From Cusco | Private Service Short Inca Trail Full Day

Exploring the renowned Inca Trail doesn’t always require multiple days. This private short Inca Trail tour from Cusco offers an engaging one-day experience that unveils the highlights of this iconic region. Visitors can expect to discover archaeological gems, trek to stunning viewpoints, and enjoy the legacy of the Inca civilization. With seamless logistics and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides an opportunity to explore the rich history and natural beauty that have captivated travelers for centuries. Whether you’re short on time or seeking a more intimate experience, this private service excursion promises an unforgettable journey.

Key Points

• The tour departs from Cusco at 3:45 AM and includes a private service for a 1-day Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.
• The itinerary involves visiting Chachabamba and Winay Wayna archaeological sites, hiking to the Puerta del Sol viewpoint, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• The tour cost is $571.00 per person and includes transportation, train tickets, Machu Picchu entrance fee, and a guided tour of the Inca citadel.
• The tour offers a comprehensive package that covers logistics, allowing for a seamless experience and maximum time at Machu Picchu.
• The tour highlights include discovering historical sites, hiking to stunning viewpoints, and witnessing the iconic Machu Picchu, all while observing the local flora and fauna.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

The 1-day private service Short Inca Trail tour departs from Cusco and costs $571.00 per person.

The tour lasts one day and includes pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 3:45 AM. You’ll then transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station and take the train to the Km-104 checkpoint, arriving at 6:10 AM.

The itinerary includes visiting the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Winay Wayna before hiking to the Puerta del Sol viewpoint at 2,720 meters. You’ll then descend to the Machu Picchu guardians house and take a bus to Aguas Calientes, arriving at 5:30 PM.

The tour includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu and transportation back to Cusco.

Itinerary

On the tour, guests depart from their Cusco hotel at 3:45 AM for the transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.

They’ll then take the train to the Km-104 checkpoint, arriving at 6:10 AM.

From there, the group will visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba before continuing on to the Wiñaywayna archaeological center.

Next, they’ll hike to the Puerta del Sol at 2,720 meters.

After descending to the Machu Picchu guardians’ house, guests will take a bus to Aguas Calientes, arriving around 5:30 PM.

The final leg of the journey is the train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to Cusco, completing the 1-day private tour.

Highlights

Guests can enjoy hiking and observing the local flora and fauna throughout the tour, culminating in the wonder of exploring Machu Picchu.

This full-day adventure offers several highlights:

• Discover the archaeological site of Chachabamba and the impressive Wiñaywayna ruins.
• Hike to the Puerta del Sol viewpoint for breathtaking vistas of the Andes.
• Descend to the Machu Picchu guardians house, where you’ll take a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel.

The combination of stunning natural landscapes, fascinating historical sites, and the opportunity to witness the majesty of Machu Picchu make this private Inca Trail tour a truly memorable experience.

Inclusions

This private Inca Trail tour includes pickup from your Cusco hotel, a box lunch, transportation to and from Ollantaytambo, train tickets between Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and Ollantaytambo, the Machu Picchu entrance fee, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and a bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.

You won’t have to worry about the logistics – it’s all taken care of. This ensures a seamless experience as you explore the wonder of Machu Picchu after your scenic hike.

The only things not included are breakfast, dinner, water/beverages, tips, and personal purchases, so you’ll need to budget for those. But otherwise, this tour provides a comprehensive package to maximize your time at this iconic Inca site.

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Exclusions

While the Inca Trail tour includes several key services, it doesn’t cover breakfast, dinner, water/beverages, tips, or personal purchases. Travelers will need to budget for these additional expenses to have a complete experience.

The exclusions for this tour include:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Water and other beverages
• Tips for the guide and support staff

It’s important to factor in these costs when planning the overall trip budget. By being aware of what’s covered and what’s not, travelers can ensure they’ve a seamless and enjoyable experience on the Inca Trail.

Pickup and Transfer

The tour begins with a early morning pickup from the traveler’s hotel in Cusco at 3:45 AM.

Travelers are then transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train that departs at 6:10 AM for the Km-104 checkpoint, the starting point of the Inca Trail hike.

This smooth transfer ensures a seamless start to the day’s adventure.

Upon arrival at Km-104, hikers begin their trek, exploring the archaeological site of Chachabamba and continuing on to the Wiñaywayna archaeological center before ascending to the iconic Puerta del Sol viewpoint.

The efficient transportation logistics set the stage for an unforgettable day of hiking, history, and breathtaking Andean scenery.

Train and Bus Rides

After the early morning pickup in Cusco, travelers board the train from Ollantaytambo to Km-104, the starting point of the Inca Trail hike. The train departs at 6:10 AM, transporting hikers to the checkpoint where they begin their day-long trek.

Once they reach Machu Picchu, a bus shuttles the group down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where they catch the train back to Ollantaytambo and then transfer to Cusco.

The tour includes:

• Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back
• Bus transportation from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Transfers from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Hiking and Exploration

From the train station at Km-104, hikers embark on their day-long trek along the Inca Trail.

They’ll explore the archaeological site of Chachabamba before continuing on to the impressive Wiñaywayna ruins.

The highlight of the hike is the ascent to Puerta del Sol, offering stunning views over the Machu Picchu sanctuary.

Trekkers will have the chance to observe the local flora and fauna as they descend to Machu Picchu’s guardians’ house.

The journey culminates with a bus ride to Aguas Calientes and a train back to Ollantaytambo, where a transfer awaits to return them to Cusco.

This short but rewarding Inca Trail experience provides a taste of the region’s ancient history and natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Children on This Tour?

Yes, children are allowed on this 1-day private Inca Trail tour. However, the hike may be challenging for young children due to the steep terrain and high altitude. Parents should consider their child’s fitness level before booking the tour.

What if I Have Dietary Restrictions?

If the traveler has dietary restrictions, they should notify the tour operator in advance. The operator can accommodate most dietary needs and provide appropriate meals, ensuring the traveler has an enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Is This Tour Physically Demanding?

Yes, this tour is physically demanding. The itinerary includes hiking 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) with an elevation gain of over 800 meters (2,625 feet). Participants should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the experience.

Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes?

Tourists can extend their stay in Aguas Calientes after the tour. However, this would require additional planning and booking separate accommodations, as the tour itinerary only includes transportation to and from Aguas Calientes on the same day.

What Should I Pack for the Hike?

For the hike, it’s recommended to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a light rain jacket, sun protection, snacks, and plenty of water. Layering is key to stay comfortable as the weather can change quickly on the trail.

Recap

This private Short Inca Trail tour from Cusco provides a comprehensive one-day experience to explore the highlights of the Inca Trail.

With convenient transportation, entrance fees, and expert guidance, it offers a seamless and memorable journey through the stunning natural landscapes and historical sites of the region, including archaeological sites, the Puerta del Sol viewpoint, and a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

You can check availability for your dates here: