Pre-trek briefing Short Inca Trail 2 days 1 night:

You will have through briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Short Inca Trail 2 days 1 night.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.

Day 1: Cusco – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.

We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel early in the morning (about 5:00am) and then drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo and take the train to Kilometer (Km) 104, which takes about three hours. Km 104 is an unscheduled train stop so you will probably feel a twinge of satisfaction that the train is stopping especially for you – and by knowing you are about to see things that no one else will get to! At Km 104 we will get off the train and pass the Inca Trail checkpoint where we will see our first archaeological center called Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft).

These ruins were one of the last shelters that the Incas used before they reached Machu Picchu. This site was also used as a religious and administrative center, and features several buildings. Then, we will gradually ascend for about 2-3 hours climbing Inca stone steps while our guide points out different flora and fauna along the trail.

We will then pass a tall waterfall before arriving at the archaeological site called Wiñay Wayna at (2,650 m / 8,700 ft), which is named after an orchid and means Forever Young in Quechua. We will climb to the top of the ruins and enjoy lunch with an incredible view of Wiñay Wayna and the Sacred Valley. This large site sits on a mountainside and features experimental terraces that the Incas used to grow different crops. We will visit an important temple with 7 windows that was dedicated to the rainbow as well as observe the amazing engineering of water channels that still function today.

Once we finish our tour here, we will continue our hike for about 1 ½ hours on a part of the Inca Trail which is relatively flat, with small ascents and descents along the way. At about 2:00 pm we will reach the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,920 ft) which is called Intipunku in Quechua. This is where we will have our first view of Machu Picchu and from there we will head down to the ruins to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel.

The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening if time is available before dinner.

• Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner
• Accommodations: Hotel
• Maximum altitude: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
• Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
• Distance to walk: 9.3 miles/15 km
• Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours

Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco.

After an early breakfast, we will board the bus which will take us to the most mysterious city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. As part of our itinerary the same professional guide will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and inspirational place. We will visit the Sun Temple, Royal Palace, Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana sun dial. You’ll have an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, we’ve left some free time for you to explore on your own.

If you have booked the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu hike, you’ll need to coordinate with our guide regarding your scheduled time to take this additional hike. For people not hiking Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, there are other optional activities you can do on your own:

• Hike to the Sun Gate: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see Machu Picchu from a different angle.

• Trek to the Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adrenaline and while not a strenuous trek it is death defying as the trail is very narrow with steep drops and not for people with vertigo.

Back to Cusco in the afternoon, you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/8,052 ft

Includes:

• Detailed explanations by your guide in a briefing 1 or 2 days prior to your tour that included maps related to the trek
• Pick-up from your hotel on your departure: touristic private transport from your hotel to the train station
• Entrance tickets to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Professional English / Spanish guide for entire tour
• Assistant or second guide when there are groups over 8
• Meals according to program + snack at beginning of the trek
• Water bottle and Box lunch in Wiñayhuayna
• Vegetarian meals at no extra charge (also allergy-related menus can be accommodated)
• Visit the following Inca archaeological sites (Qanabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Sungate & Machu Picchu).
• Bus tickets down to Aguas Calientes town
• 1 night Hotel in Aguas Calientes town, Breakfast on the second day at Hotel
• Bus tickets Aguas Calientes /Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes
• 2 hour private guided tour by your English speaking tour guide (plenty of free time to enjoy Machu Picchu on your own)
• Tourism class train ticket until km 104 (Chachabamba)
• Return ticket in Touristic class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• First Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
• Touristic class transport from Train / Hotel
• All local taxes

Not Included:

• Extra porter (Extra porters available to carry up to 22 Pounds)
• Entrance to Waynapicchu Mountain (book in advance if interested due to limited spaces)
• Walking stick (we can rent if needed)
• Entrance tickets to Hot Springs
• Travel insurance.
• Extra expenses.
• Flights
• **Tips for the crew (Porters and guide)

What you should bring:

• Original Passport (for check-in to the trail),
• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco .
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
• Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
• Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day).

Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2024 through January 2025. All prices quoted are $USD

(Groups consisting of Max. 8; Min. 2 people)*

• USD 449.00 Adults
• USD 425.00 students **

Discounts:

• 18 to 25 years old: $25 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: $25 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: $30 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

• Machu Picchu Mountain climbing:  USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)

Upgrades:

Hotel Upgrades:

• Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)
• Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy)
• Hotel Santuario (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)

Train Upgrades:

• Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
• Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

Rentals:

• Hiking poles – US$10.00