The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an epic and unforgettable experience, and by far one of the best treks in the world. This trek is the perfect option for those who visit Peru in search of adventure, and unique experiences who are short on time and want to trek into Machu Picchu. This ancient pathway was built by The Incas and is just one of the many roads of an Inca Road network that connect many different Inca towns.
The Inca Trail, passes through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, combing different ecosystems, micro climates and incredible history, offering its visitors an unparalleled experience. Visitors can enjoy from the beginning amazing vistas of the Andean Cordillera which descends into the cloud forest, to finally arrive at the magnificent archaeological complex of Machu Picchu, that can be found on a green plateau, where architectural art is blended in perfect harmony with nature.
Before the trek, you guide will visit you at your hotel in Cusco to provide you with important information and a detailed trek briefing. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions and buy any last-minute items for the trek, before your departure. The following itinerary is an example itinerary and the hiking times are an estimate, depending on the group. The lunch stops and campsites may change to satisfy the requisites of the group
We will take the train from Ollantaytambo, to KM104, this is the control point for Inca Trail. After the guards have checked our tickets and passports, we will begin our hike (lasting approximately 3 hours), to the well-conserved archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna at 2652m/ 8700 ft.
After lunch, we will have the time for a short rest, and to explore the houses, terraces, and towers of this impressive site, as well as visit the Inti Punku, “The Inca Sun gate” where we will see the magnificent Machu Picchu for the first time. After a briefing by our guide, and a general orientation explanation about Machu Picchu, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the evening.
** We will spend the night in a 3 star hotel unless you choose a higher category at the time of booking
After an early breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel to visit the impressive Machu Picchu citadel, to spend the day exploring this magnificent site. After this incredible visit, we will return Aguas Calientes, where you will have lunch in one of the local restaurants and where we will board our Expedition Train to return to Cusco. On arrival at the train station in Ollantaytambo, our private car will take to the city of Cusco.
PRICES PER PERSON IN USD: Note (Students require an ISIC card to apply for a student discount), Prices are per person and in USD
Share your travel preferences and a local specialist will confirm availability and prepare the best option for you.
This two-day short Inca trail pulls you straight into those ancient stones fast without the long haul you leave Cusco early hop a train to Km 104 and bam youre on Inca-made paths hitting spots like Wiñay Wayna first with its terraces and water channels that scream smart engineering then climbing to Chachabamba ruins where rituals happened ages ago the push gets real intense at the Sun Gate overlook on Machu Picchu that view slams you hard after quick peeks you drop to Aguas Calientes for hotel sleep basic but needed next morning back up for full dive into temples and farming levels that stun the mix of effort and history grabs hikers tight sometimes I question if altitude will bite but it passes for folks chasing quick thrills.
The path links deep to Andean ways guides spill on Quechua customs still alive in peaks and the eats like packed lunches fuel the grind but entering Machu Picchu walking not riding bus shifts it all makes it yours raw even doubts like rain odds fade when you stand there post-hike back to Cusco by train wraps it smooth.
Discover what fellow travelers have to say about their journeys through Peru with Yacana Peru.
*Important
To guarantee your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, the government regulations require your complete passport information for all passengers. The permits are not transferable and may sell out. We recommend that you reserve with 4 months anticipation.
The Huayna Picchu climb, is an excellent option on a trip to Machu Picchu. The climb offers spectacular views of Machu Picchu but is a steep climb, lasting 3 hours approximately.
Entrance permits to Huayna Picchu are limited and have a programmed entrance time; visitors should reserve permits con anticipation if you would like to climb a mountain. You should lt us know at the time of booking of you want this option.
While it is considered an easier hike than the 4-day Inca Trail, hikers should still be in decent physical condition.
Additional Information.
Insect Repellent: A small hand towel.
Special Instructions:
The transport will do a number of pick-ups from different hotels in Cusco which is why there is not an exact time. Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby.
RENTALS AND UPGRADES:
DETAILS:
Recommendations
Permits for the short trail sell quickly especially high season. Book six months ahead through registered agency.
Climate
Temperatures from ten to twenty degrees Celsius by day drop to around plus five at night. Rain possible November to March.
Best Season
May through October is dry season so paths stay firm and water levels in springs stay low.
How To Dress
Layering works best. Start with moisture wicking base add fleece then shell jacket. Avoid cotton.
Physical Preparation
Do uphill walks stair sessions and at least one four hour hike carrying five kilo pack before trip.
Local People
You’ll meet Quechua families at Chachabamba who tend small maize plots. They sell fresh cheese and wave as you pass.
Who Should Go
Anyone over twelve with moderate fitness and time for two day excursion. Not for people who need full day rest.
Food On Route
Breakfast near Cusco is buffet style then packed lunch on trail includes sandwich fruit cookies. Dinner in Aguas Calientes features local trout potatoes and herbal tea. Snacks available at small shops in town.
You need an Inca Trail permit issued by government. Book through a tour agency at least six months ahead to ensure availability.
No government regulation requires licensed guide for any section of Inca Trail including the short version.
