Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to transfer you during a 2-hour ride to the Ollantaytambo´s railway station. There, we get on a train and continue until Km 104, where a checking point of the Inca Trail is located. We get over the bridge of the Vilcanota River and start the Inca Trail trekking! The first archaeological site to visit is Chachabamba,  where you received a guided tour. Then, we continue through a mixture of cacti vegetation and cloud forest. On the way, we enjoy a refreshing dip in a local waterfall! Then, we have lunch and a rest before we continue towards another Incan significant site - Wiñay Wayna. Later on, we keep hiking until we get to the Sun´s Gate (Inti Punku) to admire the sunset above Machu Picchu. However, today is too late to have a guided tour of this overwhelming Incan city so we descend slowly to Aguas Calientes Town enjoying beautiful surrounding scenery on the way! We spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. 

After an early morning breakfast, we take a bus up to the mysterious city of Machu Picchu. There, our Tour Guide shows us around the Incan city and explains to us about its history and purposes. After the guided tour, you have free time which is the best opportunity to take more pictures and walk through the Lost City of the Incas by yourself. You can see some animals there such as llamas and birds. If you like to make the most of your experience, book either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (peaks above Machu Picchu) well in advance. This gives you an opportunity to climb up for either 45 minutes (Huayna Picchu) or 1 and a half hours (Machu Picchu Mountain) to take some panoramic photos of the Inka citadel.

Machu Picchu is both, the best and the least known site of the Incas as it is not mentioned in any Spanish conquistador´s chronicle so that contemporary archaeologists can not do anything more than just speculate on its functions. Local Quechuan farmers had known about Machu Picchu for centuries before an 11-year-old boy showed the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in a search of Vilcabamba) this site on the 24th of July 1911. At that time, all the rest of the world became aware of its existence. However, the site was covered with thick vegetation so Hiram Bingham along with his team returned and within the years of 1912 and 1915 cleared its surface. Over the years, plenty of work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.

After exploring Machu Picchu, you come back to Aguas Calientes descending. The 2 day Inca Trail ends up with a train ride to Ollantaytambo (alternatively to Poroy), from where we are taken by van back to Cusco.

• Pre-trek briefing with a Tour Guide;
• Transfer by private vehicle to the railway station at Ollantaytambo;
• Accommodation: a hotel in Aguas Calientes Town (1 night);
• Inca Trail Permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x box lunch + 1x bag of snacks, 1x dinner (please advice us in advance if you are a vegetarian; this option is for NO additional cost);
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide;
• A shuttle bus round trip to Machu Picchu on the second day;
• A train round trip (Expedition Service) between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu);
• Private transportation (a van or a small car) from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. 

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch in Aguas Calientes Town on the second day;
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain ($80);
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory);
• Travel Insurance.

Our guide will visit you a day prior to the trek in your hotel to brief you about the 2-day hike. For this reason, it is very important to let us know in advance where you stay in Cusco.

All Tierras Vivas trekkers are accompanied by our Tour Guide. The objective of our guides is to take the hassle out of our customers’ trips and to help them to have the best trip possible. The guides provide details on places visited, offer suggestions of what to see and to do, recommend a good place to eat, and introduce his/her colleagues. Our guides have a broad general knowledge of each place visited during the tour, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Tierras Vivas is operating the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu since 2006!

Accommodation During the Short Inca Trail
The following hotels are used to accommodate our customers during the tour:

Hotel Wiracocha Machu Picchu

Retama Inn Machu Picchu Hotel

You spend a night in a small locally owned hotel where you will have a room (twin or matrimonial) with a private bathroom and breakfast. All of the hotels we use in Aguas Calientes are located within walking distance of the railway station.

Single Accommodation: If you are traveling on your own, we pair you with another trekker of the same gender, so there is no extra cost. In case, you prefer a single room for yourself, there is a surcharge of USD 50 that needs to be paid in advance.

