Desayuno en el Primer Día: Puedes traer tu propio sándwich o tener el desayuno por 15.00 Soles en Ollantaytambo.
- Comidas Incluidas: Almuerzo y cena en el último día.
- Agua: No se incluye agua para las caminatas. Por favor, lleva suficiente agua contigo.
🛠️ Equipo
- Bastones de Trekking: Disponibles para alquilar a $20.00 por persona.
🚶♂️ Actividades Opcionales
- Entrada a Huayna Picchu o Machu Picchu Mountain: Puedes añadir una de estas opciones a tu itinerario de trekking por $60.00 por persona. Por favor, avísanos con antelación para verificar disponibilidad.
🔄 Otros
- Propinas: Para tu guía, cocinero y porteadores.
- Vuelos: Vuelos nacionales o internacionales no están incluidos.
- Seguro de Viaje: No incluido.
- Otras Actividades: Cualquier otra actividad no mencionada en este itinerario.
If you are a student, you may be eligible for a $20 USD discount. However, you must meet the Peruvian government requirements, as the discount is applied to the cost of your Machu Picchu ticket and is not something that we are able to negotiate.
To be able to receive the discount, please send us after your booking a photo of both sides of your student card, and another photo of your passport. We can help you check if all the requirements are fulfilled. It must be an original student ID, given from the university in PVC material and include university information, personal student information, student picture, expiration date valid only for one year, and must coincide with the year that student visits Machu Picchu.
You also need to bring your original student card with you the day you visit Machu Picchu. You will also need to bring the card with you and verify it at the Machu Picchu checkpoint.
Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:
- One personal daypack (a 30 to 50 L backpack is sufficient).
- Reusable water bottle
- Small coins in Peruvian Soles (Bathrooms are free at the campsites but cost 1 Sol along the route. Keep small change for water bottles, snacks, and toilet paper.)
- Rain jacket or rain poncho
- Sleeping bag (also available for rent)
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Clothes for the entire trek:
- Long-sleeve trekking shirts
- Short-sleeve shirts
- Leggings or trekking pants
- Shorts
- Three pairs of underwear
- Sweatpants for the night
- Two pairs of hiking socks
- A rain poncho
- An insulated jacket
- Gloves
- Beanie
- A hat with a brim
- Hiking boots
- Sandals to rest your feet at the campsites
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Additional snacks (we supply plenty of food already)
- Original passport (mandatory for entrance to Machu Picchu)
The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experience is simple: spend at least 2 to 3 days at a high-altitude place like Cusco, so your body gets used to the high altitude. If you have already been to a high altitude destination before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend you spend at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recuperate from your trip, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city before your trek.
Additionally, taking good care of your body helps deal with the extra pressures that altitude creates. We recommend that you eat healthy food, drink lots of water, and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea helps alleviate any discomfort associated with the altitude.
The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are additional add-ons that you can choose to purchase besides the Machu Picchu visit already included in this trek. You can visit one of these mountains after your Machu Picchu visit to see the Inca Citadel from the top.
Please send us an email asking about availability. Then, if available, you can select which mountain you would like to climb when you make your reservation online. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are an additional 60 USD.
What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Huayna Picchu Mountain is home to the Temple of the Moon and is the famous mountain peak seen behind the ruins in all the classic photos of Machu Picchu. It’s an approximately 45-minute climb with more ruins at the top and offers an incredible view of the Machu Picchu ruins. The visit to Huayna Picchu takes approximately 2 hours. This hike is an additional 60 USD.
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain offers a much higher view of the ruins and overlooks the entire valley. It’s an additional hike within Machu Picchu and is also available for 60 USD.
Adventure awaits you! We have sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about your trekking adventure.
The day before your departure, at 5:00 pm, please stop by our office located at Portal Espinar Nro 163 to receive the informative briefing. Our professional guide will go over everything you need to know about your trek and answer any final questions you may have.
Previous hiking experience is recommended but not required. Our guides are trained to support hikers of all fitness levels and experience, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Most importantly, make sure to acclimate yourself to the altitude before your trek.
Yes, you can leave extra luggage in our office free of charge. Just let us know if you have any fragile or technological items that require special care, and we’ll ensure they are handled appropriately.
The minimum group size is 4 people and the maximum group size is 15 people. There will be an assistant guide for groups over 12 people.
Please feel free to review our Terms & Conditions and let us know if you have any questions or requests regarding our cancellation policy, which is available on our website.
PACKING LIST
🧳 Personal Gear
👕 Clothing
☀️ Additional Items
(Shirts, Pants, Socks, Jacket, etc.)
your comfort
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