SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS

Experience an unforgettable journey to Peru’s magical Machu Picchu on the SHORT INCA TRAIL. You will get to discover some of the best sights this region has to offer in just two days. With its limited capacity of 250 people per day and ability to accommodate altitude difficulties, it is perfect for families who want to make the journey together. Book now and don’t miss out!

Short Inca Trail Info

• Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
• Starting and Ending Point:Cusco Hotel
• Type of Tour:Adventure and Cultural.
• Transport:Bus, trekking and train.
• Hotel Options:We use basic hotels that includes breakfast, hot showers and private bathrooms; if you would like higher level, please let us know.
• When to go:Best from April to October.
• Altitude:From 2,100 masl to 2,750 masl.
• Difficulty:Easy –  Moderate.
• Day Temperature:15 ºC to 26 ºC.
• Important:We recommend that you stay in the town of Ollantaytambo, the night before the trek, because the train leaves from this place.

Short Trek Itinerary

DAY 1: Aguas Calientes town

• Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.
• 1:30 hours train to Chachamabamba or km 104.
• 6-7 hour Guided Inca Trail
• Explore Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna Inca ruins.
• Arrival to Machu Picchu and 25-minute bus journey to the town of “Aguas Calientes”.
• Hotel accommodation in the town of “Aguas Calientes”.

DAY 2: Machu Picchu

• Breakfast in the hotel.
• Bus for 25 minutes up to Machu Picchu.
• 2-3 hour tour within Machu Picchu.
• Extra free time to explore alone.
• Return to Ollantaytambo and transfer to your hotel.

VERY IMPORTANT: Making a booking 3 or 4 months in advance.
You must check that permits are available for the date you start the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Detailed Short Inca Trail Trek Itinerary

Our Short Inca Trail itinerary has been carefully crafted to provide travelers with an unforgettable experience while discovering Peru’s impressive history and culture. On this 5 day adventure, you will camp under the stars, explore hidden ruins and soak up incredible mountain views. As we traverse our way through the stunning Andes Mountains.

DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CHACHABAMBA – WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – “AGUAS CALIENTES”

At 04:00 a.m (or 05:30 a.m from Ollantaytambo) we’ll be ready to pick you up from your Cusco hotel for the 2-day Inca Trail trip to Machu Picchu. We’ll drive in a private van to the train station at Ollantaytambo (2-hours) and then journey by tourist train for 1:30 hours to Chachabamba, the starting point of the trek at Kilometer 104. At this point, you will need to present your original passport plus the Inca Trail permit before beginning our hike. Five minutes down the trail is Chachabamba; we will make a guided tour around this particular Inca site before continuing for 3-4 hours on an uphill journey towards Wiñaywayna, where lunch (box lunch) will be served.

After dining, there’s one more hour and a half walking through dense cloud forest until reaching Inti Punku or “Sun’s Gate” with beautiful views of sunset over Machu Picchu but no visit yet as we still need to take a bus down to Aguas Calientes and check into our hotel accommodation. You can optionally choose relax in the natural hot springs by foot or take some rest in your hotel room until dinner time before having an early wake up call next morning!

• Meals: L & D.
• Accommodation: Hotel in the town of “Aguas Calientes”.
• Maximum Altitude: 2730m (8,792ft.)
• Minimum Altitude: 2100m (6900ft.)
• Distance Travelled: 11 Km.
• Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 Hours.

DAY 2: “AGUAS CALIENTES” – MACHU PICHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

This morning, your wakeup call is at 5:30am and all your belonging must be left at the hotel reception. A five-minute walk from there will take you to the bus station for our 25 minute journey towards Machu Picchu. When arriving, you’ll need to show your tickets and passport at the control point, before beginning the tour with a guide giving you details about this mysterious city. You can spend two to three hours visiting amazing sites like the royal mausoleum, «Intihuatana» where Incas tied the sun on winter solstice or various stairs, squares and fountains. After that, you have time to take more photographs or visit Huayna Picchu with only 400 places per session. We depart back to Aguas Calientes in theafternoon with a departing train of 2:55 p.m onwards going to Ollantaytambo where our team will receive you and transport you over to Cusco and reach your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals: B
• Maximum Altitude: 2,400 masl (Machu Picchu Inca Citadel)
• Minimum Altitude: 2,000 masl (Town of “Aguas Calientes”)
• Distance Travelled: 25 minutes by bus.

The Inclusions and exclusions for 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

In the Price are Included:

Professional guides

All our guides have degrees in tourism, they are specialists in guiding and guiding travelers, they also grew up in the region of Cusco, that is why they are passionate about teaching others about their culture and the legacy of their ancestors. They are fun but very professional. They are the ones who will see to it that you are fully pleased and happy on your trek to Machu Picchu.

