Short Inca Trail: The Ancestral Route to Machu Picchu
Tour Details
For those who wish to experience the mystique of the ancient Inca trails but have little time or prefer a less demanding hike, the 2-day Short Inca Trail is the perfect choice. It is not simply a tour; it is a modern pilgrimage that allows you to follow in the footsteps of the Inca nobility, crossing tunnels of vegetation, original stone staircases, and landscapes where the Andes blend with the Amazon.
The magic of this route lies in its exclusivity and in the peak moment of the first day: the arrival at Intipunku or the Sun Gate. Unlike travelers arriving by bus, you will have your first encounter with Machu Picchu from the heights, seeing how the citadel reveals itself majestically before your eyes with the golden light of sunset. It is a privileged perspective that few manage to capture.
Throughout the journey, you will discover hidden archaeological gems like Wiñay Wayna, a complex of terraces that defy gravity and that many consider as beautiful as the crown jewel itself. This trip combines a moderate physical challenge with the comfort of staying overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, allowing you to recover energy to explore the citadel in depth the next day. It is the perfect dose of adventure, culture, and spirituality in the heart of Peru.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
04:30 AM – Departure from Cusco: Transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
07:30 AM – Start of the Hike: We will get off the train at KM 104, the official starting point. After passing the control, we will visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba.
12:00 PM – Wiñay Wayna: Ascent of approximately 3 hours to this impressive Inca site. We will enjoy our Box Lunch surrounded by clouds and mountains.
03:00 PM – Sun Gate (Intipunku): The final stretch takes us to the original entrance of the Incas to their sacred city. Unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
05:00 PM – Descent to Aguas Calientes: We will go down by bus to the town for dinner and rest in a comfortable hotel.
Day 2: The Grand Visit to the Machu Picchu Citadel – Cusco
07:00 AM – Guided Tour: Return to the citadel by bus. We will conduct an exhaustive tour through the temples, palaces, and solar observatories, understanding Inca engineering and cosmogony.
11:00 AM – Free Time: Space to explore additional corners or simply meditate in front of Huayna Picchu.
02:30 PM – Return by Train: Trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and subsequent transfer by private bus to your hotel in Cusco.
Services
Included
- Transfer hotel in Cusco - Train station - Cusco.
- Train ticket to KM 104 (Starting point).
- Official permits and entrance tickets for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Professional guide specialized in trekking routes.
- Box Lunch (Lunch for the hike) and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- 01 Night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Bus tickets (Down day 1, up and down day 2).
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the second day.
- Trekking poles (can be rented).
- Tips for the support staff.
Recommendations
- Physical Preparation: Although it is the short version, you walk nearly 12 km on the first day. We recommend being in good physical condition and acclimated to the altitude.
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended to protect the knees during stone descents. They must have rubber tips (mandatory).
- Daypack: Only carry the essentials (water, waterproof jacket, sunscreen, camera). There are no porters for this route; you carry your own backpack.
- Footwear: Trekking boots with good grip that you have used previously (don't break in new shoes on the Inca Trail!).32
What to bring
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Short Inca Trail compared to the Classic Inca Trail?
The Short Inca Trail is considered moderately challenging and much less demanding than the 4-day Classic Inca Trail. It involves about 12 km (7.5 miles) of hiking on the first day, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who still want an authentic Inca Trail experience.
Do I need a permit for the Short Inca Trail?
Yes. The Short Inca Trail requires an official government permit, which is included in the tour price. Permits are limited and sell out quickly, so booking 4 to 6 months in advance is highly recommended.
Will I enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku)?
Yes. One of the highlights of this tour is entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on the first day, offering a panoramic and exclusive first view of the citadel that visitors arriving by bus do not experience.
Do I have to carry my own backpack during the hike?
Yes. There are no porters on the Short Inca Trail, so each traveler must carry their own daypack with essentials such as water, snacks, rain gear, sunscreen, and personal items.
Is the Short Inca Trail available all year round?
The trail is open most of the year, but it is closed every February for maintenance due to heavy rains. Availability is limited, so early booking is essential, especially during the high season (May to September).