This tour is designed for those who want to experience the Inca Trail with less effort while still enjoying the stunning landscapes and the lush cloud forest with its excellent climate. It offers a shorter duration but the same satisfaction as the classic Inca Trail. The difference is that, on the first day, you will have an amazing first view Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate or Inti Punku and the following day, you will have more time to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. If you prefer not to walk too much but still want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail, this is the tour for you.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (city center) around 04:00 hrs. and head to Ollantaytambo train station in our tourist transport. There, we will board the train that will take us Km. 104, where we will begin our hike through a subtropical jungle landscape. During our trek, we will visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2150m) and after approximately 3 hours of hiking we will arrive at Wiñaywayna. This impressive archaeological complex includes an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector, and an urban sector. We will then continue to the Inti Punku or ¨The Sun Gate¨ along a flat Stone path along mountain cliffs, which will take us about an hour. From Inti Punku we will enjoy our first panoramic view of the majestic Machu Picchu. We will use this day to take panoramic photos of Machu Picchu as on the second day we will only visit the lower part of Machu Picchu (circuit 3 or 4).
From the Sun Gate, we will descend towards Machu Picchu and then take the bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo (or Aguas Calientes). We will spend the night in a pre-selected hotel, and optionally you will have the opportunity to enjoy the thermal baths of this magical town.
Early in the morning we will take the bus up to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise at this magical place before other tourists arrive from the city of Cusco. We will experience the tranquility of The Lost City of the Incas on a guided tour of approximately 2 hours through circuit 3 or circuit 4, where we will make brief stops to take photos during the visit.
Optionally, there is the possibility to hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain (If you have previously booked your entry ticket for this site). From there, you will have spectacular views of the entire Machupicchu citadel, as well as the surrounding valleys and mountains. After this hike, we will take a bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes). From there you will return to Ollantaytambo by train and then take our tourist transport back to the city of Cusco.
NOTE:
Guided tours is Machupichu last between 2 hours and 2 ½ hrs in a shared service and between 2 and 3 hours in a private service, depending on the coordination between the guide and the passengers. (The duration is also managed based on the return train schedules, lunch time and the descent to Aguas Calientes).
OPTIONAL
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS:
Students: US 20.00
Students must present the original Student issued by the University up to the age of 25, containing the following:
A group tour means that it is open for other hikers to join.
Price per person (Shared service without hotel in Machu Picchu)
Passport: It is important to present the original documents (ID or Passport) to make the reservation when entering the Inca Trail; otherwise you will not allowed to enter. The document numbers must match those used in the reservation. If you have changed your passport number after making the reservation for any reason, please notify us before your arrival in Cusco or bring both documents. (The old and the new).
Huayna Picchu Mountain: If you want to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, it is best to do it on the 5th day due to the physical effort required. Additionally, if you do it on the 4th day, you would end up paying twice for entry to Machu Picchu, as this entry is already included in The Inca Trail Price.
It is important to present the same original documents (Passport or ID) used to make the reservation. When entering the Inca Trail; otherwise you will not allowed to enter. The document must match those used in the reservation. If you have changed your Passport number after making the reservation, please notify us before your arrival in Cusco or bring both documents (the old and the new).
The best way to check the availability of this interesting trek is to contact an authorized agency for this hike. Inca Peru Travel specializes in trekking routes, especially the 2 Day and 4 Day Inca Trails. Simply contact one of our sales agents, and they will provide you immediate information on availability.
Cusco, the imperial City, is at an altitude of 3350 masl. Therefore, if you come from a much lower place or sea level, it is best and most recommended to stay in Cusco for at least 2 days before doing the Inca Trail. Proper acclimatization is highly recommended so you can undertake the hike without any problems or altitude sickness.
Due to the fact it is a route that requires significant maintenance and constant care because it is a historical legacy over 500 years old, it is necessary, important and mandatory to hire an authorized travel agency for this adventure. Please note that not all agencies can operate this trek directly if they do not have the proper authorization.
The Inca Trail, operates 11 months a year, except for February, when it is closed for maintenance and because it is a month with the highest rainfall in Cusco. Please note that from December to March is the rainy season, and this can sometimes cause closures on certain days due to inconveniences, landslides, or natural issues. It is important to stay in constant contact with your sales agent after booking to keep up with any updates.
The most recommended is from April to November. During this period, it is the dry season, so you will encounter less rain can fully enjoy the montainous landscapes along the route.
As an authorized local direct operator, we require a 50% deposit of the total trek amount. You can make this payment via credit card, Pay Pal, bank transfer or Western Union. Please note that for a preliminary reservation our sales agents will ask you for basic and important information such as: Copy of Passport or Identity Document (your ID must be valid; if it is expired, you can still make the reservation but you must bring both the new and the old Passports for verification at the start of the hike). Another document required is the Student ID (if applicable) for those under 26 years old, so that the corresponding discounts can be applied.
No, unfortunately it is not possible to change the dates. It is important to be very certain at the time of booking.
As a recommendation, bring only the essentials, such as the lightweight clothing for the day since you will warm up while hiking, and warm clothing for the night. A 45 – liter backpack is a good option, allowing you to carry your belongings comfortably.
Yes, this trek does not require as much physical effort as the 4 – Day Inca Trail. The maximum altitude will be approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, and you will pass through a subtropical landscape. The hike will be on the first day only, covering about 9 km with rest periods.
Check the availability of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu