The Cusco: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2-Day tour offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Peru. Embarking on a scenic train ride, hikers are treated to breathtaking vistas and the chance to explore archaeological wonders along the way. From the cascading Phuyuwachi waterfall to the impressive Wiñayhuayna site, this all-inclusive experience promises an immersive journey through history. But the true highlight awaits as travelers explore the architectural marvels and advanced engineering of the iconic Machu Picchu. What secrets and insights will this ancient citadel reveal to those who venture forth?
Key Points
- The 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu covers highlights like Chachabamba, Phuyuwachi waterfall, and the Wiñayhuayna archaeological site.
- The tour includes hotel pick-up/drop-off, guided tour, box lunch, round-trip train tickets, and entry fees to Machu Picchu.
- Travelers can explore the impressive agricultural terraces, hydraulic systems, and architectural marvels of the Inca civilization at Machu Picchu.
- The tour offers a flexible payment option with the ability to reserve now and pay later.
- Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing travelers with the flexibility to adjust their plans.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Details
- Day 1 Highlights
- Arrival in Aguas Calientes
- Day 2 Highlights
- Exploration of Machu Picchu
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Booking Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Food on the Hike?
- What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
- Can I Book Additional Activities in Aguas Calientes?
- Is There an Option to Stay Overnight at Machu Picchu?
- Can I Purchase Tickets for Machu Picchu Separately?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 2-Day Experiences in Cusco
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Tour Overview
The tour package provides a 2-day journey to the iconic Machu Picchu site via the Short Inca Trail, priced at €405.93 per person.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is offered.
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a fully guided tour, box lunch on Day 1, round trip on tourist class train, an English-speaking guide, and entry fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Exclusions include tips, Machu Picchu bus tickets, and hotel accommodation in Machu Picchu town.
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Itinerary Details
On the first day, guests are picked up from their hotel and transferred to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where they depart at 5:00 a.m. on the train to Km. 104, the starting point of the trail.
From there, they hike to Chachabamba, the Phuyuwachi waterfall, and the Wiñayhuayna archaeological site. They then continue to Intipunku for a view of Machu Picchu before taking a bus to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.
On the second day, guests have breakfast at their hotel, then take a 25-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu for a guided tour highlighting the site’s agricultural terraces and hydraulic systems.
Day 1 Highlights
Guests depart the train at Km. 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. From here, they’ll hike to the archaeological site of Chachabamba, taking in the stunning Phuyuwachi waterfall along the way.
Next, they’ll continue to the Wiñayhuayna ruins, one of the most impressive Inca sites on the trail.
The day culminates with a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from the Intipunku, or Sun Gate.
After this, guests will take a bus to Aguas Calientes for their overnight stay, refueling with a delightful box lunch.
- Hike to Chachabamba and Phuyuwachi waterfall
- Explore the Wiñayhuayna archaeological site
- Enjoy the panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate
Arrival in Aguas Calientes
After taking in the stunning views from the Sun Gate, guests board a bus that whisks them down to the town of Aguas Calientes, their home for the night.
This lively town nestled in the Andes is the gateway to Machu Picchu. Guests will check into their hotel, with time to explore the shops, cafes, and local markets.
The town’s thermal springs offer a rejuvenating soak after the day’s hike. Guests can get an early dinner and rest up, as tomorrow will be an exciting day exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
More Great Tours NearbyDay 2 Highlights
Travelers rise early for the short bus ride to the entrance of the legendary Machu Picchu.
At the famed historic site, they’ll enjoy a guided tour highlighting the archaeological marvel‘s most impressive features. The tour covers:
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The site’s impressive agricultural terraces, designed to maximize limited space and grow a diverse array of crops.
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The sophisticated hydraulic systems that provided water to the Inca inhabitants, demonstrating their engineering prowess.
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The panoramic views from atop the Sun Gate, offering a breathtaking perspective of the entire Machu Picchu complex nested in the Andes mountains.
After the tour, visitors have free time to explore the ruins independently before returning to Aguas Calientes.
Exploration of Machu Picchu
Upon reaching the famed historic site, visitors are greeted by the grandeur of Machu Picchu’s impressive agricultural terraces, which were meticulously designed to maximize the limited space and cultivate a diverse array of crops.
The guided tour delves into the site’s advanced hydraulic engineering, showcasing the Inca’s mastery of water management through an intricate system of canals and aqueducts.
Guests marvel at the precision and craftsmanship of the stone structures, understanding how this remarkable feat of architecture and engineering enabled the flourishing of a self-sustaining community high in the Andes.
The tour culminates in a deeper appreciation for Machu Picchu’s status as a marvel of agricultural innovation and a testament to the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of their environment.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes a hotel pick-up and drop-off, a fully guided tour, a box lunch on the first day, round-trip travel on tourist-class trains, and professional English-speaking tour guides.
However, there are some exclusions to be aware of:
- Tips for the tour guide and other service providers aren’t included.
- Tickets for the bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu are an additional cost.
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, isn’t provided as part of the package.
Booking Information
Prospective travelers have several convenient booking options for the Cusco: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour. The tour is priced at €405.93 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Travelers can also take advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option. The 2-day journey includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a fully guided tour, a box lunch on the first day, round-trip tourist class train tickets, and all entry fees.
However, tips, Machu Picchu bus tickets, and hotel accommodations in Aguas Calientes town aren’t included. With flexible booking options and a comprehensive itinerary, this tour provides a hassle-free way to experience the highlights of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Hike?
Travelers can bring their own snacks and meals for the hike, but a box lunch is provided on the first day. Participants are advised to pack light and carry only essential items to ensure a comfortable trekking experience.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The minimum age requirement for this 2-day Machu Picchu tour is 12 years old. Children under 12 are generally not permitted on this hike due to the challenging terrain and duration of the trek.
Can I Book Additional Activities in Aguas Calientes?
Travelers can book additional activities in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Options may include exploring local markets, visiting hot springs, or taking a guided tour of the Inca ruins in the area.
Is There an Option to Stay Overnight at Machu Picchu?
There is no option to stay overnight at Machu Picchu itself. The tour includes an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu, before the guided tour of the site the following day.
Can I Purchase Tickets for Machu Picchu Separately?
Yes, visitors can purchase Machu Picchu entrance tickets separately. The tour package doesn’t include the bus tickets to reach Machu Picchu, so those must be booked in advance or purchased on-site.
Cusco: Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 2-Days
Recap
The Cusco: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2-Day tour offers an immersive adventure through Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Hikers explore iconic sites like the Phuyuwachi waterfall and the Wiñayhuayna archaeological complex, before enjoying a guided tour of the breathtaking Machu Picchu. This all-inclusive experience ensures a seamless journey, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the beauty and history of this remarkable destination.
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