Hike the Inca Trail, arrive through the Sungate, visit Machu Picchu twice, enjoy the sunset and sunrise with few people, and take the panoramic train on the way back with spectacular views.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique opportunity for those who may not have as much time to hike the full Inca Trail. This trek combines highlights from the original Inca Trail, with some of the most beautiful Inca ruins nestled in the dense vegetation of the cloud forest. Enter to Machu Picchu through the Sungate (Inti Punku), and from here you can take in one of the most spectacular views of The Lost City of the Incas. We arrive in Machu Picchu late in the afternoon and therefore have the unique opportunity to see the city almost empty. You’ll spend the second day exploring all the wonders of Machu Picchu city. Student Discount: Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu (16km, 8 hrs) Day 2: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of The Incas) (3 hrs) Optional hikes after Machu Picchu Tour: Huayna Picchu – The cost of this ticket is $75 per person. You climb after Machu Picchu tour, and it takes 2 hours roundtrip, you need to book far in Advance Montaña Machu Picchu – Also called Machu Picchu Mountain, is the highest mountain and climbing takes almost 3 hours, the cost is $75 per person.
For the Short Inca Trail, we will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 4 am (depending on the location) and drive to Ollantaytambo. From here, its a 1-hour 30-minute train ride along the Urubamba River from Ollantaytambo (in the mountains) to km 104 at Chachabamba (in the cloud forest). We will head straight to the checkpoint at Chachabamba to start your Short Inca Trail Trek. Please note, you will need your original Passport to pass through the checkpoint. Our first stop is a beautiful Inca ruin, also called Chachabamba. We will then hike along an ancient Inca trail, that was abandoned in the 16th century and led to Machu Picchu. The first section of the trail is a gradual uphill hike for 4 hours until we arrive at Wiñay Huayna (the place that never gets old). At this point, we will take some time to explore this stunning archaeological site while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes. ORGANIC, packed lunch and refreshments will be provided. Once fed and energized, we will continue our hike to the Sungate to catch your first glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas – a truly unforgettable sight. From the Sungate, it’s a one hour downhill walk to the city, with breathtaking views along the way. We will arrive at Macchu Picchu in the afternoon and will, therefore, have the unique opportunity of experiencing the city almost empty. This day is the perfect photo opportunity! We will then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel. On our final day after the short Inca Trail, we have to get up very early to prepare for the highlight of your Short Inca Trail Trek, visiting Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas. After breakfast, we will go straight to the line to wait for the first bus going up to Machu Picchu at 5:30 am. Arriving at the sky brightens, we will walk up with incredible views of the city along the way. On a clear day, you can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu. This is truly an unforgettable sight. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own or climb either Huayna Picchu or Montaña (tickets must be booked as far in Advance as possible). Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then take the Panoramic (Vistadome Or 360°) train and bus back to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel. In the Short Inca Trail, remember that there will be no porters to help carry your belongings on this trek, so you should try and pack as light as possible. We recommend you bring a good quality daypack which is both light and comfortable. It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25L. All larger packs can not be taken into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.
Overview
Highlights of the Short Inca Trail:
Price per person: 520.USD ……..Get a 10% discount using TX2020, valid for a limited time.
To book the Short Inca Trail, you need to make an initial payment of 140.USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, on installments, or in Cusco with any credit card at no booking fees at all.
All travelers under 17 will have a $30. If you are 25 years old or under at the time of traveling, you can get the 30$ discount with your student ID. Please advise by email to give you a code for the discount.
Day By Day Summary of the Short Inca Trail
Start in Cusco around 4:00 am to drive to Ollantaytambo and take the first trains to Km 104. Hike for about 7 hours to Machu Picchu, arrive in the afternoon through the Sungate, and enjoy Machu Picchu almost empty. Later, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes.
The last day, wake up early in the hotel and take the early buses to Machu Picchu and explore the citadel on a 3-hours guided tour. After exploring Machu Picchu, you will board the Panoramic train back to Cusco.
Included during the Short Inca Trail
Not Included in the Short Inca Trail
Covid-19 measures to keep you safe during traveling
Full Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM104 – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES
DAY 2: VISIT MACHU PICCHU (LOST CITY OF THE INCAS)
What you need to take for the Short Inca trail
Others for the Short Inca Trail
Inquire
Book Now
