CLASSIC INCA TRAIL – 2 DAY EXPERIENCE

The 2 Day Short Inca Trail is the perfect alternative for those travellers who wish to experience the magic of the Short Inca Trail. This fascinating adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a transfer to Ollantaytambo and then to kilometre 104 (2,250 m.a.s.l.), the starting point of this extraordinary route, trail.

You will first visit the archaeological complex of Chachabamba (2,270 masl), a perfect introduction to Inca architecture. Continuing the ascent, you will reach the majestic Wiñayhuayna (2,650 masl), jewel of the Inca Trail with impressive terraces and structures. The crowning moment occurs when you reach the Inti Punku or Sun Gate (2,780 masl), where you will have your first view of Machu Picchu citadel (2,400 masl).

Finally, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes village (2,050 masl) to rest in your hotel and prepare to fully explore Machu Picchu citadel the next day.

Practical Information:

*Duration: 2 days/1 night

*Difficulty: Moderate

*Maximum altitude: 2,780 masl (Inti Punku)

*Approximate trekking distance: 12 km

Book in advance! Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out quickly.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM. 104 – WIÑAYHUAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES

Our adventure along the legendary Inca Trail begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Initially, our transport will take you to Ollantaytambo and then we will board the train to kilometre 104 (2,250 m.a.s.l.), the starting point of our trek.

At the beginning of the trek we will first visit the archaeological complex of Chachabamba (2,270 m.a.s.l.), where you will learn about Inca architecture and history. Next, we will ascend the ancient trail to the majestic Wiñayhuayna (2,650 masl), a jewel of the Inca Trail with impressive terraces and structures among subtropical mountains.

Then, the highlight of our 2-day Inca Trail is reaching Inti Punku or Sun Gate (2,780m), where you will have your first glimpse of Machu Picchu (2,400m) in the heart of the Andes.

At the end of the hike, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes village (2,050 masl), where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel, getting ready to fully explore Machu Picchu the next day.

Finally, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes village (2,050 masl), where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel, preparing to fully explore Machu Picchu citadel the following day.

Key altitudes for the day:

*Start (Km 104): 2,250 masl.

*Chachabamba: 2,270 masl (2,270 masl)

*Wiñayhuayna: 2,650 masl

*Inti Punku: 2,780 masl

*Machu Picchu: 2,400 masl.

*Aguas Calientes 2.050 masla.

***NIGHT AGUAS CALIENTES VILLAGE.

DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY – CUSCO

After breakfast, we will take the first bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400 masl). This strategy will allow us to enjoy the Inca sanctuary in the beautiful light of sunrise and with fewer visitors.

Upon arriving at the citadel, we’ll begin a guided tour that will reveal the architectural, astronomical, and historical secrets of this world wonder. We’ll explore the main sites, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intiwatana, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the urban and agricultural areas.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or take an optional hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu or visit the enigmatic Temple of the Moon, experiences that perfectly complement your Inca Trail adventure. Please note that these additional excursions require advance reservations due to limited daily capacity.

To conclude our experience, we’ll then meet up with the entire group again in Aguas Calientes village, where you can enjoy lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Finally, from there, our private transportation will take us back to the imperial city of Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure that combines nature, history, and, of course, the majesty of the Inca culture on a shortened but equally authentic trail, route.

Important Notes:

*The weather in Aguas Calientes village and Machu Picchu is hot and humid, with mosquitoes.

*Breakfast is included.