Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
2 days / 1 night

Day 1 | Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Early morning transfer from your hotel to the train station where you will board the train that will take you to km.104 on the Cusco – Machu Picchu railroad. Once there, we start with a visit of the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2150m/7052ft), before embarking upon an 8 km ascent on the trail. After approx. 4 hours, we arrive at the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. On the way up we may enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river. We then continue and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may contemplate the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend to Machu Picchu and then by bus to Aguas Calientes. Accommodations at the selected hotel.

Day 2 | Aguas Calientes to Cusco

This morning, enjoy a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel. You will then have free time to walk around; climb to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain, where you can experience spectacular views of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it; visit the Temple of the Moon; or visit the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.

Departs:

Prices are subject to change until time of booking.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Not included. Choose from the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Hatuchay Towers.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

- Pre-departure briefing
- Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee
- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
- Meals 1 boxed-lunch
- Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes – 1st day
- Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – 2nd day
- Train ticket from Cusco / Sacred Valley to Km104 and from Aguas Calientes to Cusco/Sacred Valley (Backpacker, Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, upon request)

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu
- Meals (unless specified)
- Gratuities

DURATION

2 days / 1 night