SHORT INCA TRAIL + MACHU PICCHU GUIDED TOUR

(short version of 2 days with one night at Aguas Calientes in hotel)

A one of a kind journey and memories for a lifetime! 

Discover Machu Picchu and reach this wonder of the world by taking the Inca Trail in its shortest version. A 2 day alternative with beautiful encounters and surprises along the way. 

This route is designed for adventurers who do not have much time to complete the regular 4 day Inca Trail, and for those travelers seeking to discover Machu Picchu in a deeper and more extensive way. 

Tags: Hiking, trekking, adventure, history.

Physical condition: Moderate physical condition 

Difficulty: Medium 

*Previous days of acclimatization to the altitude is highly recommended.

Note: Once you are in Cusco, we'll arrange a face to face briefing for this trip, in order to answer all your questions and provide you with all the detailed information.

On the first day, we start the trek after leaving Cusco, heading to Ollantaytambo and taking the train. After descending on the KM 104, we start the trek for about 6 hours with lunch included. The peak of this day is when reaching the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the place where we will have an astonishing view of the whole area of Machu Picchu. After soaking up with these marvelous views, we descent to the main sanctuary viewpoint from the Llaqta. From Machu Picchu we descent to the village of Aguas Calientes to spend the night there at a hotel. 

On the second day, you will have the chance to explore the Machu Picchu citadel once again with no rush,  accompanied by a qualified guide. After descending once again, and enjoying some time for lunch, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then to Cusco city.

This trip itinerary depends on the availability of tickets to enter the Machu Picchu Sanctuary as well as the Inca Trail tickets, provided. by the local authorities.

We strongly recommend taking the necessary measures and making your reservation well in advance. Please note: between November and March, at least 45 days in advance, and between April and October, up to 90 days in advance to assure a smooth experience. 

If by any chance, your reservation is intended to be made with less anticipation than suggested, please let us now in advance so that we can proceed with the necessary validation before any purchase is done.

A member of the VIVA ANDINA team will pick you up by bus from the hotel at 3:15 am and transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo, 60km away from Cusco. Once there, you'll board the train around 6am towards Aguas Calientes, that will take you along a picturesque route for approximately 1:30 hours until reaching Km 104, where you'll disembark.

Accompanied by your guide, you'll begin the hike of the Inca Trail for about 3 hours, passing through Chachabamba, until reaching Wiñay Wayna (Always Young) at 2,680m. We'll spend an hour exploring this magnificent archaeological site and enjoy a picnic lunch. 

Then, the trek continues for about 2 hours to reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) at 2,730m, a majestic viewpoint for Machu Picchu. We'll descend the final part of the trail to the ancient city, take some time to rest upon reaching Machu Picchu. Finally, we descend by tourist bus, arriving around 4:30pm, and transfer to the hotel where you will spend the night.

After breakfast, you'll take the bus up to the Machu Picchu entrance at the prearranged time. A guided walking tour of approximately 2:00 hours is provided. 

Afterward, you'll have time to explore the city on your own, take photos, and connect to this once sacred place. An hour later, we'll return to Aguas Calientes to have lunch and catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. 

Finally, there is a bus transfer from the station to the city of Cusco. 

The approximate arrival at the hotel is around 8:00 pm.