The Short Inca Trail is a fantastic option for those who do not have the time or desire to hike the full length of the Inca Trail. With beautiful scenery, a wide variety of flora and fauna on display and a visit to the Inca Trail’s most beautiful site (Wiñay Wayna), you get to enjoy the all the best bits of the Inca Trail condensed in to a one-day walk. Covering a distance of just 10km / 6.3 miles the 2 day Inca Trail is not too challenging which makes it perfect for families with children and those on a tight schedule.
Due Government of Peru restrictions, the SHORT INCA TRAIL is NOT AVAILABLE during february month.
Pick up from Cusco airport, bus terminal, hotel or Airbnb
After breakfast at your hotel, we will pick you up, transferred in our private transport to the train station.
After aboard the train, we have a route for approximate 1 hour to Km 104
The ruins of Chachabamba was discovered in 1940, are located on the old Inca road that ran along the southern bank of the Urubamba River. The style of buildings and stonework suggest that this used to be an important religious site, as well as having the secondary function as a gate house guarding this entrance to Machu Picchu.
It is an archaeological site belonging to the Inca period, built by the Inca Pachacutec. The name corresponds to an orchid that abounds in the place. It may have been a spiritual or religious destination, or simply a place for elders or royalty to rest before reaching the end of the 26-mile journey to Machu Picchu. The Winay Wayna ruins consist of upper and lower collections of Inca architecture, connected by stone steps that appear in elegant curves. The upper structures have a unique circular building, while below is a collection of linear parapets with sharp peaks, jagged walls, and huge stone slabs with little space between them. The precarious staircase between the two levels embraces a long line of ancient fountains, often called baths. In addition to the architectural structures, the area is surrounded by an agricultural complex, terraced with extraordinary masonry of local stones.
The Intipunku is the entrance gate and control center used by the Incas in Machu Picchu. Its name comes from two Quechua words that mean: ‘Sun Gate’. From there you have a privileged panoramic view of Machu Picchu. The Incas could register the number of people who left and entered the ‘Inca city’. The name “Intipunku” must have been put in the 20th century, responding to its location. It is that there very early, the sun makes its appearance through the same door, illuminating the entire Inca city. Today the Intipunku serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu for tourists who do the Inca Trail, both in its 4 and 2-day versions.
After a full days trekking we will arrive to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain below. The light at this time of day is great for photos and with fewer tourists in the site it is a perfect time to take some pictures of the site. After we have passed through the Sun Gate we will carry on along the trail a little way before taking a side trail that leads us to Aguas Calientes in the valley below where we will check in to our hotel.
Waking up early, we will take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We will have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you will learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour, you will have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Show more
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience