Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail Private Tour – Inti Punku – Aguas Calientes

Hike the Short Inca trail until you reach Machu Picchu and spend the night in the town of Aguas-Calientes.

Our tour guide arrives at 05:10 am at your Hotel to transport to Ollantaytambo; the route is via Izcuchaca, Huarocondo, and Pachar. In Ollantaytambo, we will board our train. Generally, it is the Peru Rail train company. After traveling by train, we got off at kilometer 104 of the railway line to start our hike.

At the beginning of the hike, we have some welcome signs of the express Inca trail; When crossing the wooden suspension bridge, the ranger command awaits us. At the checkpoint, we present our original passports with entrance tickets to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the official Inca Trail network.

During the Short Inca Trail, we will have guided visits to the ruins of Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Intipunku. During the 2-Day trek, we have several natural viewpoints to observe the scenic landscapes of the Andes and the Andes jungle. The walking circuit is well marked to reach our goal, Machu Picchu; from Intipunku, we have the best views of Machu Picchu since we are at the top of the Inca citadel with a privileged view. In the afternoon, we board the bus service that takes us to the city of Aguas Calientes to stay at our Hotel.

Day 2: After the brief experience of the Short Inca Trail Hike, explore Machu Picchu on a 02-hour tour.

We chose one of the best two-day short routes to have a spectacular little hike that goes directly to the lost citadel of the Incas.

In the morning, We will make the ascent by bus to Machu Picchu and have our respective two-hour guided tour; Enough time to visit the entire Inca citadel.

In the afternoon, we board our train service to return to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, we board our private Kondor Path Tours vehicle to travel to Cusco and drop off the group of walkers at their respective hotels.

Additional Note

Choose your best date o visit Machupicchu with their tour guide “only the Inca Trail hikers can choose at what time to visit Machupicchu.” Once selected, visitors can stay within Machupicchu for 02-03 hours. “The recommended time to visit Machupicchu should be at 7:00 am to board your train service at the right time.”

Regulations of the 2-Day Inca Trail Hike

• Travelers can re-enter Machupicchu for the second time with a new ticket
• Huayna Picchu, it is necessary to buy a new key for Machupicchu plus Huayna Picchu
  • The first group of visitors enters at 07:00 am.
  • The second group of visitors enters at 10:00 am.
• Prices for 2022 are subject to the provisions of the Inca Trail network “INC Peru and Sernanp.”
• The start date of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the start date of the activities; there are no changes to dates, and the spaces are not transferable.
• The Historical Sanctuary is home to 450 birds species, and please do not feed them.
• The new regulation; Tour guides can only enter the archaeological group 3 times a day.

Short Inca Trail recommendations:

• For groups of 9 to 16 people, there are two professional guides.
• There is no water service on the adventure trail; bring extra water, like three small bottles of 700 milliliters.
• Bus service.
  • The Short Inca Trail tour starts at 5 am

Includes for the best Short Inca Trail 02 days / 01 night

• Private & personalized tours
• Active itinerary with unique cultural features.
• Day One: SHORT INCA TRAIL HIKING
  • Pick up from your Hotel at 05:10 am. Private transport to Ollantaytambo to the Train Station (the trip lasts 01 hours and 40 minutes.)
  • Peru Rail Train from Ollantaytambo to  KM 104, Class: Expedition 81, 83, 33, the guide travels on the same train as the visitors.
  • Excellent English-speaking tour guide.
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
  • Admission fee to the Inka Trail by SERNANP “National Service of Natural Protected Areas.”
  • Our tour guides carry 01 oxygen bottle plus 01 first aid kit for our group of explorers for any eventuality.”
  • Box lunch per client + guide, Short Inca Trail “clients load their box lunch.”
    • Note: Hikers will carry their belongings along the short Inca Trail “it is recommended to take what is necessary.”
  • Bus ticket Machu Picchu site to Aguas Calientes (one-way).
  • 01-night Hotel three stars in Aguas Calientes “Jaya Hotel.” The rooms include a private bathroom with a hot shower and Wi-Fi. OR A SIMILAR HOTEL!
• Day Two: MACHU PICCHU
  • Buffet breakfast at the Andina Luxury Machu Picchu hotel.
  • Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu site – Aguas Calientes.
  • 02 hours of a guided tour in Machu Picchu
  • Customers train – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo, by Peru Rail, Class: Expedition (Exp. 74, 34)
  • Private transport service from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco
  • All local taxes.