If you like to upgrade any service of train or accommodation or you prefer to stay an extra night in Machu Picchu, please contact us directly at info@tierrasvivas.com and await our confirmation.

IMPORTANT NOTE! 

You must present your passport including the TAM immigration slip (copy) at every hotel! The national sales tax (18%) is charged to all Peruvian citizens and foreigners staying over 60 consecutive days. In case the room is shared by both a taxable and non-taxable guest at the same time, the sales tax will be applied to the whole room. So please take every caution to not lose this piece of paper. You need to bring it to our Cusco office for your check.

MACHU PICCHU HIKE UPGRADE HOTEL: If you would like to stay in a 3* hotel or higher, you have to pay extra.

Sanctuary Lodge Machu Picchu: The above prices correspond to the "Standard Patio" type of accommodation.

Casa Andina Machu Picchu: The above prices correspond to "Standard Traditional"

Tierra Viva Hotel Machu Picchu: The above prices are for "Standard"

Ferre Machu Picchu Hotel: The above prices are for "Standard".

The following train services are included in the trail: 

PeruRail - Expedition Train

Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu - Cusco

IncaRail - The Voyager Train

Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu - Cusco

• On the Expedition and The Voyager, an extra service inside the train is not included.
• Our driver will drop you off at your hotel.

Train Service Upgrade:

If you prefer a "Vistadome" train service or a "Machu Picchu Train 360" service during the trek, it is US$ 50 extra. Let us know before booking your service please.

Vistadome - PeruRail:

The Vistadome train has panoramic windows allowing you to appreciate the beautiful scenery along the route. Live an unforgettable experience of magic connection with nature along the Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo route. 

Vistadome Service Includes: 

a) Long-distance (from Poroy, Cusco):

• Panoramic windows;
• Outbound: snack;
• Inbound: snack;
• Hot or cold non-alcoholic beverage upon your choice (one hot drink and one cold drink per person).

b) Short distance (from Ollantaytambo):

• Panoramic windows;
• Outbound: Light snack;
• Inbound: Light snack; 
• Hot or cold non-alcoholic beverage upon your choice (one hot drink and one cold drink per person).

Machu Picchu Train 360 - Inca Rail

The only train in Peru having an entertainment app aboard allowing you to learn more about the train journey and the Inca civilization. Experience a unique way to travel to Machu Picchu exploring the Andean landscape like never before with wider and higher panoramic windows. Its observation outdoor carriage includes even a bar. Treat yourself with their appetizing selection of cold and warm drinks, prepared using fruit juices and Andean herbs, as well as delicious and organic goodies made of products originating from the Sacred Valley.

Machu Picchu Train 360 Service Includes: 

• Comfortable seats with front tables;
• Higher and wider panoramic windows;
• Outdoor carriage to enjoy the landscape, having a bar;
• Delicious and organic goodies made of products originating from the Sacred Valley;
• Train entertainment app.

If you like to go ahead and book the Short Inca Trail, you will need to send us your passport details such as full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth in order to be able to process it. Once you arrive at the trailhead, the archaeological park rangers check your Inca Trail permit along with your original passport and compare your personal details.

Important notice: if you fail to send correct details, you will be denied entrance to the Inca Trail!!!

If you still like to get on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, you would need to pay a new permit (US$ 100.00). So, we would like to kindly ask you to be very careful when sending us your personal information.

Can you use your old passport to book the permit and then exchange it with your new passport?

Yes, it is possible, BUT it is very important to bring a copy of your old passport with you too! When on the Inca Trail, you can present your current passport along with a copy of your old passport.

The Short Inca Trail starts in Cusco, but if you spend a night outside of Cusco, then please check the below table to see possible starting points and pick-ups.

If you have extra luggage, it can be store safely in your hotel in Cusco or at the Ollantaytambo railway station or at our Tierras Vivas luggage storage. When you decide for the latter, our driver picks your luggage on the day of your trail departure and leaves it at our office. When you return to Cusco, we give you your luggage back.

