SHORT INKA TRAIL – 2D/1N

From $470 per person

The Short Inca Trail is a 2-day/1-night trek in Peru. It provides a condensed but rewarding journey to the iconic Machu Picchu. Hikers follow a portion of the Inca Trail, passing through breathtaking landscapes and exploring ruins like Winay Wayna. On the second day, they reach Machu Picchu, where they can explore the ancient citadel. While shorter than the traditional Inca Trail, it still offers a memorable adventure with stunning vistas and a glimpse into Inca history, making it an excellent option for those with limited time or seeking a less physically demanding trek.

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Duration: 2 Days - 1 Night
Type Service: Private or Group
Max Altitude: 2,650 m.s.n.m
Activity Level: Moderate

Itynerary

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 tour consists of walking for 2 hours across an Andean plateau, climbing stone stairs and passing tombs, to reach our destination, Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol (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 is a clear day, you will have a stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valley. We will walk to the site of Machu Picchu (2,490 m/8,169 ft) and then take a one-hour walk to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu town (2,160 m/7,086 ft), where we will spend the night in a pension. If you are not too tired, you can visit the hot springs that are 15 minutes from the 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.

Inclusion

Included

  • 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
  • Bus ticket: Aguas CalientesMachu PicchuAguas Calientes
  • Expedition train ticket to return to Ollantaytambo, bus to Cusco and transfer to your hotel

Not Included

  • 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

What you should bring

  • Original Passport and migration card
  • ISIC card (isic.org) if applicable (must be submitted at the time of booking)
  • Backpack
  • 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.

Prices

Group Price

  • USD$ 470.00 per person

Private tours Service Prices

  • 2 people USD$ 570.00 per person
  • 3 people USD$ 535.00 per person
  • 4 people USD$ 500.00 per person
  • 5+ people USD$ 470.00 per person

Discounts

  • Student Discount: USD $30.00 (requires ISIC Card)
  • Under 18’s Discount: USD $30.00

Optional extras NOT included (need to book in advance)

  • Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain: USD $70.00
  • Hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain: USD $70.00
  • Vistadome Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco: USD $40.00
  • Walking Poles (pair): USD $8.00
  • Extra night in Aguas Calientes

SHORT INKA TRAIL – 2D/1N

We are focused on the environment.
You will enjoy evironmental activities that are part of the COCA LIFE ADVENTURE

Why Choose Coca Life Adventure?

All of our English speaking local guides are passionate about their country and will accompany you from the moment you arrive in your destination, throughout your escorted tour and right until your departing flight home.

Your dedicated and personal trip coordinator is available around-the-clock throughout your trip to accommodate requests, take care of the details, and handle any unforeseen situations.

Discover our enchanting world your way. Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences through their comprehensive knowledge of each destination.

All our accommodations and services are personally tested by our team. Tell us your travel dream and we will create an itinerary packed with the best experiences your destination has to offer.

Plan Your Perfect Trip With Us

Hello! I’m Brissy Luz, thanks for visiting our website. Ever since i was a little girl i was interested spreading the Inca culture and history. I studied tourist administration and worked in different fields of tourism due to which i know very well the needs of our tourists. I decided to create COCA LIFE ADVENTURE with the aim of offering unforgetable experiences to those who visit us.

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