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Every Day
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Cusco
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful hikes and is ideal for those with limited time who still want to walk along the original stone-paved paths of the Incas. Experience the stunning 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 Chachabamba ruins, followed by a 3-hour uphill hike to the Wiñay Wayna ruins. After another 2 hours, you’ll arrive at the Sun Gate, from where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
Trip Highlights Inca Trail Full day
Limited Inca Trail Tickets:
Please book in advance!
Recommended For:
Moderate Hikers
Starting Altitude:
2720m / 8920ft
Hiking Distance:
45km / 26 miles
Altitude Acclimatization:
Recommended
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Itenerary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, at 3:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive you to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, we’ll take the train to the starting point at Km 104, where our local guide will be waiting to provide detailed information about the tour before beginning the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Our first stop will be at the nearby archaeological site of Chachabamba, located in a beautiful jungle setting on a hilltop, surrounded by stunning landscapes. As we continue the hike, we’ll occasionally stop to enjoy panoramic views of the Urubamba River.
After a somewhat steeper ascent, we’ll reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), which means “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.
Next, we’ll walk for about an hour along a stone trail along the edge of high jungle cliffs until we reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku), the ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. From this point, we’ll enjoy our first view of the majestic Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
Then we’ll descend for about 40 minutes to the Machu Picchu citadel, the “Lost City of the Incas”, where we’ll stop at the upper platform to take the classic photo, and our guide will give a general explanation about the site.
After that, we’ll take a bus back to Aguas Calientes, enjoy a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant, and board the return train at 9:50 p.m. to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus back to Cusco. We will arrive in Cusco around 2:00 a.m., and drop you off at Plaza Regocijo.
Inclusions Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
What’s Included in the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
Meals
• Included meals: As per the itinerary (1x box lunch, 1x dinner at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes).
• Dietary Requirements: We can accommodate any dietary needs, including vegetarian or vegan options. Please inform us in advance of your specific preferences so we can plan accordingly.
Transportation
• From Cusco: Transport from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point at KM 104.
• Shuttle Bus: From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Train: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Return to Cusco: Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (Plaza Regocijo).
Local Guides and Team
• Guides: Professional bilingual guide (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 pre-departure meeting with your guide at our office to go over all the tour details. The briefing will take place at 5:00, 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. the day before your departure in Cusco.
• Entrance Fees: Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu is included.
What’s Not Included?
Meals
• Breakfast on the first day (you may bring your own snack).
• Water: Water for the hike is not included. Please bring enough water with you.
Equipment
• Trekking poles
Others
• Tips: For your guide and staff.
• Flights: Domestic or international flights are not included.
• Travel insurance: Not included.
• Other activities: Any activity not mentioned in the itinerary.
FAQ Inca Trail Full Day
If you are a student, you could get a discount of $20 USD on the Machu Picchu ticket, as long as you meet the requirements set by the Peruvian government. This discount is non-negotiable.
To apply, send us a photo of both sides of your student ID and another of your passport after making the reservation. The student ID must be original, issued by your university, and meet the following requirements:
- PVC material
- University information
- Photo and full name
- Valid expiration date, for one year only
- Must match the year you visit Machu Picchu
- Issued by a recognized university
You must also bring your original student ID for the control at the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:
Example of a student card meeting all the 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 on hand for water bottles, snacks, and toilet paper.)
- Rain jacket or rain poncho
- Strong footwear (Waterproof trekking boots recommended.)
- Clothes for the entire trek:
- Long-sleeve trekking shirts
- Short-sleeve shirts
- Leggings or trekking pants
- Shorts
- Sweatpants for the night
- Three pairs of hiking socks
- A rain poncho
- An insulated jacket
- Gloves
- Beanie
- A hat with a brim
- Hiking boots
- Bathing suit and small towel (if you plan to visit the hot springs)
- Sandals to rest your feet at the campsites
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Additional snacks (we supply you with plenty of food already)
- Original passport (mandatory for entrance to Machu Picchu)
The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experience 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 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 you eat healthy food, drink lots of water, and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves and 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. Each mountain is 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.
The Inca Trail is more crowded than the Salkantay Trek because it is an original trail of the Incas and one of the most famous hikes in the world, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. It is the only trek that leads directly to Machu Picchu, but is therefore a lot more expensive than the Salkantay Trek.
On the Salkantay Trek, you will spend the last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. During the Inca Trail, you will discover ancient Inca ruins, whereas the Salkantay offers more wildlife and high mountain sceneries. Many trekkers consider the Salkantay Trek to be a bit more strenuous than the Inca Trail because the general altitude is higher.
The Salkantay Trek offers the best alternative to the Inca Trail for everybody who doesn’t like crowded paths and enjoys different landscapes during the trek.
We 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 provide you with all the necessary information about your trek and answer any last-minute questions you may have.
In general, the Andes Mountains are known for their unpredictable weather, so please be prepared for both warm and cold temperatures, as well as rainy and dry conditions. There are two main seasons in the Andes:
Rainy Season (November-March)
During the rainy season, temperatures average around 15°C / 60°F during the day and 5°C / 40°F at night. However, these temperatures may feel significantly colder due to humidity and wind.
Dry Season (April-October)
In the dry season, the weather is sunny and clear, with average daytime temperatures of around 20°C / 70°F, but it can be much colder at night, dropping to about -3°C / 26°F.
We serve a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, including rice, chicken, beef, salad, potatoes, vegetables, delicious soups, and fruits. Everything will be freshly prepared by our local chef.
We accommodate many vegetarian travelers, and our cooks offer some great options to enjoy their meals. We can also cater to other types of dietary requests with adequate preparation and clear communication.
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 16 people. For groups exceeding 9 people, there will be an assistant guide to ensure a smoother experience.
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.
The Inca Trail is considered a moderate to challenging hike. It covers approximately 42 km (26 miles) over four days, with steep ascents and descents, high altitudes (up to 4,215 m / 13,828 ft), and changing weather conditions.
Absolutely. The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in the world, combining stunning Andean scenery, fascinating Inca ruins, and the unforgettable experience of entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
The classic Inca Trail is 42 kilometers (26 miles) and typically takes 4 days to complete.
The classic trail starts at KM82, near the town of Ollantaytambo, and ends at Machu Picchu.
Packing List Inca Trail Full Day
🧳 Personal Gear
👕 Clothing
☀️ Additional Items
