Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

$650.00 $550.00 Per Person

The Short Inca Trail is a fantastic option for those who don’t 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 Wiñaywayna, you get to enjoy the all the best bits of the Inca Trail condensed in to a one day walk.

The Wiñaywayna (Forever Young) complex was discovered in 1941 by the Norwegian expedition, headed by Paul Fejos. This is an Inca ruin along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is built into a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River. The site consists of upper and lower house complexes connected by a staircase and fountain structures. Above and below the houses the people built areas of agricultural terraces, which are still visible.

From Wiñaywayna the trail undulates along below the crest of the east slope of the mountain named Machu Picchu. The steep stairs leading to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) are reached after approximately 3 km. Reaching the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the citadel of Machu Picchu, which lies below. A short downhill walk is the final section of the trail.

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.

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Description

DAY 01 / KM 104 – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES (L/D)

We take the early morning train from Poroy or Ollantaytambo Station to km 104 on the rail road to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will see spectacular views of the farmlands, snow-capped mountains and the mighty Urubamba River, one of the sources of the Amazon River. We will notice a dramatic change in ecological levels, from Quechua to cloud forest.

Upon disembarking from the train at Km104 (2,000 m), we will register with the Machu Picchu authorities to begin our trek. Once you have everything you need, we will provide you with a packed lunch, energy drinks and take a group photo, before visiting our first Inca site. After an orientation and tour of the Inca site, we will begin hiking upwards, as we head for the Classic Inca Trail. If the weather is clear, we will have tremendous views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River and other surrounding Inca Sites.

After hiking for three hours, we will reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail, Wiñaywayna (Forever Young) at 2,600 m/8,500 ft. Wiñaywayna is an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.

From Wiñaywayna, we will walk to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where we will see the picturesque landscape of Machu Picchu. When we arrive at the Inti Punku, the entrance to Machu Picchu (2,350 m/7,710 ft.), we will enjoy our first view of the sacred city. This magical place will surprise us with impressive geography, as well as with the evidence of the high intellectual and spiritual development achieved by the Andean people, under the rule of the Incas. After taking in the once-in-a-lifetime views, we will begin our descent to Machu Picchu.

A big advantage of this hike is that by the time we reach Machu Picchu, most of the day travelers will have returned home, so you will have the area to yourself. After taking photos, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and head to your hotel. Following, we will head to “Indio Feliz” for dinner (included). This restaurant is considered the best in Aguas Calientes. After dinner, we recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day.

 

Trek Time: 7 hrs

Distance: 6.7 miles/10.8 km (to Inti Punku)

 

DAY 02 / MACHU PICCHU – THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS – CUSCO (B)

Early in the morning we will take our bus up to the Archeological Site of Machu Picchu, to enjoy a two hour guided tour of the amazing architecture and mysterious temples left by the Incas. We will explore sacred places as well as the places where Andean man demonstrated the extent of his knowledge.

Once the official tour is completed, you will have plenty of time to explore the Sanctuary on your own. Also, we recommend you to hike the Huayna Picchu Mountain (entrance is not included in the tour price and the number of people admitted is 400 per day) to admire an impressive panoramic view of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and also visit the Temple of the Moon (not included in the tour price). After your lunch, we recommend you to walk up again to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku to admire an amazing panoramic view of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu or visit the Inca Bridge.

In the afternoon, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Depending on the time your train back to Poroy or Ollantaytambo station is schedule to leave, you can take the chance to explore a little bit of what Aguas Calientes has to offer, such as Hot Springs at the top of one of the main streets, or take a walk to their natural museum. Transfer, on your own, to the train station to take your train back to Poroy or Ollantaytambo Station (20min/90min respectively from the City of Cusco), where a person will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel in Cusco.

 

END OF OUR SERVICES

B= Breakfast / L= Lunch / D= Dinner

 

INCLUDED

  • Pre-departure briefing.
  • Transfer to Poroy or Ollantaytambo Train Station from Cusco.
  • Train ticket from Poroy or Ollantaytambo to km104.
  • 01 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
  • Meals according to itinerary.
  • Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on first day.
  • Bus to/from Machu Picchu on second day.
  • Spanish / English speaking professional tour guide.
  • Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrances.
  • Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
  • Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Olantaytambo Train Station.
  • Transfer from Poroy or Ollantaytambo Train Station to your hotel in Cusco.

 

NOT INCLUDED

  • Domestic and International flights.
  • Airport taxes.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Tips.
  • Extra porter to carry your belongings from Km. 104 to Aguas Calientes.
  • Huayna Picchu entrance.
  • Hot Springs entrance ticket.
  • Additional tours.

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