The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers an enthralling two-day hike for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. This accessible yet breathtaking journey takes participants through stunning landscapes, from the ruins of Chachabamba to the iconic Winaywayna. Travelers can look forward to guided treks, mesmerizing sunsets at the Sun Gate, and the option to explore Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu independently. With a small group size for personalized attention, this adventure seamlessly combines the thrill of the outdoors with the rich cultural heritage of the Inca Empire. Whether you’re seeking a challenge or a chance to learn about the beauty of Peru, the Short Inca Trail promises an unforgettable experience.
Key Points
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The Short Inca Trail is a beginner-friendly 2-day hike that offers stunning views of Machu Picchu, including a sunset visit to the Sun Gate.
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The tour includes transportation, entry fees, accommodations, and meals, providing a comprehensive and convenient experience for exploring the iconic Inca ruins.
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Participants can enjoy a personalized experience with a small group size of up to 9 people, led by knowledgeable and multilingual guides.
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The itinerary allows for both guided treks along the Inca Trail and independent exploration of Machu Picchu, maximizing the time and value for visitors.
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The tour offers flexible booking options, including a reserve now, pay later option, and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Overview and Pricing
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a beginner-friendly, two-day hike priced at $918.00 per person.
This tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option. The duration is 2 days, and the small group size is limited to 9 participants.
Highlights include scenic views, double visits to Machu Picchu, and a guided trek through iconic Inca Trail routes.
Professional guides, transportation, entrance fees, and accommodations are all included. Dietary needs are also catered to.
Travelers can check availability and select their preferred starting time for this immersive experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Aguas Calientes.
Experience and Highlights
A beginner-friendly two-day hike, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers scenic views and double visits to the renowned Inca citadel.
The small group size is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Accompanied by a live tour guide available in Spanish and English, you’ll trek through the iconic Sun Gate and explore the renowned Inca Trail hiking routes.
Savor the sunset view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate on the first day, followed by an early visit to witness the sunrise over the ancient ruins on the second day.
After a guided tour, enjoy optional independent exploration, including Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Itinerary
Kicking off the two-day journey, the first day takes travelers from Cusco or Ollantaytambo by train to Km 104, where the guided trek commences. Hikers will explore the Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna ruins before enjoying a lunch at Wiñayhuayna. The day culminates with a sunset view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, followed by a bus ride to Aguas Calientes for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 1 Itinerary |
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Train to Km 104 |
Trek Chachabamba & Wiñayhuayna |
Lunch at Wiñayhuayna |
Sunset at Sun Gate |
Bus to Aguas Calientes |
Inclusions
This tour includes a comprehensive package to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Skilled guides lead the way, handling transportation logistics from hotel pick-up to trains and buses. Entry fees for Machu Picchu and the Short Inca Trail are covered.
Travelers will enjoy a night’s stay in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, with meals provided throughout the journey, including breakfast, a packed lunch, and dinner.
For added convenience, the package includes emergency first aid, 24-hour guest service, travel insurance, and the use of walking sticks.
With all these amenities, adventurers can focus on soaking in the stunning views and historical wonders of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyAdditional Information
Checking availability for starting times and participant selection is recommended to ensure a seamless booking process.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour provides a meeting point, which can be easily located on Google Maps. This two-day hike is well-suited for beginners, offering stunning views and double visits to the iconic Machu Picchu site.
The small group size is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with a live tour guide available in both Spanish and English.
With the option to reserve now and pay later, this adventure provides flexibility and convenience for travelers seeking to explore the legendary Inca Trail.
Duration and Cancellation
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour lasts 2 days, providing a beginner-friendly hike through iconic Inca Trail routes.
This quick adventure includes:
- A free cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- A convenient "reserve now, pay later" option, giving you the flexibility to book your spot today.
- An efficient itinerary, with transportation, meals, and accommodations included, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.
With the perfect balance of time and value, the Short Inca Trail offers a remarkable way to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu without the demands of a longer trek.
Group Size and Language Support
A small group size of up to 9 participants ensures a more intimate and personalized experience on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Your expert, multilingual guide will be available in both Spanish and English, providing insightful commentary and answering any questions you may have along the way.
Participant Limit | Language Support |
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Up to 9 people | Spanish, English |
Personalized | Knowledgeable |
Intimate | Informative |
Engaging | Responsive |
The small group size and language support guarantee a memorable and enriching trek to the iconic Machu Picchu.
Scenic Views and Inca Trail
Trekking along the iconic Inca Trail, hikers are treated to a captivating visual tapestry. The route winds through lush cloud forests, offering sweeping vistas of snowcapped peaks and turquoise glacial lakes.
Three highlights of the journey include:
- The stunning panorama from the Sun Gate, where the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu come into view at sunset.
- The well-preserved Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna, a former administrative center perched high in the Andes.
- The chance to explore the renowned Inca Trail, walking in the footsteps of the ancient empire’s inhabitants.
This beginner-friendly trek provides an immersive experience, blending natural beauty and archaeological wonders for an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Solo Traveler?
Yes, this tour is open to solo travelers. The group size is limited to 9 participants, so solo travelers are welcome to join. The tour includes hotel pick-up, transportation, and guided experiences, making it suitable for solo adventurers.
Is There Any Age Requirement or Physical Fitness Level Needed?
The Short Inca Trail has no age requirement, but it’s geared towards active travelers. Participants should be able to hike 5-6 hours a day over uneven terrain. Those with mobility issues may want to consider other Machu Picchu tour options.
What Is the Weather Like During the Trek?
The weather during the trek can vary. Hikers can expect mild temperatures during the day, with the possibility of rain or cool evenings. Packing layers and rain gear is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the journey.
Can I Store Luggage in Cusco/Ollantaytambo During the Trek?
Yes, travelers can store extra luggage at their hotel or a designated storage facility in Cusco or Ollantaytambo during the trek. This allows them to travel light and focus on the hiking experience.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned?
There don’t appear to be any additional fees or costs not mentioned in the overview. The package includes all necessary transportation, entrance fees, meals, and accommodations as specified. Travelers should double-check for any optional add-ons they may wish to purchase.
Recap
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers an exceptional adventure for beginners. It combines stunning landscapes, iconic archaeological sites, and the renowned Inca Trail, culminating in a breathtaking sunset at the Sun Gate. With a small group size, personalized attention, and the flexibility to explore Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu, this journey is an unforgettable blend of culture, nature, and outdoor exploration.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Aguas Calientes
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