Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers adventurers a chance to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of the Andes. This 2-day hiking experience allows participants to traverse ancient Inca paths, explore the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, and marvel at the iconic Machu Picchu. With inclusions like entry permits, professional guides, meals, and transportation, the journey is designed to be seamless. Whether you’re seeking a challenging outdoor excursion or a deeper connection with Peru’s storied past, the Short Inca Trail promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 2-day hiking adventure through the Sacred Valley, featuring ancient Inca paths and the iconic Inca citadel.
• The tour is priced from CZK 19,394 per person and is limited to small groups of 9 for an intimate experience.
• Highlights include a scenic drive, hiking the Short Inca Trail, visiting the Inca site of Winay Wayna, and a guided exploration of Machu Picchu.
• All necessary permits, professional guides, transportation, meals, and a return train ride are included in the tour package.
• The tour begins with a meeting point in Cusco, and participants are advised to arrive on time for a prompt group departure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 2-day hiking adventure that allows travelers to experience the iconic Inca ruins in a more compact itinerary.

The tour is priced from Kč19,394 per person and is limited to small groups of up to 9 participants.

During the tour, guests will enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, hike the Short Inca Trail, explore Wiñay Wayna, and take a guided tour of Machu Picchu’s terraces and temples.

The tour includes all necessary permits, professional English-speaking guides, transportation, camping equipment, meals, and a train ride back to Ollantaytambo, concluding in Cusco.

Itinerary Highlights

Scenic drive through the Sacred Valley offers travelers a glimpse into the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Hikers will then conquer the Short Inca Trail, seeing the ancient footsteps of the Incas.

The journey continues to the captivating ruins of Wiñay Wayna, where the guide provides insights into this archaeological gem.

The tour culminates with a guided exploration of Machu Picchu‘s magnificent terraces and temples, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the grandeur of this iconic Inca citadel.

Inclusions

Aside from the entry permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, the tour includes a professional English-speaking guide to lead the way.

Transportation, camping equipment, and all meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and boiled drinking water – are provided. Visitors will also receive an admission ticket to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.

A basic first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen, is available for peace of mind. Plus, a pre-trek briefing the night before and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes are included.

All service fees and taxes are covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Booking Information

Reserve your spot on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour now and pay later. You can secure your place with no initial payment.

If you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check availability to see starting times for this 2-day, small-group tour.

The price starts from Kč19,394 per person, and the group size is limited to 9 participants.

The tour includes entry permits, professional English-speaking guides, transportation, camping equipment, meals, and admission to Machu Picchu. A pre-trek briefing the night before is also provided.

The tour concludes with a train ride back to Ollantaytambo and ends in Cusco.

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Meeting Point and Directions

The meeting point for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour is provided on Google Maps to help participants find the location easily.

To get to the starting point, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Maps link in the tour details to see the exact location.
2. Plan your transportation to arrive at the meeting point on time, as the group will depart promptly.
3. Bring a form of identification, as it may be required for the entry permits and transportation.

The tour guides will be at the meeting point to greet the group and ensure a smooth start to the Inca Trail adventure.

Scenic Drive Through the Sacred Valley

After departing the meeting point, the tour group embarks on a scenic drive through the renowned Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Along the way, they’ll witness the stunning Andean landscapes, dotted with traditional villages, terraced agricultural fields, and the winding Urubamba River.

The drive provides an opportunity to acclimate to the high-altitude environment as the group gradually ascends towards the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.

During the journey, the guide will share insights into the region’s rich history and culture, setting the stage for the upcoming hiking adventure.

The scenic drive is a serene introduction to the enchanting world of the Inca Empire.

Hiking the Short Inca Trail

The group’s hiking adventure on the Short Inca Trail begins at the trailhead, where they don their hiking gear and prepare for the day’s journey.

The trail winds through lush Andean landscapes, offering stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks and ancient Inca ruins. Along the way, hikers encounter:

1. The ruins of Wiñay Wayna, an impressive Inca archaeological site nestled in the mountains.
2. Steep stone staircases that challenge the group’s endurance but reward them with breathtaking panoramas.
3. Opportunities to spot diverse flora and fauna, including vibrant orchids and elusive Andean birds.

As the group ascends, the anticipation builds, knowing they’re inching closer to the ultimate destination: the iconic Machu Picchu.

Exploring Winay Wayna

As the group ascends the trail, they reach the impressive ruins of Winay Wayna, an Inca archaeological site nestled in the mountains.

This sprawling complex features stone terraces, irrigation canals, and hundreds of agricultural terraces. Visitors can explore the remains of residential structures, ceremonial plazas, and a religious temple.

The site’s strategic location along the Inca Trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Hikers have the opportunity to wander through the site, admiring the impressive stonework and imagining the vibrant community that once thrived here.

Winay Wayna provides a glimpse into the Inca’s advanced engineering and connection to the natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Elevation Along the Short Inca Trail?

The elevation along the Short Inca Trail varies significantly, ranging from around 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) at the start to over 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) at its highest point near Wiñay Wayna.

Is There Any Age Requirement for Participating in This Tour?

The tour has no age requirement. Participants of all ages are welcome to join, though the strenuous hiking may be challenging for young children or those with mobility issues. It’s recommended to assess one’s fitness level before booking the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Equipment Instead of the Camping Gear Provided?

Participants can bring their own camping gear instead of using the equipment provided, though it’s important to coordinate with the tour operator to ensure compatibility and safety standards are met. The tour provider’s gear is included in the package price.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to the Full Inca Trail?

No, there is no option to extend the Short Inca Trail tour to the full Inca Trail. The tour is specifically designed as a 2-day hike to Machu Picchu and does not offer an extension to the longer Inca Trail trek.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is limited to 9 participants, making it a small group experience. This allows for more personalized attention from the guides and a more intimate exploration of the sights along the way.

Recap

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable 2-day experience, combining stunning Andean landscapes with rich cultural heritage. Priced from CZK 19,394 per person, this small-group adventure allows participants to traverse ancient Inca paths, explore Winay Wayna, and enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, culminating in a scenic train ride back to Cusco.

You can check if your dates are available here: