Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
This is a good alternative to the longer, 4-day hike. This trail is fantastic for those who want to do an Inca Trail Trek which finishes with a breathtaking view of Macchupicchu. This is an ideal hike for those who only have a short time in Cusco or for those who want to do an achievable hike where you can see beautiful landscapes, exotic valleys, flora and fauna and archeological sites including the famous Sun Gate.  It also demands less physical effort than the full Inca Trail. You can get spectacular views, including the sunset over Machu Picchu.

DAY 1: Cusco – Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu
DAY 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Itinerary:
DAY 1: Cusco – Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu
We will pick you up very early from your hotel in our private vehicles and drop you at the train station, where we will begin our journey on the train, your tour guide will begin to point out different mountains and landscapes and introduce you to the valley. After two hours, we will get off the train at the trailhead at the marker “104 km.” After a short rest, we will begin our hike. The first archaeological center that we will visit is CHACHABAMBA at 2,250 meters (7,380 feet). Then, we will gradually ascend for approximately three hours, towards the fascinating archaeological site called WIÑAYWAYNA at 2,650 m (8,690 feet). Here, we will learn about the site, enjoy its charm and have lunch. After our break, we will continue through the semi-tropical forest towards INTIPUNKU (the Sun Gate), the place where we will enjoy the first panoramic view of the citadel of MACHUPICCHU. You will have time to take in the impressive mountains and deep valleys that surround the Sun Gate. You can also see the URUBAMBA River from the gate. From here another 45 minutes will take us to “Guard House” in MACHUPICCHU, where there’s the opportunity to rest and take photos of the site at its best. After a wander around the site and some stunning photos to show off back home, we’ll take a bus back into town, Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night, you can also soak in the medicinal hot springs in the town. (L, D)

• (8 miles hiking, 5 - 6 hours). Overnight in Aguas Calientes – Hotel

DAY 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco
It’s an early start this morning to be among the first to enter Machu Picchu. We will wake up very early to take the one of the first buses to the Inca City of MACHUPICCHU and enjoy the magic and mystery of the site taking awesome pictures as the sun rises above the mountain tops. The tour with your guide will take around 2-3 hours. You’ll learn all about the site as we take a tour through the most important parts of the site, this site is as fascinating as it is stunning. After the tour, there’s time to explore more of the site on your own time.

For those finishing early you can just take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and stroll through the “main street” and have a drink before we return to Cusco via train. Later in the mid-afternoon you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town to take the train back to Ollantaytambo then transfer to your hotel. (B)

• Overnight in Cusco – Hotel