Entrance and Permits

As soon as we receive your Trekking date and a deposit, we will proceed to reserve your permits and entrance to Machu Picchu (for this, check our availability of the Inca Trail). Permits are for a specific date in your name. They cannot be changed once confirmed, it is only allowed to update or change your passport number. This permit also includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.

Hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes

This hike includes one night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. The hotel you reserve will appear on your invoice, and updates are always possible.

Transport

Sunrise Peru Trek will provide all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) to take you to KM 104 where your hike begins. The return train from Aguas Calientes will be on the Expedition Train, this will be included in your trip. You also have the option to change to the Vistadome Train for $ 75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, you will be taken back to your hotel in Cusco. It also includes your round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

Meals

Sunrise Peru Trek will make sure you enjoy a spectacular meal on the way to Machu Picchu. Your box-lunch in the site of Wiñaywayna, your dinner at the best restaurant in the town of Aguas Calientes. The next morning you can enjoy breakfast at your hotel. On the last day, no lunch is provided.

Water

We will give you a bottle of water for your morning walk. We recommend that you bring more of your own, as being well hydrated is the key to feeling good in the mountains.

First aid kit

Each Sunrise Peru Trek’s guide has received first aid training from a doctor and we conduct mandatory training sessions every February, which all of our tour guides attend. Also, your guide will always have a first aid kit for basic medical situations (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scratches, etc.) and oxygen. If necessary, we will get you out of the way as quickly and conveniently as possible, and we will ensure that you get directly to a clinic for appropriate care.

Excluded

• Breakfast on the first day, some hotels offer early morning breakfast. If not, you can have it on the train or in the town of Ollantaytambo.
• Lunch on the last day. You should consider a budget from 15 to $25 USD for each meal as average in a restaurant. We will assist you with all local matters.
• Entrance to the thermal springs in “Aguas Calientes” $6 USD; this is optional.
• Huayna Picchu Mt: It is the mountain that is located next to Machu Picchu. It takes a 45-minute walk to reach the top and another 45 minutes to go back down, if you are not afraid of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The additional cost is $ 75 per person. Updates must be made at least one month in advance due to the popularity and attendance of the venue. Now in relation to the climate, we cannot do anything because it does not depend on us.
• Tips for your guide are not mandatory.

What you need to bring?

IMPORTANT REMINDER

This hike does NOT include porters. You will carry all your things while you walk. Because of this, it is imperative to pack as lightly as possible. A light backpack is recommended for the trip.

• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars).
• Comfortable foot wear.
• Sweater and jacket (something warm).
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
• Sun block (sun protection cream).
• Insect repellent.
• Towel and toiletpaper.
• Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc.
• Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at “Aguas Calientes” after the trek).
• You also need to bring your original passport on the Inca Trail.

The Price Info

* The price is Based on Double / Triple accommodation.

PRIVATE TREK PRICES:

Private tours are based on group size

• 2 People $550 USD pp.
• 3 People $510 USD pp.
• 4 People $480 USD pp.
• 5 People $450 USD pp

AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS (these discounts are not cumulative):

• Students: $25.00 USD (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid).
• Teenagers: $20.00 USD (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings).
• Children: $30.00 USD (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings).

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO UPGRADE

• Huayna Picchu Moutain: It is $65USD
• Machu Picchu Mountain:It is $65 USD
• Vistadome: One way $35 and round trip $70

HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN – HOSTEL PRESIDENTE  OR SIMILAR

Address: Agua Calientes town – Cusco
Rating: 3 star
Web: http://hostalpresidente.com/rooms.html

FACILITIES

• Restaurant (open to public for breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Bar-Cafeteria
• Telephones with international and national dial up
• Fax services
• Luggage porters
• Laundry service

FREE ADDED VALUES

• AIRPORT TRANSFER: to your hotel in Cusco included (airport to hotel in Cusco only).
• SMALL GROUPS: 4 to 6 people on average, with a maximum of 8 hikers
• AFTERNOON TRAIN: We give you enough time to explore Machu Picchu and enjoy a relaxing lunch in Aguas Calientes. Your return train to Ollantaytambo is at 2:55 or 3:20 PM, and upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you take your private van to Cusco, arriving in Cusco at 7:00 PM.
• HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES: includes private bathroom, hot shower, buffet breakfast and Wi-Fi, etc.

ESSENTIAL INFO FOR SHORT INCA TRAIL

Find here essential information for a saucerful short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; When you need arrive in Cusco? where can you store your luggage? How is weather on the Trail? And many doubts are when you want to book the short Inca Trail Trek.

Arriving in Cusco

The airport in the city of Cusco is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and then go through Customs. Even if your flight is to Cusco on the same day by the same airline, then you must collect luggage in Lima and then re-register and board for the flight to Cusco.

