The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers who have limited time or want something less strenuous. This adventure hike starts at KM 104 of the Machu Picchu train line on a trail that leads to two archaeological sites Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. This hike also gives you the opportunity to enter the lost city via the famous Sun Gate, the dramatic entrance that provides Inca Trail trekkers with their first glimpse of the site. Spend the night in Aguas Calientes and then wake up on Day 2 for a Machu Picchu tour.
We collect you from your Cusco hotel early in the morning and then transfer you in our van to the train station at Ollantaytambo. Our train journey lasts about an hour before making an unscheduled stop at KM 104, the trailhead of the Inca Trail and the start of our hike. Passing through the Inca Trail checkpoint we immediately see our first archaeological center, Chachabamba. These ruins were one of the last shelters used by the Inca pilgrims before they reached Machu Picchu. After some hours we arrive at Wiñay Wayna. Named after an orchid and meaning “Forever Young” in Quechua the site provides incredible views far across the Sacred Valley. Once the tour is complete we continue our hike for another 1-2 hours on a relatively flat section of trail. At around 4:00 pm we will reach the Sun Gate. Intipunku provides our first views of the magnificent Machu Picchu. Arriving in Aguas Calientes we will take you to check in at your hotel. Dinner will be in a local restaurants in town.
Get an early breakfast at your hotel before we meet to take a an early bus along the winding road to Machu Picchu. As we climb gradually to the sacred city we should be lucky enough to see the magnificent sunrise over the Andes. All of our guides are experts and enthusiasts in the history and legends of Machu Picchu, and so the 2-hour tour of the site will really bring the city to life for you. Of course, there will be plenty of time to take photos, of the city….and of the wild Llamas roaming the terraces! If you have elected to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, you will begin the hike at 10 AM (Huayna Picchu is not included in the trek price). If you are not climbing the mountain you will have some time in Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival in AC we board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo or to Poroy. From Ollantaytambo or Poroy we will transfer you in our vehicle to your Cusco hotel.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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