EXCLUSION SERVICE

• Cusco Hotel or Airbnb.
• Breakfast and Dinner on the 1st day, Lunch on the 2nd day, drinks, snacks, or water.
• $120. Half Porter to carry 7 kg / 15 lb. of personal items
• $160. Full Porter to carry 14 kg / 30 lb.
• $100. HUAYNA PICCHU entry per person.
• $100. MONTAÑA entry per person.
• $85. AM or PM Machu Picchu re-entry per person.
• International airfare, domestic airfare within Peru, airport departure taxes (Approximate cost US$ 31.00
• international flights, and US$ 7.40 for each domestic flight)
• Spending money – allow approximately US$ 35-50 per day to cover meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips, and any extras.
• Meals that do not describe in the itinerary.
• Other services that do not describe in the itinerary.
• Excess baggage charges – Train Advice: Luggage Policies and Identity Requirements by Inca Rail & Peru Rail changed its policies regarding luggage: 01 bags or backpack must not exceed 05 kg/11 pounds or 62 inches/157 cm (length + height + width). You can leave your main luggage in your Hotel. The Train service will require that each passenger boarding a train service submit their train ticket + original passport. Without this, the passenger will not be able to board the train for the safety of the passengers.
• Other tours do not write in the tour itinerary.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or snacks
• Phone calls/Radio calls or messages
• Insurance of any kind.

Packing List.

1. Original passport!
2. You only need to carry a small day backpack.
3. Water to drink on a hike (02 liters).
4. Trekking shoes.
5. Waterproof jacket.
6. Comfortable trousers/Sun hat or cap “essential.”
7. Sun protection cream.
8. Personal medication
9. Basic toiletries.
10. Camera and extra batteries
11. Cash in local currency to purchase items.
12. Optional items to Bring: Bandages or moleskin/Sandals.

Short Inca Trail Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Short Inca Trail?

The Short Inca Trail is a hike with a distance of 09 miles, from the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu, passing through the beautiful ruins of Wiñay Wayna.

In this hike, you will be able to walk through some sectors done in the Classic Inca Trail of 4 days, the last part of the hike is the same as the Inca Trail of 4 days. The trail is well maintained and preserved, the same paths that the Chasquis (Incan runners) used.

How long is the Short Inca Trail?

The first hours of hiking are a constant uphill, then the trail becomes more accessible, In some sections of the hike, it has a certain degree of difficulty, but it is an easy hike to do. The total hiking distance is 13 km / 8,08 miles, with a 06 –  07 hours hiking duration, with a maximum altitude of 2,650 m / 8,694 ft.

Is the Short Inca Trail worth it?

Is the Short Inca Trail worth it? Yes, the Short Inca Trail is the most popular hike in Peru and the world. This Inca trek is considered the most beautiful in Peru. The walk is part of the Inca route of the Qhapaq Ñam. The Short Inca Trail begins when you arrive in Cusco.

How challenging is the Short Inca Trail?

The Short Inca Trail is a truly breathtaking experience. Each day the tour goes deep into the cloud forest, the high jungle. Exploring a hilltop Inca settlement is a mystical experience while watching the clouds spread out below us.

The hike accompanied by llamas with the valley below covered by clouds was an atmospheric and magical moment to enjoy. At the end of the trek, we will make the entrance to Machu Pichu a majestic lot to an unforgettable experience.

Why does the Inca Trail close in February?

The main reason for the closure of the Short Inca Trail in February each year is to safeguard the integrity of visitors with a great spirit of adventure and that of the tour guides and other support staff.

Since 2002, and like every year, the Inca Trail and 18 other archeological sites located along the route are closed to visitors in February. Conservation, maintenance, and cleaning activities carry out that month to take the closure.

That is to say; in February, treatments are carried out on deteriorated sections, repair and repair of terraces, maintenance of the areas near the campsites, and mowing of the thick vegetation. The objective is to leave everything ready and suitable for the entry of travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

2 Day Inca Trail Length?

Short Inca Trail Distance: 11 km / 6.14 miles. Five hours of walking “03 hours of ascent and two hours of semi-plane and descent”.

Short Inca trail Tour Cost PER PERSON 2022 [USD].

*Based on DOUBLE room accommodation.

• solo participant $750.
• 02 participant $550.
• 03 participant $510.
• 04  participant $470.
• 05 participant $467.
• 06 participant $447.
• 07 participant + $444.

* The company operates the 2 day Short Inca Trail hike.
** Student discounts $ 20 off per person.

The Short Inca Trail in 2 day reservations with Kondor Path Tours

1st. STEP

2nd. STEP | First down payment.

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days

1 Solo traveler $350.00 USD 2 visitors $600.00 USD 3 hikers $900.00 USD 4 clients $1,200.00 USD 5 tourists $1,500.00 USD 6 travelers $1,800.00 USD 7 explorers $2,100.00 USD 8 vacationers $2,400.00 USD 9 adventurers $2,700.00 USD 10 excursionists $3,000.00 USD