The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a captivating 2-day trek that promises breathtaking vistas and immersive cultural experiences. Operated by the esteemed Kantu Peru Tours, this moderately challenging hike offers professional guidance, comfortable accommodations, and transportation, ensuring a seamless adventure. Participants embark on an early morning journey, crossing scenic suspension bridges and exploring iconic Inca sites like the Temple of the Sun. With a perfect 5-star rating from travelers, this tour provides an unforgettable connection to Inca heritage and stunning landscapes. What awaits those who venture along this captivating path?
Key Points
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This 2-day hike along the Short Inca Trail offers a scenic and immersive experience, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu citadel.
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The tour is operated by Kantu Peru Tours, a reputable company located in Cusco, Peru, and is priced starting at $594.88 per person.
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The hike is rated as moderate in difficulty, requiring a good level of fitness, and is not suitable for certain medical conditions or accessibility needs.
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Included amenities cover transportation, a professional guide, hotel accommodation, select meals, and entry tickets to key sites like Waynapicchu and Machupicchu Mountain.
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The tour follows a well-organized itinerary, with an early start on the first day to maximize the hiking experience and ensure arrival at Machu Picchu.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Included Amenities
- Pickup and Schedule
- Health and Safety
- Booking Requirements
- Day 1: Hike Begins
- Day 2: Arrival at Machu Picchu
- Traveler Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Altitude Range of the Hike?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
- Can I Store My Luggage During the Hike?
- What Is the Cancellation and Reschedule Policy?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Hike?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 2-Day Experiences in Cusco
- More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The tour offers a Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a 2-day hike that’s rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.
Operated by Kantu Peru Tours in Cusco, Peru, the tour price starts from $594.88 and varies by group size.
The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, train tickets, hotel accommodation, select meals, and entry tickets to Waynapicchu and Machupicchu Mountain.
Participants should have a moderate fitness level, as the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
Private tours are available, ensuring your group participates exclusively.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
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Included Amenities
Kantu Peru Tours provides a comprehensive package for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour.
Included in the price are:
- Transfer from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station
- Professional guide for the 2-day hike
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Machupicchu
- 1 breakfast, 1 dinner, and 1 lunch
- Bus from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- First aid kit, oxygen, and walking sticks
- Waynapicchu and Machupicchu Mountain tickets
- Travel insurance
These inclusions ensure a seamless and well-supported trekking experience for participants.
Pickup and Schedule
For the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour, participants can expect a 4:00 AM hotel pickup. This early start is necessary to make the most of the day and reach the Inca Trail’s starting point. Confirmation of the booking is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
| Pickup Time | 4:00 AM |
|---|---|
| Pickup Location | Hotel |
| Transport | Private |
| Schedule | Dependent on availability |
The tour’s schedule is flexible, with the confirmation subject to availability. This ensures a seamless and personalized experience for each group.
Health and Safety
This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with certain health conditions.
Moderate physical fitness is required, as the hiking portion involves steep inclines and uneven terrain. Participants with heart problems, serious medical conditions, back problems, or who are pregnant should avoid this trek.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
However, the operator does offer a vegetarian meal option upon request at the time of booking.
Prospective hikers should consider their overall health and fitness level before signing up for this challenging but rewarding two-day Inca Trail experience.
- Not recommended for travelers with:
- Heart problems
- Serious medical conditions
- Back problems
- Pregnancy
- Moderate physical fitness required
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Vegetarian option available upon request
Booking Requirements
To book the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour, travelers must provide their passport information, including name, number, expiry date, and country of origin, at the time of booking.
This is a requirement as a valid passport is necessary for travel on the day of the tour. Plus, the tour is non-refundable, so there are no refunds for missed tours due to late arrival.
The tour is also a private experience, meaning only the booking group will participate.
With these booking requirements in mind, travelers can plan their Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu adventure with confidence.
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Day 1: Hike Begins
The tour begins early in the morning, with pickup from the hotel at 4:00 AM.
Travelers will be transported to Ollantaytambo train station, where they’ll board the expedition train to Km 104, the starting point of the hike. Along the way, they’ll enjoy stunning views of the Andes mountains and the Urubamba River.
Once at Km 104, the group will begin their journey on the Short Inca Trail.
The hike includes:
- Crossing the famous Inca Trail suspension bridges
- Ascending through lush cloud forests and alpine meadows
- Exploring ancient Inca ruins and terraces
- Enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery
- Arriving at the Sun Gate, the iconic gateway to Machu Picchu.
Day 2: Arrival at Machu Picchu
After a restful night in the 3-star hotel in Machupicchu, the group sets out early in the morning to explore the iconic Inca citadel.
They ascend the steep stone steps, marveling at the ancient engineering and the breathtaking vistas. The guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the Inca history to life.
Wandering through the well-preserved ruins, the group discovers the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the intricate stone structures that have stood the test of time.
They pause to take in the tranquility and majesty of Machu Picchu, a true wonder of the world.
As the day draws to a close, the group reluctantly departs, carrying memories of this extraordinary experience.
Traveler Reviews
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the "Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu" tour, awarding it a perfect 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews.
Highlights of the tour include:
- "Incredible experience – saw the most breathtaking views and felt a real connection to the Inca heritage."
- "Professional guide made the hike easy and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour."
- "The accommodations in Machu Picchu were comfortable, and the meals were delicious."
- "The detailed itinerary and logistics were well-organized, making the tour seamless."
- "The Waynapicchu and Machu Picchu Mountain tickets were a great added value."
This short Inca Trail tour offers an authentic and unforgettable journey to the iconic Machu Picchu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Altitude Range of the Hike?
The hike takes place at an altitude range of approximately 2,000 to 4,200 meters (6,500 to 13,800 feet) above sea level. The highest point reached during the trek is around 4,200 meters.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour does not have any age restrictions. However, it is not recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions or low physical fitness levels. Participants must be able to hike for multiple hours each day.
Can I Store My Luggage During the Hike?
Yes, travelers can store their luggage during the hike. The tour operator provides storage facilities where participants can leave their main luggage while they complete the 2-day trek to Machu Picchu.
What Is the Cancellation and Reschedule Policy?
The cancellation and reschedule policy for this tour is non-refundable – there are no refunds for missed tours due to late arrival. Participants must have a current valid passport at the time of travel.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Hike?
Yes, hikers are allowed to bring their own food and snacks on the hike. However, the tour operator provides some meals, so hikers should coordinate with the company about what to bring.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Day Hike
“Kantu travel, and especially the guide Alejandro, are amazing! all the people are very attentive to detail. From the incredible hospitality to the …”
Recap
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable journey for outdoor enthusiasts. With professional guidance, comfortable accommodations, and stunning scenery, this 2-day hike provides an immersive cultural experience. Travelers can expect to cross scenic bridges, explore iconic Inca sites, and arrive at the captivating Machu Picchu. With a perfect 5-star rating, this tour promises an unparalleled connection to Peru’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
