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This is the short version of the famous and stunning Inka Trail. It’s an ideal option for those who do not have very much time but do not want to miss this unique experience nor the beautiful landscapes and diverse plants and birds. During this hike, you will have the chance to learn about one of the greatest cultures in South America: the Inkan culture. The capital of the Inkan Empire was in Q’osqo or Cusco and spread throughout much of South America (Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, and Colombia). The Inka Trail itself, is hidden between the Andean mountains, but there are also buildings which are spread out in the mountains, the valley and towards the Peruvian Amazon. With the arrival of the Spanish invaders, Inkan culture started to disappear but there are still some relics and sites intact that we will be able to see during the hike.
The first archaeological site that we will visit is Chachabamba (2,200m/7,217ft), located next to the Urubamba River. Then, we will climb up to Wiñaywayna (2,650m/8,694ft) and carry on to Inti Punku (2,720m/8,923ft), where we’ll have a panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,490m/8,169ft). We may also find a variety of flora, fauna and birds along the way.
Level: easy. People of all ages are welcome.
DAY 1: CUSCO – WIÑAYWAYNA - MACHU PICCHU (11km)
We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and take you straight to the train station in Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. The journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo will take about an hour and 30 minutes and if the weather is good along the way, you’ll see majestic, snow-capped peaks and farmland. From Ollantaytambo, we’ll board the train to KM 104 which will take approximately one hour.
Once at KM 104 (2,200 m/7,217 ft), we will begin our walk. First passing the bridge over the Urubamba river or Willkamayuc which translated from Quechua means Sacred River. Upon reaching the checkpoint, you will need to show your I.D. e.g. passport, certificate of foreign registration or national I.D card.
About a 15-minute walk away is the first archaeological center and the Choquesuysuy Chachabamba site that are hidden in the semi-tropical forest. After stopping here, we will begin the ascent up to Wiñaywayna (2,650 m/8,694 ft) which will take approximately 4 hours. Along the way, we will pass by waterfalls and different types of orchids whilst taking in beautiful views of the Sacred Valley below. At Wiñaywayna, you’ll see a perfect example of Inkan-style agriculture through the several circular terraces that lie along its slopes. The site has more than 20 buildings, including the Rainbow Temple and the Fertility Temple. The name Wiñaywayna comes from a beautiful orchid that is abundant in the area and means Forever Young. We’ll stay here for around an hour and have lunch before continuing with the hike.
The second part of your journey consists of walking for 2 hours through an Andean plateau, climbing a set of stone stairs and passing by tombs, in order to arrive at our destination, Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol / Sun gate (2,720 m/8,923 ft). In the time of the Inkas, Inti Punku functioned as an access and control point to the citadel of Machu Picchu. If it’s a clear day, you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the valley that surrounds it. We’ll walk down into the site of Machu Picchu (2,490 m/8,169 ft), and then take a 25-minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu town (2,160 m/7,086 ft), where we will spend the night in a hostel. If you are not too tired, you can visit the hot springs that are 5 minutes from town, for 10 soles per person. Aguas Calientes also has a variety of bars and restaurants, as well as an ATM in case you need to withdraw money.
DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
We will wake up very early, have breakfast, and board the first bus at 05:30 a.m., arriving at the entrance to Machu Picchu at 06:00 a.m., in time for sunrise. We will have a guided tour lasting around 2.5 hours where we’ll pass by some of the most important sites within Machu Picchu: the Royal Mausoleum, the 3-window Temple, the Main Temple, the Sacred Square, and the famous Inti Huatana. After the tour, you will have around 4 hours of free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace.
Afterwards, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco, arriving around 8:30 p.m.
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
- Transfer to train station
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to KM 104
- Spanish and English-speaking professional guide
- Inka Trail pass and Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- 1 breakfast, 1 Box Lunch, 1 dinner. We can accommodate special dietary requests e.g. vegetarian meals and allergies.
- 1-night hotel stay in Aguas Calientes (double room)
- Oxygen and first aid kit
- 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Return bus ticket: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Expedition train ticket to return to Ollantaytambo, bus to Cusco and transfer to your hotel
- Breakfast on the 1st day and lunch on the 2nd day, after the guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- Travel Insurance – we strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip
- Tips
- Original Passport and migration card
- ISIC card (isic.org) if applicable (must be submitted at the time of booking)
- Backpack and daypack
- Hiking boots and sandals (very important)
- Rain gear: a good raincoat, rain pants and a plastic rain poncho
- Shirts and pants for the whole trek
- Bathing suit for the hot springs
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Personal medical kit and medication
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Small towel
- Water bottle (recommended 1 liter)
- Trekking poles (can be rented from us)
- Headlamp with spare batteries (very important)
- Camera and extra batteries
- Extra money for drinks, souvenirs, tips etc. (soles or dollars)
Departure dates: We have potential group trips for the Inka Trail every day of the year, except in February when the trail is closed for maintenance.
Note: You are able to visit Machu Picchu by train in February.
Availability: Only 250 people are allowed on the Inka Trail per day and this includes tourists, guides, porters and chefs. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, you should make your reservation months in advance. Also, please note, all agencies have the same number of spaces, so if one agency is not able to accommodate your dates, none of them will be able to.
Group Price
- USD$ 400.00 per person
Private tours Service Prices
- 2 people USD$ 500.00 per person
- 3 people USD$ 470.00 per person
- 4 people USD$ 430.00 per person
- 5+ people USD$ 410.00 per person
- Student Discount: USD $30.00 (requires ISIC Card)
- Under 18’s Discount: USD $30.00
- Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain: USD $70.00
- Hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain: USD $70.00
- Vistadome Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco: USD $50.00
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes
- Walking Poles (pair): USD $8.00