Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

2 day Inca Trail starts when our driver pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and take you to the Ollantaytambo train station for your 2 hours train ride to the starting point of your trip. After registering at the Chachabamba park ranger station we will start hiking the inca trail up 2-3 hours to the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna through a mixture of cacti vegetation and cloud forest. Before reaching the best Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Inca real will reveal itself to you through striking sightings of Choque Suysuy, Wiñay Wayna and Intipata. Refresh yourself at the local waterfall before reaching the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Enjoy the sunset at the sungate before entering in Machu picchu where afterwards we descends to Aguas Calientes, walking slowly and enjoying the beautiful sceneray to spend the night in a hotel.

Estimated trekking time: 8 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km
Max. elevation: 2,700 m
Min. elevation: 2,100 m
Difficulty:  Moderate

Short Inca Trail Map - Day 1

We start early with a comforting breakfast and then get ready to go to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. Here we have two options: get on bus or walk. The 2 day trek to Machu Picchu is 1 hour and 30 minutes, the first 30 minutes of flat walk to the Ruinas bridge and then up through the properly signposted stands.  

We will explore this enigmatic and mysterious city for approximately 2 hours in a guided tour of the Inca citadel. You will also visit the most impressive sites such as the Royal Mausoleum, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, the Sacred Plaza, the famous Intihuatana (where the wise Incas tied the sun during the winter solstice in June), and many other attractions. Additionally, during this tour, you will have ample time to take the best panoramic photos of the Inca city; moreover, depending on the chosen circuit, you may visit the "Huayna Picchu" or "Huchuy Picchu" mountain. Afterward, you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, either by bus or walking, according to your choice, and in the evening, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo where our driver will be waiting to take you back to the city of Cusco.

Short Inca Trail Map - Day 2

• Pre-trek briefing with a Tour Guide;
• Transfer by private vehicle to the railway station at Ollantaytambo;
• Accommodation: a hotel in Aguas Calientes Town (1 night);
• Inca Trail Permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x box lunch + 1x bag of snacks, 1x dinner
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide;
• A shuttle bus round trip to Machu Picchu on the second day;
• A train round trip between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu);
• Private transportation (a van or a small car) from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. 

• Breakfast on the first day, and lunch on the second. 
• Huayna Picchu tickets
• A shuttle bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on the first day (U$ 12 one way)
• Travel Insurance
• Tips
• Walking Sticks (Pair): If you don’t want to bring them, they are available for rent: $10

Meeting point before the trek:

Briefing: The 2 or 1 day before your trek, the guide will visit you at your hotel for the briefing.

Service included details:

Transportation: All your transportation is included in this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) and brought to Ollantaytambo, to take a train to km 104, the starting point of the trek.

The schedule depends on the availability of train tickets, this is the most common schedule we reserve for your trek:

The train back from Aguas Calientes is included. This is Expedition class but can be upgraded for $65 per person. Once you arrive at he train station, you will be brought back to your hotel in Cusco.

Your bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes in second day is also included. You can buy extra bus tickets if you feel tired from Aguas calientes to Machu Picchu and back (USD 12 one way; USD 24 round trip)

Professional Guides:All of our guides studied English and tourism. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional, and will ensure you are safe and happy.

Permits: As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits. These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed, once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.

Food: You will be provided with a snack the first day to enjoy along the hike. You will also enjoy a dinner in Aguas Calientes town and breakfast the next morning. Lunch the last day is not included.

Water: A bottle of water of 500 mL is included in the box lunch. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth.

First Aid:Every guide has received training in first aid from a physician. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.

Accomodation: We spend a night in small locally owned hotel with private bathrooms and breakfast facilities (Double or Matrimonial room). All of the hotels we use in Aguas Calientes are located within walking distance of the train stations.If you would like to upgrade your accommodation or you have your own reservation for a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the discount is U$ 20 per person (Double or Single room).

The Hotel use in Machu Picchu is: Susana Inn Hotel

We recommend the early booking of single supplements and of pre/post-tour accommodation. Single accommodation can be arranged for a supplement, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.

These following hotels are used to accommodate you during your tour:

What is included the snack bag?

• Peruvian Quinoa Chaufa ("Chaufa”is the name of the Peruvian-Chinese fusion of fried rice) with pieces of chicken or meat;
• Quinoa chaufa with pieces with aubergine and soy meat (Vegetarian);
• Small fruit juice box;
• 1x Apple
• 1x Granadilla
• 10x Lemon candy;
• Raisins with peanuts

Additional Items:

As you see, there are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices:

Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain

Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain - Circuit 1
Machu Picchu Mountain is the other mountain rising above the ruins of Machu Picchu. It offers even more impressive views than Huayna Picchu, but it takes an hour and a half to reach the summit. Additionally, Route 1-A (Machu Picchu Mountain Route) will allow you to access the upper terrace to take the iconic photo of the Machu Picchu Citadel. Please note that only Circuit 1 (Route 1-A) grants access to this incredible mountain.

