Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular two days hikes; you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu twice, the best choice for those who may not have the time to experience the full version of the Inca Trail.
Start in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, drive the scenic train ride to Km 104, hike along the last part of the Classic Inca Trail, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sungate in the Afternoon. Marvel at Machu Picchu’s view with fewer people in the Afternoon. To book the Short Inca Trail tour, you only need to make an initial payment of 140.USD per person; the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or at our office upon arrival. Discount: $40 off for travelers under 17 with a valid student ID Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.- Pick up from Your hotel and drive to Ollantaytambo for 1.5 hours to take the train to km 104 and start the Short Inca Trail. The 7-hour hike takes you along the lost Inca Trail, visit the Inca Sites of Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and finally, arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sungate in the Afternoon. Day 2: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) – Cusco.- On the second day, wake early, have breakfast in your hotel, and take the first bus to Machu Picchu. The guided tour takes about 3 hours to visit the most important places. After the guided tour, you can explore by yourself or climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. Return to Cusco on the expedition train arriving at your hotel around 7.30 pm back to your hotel in Cusco. Optional hikes after Machu Picchu Tour: Huayna Picchu Mountain – The ticket is $75 extra per person. Machu Picchu Mountain – This ticket is $75 extra per person.
After being collected in your hotel at 4:00 am in Cusco, you’ll drive for 1.5-hours until Ollantaytambo to take the first trains to km 104 – Chachabamba (If you book a hotel in Ollantaytambo the night before the next day you can save 2 hours travel), the beginning of the Short Inca Trail. Once in km 104, you’ll need to show your original passport to enter. After the checkpoint, your tour guide will take you to Chachabamba archeological site, explore, learn the history, and hike along the lost Inca Trail. The trail is narrow but with amazing views; for 4-hours, you’ll follow the ancient path until you reach Wiñaywayna, one of the largest and most spectacular Inca Sites inside the Long Inca Trail, explore the buildings, streets, the water fountains, and temples. Lunch is in the nearby campsite of the same name (An organic box lunch will be provided to you). Continue the second part of the Short Inca Trail with a relatively easy 1-hour hike to Sungate. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful orchids, hundreds of birth, and a fantastic view. Upon arrival at Sungate, you will be rewarded with the most stunning view of the marvelous citadel. After a relaxing me-time in Sungate, you’ll continue to the upper part of Machu Picchu for another hour. The expected arrival time is after 4:00 pm, allowing us to see Machu Picchu with fewer visitors, take pictures and enjoy Machu Picchu with the sunset. Later you’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes (AC) and check in at your hotel. Wake early, breakfast in the hotel, and board the first buses up to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise. You will have a guided tour with a short hike to Inca Bridge and explore the magnificent Inca citadel. Your tour guide with take you to the most remarkable places in Machu Picchu. After 3 hours guided tour, you’ll have time to explore by yourself or take the other hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (both not included and different from Machu Picchu citadel). After finishing with the fortress, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included), and take the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo; our private transportation will be waiting for you and transfer you back to Your hotel. Approx. Arrive at 7.30 pm.
