The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers an enticing 2-day, 1-night hiking adventure. Trekkers embark on a captivating journey, immersed in breathtaking mountain scenery and the rich history of significant archaeological sites. From the impressive Chachabamba ruins to the renowned Winay Wayna, this experience culminates at the Sun Gate, providing a stunning first glimpse of the iconic Machu Picchu. With a guided tour of the citadel on the second day, this compact yet comprehensive adventure combines the natural beauty and cultural heritage that make Peru a truly remarkable destination. Intrigued? There’s more to discover about this exceptional trek.
Key Points
- The Short Inca Trail is a 2-day, 1-night hiking experience in Cusco, Peru, featuring beautiful mountain scenery and archaeological sites.
- The first day includes a train ride to Km 104, followed by a 4-hour hike to Chachabamba and another 4-hour hike to Winay Wayna.
- The final 2 hours of hiking on the first day lead to the Sun Gate, offering the first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
- On the second day, hikers take an early morning bus to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour, with free time for independent exploration.
- The package includes meals, admission tickets, and all necessary transportation, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Chachabamba
- Winay Wayna
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
- Inclusions
- Customer Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Difficulty Level of This Trek?
- Can Solo Travelers Join This Tour?
- Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
- What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 2-Day Experiences in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Overview
The Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu is a 2-day, 1-night hiking experience located in Cusco, Peru.
With a 4.0 out of 5 rating from 4 reviews, this trail is ideal for travelers with limited time who seek an easy walk, beautiful mountain scenery, and archaeological sites.
Highlights include the Sun Gate and a sunset over the iconic Machu Picchu.
The trail is suitable for moderately fit individuals, and hiking shoes are recommended.
Travelers can expect a seamless experience, as the tour company is trusted for its coordination and organization.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Cusco
Itinerary
Beginning on Day 1, travelers are picked up from their hotel and transferred to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
They’ll then take a 1 hour and 20 minute train ride to Km 104, the starting point. From there, they’ll walk for 4 hours to the archaeological center of Chachabamba at 2250 meters.
After another 4 hours of walking, they’ll arrive at Winay Wayna at 2650 meters, with scenic views of the Urubamba River.
The final 2 hours of hiking will take them to the Sun Gate for their first glimpse of Machu Picchu before visiting the archaeological site and staying overnight in Aguas Calientes.
On Day 2, an early morning bus will take them to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour.
Chachabamba
Hikers commence their trek from Km 104, the starting point, and embark on a 4-hour journey to the archaeological center of Chachabamba.
The route offers breathtaking mountain scenery, with three key highlights:
- Passing through lush forests and crossing over cascading streams.
- Encountering ancient Inca ruins and learning about their historical significance.
- Reaching the picturesque site of Chachabamba (2250 m) where the guide provides insights into the site’s architecture and significance within the Inca empire.
This initial leg of the trek sets the stage for the incredible sights and experiences to come on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Winay Wayna
After traversing the scenic trails leading to Chachabamba, the journey continues towards the breathtaking site of Winay Wayna.
Situated at an elevation of 2,650 meters, Winay Wayna offers stunning views of the Urubamba River. Hikers will marvel at the intricate terraces, stairways, and stone structures that make up this impressive Inca archaeological complex.
Along the way, travelers can expect to see a variety of flora and fauna, adding to the natural beauty of the surroundings.
With its well-preserved ruins and scenic splendor, Winay Wayna is a must-see highlight of the Short Inca Trail experience.
Aguas Calientes
Continuing along the trail, hikers reach the town of Aguas Calientes after 2 more hours of walking.
This town, nestled in the valley, serves as the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, hikers continue to the Sun Gate for their first glimpse of the ancient Inca citadel.
The day concludes with:
- Exploring the town’s markets and restaurants.
- Relaxing in the nearby thermal baths.
- Checking into a hotel for an overnight stay.
With the first day’s hike complete, travelers are one step closer to the main attraction – Machu Picchu, which they’ll visit the following morning.
Machu Picchu
On the second day, travelers take an early morning bus at 5:30 am to Machu Picchu, situated at an elevation of 2,490 meters (8,170 feet). A guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel lasts for 2 hours, followed by free time for independent exploration and photography. Travelers then return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo and transferring to Cusco.
| Duration | Activities |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | Guided tour of Machu Picchu |
| – | Free time for independent exploration |
| 4 hours | Total duration |
This day-two itinerary allows visitors to experience the stunning sunrise over Machu Picchu and gain a deeper understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site through the guidance of a knowledgeable tour leader.
Inclusions
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu package includes several key items to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Meals are included, with breakfast, lunch on the last day, and dinner provided.
Admission tickets to all the archaeological sites along the trail are also covered.
Travelers can expect a seamless experience, as the package includes all necessary transportation, from hotel pickup to the return to Cusco.
The inclusions ensure a hassle-free journey, allowing visitors to focus on seeing the stunning mountain scenery and exploring the rich Inca history.
Customer Reviews
Travelers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu experience.
Reviews describe the trip as an "amazing experience" with an "amazing tour guide." Travelers are highly satisfied, calling it a "5-star experience" where "coordination was perfect."
Others recommend the tour, stating it’s "well organized" and an "incredible experience." The company is praised for delivering a "seamless experience."
While the trail is suitable for moderately fit individuals, travelers suggest trusting the company for a smooth journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difficulty Level of This Trek?
The trek is considered moderately difficult, suitable for reasonably fit travelers. It involves hiking for around 12 hours per day over varying terrain, though the company recommends it’s not recommended for those with back problems.
Can Solo Travelers Join This Tour?
Yes, solo travelers can join this tour. The tour accommodates individual participants and provides a seamless experience for solo adventurers seeking to explore the remarkable Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
Yes, there is an option for a private tour. Many tour companies offer private versions of this hike to Machu Picchu, allowing travelers to enjoy the experience with just their own group.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation policy for this tour is non-refundable – there are no refunds for cancellations. Travelers should be aware of this policy when booking to avoid any unexpected costs if they need to cancel their trip.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. The hike is suitable for moderately fit individuals of all ages, though not recommended for those with back problems. Proper hiking gear is advised for participants.
Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu 2Days 1Night
“It was one of the best experiences in our lives. We strongly recommend that anyone of moderate fitness and above to try it. It is good to have a pa…”
Recap
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable 2-day, 1-night adventure. Trekkers will marvel at breathtaking mountain scenery, explore significant archaeological sites, and reach the iconic Sun Gate for a stunning view of the legendary Inca citadel. With a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the second day, this experience combines natural beauty and rich history, making it a must-do for any traveler visiting Peru.