Entrance to Huayna Picchu - Circuit 3
Huayna Picchu is the mountain located next to Machu Picchu. On this tour, along Route 3-A (Huayna Picchu Mountain Route), you will first visit some tourist attractions of the Inca citadel; then you will begin a 45-minute hike to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain. Please note that only Circuit 3 (Route 3-A) allows access to this fascinating mountain.

Machu Picchu Train tickets

If you want to upgrade your Machu Picchu train tickets:

Vistadome Train

All our tours include the Expeditions (Tourist) Train. This train is normally booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome train is an upgraded train, that offers slightly larger seats, windows and even some entertainment. Normally the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel. This train is $80 per person.

360° Train

This train is normally booked at 4:12 p.m., leaving Aguas Calientes. The 360° train is an upgraded train, that offers an entertainment app on board which will allow you to learn more about the train journey and the Inca civilization, taller panoramic windows and an observation outdoor carriage including a bar. Normally the 360° train is booked for 4:12 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel. This train is $80 per person.

If you want to reserve the Inca Trail. We require your passport information such as full name, passport number, nationality and date of birthday.

Once arrived the head trail, the park rangers will require your Inca Trail permit and your original passport. They will compare your personal information, but in case you send the wrong information, you can´t enter to the Inca Trail and you will need to pay the new entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (U$ 100).

Can I use the old passport to reserve the permit and then change it with new passport?

Yes, it is posssible, but it is very important to bring a copy of your old passport. When you will enter to the Inca Trail, you should present your current passport and a copy of your old passport.

Student Discounts:

Students with a valid UNIVERSITY Student card (You must be No older than 25 YO) can have a USD 20 discount (please scan and email the card).

Child Discounts:

• Children 8 to 17 can have a USD 20 discount (please scan and email passports)
• Children 7 or younger can have a USD 40 discount ((please scan and email passports).

Important: On your request we can book this trip as a Private Service.

Maximum Group size for the Short Inca Trail: 8 people per group. A group of up to 8 participants receives 1 Guide, a group over 8 persons receives 2 Guides.

Of course weather on Inca Trail is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

Inca trail involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for changing weather on Inca Trail. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket.

Weather on Inca Trail during May to September is perfect for hiking, temperatures range from 20-35ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 10-20ºC during the day if it´s not sunny and 5-15ºC at night in the Aguas Calientes town or Puente Ruinas campsite. At Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu are lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.

VERY IMPORTANT:;We strongly suggest staying at high altitude (above 3000 metres - in Cusco or another high altitude city) for 1 to 2 days (minimum) before undertaking the trip. This is in order to minimize the effects of possible altitude sickness. Also, you can help your body acclimatize by drinking plenty of liquids, adding a bit more sugar to your drinks, eating food rich in carbohydrates, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol and drinking coca (ancient traditional leaf) tea. Diamox can also be helpful - please ask your doctor about this.

When 2 day Inca Trail tour operators speak to you, of what degree of difficulty, you have this or that walk, do not hesitate to give it medium, moderate or high, referring to the technical difficulty of course. But in reality, the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty, of each walk is in each one. 

• First, 2 day Inca Trail tour operators considerate "The Physical State", if you are a person who does not have health (weight problems, you have no problems with the knees and ankles, etc). If you have a healthy diet, do not overdo it, with alcoholic beverages, do not smoke, get enough sleep and exercise regularly; then the degree of difficulty of any walk, may be more bearable, because you are a healthy person, "fit", to make the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, in a more bearable and less saturated.  
• In second place, "The Preparation", the short Inca Trail is a challenge due to the nature of its terrain, changes of altitudinal floors, steep trails, steep descents, many steps, etc. If you are a person who has been preparing periodically, you do exercises, short walks, sometimes, even with your backpack on your back, and you have been reporting how to do a long walk? have it for sure that you will know how to face, this challenge, called "Inca Trail Machu Picchu" and above all you will know how to enjoy it.

In the end, 2 day Inca Trail tour operators agree that the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty is moderate. The entire route to the wonderful short Inca trail requires moderate and difficult physical effort because the entire route is not easily accessible, due to the height of the route (2600 masl to 4000 masl) and the constant ascents and descents in the journey, the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty is greater. In addition to this effort is worth the unique and unforgettable experience that will live in this great route of pure indescribable adventure only with words, to necessarily know you have to live them. Do not let the 2 day Inca Trail difficulty prevent you from reaching the majestic Machu Picchu, with a good acclimatization before the trip, you can make this walk without any problem. 

ESSENTIALS INCA TRAIL PACKING LIST:

• Passport Valid,
• STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACK:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates. 

• 1 wicking t-shirt,
• 1 shirt for Machu Picchu 
• 1 hiking pant, 1 short or pants for Machu Picchu
• 2 sets of undergarments.
• Hiking socks, regular socks
• Sandals 
• 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night 1
• Rain jacket
• 1 sun hat
• Camera

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent – recommended minimum is 20% DEET
• Handsanitizer
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

Is important to list extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips in your Inca Trail packing list.

The Inca Trail is a walking adventure that has as destination the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. There are two routes: Classic Inca Trail of 4 days and the Short Inca Trail of 2 days. While the Classic is more popular and more promoted, the short route also offers an unforgettable experience with less effort. Here we try to explain you the Inca Trail 2 day vs 4 day.

