SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 2D/1N
DESCRIPTION:
The 2 days short Inca Trail is another good option for visitor’s who wanted to visit the classic Inca trail 4 days and reach true to the famous San Gate and have a gorgeous view of World´s Wonder Machu Picchu Citadel, this trek of 12 km demands a low effort, with beautiful Incan sites, primitive lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties, “the road of Inca ancestors” goes through the national park and enters by the famous san gate to Machu Picchu ancient Inca building, through cloud pitted forest and finally into subtropical vegetation, visitors walking along the short Inca trail 2 days have the privilege to visit Machu Picchu twice, at the end of the day trek, and when they return to Machu Picchu the following the day.
DAY 1: CUSCO –104 Km – WIÑAYWAYNA – SUN GATE –MACHU PICCHU –AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN
Pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am where ever it’s located, and drive for 1 hour and 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo train station located in the sacred valley of the Incas, from where we will take the train to get to the starting point of the trek at Km 104 approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Walking Distance: 12 Km/ 7.5 miles.
- Estimated Walking Hours: 6 - 8 hours.
- Lowest elevation: 2030 m. / 6.660 Ft.
- Highest elevation: 2700 m. / 8.694 Ft.
- Our lunch spot: at Wiñayhuayna
- Our hotel: at Aguas Calientes town.
- Dinner: in chosen restaurant in the town.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Walk the original ancient path.
- Enjoy Mather Nature covered by lush vegetation in the tropical area of Machu Picchu.
- Enjoy the stunning view of Wiñayhuayna canyon.
- Visit and explore the most incredible ancient buildings along the original Inca trail.
- Feel the magic of reaching the famous Sun Gate, from where you can appreciate the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.
- And finally admire the beauty of the World Icon Machu Picchu.
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Today dreams come true when you will see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and returns to Cusco with full of magic.
- Walking Distance: 2 Km. / 1.2 miles.
- Estimated Walking Hours: 2 hours (inside Machu Picchu guided tour).
- Machupicchu elevation: 2400 m. /7.873 Ft.
- Aguas Calientes elevation: 2000 m. /6.561 Ft.
- Meals: box breakfast.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- One of the Seven Wonders of the World for you and feel the energy of this magical place.
- Inca engineering represented in the design of the path
- The guide will teach you the richest history of the Inca culture.
ONE DAY BEFORE THE TREK:
Briefing/ Machupicchullamaperu Cusco office.
It will be in our office which is located at Street Wasahuara A – 4
All travelers are required to visit the Cuzco office for a mandatory briefing on your trek one day prior to departure at 6:00 pm. At this meeting you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up for the morning of the trek and be able to ask questions. However, if you wish to receive all the information in your hotel, let us know and our guide will kindly approach your hotel for the informative meeting.
DAY 1: CUSCO –104 Kms – WIÑAYWAYNA – SUN GATE –MACHU PICCHU –AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN
We start our adventure picking you up from your hotel at 4:00 am where ever it’s located, and drive for 1 hour and 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo train station located in the sacred valley of the Incas, from where we will take the train to get to the starting point of the trek at Km 104 approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, Along the way we will see beautiful landscapes, especially the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Once we arrive to Km 104 (2050m / 6.725ft.), the starting point of the trek, we will be close to the principal gate in order to check in and start our big adventure to Machu Picchu.
The first archeological center is Chachabamba (2030m / 6.660ft.), which is known for its’ beautiful construction and location in the sacred valley of the Incas, That still preserves intact architecture, after that we will start walking a moderate climb slowly for about 3 hours to the chiseled remnants and remote archeological site of Wiñaywayna (2650m / 8.694ft.) from where you will enjoy the spectacular plunging of Urubamba valley and the ethnic wonders of Ancient Inca sites, After a short break, we will continue through the semi-tropical forest to the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate) (2700m / 8.858ft.), from where we will appreciate the first panoramic view of the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu, surrounded by impressive mountain peaks, deep valleys, and the Urubamba River, then we will descend for almost 45 minutes, as closer we will move to Machu Picchu Citadel, you will feel her mystical and energetic presence, we will take a break and take classic pictures of Machupicchu, Finally we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes Town (2000m/ 6.561ft.), where we will spend the night in the chosen hotel, where we have the opportunity to visit the hot springs or explore the Aguas Calientes city.
After a good rest we will get together with the group to have dinner in the chosen restaurant.
- Distance: 12 Km. / 7.5 miles
- Walking Hours: 6-8 hours.
- Low Altitude: 2030 m. / 6.660 Ft.
- High Altitude: 2650 m. / 8.694 Ft.
- Hotel chosen: 2030 m. / 6.660 Ft.
Inclusions: Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up, Bus Cuzco – Ollantaytambo train station – by train KM104 beginning of the trek.
Meals: 1 box Lunch / 1 Dinner (in the restaurant).
Trekking: 12 kilometers / 6 – 8 hours.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate – Easy.
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Waking up early, we will take the bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, for 30 minutes, New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The tour guide will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and mystical place of Machu Picchu, that will take approximately 2 hours.
Then you will descend to Aguas Calientes town; have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later on board the train to Ollantaytambo train station, afterwards the bus to Cusco.
- Climb up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of ancient building of Machu Picchu (not included in your tour price and must be booked in advance).
- Walking Distance: 2 Km. / 1.2 miles.
- Walking Hours: 2 hours (inside Machu Picchu guided tour).
- High Altitude: 2400 m. /7873 Ft.
Inclusions: beautiful tour in Machupicchu.
Meals: 1 Breakfast.
Trekking: 1.5 kilometers / 2 hours.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Free Transfer from the airport to your hotel (only in Cusco).