The Machu Picchu Mountain, also known as the 'Old Mountain', is the mountain on which the Inca citadel was built. It is located at an altitude of 3,082 meters, which almost 600 metres above the Inca city. Machu Picchu was denominated after this mountain.

At present, the Machu Picchu Mountain is able to receive 800 tourists daily, who ascend the wide mountain path while experiencing breathtaking views of the entire geography of the place. The path is ideal for family visitors since it is neither steep nor has vertiginous gorges, unlike Huayna Picchu.

To be able to visit the mountain, you need to acquire a Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket in advance!

Huayna Picchu, or the 'Young Mountain', is a mountain situated north of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It is the summit that stands out in the classic postcard of the Wonders of the World and lies at an altitude of 2,693 metres, 300 metres higher than the Inca city. On the way up, there is the Temple of the Moon, Temple of the Moon, a religious site carved in the stone of a cave.

The Huayna Picchu climb is requested by most of the adventurous visitors as they enjoy taking selfies there. To reach its top, one must ascend a narrow path till the margins of vertigo cliffs to be rewarded by splendid views of the New Wonder of the World at the end. The climb is considered one of the most incredible short walks in the world. However, only 400 visitors can enter it daily.

In order to hike Huayna Picchu, you need to buy a Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket (USD 80/person) beforehand!

In case, it is sold out, Tierras Vivas books the Machu Picchu Mountain for you.

Generally speaking, you should pack as lightly as possible since you will carry your luggage from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes Town. We recommend keeping the weight under 5 kg/10lb (including personal clothes). Remember that you take your daypack with you. As you spend a night at a hotel in Machu Picchu, you do not need to bring a sleeping bag.

Do not forget to bring a cover for your backpack, because the weather on Inca Trail is changeable a lot, so it is hard to predict rain. If you do not have any, we recommend putting your clothes and other belongings inside a plastic bag.

Cusco's Weather

The high-mountain region of Cusco has well-defined winter and summer seasons. Winter days (June - August) are very sunny, dry, and warm, but the temperature drops to near freezing at night. Summer (January to March) is characterized by rain. December and January are two of the nicest months for trekking with only occasional rain shower while observing blooming flowers.

The heaviest rainfalls usually occur between January and March.

October is still dry, but colder, with temperatures dropping to 0 degrees at night.

Inca Trail Weather

The rainy season from November to April gives the feeling of a tropical downpour. Heavy rain, but rain showers usually do not last long or rain is often at night.

From May to September (which is the high tourist season), temperatures alongside the Short Inca Trail range from 20 - 35º C during the day when is sunny to 10 - 20º C during the day if it is cloudy and 5 - 15º C at night (either spend in the Aguas Calientes Town or the Puente Ruinas campsite). At Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu, where altitudes are lower, temperatures are usually warmer (warm clothes are still recommended at night, anyway).

February - the Inca Trail is closed due to maintenance all the month which falls into the so-called "low season". At that time, you can still enjoy hiking to Machu Picchu though. For instance, you might do the Salkantay Trek, Short Salkantay trek, or the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu without struggling with crowds of hikers.

Landslides are an occasional problem. Although this was rare, it happened that visitors got stuck on Machu Picchu or between Aguas Calientes and Cusco, because a driver blocked the road. However, the mud was quickly removed and travel continues without further problems.

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, completed by sweaters, fleeces, and waterproof jackets. It is very necessary to have light raingear available at your daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful as well as a fleece sweatshirt and a jacket. During the day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are handy as they can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. For more complete advice, please see the below section “Short Inca Trail - Suggested Items”.

• Original passport;
• Original ISIC (an international student card if applicable);
• Travel insurance;
• Pocket money in Nuevos Soles;
• A small rucksack;
• Raingear (a rain-jacket and waterproof trousers);
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended;
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a hotel/campsite);
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights in case of camping);
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold);
• Sunscreen or sunblock;
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body;
• Insect repellent – a recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported during this trip!);
• Mobile phone/camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions);
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries;
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper;
• Small towel and toiletries;
• Sufficient reserve of underwear;
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes);
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.);
  Please note: we provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taking your own snack applies only to customers who like a specific snack that might not be on our menu.
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle to be refilled;
• Optional: walking sticks; you can also rent it from us;
• Please note: we provide filtered boiled water during the entire trek, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.