1. Duration and itinerary: The first difference of Inca Trail 2 day vs 4 day is the duration of the walk. The Inca Short Trail is two days long. We start from Chachabamba at kilometer 104 and travel around 6 hours until we reach Intipunku. During the second day the guided tour to Machu Picchu takes place.The classic route is four days. During the first day 12 kilometers are covered, the second one 13 kilometers and the third 15 kilometers. On the fourth day there is a two-hour walk to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu and take the guided tour. 
2. Inca Trail camping tours: Are you a nature lover? You can not miss a night of starry sky and Andean landscapes in the Classic Inca Trail. In the Inca Trail 4 day night camps are made on the route the first three days. You only have to bring your sleeping bag and the rest of the equipment is provided by the travel agency. Unlike the long route, during the Inca Trail 2 day, the night is spent at the hotel of your choice in the town of Aguas Calientes. 
3. Travel backpacks for Inca Trail: For the difference of days in Inca Trail 2 day vs 4 day, the amount of clothes is less for the fast road. On the other hand, you should consider that on the classic route night camps are held while on the short route you spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes. If you want to go lighter, the Inca Trail 2 day is your option.
4. Amount of physical effort: Another major difference of Inca Trail 2 day vs 4 day is the amount of physical effort required. The classic route lasts four days and goes through landscapes that go from low fertile valleys to the pass of Warmihuañusca to more than 4000 meters of altitude. The first days of the route have steep stretches that are a physical challenge for many. Are you looking for a challenge that has a wonderful reward? Choose the 4 day Inca Trail. The 2 day route is lighter since you only walk during the first day.
5. Inca Trail permits: The Classic Inca Trail supports up to 500 people daily, including guides and service personnel. The spaces are usually sold quickly so it is best to buy them at least 6 months in advance. The route of the Inca Short Trail only supports 250 people. This route is new so it is more available. In case there are no spaces for the 4-day route you can take the short route and not miss the best trekking in South America.

Inca Trail 2 day vs 4 day

The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

The best way to get to Cusco is by air and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive, but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

If you have extra luggage, can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at the  Inca Trail Machu store luggage. We will grab from you the morning of your trek and return once you are back in Cusco. If you decided to left it in our store luggage, in the morning our driver will pick your luggage and he will leave it at our office to be safe 2 days and when you return to Cusco, we will leave your luggage at your hotel.

FORCE MAJEURE: This is any event that Inca Trail Machu could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. This covers events such as war or threat, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, disaster or adverse weather conditions, fire or all similar events beyond our control. In this case, we will not accept liability and reserves the right to change, postpone or even cancel the trip (this is the last option of course!).

In the event of a protest/strike, which is not uncommon in Cusco, it may be necessary to leave a day or even 2 days earlier than scheduled so that we are able to comply with other services.

Risks: By booking any of our adventure trips (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay, Ausangate, Choquekirao, Lares, Vilcabamba, Ausangate, Cachicata trek etc.) you assume the risks associated with them. For these Inca Trail Machu accepts no responsibility.

Travel Insurance: We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance that covers accidents, medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including rescue and air ambulance. We also recommend that it covers cancellations and loss of luggage. 

Sending your Personal Details for Booking: Your passport number and other information must be valid. Please advise if you change your passport number after booking the tour (especially for booking the classic Inca Trail as if we do not make a change in your official details, you may not be permitted to do the trek). Please is important that the information that you send need to be exactly as appear in your passport.

Student rate: In order to obtain this discount you must have a valid University student card (Maximum age 25 YO) . It is important you scan and e-mail this to us at the time of booking and that it is valid on the date you are booked on the Inca Trail/alternative trek (you will need to show the real University upon your arrival here in Cusco and in Machu Picchu).

Payment of the deposit can be made through following options:

Credit and debit cards: Once you booked your Short Inca Trail, our sales department will send an email with the link payment ASAP.

Western Union, or Bank transfer.

To secure a reservation of a tour package, it is necessary to make a pre-payment of: 50% of TOTAL package cost, the balance must be paid 1 or 2 nights before your tour during the briefing. 

Cancellations:

• Deposit sent is used to buy Inca Trail Tickets , Machu Picchu Tickets, Wayna Picchu tickets (if applicable) also, deposit sent is used to buy Porter tickets, and all taxes asociated with them therefore the deposit sent is Non-Refundable nor transferable to any other date, person or tour (According to Inca Trail - Machu Picchu and goverment Regulations).
• Inca trail Machu must be notified of any changes or cancellations to your trip as soon as you are aware of them, via e-mail so that we do not incur expenses not covered by deposit.
• City Tours and Sacred Valley Tours can be cancelled with a 100% refund up to 15 days before the tour starts; 50% up to a week, 25% lose of deposit less than 5 days and 100% lose of deposit if cancellation is made with les than 48 of notice.
• Once final balance has been paid, we will not be able to refund your trek payment in the case of cancellations. There will, however, be parts of your trip that you are able to use (Machu Picchu entrance fee, 1 train ticket, 1 bus ticket).