The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful treks and perfect for those who are tight on time but still want to hike along original paved Inca pathways. Admire the stunning scenery of Machu Picchu, and discover fascinating archaeological sites, dense forests, waterfalls, and native flora and fauna. The short Inca Trail starts with the visit of the Cochabamba ruins, hiking uphill for 3 hours to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and another two hours to the Lost City of the Incas. We visit Machu Picchu 2 times, so you can admire the Inca citadel in the afternoon after your hike, and on your second day in the early morning light!
Early in the morning at 3:30 am, we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and drive to the train station of Ollantaytambo. We will catch the train to the trailhead at Km.104, where our local guide will be waiting for you to finally start the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, not without first giving you detailed information about the tour. We will visit the nearby archaeological site of Chachabamba, which was built in the middle of a marvelous jungle region, on the top of a hill, surrounded by stunning landscapes. We will continue walking, once in a while stopping to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba River. After a slightly steeper climb we finally arrive at Wiñay Wayna, which means “forever young” in Quechua (2,650m/ 8,694 ft). Our local guide will explain to you the fascinating history of this temple, which consists of an agricultural sector with various terraces, and beautiful religious and urban centers. An hour’s trek along a trail of flat stones on the edges of the highland jungle cliffs brings us to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), the ceremonial gateway into Machu Picchu. We will get our first glimpse of the majestic Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. From there, we will descend for 40 minutes to the citadel of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas“. This complex is considered a jewel of the Inca architecture. It is a complete town with different quarters, squares, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories and terraces, and was rediscovered in 1911 by the US researcher Hiram Bingham. We will take the 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 share every detail about the fascinating history of this place during a 2-tour guided tour. Afterwards, you have enough time to explore the Inca citadel by yourself.
For those who have previously selected 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 and have lunch at a local restaurant. We then take the train to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley during the train ride. Upon arrival at the train station, we will take you to your hotel in Cusco.
*Please ask in advance for availability. $65.00 per person for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
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 sent 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:
The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experiencee is easy: 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 to 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 you to eat healthy food, drink lots of water and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves, drinking coca tea helps to 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 that is 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. Huayna Picchu is 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. Huayna Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional hike within Machu Picchu that offers a much higher view of the ruins and overlooks the entire valley. Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.
Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about your trekking adventure. The day before your departuer at 6:00 pm, please stop by our office at
392 Triunfo St. Office 218, Cusco
to receive a briefing. Our professional guide will tell you everything about your trek and clarify last questions you may have.
Prior hiking experience is recommended but not required. Our guides are trained to assist hikers of all fitness levels and all trekking experience levels so you will never be left behind. Most important of all is to acclimate yourself to the altitude before your trek.
Yes, you can leave extra luggage in our office free of charge.
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.
Please feel free to read our Terms & Conditions and let us know in case you have any questions regarding our cancellation policy.
I had a truly amazing experience completing the Inca Trail with K.B. Adventures. It was physically very challenging, but equally a very rewarding way to visit Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Andes Mountains. I was extremely fortunate to have two really excellent guides: Alex and Veronica. 🙂 They not only looked after us really well, but their impressive knowledge of the Inca Civilisation and the Inka Trail made the whole experience very memorable indeed. I would recommend Alex and Veronica to give you the best possible experience on the Inca Trail! 😀
Incredible expert team, very high level of organization and execution! 🙂 Worth every Dollar/Sol/Euro!! I went on the Inca Trail with the best organization possible: Alex is not just a guide, but a truly passionate nature and history expert. This made the trip of such great value because you see amazing things, and they only become reality thanks to the stories behind them. Thank you guys so much!
I joined the Inca Trail Tour with K.B. adventures. Alex is a good tour guide and he is very helpful. I will never forget my lifetime experience with star gazing, walking in the highland over 4000m high from sea level. Thanks! It is really worth going! 🙂
Amazing tour on the Inca Trail with Alex! We had a wonderful experience hiking the Inca Trail and enjoying all these amazing views. We were taken so good care of by our guide Alex, who was also great at telling local stories, Inca stories, and he gave us a lot of hiking tips!
Alex is also a very patient and empathetic person, who we now consider as a friend. The food was also much better than we had ever expected!
A soul awakening experience! 🙂 Alexander & the KB crew got me through the Inca trail & 4 day adventure. Alexander was an amazing support person as well as guide, highlighting important information of the trail. Alexander was not only the best guide, but an amazing photographer! He was able to cater to each individual and highlight things that resonated to each person. The porters were equally important, like family, they celebrated our wins or more like completion of each trek, feeding our hungry belly and souls. Thank you! Muchas gracias! Highly recommended!!!