The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options on the airlines. LATAM tends to be the most expensive but has more options for flights, delays or cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, that is why it can sometimes be difficult to land, due to the weather this can also stop air traffic.
Bus travel is always available, and although the journey can be a bit long, especially from Lima, buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is highly recommended if you are coming from a city closer to Cusco, such as Puno, Arequipa or others. Buses from Lima will take approximately 22 hours to reach the city of Cusco.

We highly recommended arrive to Cusco at less two days before you star the Short Inca Trail.

Briefing for the Trek

Your briefing will take place the night before your hike. It will take place in our office at 6 or 6:30 pm; or in your Hotel.

Store you Luggage

Any additional luggage you have with you can be safely left in Cusco at your hotel while you do the short Inca Trail Trek. Make sure your luggage has labels so they are easy to recognize.

The Altitude Sickness

As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start to wonder about altitude sickness. Air at high altitude contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. For several days at high altitude, your body adapts to the lesser amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before starting any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a wonderful city with a lot to do, so if you have more time to acclimatize, you won’t get bored.

With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office and we will help you see a doctor.

Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend getting into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. Drink lots of fluids, like water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. The leaves of the coca plant contain alkaloids that help carry oxygen to your blood, helping your body ward off the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee, as they will make you urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it harder for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They can cause shallow breathing at night, making it difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

About Weather on the Trail

The weather is unpredictable. Usually, the dry season in Cusco is from April to October, but this does not prevent the rain from falling in June or the sun from rising in December, so be prepared. No matter what month you are hiking, make sure you have a rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but the cold and humidity make walking very unpleasant.
Also, get ready for all four seasons. The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu involves various microclimates, and you will need to be prepared. You should bundle up with a warm jacket as the night is sometimes cold.

Travel insurance

To protect your investment in travel, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Getting travel insurance before you leave home is highly recommended and easy.

Environmental impact

Sunrise Peru Trek uses biodegradable soap and transports all our garbage back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to take care of the route and collect the waste of other groups as well. We also use eco-friendly portable chemical toilets that allow us to carry waste. We believe in a journey without leaving a trace.

The Short Inca trail group

The maximum group size is 12 passengers. Passengers come from a range of countries worldwide (average of 3 nationalities per group) and many will be solo travellers. You will find you have many things in common with your fellow travellers, including a passion for discovery and a strong interest in exploring the National Parks. “SUNRISE PERU TREK” is designed for adults over 18 years old. While most passengers are aged 25-55, every year we get many people both above and below this age range.

All travellers over the age of 70 will be requested to complete a self-declaration of fitness form prior to travel. Our tours are a unique holiday experience and much of your enjoyment will come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you’ll have together, as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of bringing a positive attitude with you on tour; a sure guarantee to enjoying each and every moment, even in the adversity of the odd rainstorm!

Responsible and sustainable travel

We are committed to offering low impact tours that benefit t the places and communities we visit as well as our travellers. It is important for us all to be aware of the delicate balance that exists in the variety of natural wonders you will visit. National Parks and monuments, archaeological sites and other sensitive areas should and must be treated with respect.

We have created a ‘Travellers’ Code of Conduct’ to help prepare and inform our groups of the various positive or negative effects they could have on a destination. This code includes following the ‘Leave No Trace’ ethic; this is an international campaign that is designed to help us minimize the impact on the National Parks and other wilderness areas that we visit. Our tour Guide will explain this code of conduct during the first night’s orientation talk and encourage you to follow it throughout the tour.

Useful tips:

• Something good Vaseline or Vicks Vaporub are good on the summit attempt.
• Moist air coming from your noise or on your lips will freeze and become very uncomfortable
• Sound travel at night and many people snore on the Inca Trail – bring some ear plugs to sleep with.
• At the beginning the trail is very dusty and sinus congestion is a problem with many hikers. Bring a good decongestant spray or tablet.
• For Short Inca Trail, travel with your most important gear as hand luggage – e.g. wear your hiking boots in the plane – missing luggage is a common problem.
• For Short Inca Trail, bring some blister plasters, Vaseline and liner socks. If you start to get blisters it will help a lot.

CONTACT US

Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you are in you can contact a SUNRISE PERU TREK representative on the following:

• Mauro Pedraza – Operations Manager
  Mobile: +(51) 984 734633
• Henrry Chauca – Operations
  Mobile: +(51) 950 313131
• Sharon Ovalle – SUNRISE PERU TREK Representatives Supervisor
  Mobile: +(51) 974 359484

IN CASES OF EMERGENCY

While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from SUNRISE PERU TREK, whether it be that you have missed a trip departure meeting, have become separated from your trip on the road or any other unforeseeable problem, the following options are available to you.

• Cusco Office
  Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm.
  Telf: +51 84 237404
• Emergency Contact
  If you need to contact SUNRISE PERU TREK outside of the above hours the following number is available:
  Mobile: +(51) 984 734633

Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask that you call during our office hours. Thank you.