Why short inca trail?
Experience the iconic Inca Trail with less effort and more time to explore other parts of Peru. This hike provides a perfect balance of nature, history, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for travelers with limited time or those seeking a less strenuous adventure. The journey culminates in a dramatic entry to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), offering a unique perspective of the ancient citadel. Enjoy the exclusive late-hour access with fewer crowds at the end of your hike for a truly memorable experience.
Cusco to Machu Picchu (Hiking Day)
We will begin the journey by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4 a.m. in private transportation with your expert guide. After a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, we’ll board the train to Km 104, a 1.5-hour journey, where we will start our hike at the Inca Trail checkpoint.
Our first stop is Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft), an ancient rest stop used by the Incas, offering an opportunity to relax before we continue. The trail leads us through lush vegetation, passing a beautiful waterfall, and on to Wiñay Wayna, an archaeological site that provides a breathtaking view of the Urubamba Valley and the Veronica Glacier.
After about 2-3 hours of hiking, we will tackle a challenging section of the trail and finally reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku). This spot offers a spectacular first glimpse of Machu Picchu, with ample time for photos of the ancient citadel and its surrounding landscapes.
From the Sun Gate, we will descend for 45 minutes to the sacred Machu Picchu ruins, where you will have time to take classic photos of the iconic city from the upper vantage point. Afterward, we’ll catch the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can check into your hotel, relax, and enjoy a well-deserved rest after this unforgettable experience.
Machu Picchu Tour
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, we’ll take a short walk to the bus station, where we’ll begin our journey back to Machu Picchu. On the scenic route, enjoy breathtaking views as we ascend the winding road. Once inside the Sacred City, your Authentic Trips Peru guide will lead you through a 2-hour walking tour, showing you the temples, terraces, viewpoints, and other highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Following the tour, we’ll head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Afterward, enjoy a scenic train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. There, your driver will be waiting to take you on a 1-hour 45-minute journey back to Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel (accommodation not included).
What is Included
- 1-night hotel stay in Aguas Calientes
- Box lunch on Day 1
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Bilingual English & Spanish-speaking tour guide
- Pre-departure briefing at your hotel (1-2 days before the tour)
- Pick-up from your hotel for the tour’s start
- Transportation to Ollantaytambo
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 1)
- Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 2)
- Train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco city
What is Not Included
- Hotel in Cusco
- International and domestic flight
- Travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation (Highly recommended)
- Trip cancellation insurance (Highly recommended)
- Costs for meals not included in the trip (Average for a meal including a drink: 12 – 20 US$ or less)
- Tips on site (Tips in Peru are a nice gesture)
- Tour guide tips – It is customary in Peru to give tour guides a tip at the end of the trip for their work. On average, this is around 25 US$ per week. This is usually collected by a group member at the end of the trip and given to the tour guide on the last day
What to Bring
- Hiking trousers for comfort and mobility
- Long sleeve T-shirts for layering
- Fleece for warmth in cooler temperatures
- Sturdy hiking shoes for challenging terrain
- Sun protection essentials: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Rain gear (jacket & poncho) for unpredictable weather
- 25L daypack for carrying essentials
- Optional: walking sticks for extra support
- Some cash for local purchases and tips
For German speaking travelers:
- Refer to our German blog
- Contact Diana Mekonen on WhatsApp: +49 152 251 49 638
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