• Daily departures (except for the month of February, when maintenance of the Inca Trail takes place).
• At the time of booking, all of the personal details must match with those in your passport or identification document!
• It is mandatory to take with you the original passport (identification document) which you made the booking with, during the entire Inca Trail!
• If you are a student, it is mandatory to carry the original ISIC card along with the passport during the Inca Trail.
• In case of finding a fraudulent and/or expired ISIC card, the entrance to the Inca Trail will be denied without any refund!
• The return train schedule may vary according to availability.
• Tips for Guides, Cooks, and Porters are not included in the tour price.

Book your space now for the Inca Trail 2020! Remember that the famous  Inca Trail has only 300 spaces per day. The beginning of the sale of spaces for March, April, May, June, July 2020 begins in October 2020. Take advantage of the Inca Trail experience now! Or, book 5 months in advance. Email at: info@tierrasvivas.com

The 2 Day Inca Trail Hike with Camping is one of the highlights for everybody planning a trip to Machu Picchu. It gives you a taste of the Classic Inca Trail hike, but it takes half the time and requires less than half the physical effort. This hike involves 2 days of hiking on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and 1 night of camping in Puente Ruinas. Enjoy our 2 Day Inca Trail Hike with Camping!

The 2 Day Luxury Inca Trail is one of the most comfortable hiking to Machu Picchu. This hike includes a luxury hotel in Machu Picchu, a luxury train service, a proffesional Tour Guide, Chef, and Porters. Taste the buffet lunch in Wiñaywayna. See the stars of the sky of the Machu Picchu from your hotel at night. Wake up early morning and view the sunrise from the hotel. Have breakfast near the mystical citadel. Explore the Lost City of the Incas and the surrounding mountains. Book Online the 2 Day Luxury Inca Trail.

For a more relaxed travel style, this trip involves transportation from/to the Ollantaytambo train station to/from Aguas Calientes, a shuttle bus to and from Machu Picchu, and a guided tour of the ancient citadel. There is also free time for a variety of optional activities, including hiking Huayna Picchu, visiting the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, and exploring Machu Picchu individually. This is the most meaningful Machu Picchu trip and is a great option for those who are unable to or not interested in hiking the Inca Trail.

Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 2 Days tour involves the experience of visiting the famous Pisac Market, the Pisac Inca complex, and the Ollantaytambo archeological site. Moreover, you get to Aguas Calientes by train and spend a night there. The next day, you wake up early and take a shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu. There, you explore the Inca city during a guided tour. Afterwards, you got a chance to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (please note that any of them must be purchased in advance) or walk around the ruins at your pace. Book Online the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 2 Day tour.

This world-famous trek to the even more widely known New Wonder of the World! It leads through the variety of climates and ecosystems that are placed in such close proximity only in Peru. The trail involves visits to a multitude of other Incan sites along the path ranging from 2, 680 to 4,200 meters above sea level. Its trailhead lies at Km 82. The final day starts very early in the morning to enable you to see Machu Picchu at sunrise. Unlike others, longer trips along the Inca trail, there is no night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes included as travelers instead return home (to their hotels) by train on the third day. Experience Inca Trail Machu Picchu 3 Days with us!

This 3-day tour is created for every traveller. It includes touring of the traditional sights of the Sacred Valley (the Pisac market, the Inca sites at Pisac and Ollantaytambo) and a part of the Inca Trail taking you to the remote Inca sites of Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Intipunko (Sun Gate) plus the highlight of Machu Picchu. If you like, you can add camping near the town of Aguas Calientes. Book Online the Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail 3 Days tour.