From Cusco: Short Inca Trail 2 Days To Machu Picchu

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers trekkers a chance to experience the beauty of the Andes Mountains and the grandeur of the ancient Inca citadel in just two days. Departing from Cusco, this rewarding journey takes hikers through lush forests, past stunning Inca ruins, and up to the iconic Sun Gate for breathtaking views of the iconic Machu Picchu. With a comfortable overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, this abridged trek provides an efficient yet immersive introduction to one of the world’s most captivating destinations. Those seeking a manageable yet awe-inspiring Inca adventure won’t want to miss this…

Key Points

The Short Inca Trail is a 2-day trek from Cusco that offers breathtaking views of the Andes, forests, and Inca ruins before reaching Machu Picchu.
The tour includes an early hotel pickup in Cusco, a train ride to km 104, and a 5-hour trek to the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu.
The package covers all transportation, entrance fees, a professional guide, and one night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
Trekkers can admire the stunning panoramic views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and explore the iconic ancient citadel.
Restrictions apply for altitude sickness, infants, and seniors, and the use of drones, alcohol, and drugs is prohibited during the tour.

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Tour Overview

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a relatively challenging yet stunning 2-day trek, providing participants with breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, lush forests, and Inca ruins.

Starting in Cusco, the tour begins with an early morning hotel pickup and a train ride to km 104 of the railway line. Trekkers then embark on a 3-hour hike to the Wiñaywayna archaeological complex, followed by a 2-hour ascent to the Intipunku Sun Gate and a final 45-minute descent to Machu Picchu.

After touring the iconic site, participants take a bus to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay before returning to Cusco the next day.

This short but rewarding journey is a fantastic way to experience the wonders of the Inca Trail.

Itinerary Details

Participants begin the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with an early 4:00 am hotel pickup in Cusco.

They’ll take a train to km 104 of the railway line and start trekking.

After 3 hours, they’ll reach the Winay Wayna archaeological complex. The trek continues for 2 more hours to the Intipunku Sun Gate, offering stunning views.

From there, it’s a 45-minute descent to reach the iconic Machu Picchu. A bus then takes them to Aguas Calientes town, where they’ll spend the night.

The next day, they’ll explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour before returning to Cusco around 6:30 pm.

Included in the Tour

The tour package includes a hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the adventure.

Travelers will have the services of a professional guide leading them through the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. For larger groups of over 9 participants, an additional guide will be provided for better support and management.

All necessary transportation, including train tickets, is included. Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are also covered.

Accommodation for one night in Aguas Calientes and select meals are provided.

For emergencies, the tour includes a first aid kit and oxygen bottle.

The return train ticket to Ollantaytambo ensures a comfortable journey back to Cusco.

Highlights of the Trek

Trekking the Inca Trail offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, immersing travelers in lush Andean forests and ancient Inca ruins.

The highlight is reaching the iconic Sun Gate, which provides stunning panoramic vistas of the lost city of Machu Picchu. Visitors can bask in the awe-inspiring sight of the ancient citadel as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the ruins.

This short but challenging trek delivers a truly unforgettable experience, allowing adventurers to connect with Peru’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. Whether admiring the jaw-dropping landscapes or marveling at the engineering feats of the Incas, this journey promises to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on it.

Restrictions and Policies

Certain restrictions apply to this trek, as it may not be suitable for individuals with altitude sickness, babies under a year old, or seniors over 95 years of age. Plus, the use of drones, as well as the consumption of alcohol and drugs, is strictly prohibited during the tour.

Restrictions	Accommodations
Altitude Sickness	Not Recommended
Babies Under 1 Year	Not Allowed
Seniors Over 95	Not Recommended
Drones	Not Allowed
Alcohol & Drugs	Not Allowed

These policies are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants throughout the trek. Guests are advised to plan accordingly and adhere to these guidelines for a successful and enjoyable journey.

Train and Transportation

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:00 am, followed by a train journey to kilometer 104 of the railway line, the starting point of the trek.

The train ride offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains and lush forests along the way.

From here, the trekking portion of the journey begins, taking hikers through the stunning Wiñaywayna archaeological complex and up to the Intipunku Sun Gate, which offers breathtaking vistas of the iconic Machu Picchu.

After reaching the ruins, a bus whisks travelers down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where they’ll spend the night before returning to Machu Picchu the next day for a guided tour.

Accommodation and Meals

After reaching Aguas Calientes, travelers spend the night in a hotel accommodation included in the tour package. The hotel stay in Aguas Calientes allows travelers to rest and recharge before the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

The tour also provides 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner during the 2-day itinerary. The meals are carefully selected to fuel adventurers as they trek the Inca Trail and explore the ancient citadel.

Whether it’s a hearty breakfast to start the day or a satisfying dinner after a long day of exploration, the included meals ensure travelers have the energy they need throughout the Short Inca Trail experience.

Group Size and Departure

Departures for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are available daily, allowing travelers to book the tour on any preferred date.

The group size is limited to up to 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized trekking experience. This small group size allows the guide to provide more attentive support and create a cohesive dynamic within the group.

The early morning departure from Cusco at 4:00 am sets the stage for a full day of adventure, as travelers embark on their journey to the iconic Inca ruins.

With these convenient departure options and a carefully curated group size, the Short Inca Trail offers an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Peru’s highlands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Customers can’t typically customize the full tour itinerary, as it’s a pre-designed package. However, they may be able to request small adjustments, like an earlier start time, within reason. It’s best to discuss any preferences with the tour provider.

Is There an Option to Extend the Trek Duration Beyond 2 Days?

Yes, the trek duration can be extended beyond 2 days. Longer Inca Trail treks ranging from 4 to 7 days are available, allowing hikers more time to explore the stunning Andean landscapes and Inca ruins along the way.

What Is the Policy for Cancellations and Refunds?

The tour operator has a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel for a full refund up to 7 days before the tour date, and a partial refund up to 3 days before. Refunds may incur a small processing fee.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Solo Travelers or Group Bookings?

The tour operator offers discounts for group bookings, typically 10% off for groups of 4 or more. They don’t provide specific solo traveler discounts, but the per-person price is already reasonable for individual bookings.

What Is the Process for Obtaining a Visa or Permit for This Tour?

No visa or permit is required for this tour. Hikers only need their passport and a valid Inca Trail permit, which the tour operator will obtain on the traveler’s behalf as part of the package.

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Recap

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a remarkable 2-day trek through the stunning Andes, culminating in a breathtaking view of the iconic Inca citadel.

This rewarding journey combines ancient Inca ruins, lush forests, and magnificent mountain landscapes, providing travelers with an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or seeking an adventure, this tour is an excellent opportunity to witness the natural and cultural wonders of Peru.