Comfort Short Inca Trail 3 days 2 nights Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Potato Park– Ollantaytambo

This morning your guide will meet you for pickup at 8:00 a.m. at your hotel in Cusco. Your journey into the hidden cultural Andean world begins today, as you travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the Kinsacocha Lake, a high-Andean lagoon set high above Pisaq, distinguished by its deep-blue, sapphire-like waters and calm shores dotted by ichu grass, wildflowers, and andean birds.

Then we continue to the highland village of Paru Paru, where local families welcome us for an immersive cultural experience. The people of Paru Paru are committed to preserving their natural and cultural heritage in the Potato Park. They act as vital protectors of nature by using ancient and organic agricultural techniques to maintain its fragile balance. They also tirelessly preserve their rich textile legacy, which is woven with stories of their ancestors and their deep connection to the land.

The community's star product is the potato, and they protect and register hundreds of its different species as a living seed bank. Here, they also preserve the unique techniques for sowing, harvesting, and cooking each variety, along with its importance to the community. This place is a wealth of information for the future and an excellent opportunity to connect with an ancient culture that thrives today.

Additionally we’ll savor a delicious traditional lunch, which will be prepared by Paru Paru locals using organic ingredients. Following lunch, our tour continues as we explore the town of Pisac and the local market. Afterward, we'll head through the Sacred Valley to your hotel in Ollantaytambo, allowing you to relax and prepare for your trek the following day.

Day 2: Short Version of the Inca Trail

A truly unforgettable day unfolds as the sun rises over the mountains. We’ll head to Ollantaytambo station and board the train for a scenic ride that carries us from open Andean scenery into the Amazon’s cloud-forest transition zone. Following your arrival at Chachabamba (Km 104), present your passport at the checkpoint and begin your short Inca Trail hike. Along the way, savor a freshly prepared picnic breakfast crafted by our skilled trekking chefs

Experience the ancient Inca path firsthand with your adventure guide, who will provide an up-close and personal look at its history and significance. As your trek continues, more spectacular Inca sites and natural wonders await, including a beautiful waterfall and the impressive Wiñay Wayna. We'll stop here for a picnic lunch, all while taking in the stunning views of the verdant cloud forest mountains and the winding Urubamba River below.

Following your arrival, your guided Machu Picchu tour along Circuit 1 begins, showcasing its panoramic highlights.  This exclusive route is timed to capture the most stunning, golden views as the sun begins to set over the citadel. Don’t worry, there’s more to see tomorrow. This tour lets you visit Machu Picchu twice, giving you time to explore and capture that classic arrival portrait.

Afterward, we’ll take the bus down the mountain to Aguas Calientes town, enjoy a hearty dinner in a restaurant, and settle into a comfortable hotel to unwind and rest for the next day.

• Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi.
• Duration: 7 hours.
• Highest Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft (Sun Gate).
• Meals: Picnic breakfast & lunch, snacks, and dinner.
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 3: Explore Machu Picchu

On the final day of our tour, we'll rise before the sun to experience the majestic Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we'll board one of the first buses to the citadel. Our goal is to arrive as the morning light illuminates the ruins, offering a chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise.

Our knowledgeable guide will lead you on a 2 to 3-hour tour of Machu Picchu via Circuit 3. You'll explore the most significant areas, from ancient temples and royal palaces to the intricate farming terraces, all while learning about the city's rich history. Following the guided tour, you'll have free time to capture stunning photographs or embark on an optional hike to either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña (note that tickets must be booked well in advance).

After our time at the citadel, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch. You'll have time to explore the charming town, find a restaurant for a meal of your choice, and browse for souvenirs at the local market. In the afternoon, we will begin our journey back to Cusco. The trip includes a scenic ride on a panoramic Vistadome train and transportation back to your Cusco hotel around 7:30 p.m.

• Tour Duration: 2-3 hours exploring Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
• Meals: Hotel breakfast.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

Comfort Inca Trail Trek Packing List

Prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Cusco. Over three days, you will experience the breathtaking transition from vibrant city life to the serene, natural beauty of the Andes. To ensure your comfort and readiness for the diverse landscapes and ever-changing climate, your packing list should be centered on adaptable essentials.

For the final two days on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu, you will be responsible for carrying your own gear. As porters will not be available to carry your belongings, we recommend packing as lightly as possible. A good-quality and comfortable daypack is essential for this part of the journey.

If you need a personal porter, you can request one when booking for an extra charge. However, we don't recommend it, as we can send some of your luggage directly to the hotel by train at no cost (this service must be requested in advance). Below, you will find a comprehensive packing list specifically tailored for your 3-day adventure.

Essentials

• Daypack: For the trek, you will need a lightweight and comfortable daypack. It should be large enough to carry your essentials for the day, such as water, snacks, and extra clothing. Please note that due to local regulations of the Inca Trail, your daypack must not exceed 25 liters. We also recommend that your bag appears small on day 3 when visiting Machu Picchu. You will have the option to leave some items at your hotel to help with this.
• Original Passport (no copies): A valid, original passport is required for entry to the Inca Trail Trek and Machu Picchu. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates to Peru.
• Valid Student Card (if applicable): If you booked your tour as a student, you must bring the original student card that was used for the booking. The card must be issued by a university, be valid for students up to 25 years of age, and include the university's information, your personal details, a photo, and a valid date no later than December 31 of the year of travel.

