Tour Details

The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the best option If you’re not sure you’re up for strenuous 4-Day Inca Trail hike. A different way of visiting Machu Picchu, the easier Inca trail combines a moderate hike of two days with a visit to the most important archeological complex in all of South America.

On the first day, the tour begins with a hike through the midst of ancient Incan remains and natural landscapes, which one enters through the Sun portal and continues on to the lost city of Machu Picchu. In the evening, one has the opportunity to relax in the hot springs of the nearby city of Aguas Calientes. The following day is devoted to visiting the best sites of the archeological sanctuary and marveling at the vistas and panoramic views that the site offers. The routes and camping sites have been groomed in such a way as to facilitate access and safety while additionally offering much to enjoy in the way of a unique environment.

In order to best prepare for the hiking tour, it´s advisable to take two days of acclimatization in the surroundings of Cusco so that our team can offer all the facilities and comforts necessary to enjoy the route to its fullest.

Itinerary: Two day Inca Trail

Day 1 – Cusco / Wiñaywayna / Machu Picchu

Early morning (4:00AM) transfer to Ollantaytambo Train Station
Early departure on train from Ollantaytambo, passing through the highland plains to later descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, from where we follow the course of the Vilcanota (or Urubamba) river until reaching Km. 104 of the train line. We leave the train and cross the river at the point where the archaeological complex of Chachabamba is located (2,250 m // 7,381 feet). From there we ascend for approximately 3 hours to reach the fascinating archaeological group of Wiñaywayna (2,650m // 8,694 feet) where we partake and enjoy a picnic.
In the afternoon we walk along the cloud forest toward the Sun Gate (Intipunku) from where we appreciate our very first panoramic -and very spectacular- view of Machupicchu.
A short walk through the ruins brings us to the point where we board the bus that will take us down to the town of Aguas Calientes.

There, we can (optionally) visit the Hot Springs
Number of hours of the trek: 6 hours
Ascent:
Descent:
Lodging: Overnight in the Hotel
Box Lunch/D

Day 2 – Machu Picchu / Cusco

After breakfast we board the first bus up to Machupicchu to enjoy the sunrise before the arrival of the tourist groups from Cusco. A guided tour follows, with the rest of the morning free to explore the site on your own.
In the afternoon we descend to Aguas Calientes and return by train to Ollantaytambo
Train from town of Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Transfer from Train Station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Number of visiting hours in Machu Picchu: 5h to 6h
B/Box Lunch

The sequence of times indicated in Short Inca Trail is subject to modification depending on weather conditions or unforeseen events.

Prices may vary according to type of accommodation, time of year and number of participants. Please Contact us for further information.

GROUP SERVICES
$ 470 per person
PRIVATE SERVICES
If you would like to trek as a private group, ie just your family or friends:
2 Passengers : $520 per person
3 Passengers : $490 per person
4+ Passengers : $470 per person
Please advise us of your intentions at the time of making your reservation.

We have no set departures for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek. All arrangements are prepared on request on a custom basis. Park authorities issue hiking permits and require that a licensed guide accompany hikers on this route. In compliance with park regulations, our guide carries a full first aid kit and an oxygen bottle.

The train departs from Ollantaytambo station between 6:40AM and 7:45AM. It continues to km. 104 (adjacent to the Chachabamba ruins) where by special arrangement it stops to let hikers off. The optional transfer from your hotel in Cuzco to Ollanta station (90 minutes) is a surcharge at rates indicated below, and requires an extra-early start. Hence, the program works best when you sleep in Ollantaytambo (the Sacred Valley) the previous night.

Your carry-on luggage is limited to a small overnight bag in addition to your daypack. The guide arranges for the hotel staff to meet the train and transfer your luggage to your hotel.

IMPORTANT NOTES ON HIKING FROM CHACHABAMBA TO MACHU PICCHU under the current UGM regulations.

Current as of July, 2014 The UGM (Unidad de Gestion de Machupicchu, the regulatory body responsible for management of the Machu Picchu National Sanctuary), limits the number of passengers on the routes within the Sanctuary. Included in these routes is the one-day hike Chachabamba to Machu Picchu. The regulations are administered locally by the DDC-C (Direccion Desconcentrada de Cultura – Cusco).

The DDC-C assigns the same status for hiking the Chachabamba to Machu Picchu route as they do to requests to trek the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The DDC-C limits the number of permits for the Chachabamba route based on the traffic for that day already issued for other routes within the Sanctuary.

New applications are currently being accepted on a first come/first served basis for hiking anywhere within the Sanctuary in 2015, including the Chachabamba route. We must submit a permit application listing the passenger name(s) as they appear on the passport; nationality and passport number; date of birth and gender. We also pay the trail fee at the time the permit is issued. Once issued, the only changes allowed on the trek permit are to remove names from the permit, with 100% loss of your tour deposit.

Insofar as our passengers have to make flight reservations and all other travel plans far in advance of the date deemed convenient by the UGM, we process these Chachabamba requests as soon as we have required passenger data and the trail fee prepaid. The park fee for the normal Chachabamba route (as of January 2014) is S/. 220, approximately $60. We collect this as part of the prepaid services, adding $10 service and handling. The park fee is subject to change.

These bookings must operate within DDC-C regulations. Terms and conditions for entry to Machu Picchu and its peripheral sites are subject to change without prior notice

What information do you need from us in order to obtain the permits?

We must submit a permit application along with a $200 deposit. We must have all the passenger name(s) as they appear on the passport; nationality and passport number; date of birth and gender. We also pay the trail fee at the time the permit is issued. Thereafter, the only changes allowed on the trek permit are to remove names from the permit, with 100% loss of your tour deposit.

Is the $200 deposit refundable?

No, it is non-refundable. Our staff in Cuzco have to purchase your permits as soon as we send them your information.

These bookings must operate within INC regulations. Terms and conditions for entry to Machu Picchu and its peripheral sites are subject to change without prior notice.

**Please note that the prices listed above are only applicable for 2025. Rates vary depending on departure dates. Speak with one of our Travel Advisors for a free quotation and further information.

Included

Transportation and excursions included in the program.
Train ticket roud trip
The admission rates precluded in the program.
1 breakfast + 2 Box Lunches + 1 dinner.
Lodging 1 night in Aguas Calientes

Not Included

Entrance to Huayna Picchu – there is a fee of $65 per person payable via Paypal in advance so we can secure permits
Walking sticks ($10)
Travel Insurance
Any tips/local taxes
Meals other than mentioned in Inclusions
Anything not mentioned in Inclusions