Main Info
OVERVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS:
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world and even if you are short of time, you can still get a taste of what people rave about! The Short Inca trail is shorter than the Traditional Inca Trail, but an interesting Full Day program that joins the classical 4-day route at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, continuing through the famous Inti Punku or Sun Gate. The Inca Trails is called in Quechua “the Inka Language” Qhapaq Ñan – refers to the network of trails) Without a doubt one of the marvels of Tahuantinsuyo, according to the Peruvian historian, José Antonio del Busto, who explains that the Inca “King” Huayna Capac increased the network of trails in order to quickly mobilize his army.
INCLUDED
- Professional bilingual English speaking tour guide
- Pre-departure briefing at your hotel.
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Expedition or Voyager service)
- Inca Trail ticket and permit
- Box Lunch on the 1st day (Vegetarian and Free gluten options available)
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Bus down from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes on the 1st day
- Train ticket (Expedition or Voyager service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytamb
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Hotel in Cusco
NOT INCLUDED
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Night at the Aguas Calientes hotel
- Tips and Gratuities
- Lightweight aluminum walking sticks ($5 USD per stick) two recommended for difficult hikes.
- It is highly recommended to take out travel insurance.
WHAT TO BRING AND ADVICES
- You can acclimatize to the altitude in one or two days. This will depend on how your body reacts; you can take some personal medication, there are some drug stores around the main square of Cusco up to your preference
- If you pay the remaining balance (USD currency) or buy a souvenir (some cash in soles, the local currency), it is advisable to bring some cash. You can get some money from the ATM machine that are located in the center of the City of Cusco.
- You need to bring your original passport; this is very important to enter Machupicchu, the train station.
- Rain poncho, rain jacket, proper hiking boots.
- Insect repellent.
- Sun block, and a hat to cover your face and head. The Sun is really strong.
- A bottle of water, to stay hydrated.
- A book to read on the train, it’s a two hours ride (just one way) approximately the same on the transport back to Cusco.
- Travel insurance from your side, always recommended.
- If you have more days off, contact us to find out what you can do. There are many new options that you won’t want to miss.
Itinerary
Download BrochureYou will be picked up at your hotel around 5.30am (depending on train time) and be transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station. We travel by train, on a very picturesque route for 2 and a half hours until we reach kilometer 104 - the start of the trail for us. Shortly after crossing the bridge over the Rio Urubamba, we visit the site of Chachabamba which is a lovely ruin with its water channels and fountains. (Altitude 2050m) From here, we will hike upwards for about 8 km (approximately 4 hours). The trail is well established, but there are still many stairs and the hike is mostly upwards! While this is one of the easiest treks around the Cusco region, you still need to have a reasonable fitness level to complete it. After our upwards climb, we arrive at the Inca site Wiñay Wayna (´Forever Young´) (2680m/8792 ft). This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. Many consider this the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail. We will have our boxed lunch at Wiñay Wayna. We will then continue for about one hour further into ´Inti Punku´ (The ´Sun gate´) (2730m/ 8792ft) from where you will have your first dramatic and impressive view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft). A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after the tour, you will have time to explore the ruins on your own. We suggest taking the bus down around 05:00 pm to Aguas Calientes to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants there. Be sure to arrive at the train station 30 minutes before your departure. Our train schedule is usually at 7:00 p.m. to Ollantaytambo, where you will catch our transportation for another two-hour drive back to Cusco.
MEALS: Box Lunch
NIGHT: Not included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate to Challenge
WALKING DISTANCE: 13km/8,08mi
WALKING TIME: 6/7 hours
MINIMUM ELEVATION: 2040m/6693f
MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 2720m/ 8924f
IMPORTANT – government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist in the 500 people a day rule. Therefore, to guarantee your place on the Inca trail you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of passport number change this information must be relayed to us or you will lose your booking. Original passport must be carried on the trail. All times noted are approximate.