Clothing and gear

• Hiking Boots: We highly recommend broken-in, comfortable hiking boots for your journey, especially for the Inca Trail trek.
• Water Storage: Please bring a reusable water bottle or a hydration bladder, as single-use plastic bottles are prohibited at Machu Picchu.
• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are recommended for Day 2 of the Inca Trail but are not permitted at the Machu Picchu citadel.
• Rain Gear: Weather in the andes and cloud forest is unpredictable. Always have a waterproof jacket and a poncho with you, regardless of the season.
• Layers: Pack warm, moisture-wicking layers that you can easily add or remove. Early mornings can be cold, but you'll warm up quickly while hiking.
• T-shirts: We suggest bringing two long-sleeved shirts for sun protection.
• Pants: Pack two pairs of hiking pants or trousers, one for the Inca Trail and another for your visit to Machu Picchu.
• Underwear & Socks: Choose clothing made from moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Swimsuit (Optional): You may want a swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
• Buff or Bandana: A buff or bandana is great for sun protection and for managing sweat on warm days.
• Hat or Cap: Bring a lightweight, easy-to-pack hat or cap to protect your face and head from the sun.
• Sunglasses: Pack a comfortable pair of sunglasses with good UV protection.

Accessories and extras

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toilet paper or wet wipes
• Camera, fully charged phones
• Extra batteries for Machu Picchu
• Snacks, power bars, and chocolates
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips during the trek

First Aid Kit

Prepare these items for your Short Inca Trail trek:

• Pain Relievers: Such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Band-aids: For minor cuts and blisters.
• Sunscreen: The sun is very strong in the cloud forest.
• Insect Repellent: To prevent insect bites.
• Aloe Vera Gel: For minor burns or sunburn.
• Hydrocortisone Cream: For itching or rashes.
• Bandage: For sprains or strains.
• Moleskin: To prevent and treat blisters.

Packing Tips

• Pack Light: No porter assistance, so focus on essentials.
• Reusable Containers: Ensure all water storage is reusable.
• Health Essentials: Don't forget personal medication and first aid items.

Sending a Carry-on directly to the hotel

To send a carry-on bag to your Aguas Calientes hotel (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the bag must weigh a maximum of 5 kg per person. We can provide a duffle bag if you do not have an extra bag.

Please use your backpack for essentials you'll need every day. The carry-on should only contain items for the last day, such as clothes and toiletries.

If you plan to send a carry-on, please let us know in advance after booking your tour so we can arrange the necessary permissions for the train transfer.
 

Places to Visit in Comfort Inca Trail Hiking 

Potato Park

The Potato Park, or "Parque de la Papa," is a groundbreaking initiative for biocultural conservation. It is managed by indigenous Quechua communities in the Pisaq Valley. The park's primary purpose is to conserve the genetic diversity of the potato, which originated in the Andean highlands. The communities protect and cultivate over a thousand native varieties, serving as a living seed bank for the future of global food security. Scientific investigations and government-led projects have documented the intricate knowledge systems of the local people, who use ancient, organic agricultural techniques to maintain the delicate ecosystem and preserve this vital heritage.

Chachabamba

Chachabamba is an important archaeological site located at Kilometer 104 of the railway line to Machu Picchu. It is believed to have served as a religious or ceremonial center. Its strategic position at the start of the final segment of the Inca Trail suggests it may have been a final entry point for ancient travelers and pilgrims. The site features a well-preserved Inca building with a ceremonial niche and a large, intricately carved rock altar. The presence of several ritual water fountains and fountains supports the theory that Chachabamba was a place of purification for travelers before they continued to the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.

Wiñay Wayna

Wiñay Wayna, which translates to "forever young" in Quechua, is one of the most remarkable Inca sites on the Inca Trail trek. Archaeological investigations indicate it was likely a major agricultural and residential settlement. The site's most striking feature is its extensive series of agricultural terraces, utilizing the abundant rainfall and fertile soil of the cloud forest. The site also includes well-preserved residential and ceremonial sectors with stone houses, a series of ritual baths and fountains, and a central complex. Its function is debated among scholars, but it is widely accepted to have been a key stop for travelers heading to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a masterpiece of Inca engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Scientific and archaeological consensus holds that it was built in the 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Many theories suggest it served as a royal estate for the emperor and a sacred religious site, not a lost city hidden from the Spanish. The site is divided into distinct sectors, including agricultural terraces, residential areas, and a ceremonial core with remarkable temples like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone.Its location high in the Andes protected it from the ravages of the Spanish conquest, allowing it to remain in a near-pristine state until it was brought to international attention by Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Comfort Inca Trail Hike Travel Information

This 3-day journey invites you to discover the living Inca culture and its monumental heritage. You'll experience outdoor adventures and get closer to nature, all while visiting Machu Picchu twice, followed by a return trip on the panoramic Vistadome train. This trek is ideal for travelers who want to experience the Inca Trail and the local culture in a shorter amount of time. 

TreXperience offers premium daily tours in small groups, all led by expert guides.

Comfort Inca Trail Trek - Frequently Asked Questions