Day one covers approximately ten to twelve kilometers with about five hundred meters of ascent.
It shares the same final section so crowds concentrate at Sun Gate but the earlier forest stretch is quieter.
Overnight lodging is in Aguas Calientes town in standard hotel or optional private room.
The highest point near Sun Gate at two thousand seven hundred twenty meters is below Cusco altitude so less risk.
No camping gear needed you stay in hotel; daypack only matching weight limits.
Yes lunch day one dinner in town and breakfast next morning plus train snacks on day two are covered.
Yes you can unwind in Aguas Calientes hot springs for a small entry fee at your own expense.
Hike begins around eight AM after pickup from hotel between five and six AM.
Signal appears near town at start and end but drops off completely on forested sections.
Take train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo then minivan transfer to Cusco hotel.
Short trail remains open when four day classic closes in February though occasional closures for repair can happen.
Basic toilet facilities near trail start and at Sun Gate viewpoint; bring your own toilet paper.
Yes you can add Huayna Picchu entrance if tickets are available; extra permit required and must buy in advance.
Hike the final scenic stretch of the Royal Inca Trail and enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an epic and unforgettable experience, and by far one of the best treks in the world. This trek is the perfect option for those who visit Peru in search of adventure, and unique experiences who are short on time and want to trek into Machu Picchu. This ancient pathway was built by The Incas and is just one of the many roads of an Inca Road network that connect many different Inca towns.
The Inca Trail, passes through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, combing different ecosystems, micro climates and incredible history, offering its visitors an unparalleled experience. Visitors can enjoy from the beginning amazing vistas of the Andean Cordillera which descends into the cloud forest, to finally arrive at the magnificent archaeological complex of Machu Picchu, that can be found on a green plateau, where architectural art is blended in perfect harmony with nature.
Before the trek, you guide will visit you at your hotel in Cusco to provide you with important information and a detailed trek briefing. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions and buy any last-minute items for the trek, before your departure. The following itinerary is an example itinerary and the hiking times are an estimate, depending on the group. The lunch stops and campsites may change to satisfy the requisites of the group
We will take the train from Ollantaytambo, to KM104, this is the control point for Inca Trail. After the guards have checked our tickets and passports, we will begin our hike (lasting approximately 3 hours), to the well-conserved archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna at 2652m/ 8700 ft.
After lunch, we will have the time for a short rest, and to explore the houses, terraces, and towers of this impressive site, as well as visit the Inti Punku, “The Inca Sun gate” where we will see the magnificent Machu Picchu for the first time. After a briefing by our guide, and a general orientation explanation about Machu Picchu, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the evening.
** We will spend the night in a 3 star hotel unless you choose a higher category at the time of booking
After an early breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel to visit the impressive Machu Picchu citadel, to spend the day exploring this magnificent site. After this incredible visit, we will return Aguas Calientes, where you will have lunch in one of the local restaurants and where we will board our Expedition Train to return to Cusco. On arrival at the train station in Ollantaytambo, our private car will take to the city of Cusco.
PRICES PER PERSON IN USD: Note (Students require an ISIC card to apply for a student discount), Prices are per person and in USD
Recommendations
Permits for the short trail sell quickly especially high season. Book six months ahead through registered agency.
Climate
Temperatures from ten to twenty degrees Celsius by day drop to around plus five at night. Rain possible November to March.
Best Season
May through October is dry season so paths stay firm and water levels in springs stay low.
How To Dress
Layering works best. Start with moisture wicking base add fleece then shell jacket. Avoid cotton.
Physical Preparation
Do uphill walks stair sessions and at least one four hour hike carrying five kilo pack before trip.
Local People
You’ll meet Quechua families at Chachabamba who tend small maize plots. They sell fresh cheese and wave as you pass.
Who Should Go
Anyone over twelve with moderate fitness and time for two day excursion. Not for people who need full day rest.
Food On Route
Breakfast near Cusco is buffet style then packed lunch on trail includes sandwich fruit cookies. Dinner in Aguas Calientes features local trout potatoes and herbal tea. Snacks available at small shops in town.
Travelers to Peru require a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. Most nationalities (USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Brazil) do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high altitude is strongly recommended.
Hotel nights feature comfortable 3-star boutique hotels in private en-suite rooms. On mountain treks, we provide premium 4-season Eureka tents (2 persons in a 4-person tent), foam sleeping mattresses, spacious dining tents with tables and chairs, and clean portable toilet facilities.
Your tour begins in Cusco, Peru. We include airport arrival transfer to your hotel. An informative briefing with your professional trekking guide takes place at your Cusco hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before your tour begins.
We had great tours with them! Rosa Guide very good and with a lot of information!
We had an incredible experience with the tours! Everything was very well organized, from the schedules to the support during the trips. The guides were very attentive, helpful, and gave us a lot of interesting...
A wonderful experience, very punctual, capricious, service at all times, no doubt was the best choice, me and my friends felt very safe.
The Yacana was our best choice of trip. Always inquisitive and ready to serve us. Super we indicate!
