Get ready for an exhilarating ride through time with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in just 2 days! This compact trek serves up a tantalizing glimpse into the marvels of the legendary Inca civilization, guiding you straight to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Dive into this ancient trail’s magic for a condensed but absolutely unforgettable adventure!
Season: March to January
Chachabamba has intricate water systems supplied by natural springs, reflecting the Inca’s respect for water as a life force. Their advanced engineering is shown in the water features.
Wiñaywayna, “Forever Young” in Quechua, is a well-preserved Incan site on the Inca Trail, known for its intricate architecture in the Andean cloud forest.
Arrive at the Sun Gate for a breathtaking first glimpse of Machu Picchu at sunrise, offering panoramic views of the ancient citadel and the surrounding mountains.
Experience a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its fascinating architecture, sacred temples, and complex terraces, while learning about the history and significance of this iconic site.
Discover the Breathtaking Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: A 2-Day Itinerary of Stunning Views and Historic Wonders with River Explorers
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure! We’ll be there bright and early at 5:30 am to whisk you away from your hotel in our private bus. Our destination? The Poroy train station, just a quick 25-minute ride away, or Ollantaytambo, which is a mere hour and 10 minutes away. From there, we’ll hop on a train that takes us to the 104-km mark on the Cusco-Machu Picchu railroad – the thrilling starting point of our trail. Once we’ve got all our gear packed and ready to go, we’ll kickstart day one of the incredible short Inca trail!
At just few minutes away from the Inca trail’s entrance lies the captivating Chachabamba complex! This is our first stop on our thrilling journey to the trail’s peak. After an enlightening discussion about this intriguing site, we’ll begin an exhilarating 3-hour ascent to reach the archaeological marvel of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), majestically perched at 2,700 m – or 8,858 ft. above sea level. Imagine a place perched high above the Urubamba River, boasting compact structures of unparalleled architecture, complete with intricate staircases and water fountains systems. Picture agricultural terraces ingeniously designed to harness the mountain’s topography. Once your guide unravels the rich history and essence of this place, brace yourself for an exhilarating one-hour climb along a trail adorned with flat stones and cliffs leading to Intipunku – “The Sun Gate”. From this awe-inspiring spot, feast your eyes on breathtaking views of Machu Picchu! It’s the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos and a serene spot to unwind before we continue our descent into the magical realm of Machu Picchu. After soaking in its wonder, we’ll hop on a bus down to Aguas Calientes where we can rest and rejuvenate overnight. What an adventure!
Overnight: Hotel at Aguas Calientes.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner.
Get ready for an exciting on our short Inca trail to Machu Pichu! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll board a shuttle bus and begin our journey to the magnificent Machu Picchu. In less than 30 minutes, we’ll be at the heart of this ancient wonder!
Perched at an impressive height of 2,430 m or 7,972 ft., Machu Picchu is nestled atop a tropical mountain forest. Its breathtaking beauty is simply unmatched! The city boasts around 200 structures that include agricultural, religious and astronomical centers – all seamlessly integrated into a sophisticated plan that perfectly harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
The citadel is a marvel of strategic planning, with distinct sections for living and farming. The brilliant agricultural terraces not only combat erosion but also boost crop yield. As you journey along the iconic Incan Trail, you’ll dive deep into the fascinating world of the Inca civilization – an adventure that’s absolutely unique!
After an enlightening two-hour guided tour around this globally-renowned site, seize the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu at your leisure! Wander around, capture stunning photos or scale Huayna Picchu – the towering mountain overlooking this historic site. (Remember to book in advance if you’re planning to climb Huayna Picchu).
Once you have experienced all that this incredible place has to offer, we will meet at Aguas Calientes for our train ride back to Ollantaytambo. A tourist bus will be waiting at Ollantaytambo train station to take you back to your hotels in Cusco, with arrival times between 6 and 9 pm in the evening.
Transportation: Private transfers from and to your hotel bofore and after the Inca trail.
Entrance fees: Access to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Hotel: Hotel 4**** in Aguas calientes.
Guide: Certified guide (English/Spanish)
Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Snack, 1 Lunch (box-lunch).
First aid: Kit with emergency oxygen for safe hiking on the Inca Trail.
Tickets: Bus ticket to and from Machu Picchu.
Train: Train tickets to km 104 and train in Vistadome service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Meals: On the last day of the guided tour to Machu Picchu, lunch and dinner are not included.
Travel Insurance: We recommend purchasing travel and cancellation insurance.
Gratuities: A ten percent tip of the package price per person is suggested for your guide.
Hotel: Hotel is not included if you choose not to follow the itinerary or decide to stay in Cusco due to sickness, tiredness, or simply because you do not wish to continue with the trip.
Hotsprings: Only 10 minutes from the village center. Entrance fee is $3.50 USD.
Your Inca Trail 2 days includes a 4 star hotel in Aguas Calientes, or you can upgrade to luxurious 5-star accommodation. The hotels are carefully chosen for comfort, convenience, and charm, with excellent reviews.