WHAT TO DO IN CUSCO? Upon arrival to Cusco (3033 m / 11154ft), you need to take some time to acclimatize to the high altitude of the city. We recommend taking tours around the city like the city tour of Cusco, Sacred Valley Tour before taking the long trip to Machu Picchu. This way you’ll reduce the risk of getting altitude sickness. If you have on Schedule tours like Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, please try to plan after the Machu Picchu Tour. WEATHER IN CUSCO? Cusco has two seasons: The rainy season from November to March and the dry season from April to October. However, weather in the Andes is unpredictable so it doesn’t matter when you come just bring good rain gear, also prepare for sunny days. Together with our 4 seasons equipment, we will make sure you have an experience of a lifetime despite any adversity. The only one thing you can say about the weather in Peru is that it is difficult to accurately predict. You can Have beautifully clear hot days in the middle of the wet season and hail storms in the dry season – it’s one of the beauties of Peru. Since Cusco city is the main destination in South America, it should not be an issue finding flights and places to stay. However, during high season you must book in advance. If you are having trouble with your bookings don’t hesitate to contact one of our travel representatives. We will be more than happy to assist you in finding the best deals and places for you. VACCINES NEEDED PRIOR TO COME TO PERU If you’re headed to Peru, you need to make sure to consult a clinic or your doctor at least four weeks prior to the trip. Vaccines for Peru vary based on your specific itinerary. A passport health travel specialist will help you decide which vaccines are best for you. Yellow fever (this vaccine may be required based on your travel itinerary), typhoid, hepatitis a, hepatitis b, rabies, routine vaccines. Visit this Page DIFFICULTY OF THE TREKS All of our treks are moderately difficult and challenging but nothing that you cannot do it. So please before you come to Peru make sure you exercise regularly and also acclimatize to the altitude. For this, we highly recommend you arrive at least two days ahead of your tour. BOOKING WITH ULTIMATE TREKKING PERU Booking with us was never easier. We only need to submit the info required below, and a 200 dollars deposit to book your entrance, train, and bus tickets. You can pay the balance once you arrive at our office. Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport), Gender, Passport number, date of birth, and Nationality HOW CAN I PAY MY DEPOSIT? PayPal: (For alternative treks and Inca Trail tour reservations a $200 deposit is needed, and $400 for the deluxe tours). The remaining balance you can pay upon arrival to Cusco city directly at our office. ALTITUDE SICKNESS OR “SOROCHE†At high altitude, the air is thinner and each body starts to react differently for the changes in oxygen levels. So basically there is less oxygen going into your body than you’re used to. To counteract you need to breathe faster and deeper and pump blood more rapidly in order to take the same amount of oxygen. This could be shocking to your body manifesting in various symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, poor appetite, lack of sleep. Cusco is at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) so you may experience some symptoms, on the other hand, Machu Picchu is significantly lower at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). So Machupicchu isn’t really the potential problem. The best way to deal with the altitude is: Breathing exercise. Deep breaths will help you get more oxygen in your body. The best way to acclimatize faster is drinking water, resting, having normal activities. Drink lots of water. This will really help you, but lots of water and try to go to the toilet often. Coca tea. It is in every corner in Cusco city, this plant used through centuries in Cusco to reduce altitude problems. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Alcohol is a big no at high altitude, so avoid the first days to your trek. The celebration is at the end. Use Diamox or the equivalent in Peru to help you adapt to the altitude faster Supplementary oxygen. If needed you can ask in your hotel for free or you can contact us. We will deliver to you at no cost. NUMBER OF VISITORS TO INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU? The number of visitors to the Inca trail has a limit of 500 per day and 2500 to Machu Picchu, according to UNESCO recommendations. Therefore, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season. The trains are usually full so make your reservations in advance. You can book your visit to Machupicchu only or a ticket including the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains. As long as the name is the same we can update any passport number needed. If you have an old passport and a new one, please send us a photocopy of both. If you don’t have the old you can send any ID with your name. Remember to bring both passports when you travel.  DO I NEED TO CARRY MY PERSONAL STUFF? We provide a porter for your belongings (7kg), so you can go carrying only your daypack.  WHO GETS DISCOUNT?  If you have a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time or you are under 17. you are entitled to a discount. In order to claim this discount, you have to send us a photocopy of this card. TOILETS DURING OUR TOURS Almost all the treks in Cusco are government regulated, therefore, is possible to find public toilets. Since past experiences with our guests showing discomfort with public toilets in the trails, we introduced our latest Alternative Porta-potty toilets and hot showers on all our tours to maximize your trekking experience. WHEN TO START PACKING? Start packing in advance all necessary equipment for trekking. if you need any assistance you can contact us anytime and come to Peru all prepared just to have fun and enjoy. DO WE HAVE A CHEF WHILE HIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS? We have highly trained CHEFS and PORTERS in our tours, capable of handling any special request or diet you may require on our tours Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – tea time – Dinner – wake up tea every day WHERE DO WE GET WATER? We will provide you drinkable water throughout the tours from the beginning until your last day with Ultimate Trekking. This is taken from the natural spring in the mountains and boiled, filtered and then cooled. To refill you must bring your Camelbak or bottle for at least 2 liters each day.
Overview
Overview
Highlights of the Short Inca Trail
Price per person: 499.USD
Day-by-day summary of the Short Inca Trail
Included in the Short Inca Trail
Not Included in the Short Inca Trail
Full Itinerary
Full Itinerary of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo- Km 104 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) – Cusco
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