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Day 1 box lunch & dinner, Day 2 box breakfast.
- Admission ticket to the short Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
- Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 – Ollantaytambo with private vehicle connection to Cusco.
- English and Quechua speaking, experienced professional guide.
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- 3 Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - back to Aguas Calientes.
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Round trip Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi.
- Taxes.
- Survivor T-shirt
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Sun block: Factor 70 or more.
- Hiking boots.
- Hat with neck and face protector.
- Rain Poncho.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Optional upgrade (train and hotel)
- Last lunch and first breakfast
- Travel insurance
- Drinking water.
- Personal medication.
- Entry to Huaynapicchu – US$75.
- Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain – US$70.
- Tips for the guide.
- walking poles.
Tips for the staff (Machupicchullamaperu staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip.), Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America; however, it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, these are our recommended guidelines.
- Guide: 50 - 100 soles per trekker
- Assistant Guide: 40 - 50 soles per trekker (assistant guide from 8 to more tourist)
EXTRAS
- Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended).
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on availability).
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek).
- Machu Picchu Mountain – US$70 per person (Please request when you book your Trek).
PRICE: US$460 per person
DISCOUNTS:
- 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking
- Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Members of the South American Explorers: Receive USD10.00 discount.
EXTRAS:
- Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended).
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on availability).
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek).
- Machu Picchu Mountain – US$70 per person (Please request when you book your Trek).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the trek to “Short Inca trail – Machu Picchu”.
ABOUT THE BRIEFING:
All travelers are required to visit the Cuzco office for a mandatory briefing on your trek one day prior to departure at 6:00 pm. At this meeting you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up for the morning of the trek and be able to ask questions. However, if you wish to receive all the information in your hotel, let us know and our guide will kindly approach your hotel for the informative meeting.
It will be in our office which is located at Street Wasahuara A – 4
WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE SAFETY?
Of course! During the “Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu”, your large luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please do not pack anything you will need for your hike.
HOW TO BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
FIRST, to book your “Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu”, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK HERE.
To book your “Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu”, we need the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
- Arrivall date
- Return date
- Upload Passport Picture
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the “Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu”. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE PAYMENT BALANCE?
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 6% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of machupicchullamaperu@gmail.com
WHO QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
Those passengers who booked their trip using the discounted price for ISIC Student Holders must bring their original and valid CIIU card (not a copy and not expired). This document must be shown at Machupicchu Control Gate. Unfortunately, if you do not bring your card, you will be denied entry to the Trail as the permits won’t be valid without your card.
SCHOOL STUDENT
With the passport or national ID – original ones, from 8 to 17 years’ old
- According to Peruvian Law you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu for example if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
- All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT ABOVE 18 YEARS OLD
With the original student ID gives from the university in PVC material and it must have the next requirements: university information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, it year must coincide with the year that student visit Machu Picchu, the discount until 25 years old.
- Discount $30
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE?
Unfortunately, the answer is “No”. Once the tickets have been bought for the “Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu”. The government does not allow any changes, due to the strict regulations of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu, once your reservation is made, you cannot cancel the reserved space that you have.
*** If you cancel your “Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu”. The deposit is not refundable at all!
IS IT NECESRY MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes, for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book “Short Inca Trail – Machu Picchu” permit. The rangers will check when you enter The Inca trail and Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number…if so, please send the new passport number as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I AVOID THE ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
For those trekkers that come to Cusco directly from places at sea level; we recommend arriving 2-3 days before your trek. Two of the most common health issues among tourists in Cusco are: The Altitude Sickness (Soroche) and stomach pain provoked by slow digestion.
In general, if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
The “Short Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu” is located in the beginning of the jungle, which make easier than rest of the treks because the maximum altitude is (2700m / 8.858ft.) you have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
WILL THE CAR IS GOING TO DROPP OFF US AT THE HOTEL?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up there too.
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING?
Tips for the staff (machupicchullamaperu staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip.
**** (Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America; however, it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, these are our recommended guidelines.)
- Guide: 50 - 100 soles per trekker
- Assistant Guide: 40 - 50 soles per trekker (assistant guide from 8 to more tourist)
ARE YOU PART OF THE SUSTAINABLE WORK?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism, protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.
THINGS YOU MUST BRING WITH YOU
- Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack
- Water storage: 2-3 liters Camelbacks are encouraged.
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Machuupicchullamaperu)
- Toilette paper
- Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
- Bug spray with 50% DEET.
- Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips to your staff “Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu” 2 days.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHY CHOOSE MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU?
MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking mountains. MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews on TRIPADVISOR for yourself!
SMALL GROUPS:
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES:
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English and our local language “Quechua” They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
IMPORTANT INFO
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding a blue MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU board at the exit from the arrival terminal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1-. ¿ how to avoid altitude sickness?
For those trekkers that come to Cusco directly from places at sea level; we recommend arriving 2-3 days before your trek. Two of the most common health issues among tourists in Cusco are: The Altitude Sickness (Soroche) and stomach pain provoked by slow digestion.
In general if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
2-. ¿HOW DIFFICULT IS THe LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
“Lares trek to Machu Picchu” is located in the mountains and in the part of the Andes in Cusco region which make a moderate trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/10,990ft.) prior to starting the trek.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
3.- ¿WILL THE CAR IS GOING TO DROPP OFF US AT THE HOTEL?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up there too.
4-. ¿WHAT HAPPENS IF SOME ONE IS UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health reasons, machupicchullamaperu will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
5-. ¿ARE YOU PART OF THE SUSTAINABLE WORK?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism, protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.
