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 $60.00 per person for either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
📦 WHAT’S INCLUDED?
🏨 Accommodation
- Overnight Stay: In Aguas Calientes in a standard hotel. This hotel will be clean, safe, and comfortable, with Wi-Fi, to-go breakfast, and a private bathroom with hot water. You can also upgrade to higher-quality hotels if you prefer.
🍽️ Meals
- Included Meals: According to the itinerary (1x packed lunch, 1x dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes, 1x to-go breakfast).
- Dietary Requirements: We can accommodate any dietary needs, including vegetarian or vegan options. Please inform us in advance about your specific preferences so we can plan accordingly.
🚗 Transportation
- From Cusco: Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point at KM104.
- Shuttle Bus: From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Train: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on Day 2.
- Return to Cusco: Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (Plaza Recojigo).
🧭 Local Guides and Equipment
- Guides: Professional guide who speaks English/Spanish, plus an assistant guide for groups of more than 12 people.
- Experience: All our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of experience and are certified. They carry a first-aid kit and an extra oxygen bottle for emergencies.
➕ Additional
- Briefing: You will have a meeting with your guide at our office to review all the details of the tour. The orientation will be between 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00 at our Cusco office the day before departure.
- Entrance Fees: Tickets to Machu Picchu and the 2-day Inca Trail are included.
❌ WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
🍽️ Meals
- Breakfast on the First Day (you can bring your own snack).
- Included Meals: Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Water: Water for the hikes is not included. Please bring enough water with you.
🛠️ Equipment
- Trekking Poles
🚶♂️ Optional Activities
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: You can add one of these options to your trekking itinerary for $60.00 per person. Please let us know in advance to verify availability.
🔄 Others
- Tips: For your guide, cook, and porters.
- Flights: Domestic or international flights are not included.
- Travel Insurance: Not included.
- Other Activities: Any other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.
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 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00, 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
