Short Inca Trail

Itineary:

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machupicchu Town.

 Very early in the morning (6.00 am); For the tour Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we will pick you up from your hotel to take you to the railway station and begin the adventure to make a picturesque trip of about two and a half hours, to the starting point of the walk, Km. 104 of the railway. Which connects Cusco with Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Once there, we will register at the checkpoint before crossing the Vilcanota River. On the other side of the bridge, the road turns to the right, to the Chachabamba Inca architectural complex that was discovered in 1940 and is located on the old Inca road that ran along the southern bank of the Vilcanota River.

The style of buildings and stonework suggest that Chachabamba was an important place dedicated to spiritual activities, but it also assumed the secondary function of a checkpoint, guarding access to Machu Picchu through this route. From Chachabamba, the Inca Trail heads south, and climbs the side of the mountain, going into some forests and crossing a small stream. The trail then turns west and continues to climb, leaving the woods behind, to cross open grassland.

Two and a half hours after leaving Chachabamba, the path descends into a forest, and we enter a shaded area, and after a few more minutes, we find a beautiful waterfall, where we can enjoy for a few minutes before continuing the trek, to arrive at the foot of the beautiful Inca architectural complex of Wiñay Huayna.

From this point, it will take 25 to 30 minute-walk to reach the Interpretation Center that bears the same name. Later we will visit the complex with the explanations of our guide. We will admire the urban area above the stepped terraces. Afterwards, we will pass through a series of Inca ritual baths and fountains and follow the path to the second checkpoint.

Passing the control, we head towards Machu Picchu, we will take the beautiful Inca trail in the middle of the cloud forest for about 2 hours, to find the famous stairs of 50 steps that lead to the final stretch, which is the Sun Gate, from where we will have a complete panoramic view of Machu Picchu which will spread before our eyes, like an unexpected and unforgettable vision.

We will continue the way enjoying a beautiful scenery, to finally reach Machu Picchu.

You will have a short time to take the first photos of Machu Picchu, but sadly, you will have to wait until the next day to take a more extensive guided tour in the Sacred Inca City.

We will board the bus that leads to the Town of Machu Picchu, to your hotel.

• Meals: Box Lunch – Dinner.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes Town
• Elevation: 2,750 m/9,020 ft.
• La Distancia:12km
• Walking time: Approximately 8-9 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Aguas Calientes Town – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

This morning, we will take the bus up to Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, after the guiding, you will have the option of visiting the place on your own. If you have booked a visit to Machu Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu Mountain, you can do so.
Once out of the Wonder, we will enjoy another downhill walk heading again to the town of Machu Picchu where if you wish, can have lunch before boarding the return train to Ollantaytambo, where we will take the bus back to Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy