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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 Days
Experience the Short Inca Trail, the perfect alternative route to Machu Picchu for travelers with limited time or low endurance today. Get informed and book with total security to live the experience of entering the citadel through the mystical Sun Gate with Inca World Travel. Take advantage of our exclusive offers and discover unique archaeological sites not seen on the classic four-day route. Cusco awaits you with an unforgettable adventure and the best-guaranteed professional organization and expert local guides!
2 days / 1 night
Departures: Daily Departures: 6:00am
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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 2 Days
The Short Inca Trail (2 Days) is the ideal option for those who want to experience the most famous route in South America without the physical demands of the longer trek. This optimized version allows you to walk along original stone paths and visit exclusive archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. The highlight of this adventure is reaching Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, where you will enjoy the most breathtaking and iconic view of Machu Picchu at sunset. It is a magical and accessible experience that combines nature, history, and mysticism, ensuring impeccable logistics, expert guides, and the highest safety standards for an unforgettable journey to one of the world’s greatest wonders.
Live the Inca dream with Inca World Travel. Book now and secure your spot on the most coveted Andean route with professional organization and premium service quality!
Detailed Itinerary: Day by Day
DAY 1:
Cusco - Aguas Calientes
We will pick up our travelers from their hotel at approximately 06:00 a.m. and head to the train station in Ollantaytambo, located about 2 hours from Cusco. From here, we will take the train to Km 104, where our hike begins.
After crossing to the south side of the Urubamba River, we will visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba. Discovered in 1940, it is believed to have been a guardhouse that protected the entrance to Machu Picchu, serving as a control point along the ancient Inca Trail. Those who choose the classic 4-day Inca Trail do not visit this site.
From Chachabamba, we begin our ascent toward Wiñay Wayna, a hike of approximately 4 hours from our starting point. Along the way, we will walk through cloud forest, cross a small stream, and enter open grasslands before re-entering the forest. We will also pass a beautiful waterfall—another hidden gem not seen on the classic route—before reaching the impressive terraces, houses, and ceremonial baths of Wiñay Wayna. After a guided tour, we continue for about 2 more hours along a scenic trail that winds around the mountainside, entering lush vegetation and climbing the final 50 stone steps that lead to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.
This final section is shared with the classic 4-day Inca Trail. From Inti Punku, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. We then descend to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you will check in to your hotel for the night.
Included
- Hotel pickup
- Professional guide
- Tourist transportation
- Train: Ollantaytambo – Km 104
- Return train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Entrance ticket: Inca Trail – Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (according to circuit availability)
- One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Bus ticket: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (Day 1)
- Box lunch and snacks
- First aid kit
Not included
- Breakfast (Day 1)
- Entrance to hot springs
- Dinner (first night)
- Lunch (Day 2)
DAY 2:
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We will have an early breakfast before taking the first bus to the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes. Our guided tour will last around 2 hours, during which we will explore the reserved circuit while the guide explains the history, purpose, and significance of the ruins. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own and take as many photos as you wish.
At a convenient time, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch (this meal is not included in the tour).
Later, we will depart from Aguas Calientes by train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take you back to the city of Cusco.
Included
- Professional bilingual guide
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- 1 breakfast
- Train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
Not included
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Bus: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (Day 2)
- Dinner in Cusco
- Extra expenses
Why choose us?
- Quality tour service.
- Creating personalized experiences.
- Free advice from an expert team.
- Permanent customer service.
- Guaranteed departures.
Remember! request a quote and modify this experience with the destinations you want.
FAQ
We are committed to providing top-tier experiences and safety in every destination. Plan your dream trip with the confidence of Inca World Travel!
Q: What is the Deposit Payment Process?
Pre-arrival deposits are required for tours in order to reserve tickets, entrances, and lodging. The amount may vary but is generally around 50% and can be paid in a variety of methods depending on your location. These methods include payment by credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, and Western Union.
Q: Can I Join or Leave a Tour During its Duration?
If you are interested in only a segment of a tour package, it is more recommendable to reserve individual day tours and transport, or to request one of our tour specialists to create a custom itinerary for you. (Read our terms and conditions)
Q: Are There Age Restrictions on the Tours?
The only restriction is that you must be at least 18 years old if you are traveling independently, otherwise you must be traveling with an adult. There is no upper age limit, but please disclose any health or mobility concerns so that we can ensure that your trip is as comfortable and pleasurable as possible.
Q: How can I change or cancel my reservation?
Any cancelation or change of services should be requested in writing, via email to the specialist making your arrangements. Regardless, it is important to remember that there exist cancelation and modification policies for each program, for which we invite you to review the general terms and conditions.
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