Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2D/1N

We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel early in the morning (about 4 a.m.) and then transfer you in one of our mini-vans to the train station at Ollantaytambo. Our train journey to the Short Inca Trail hike lasts about an hour before making a short stop at KM 104, the trailhead of the Short Inca Trail 2 days, and the start of our adventure to Machu Picchu. Passing through the Inca Trail checkpoint we immediately see our first archaeological center, the magnificent ruins at Chachabamba. These ruins were one of the last shelters used by the Inca pilgrims before they reached Machu Picchu. Used for generations as a religious and administrative center, the site features several fascinating buildings, and our expert guide will be delighted to share the history with you. Our Short Inca Trail begins with a steady ascent for around 3 hours climbing the original Inca stone steps. The ecosystems in this area are quite unique, and your guide will help you identify the different types of flora and fauna along the trail. After passing the most spectacular waterfall we arrive at the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Named after an orchid and meaning “Forever Young” in Quechua the site provides incredible views far across the Sacred Valley. We will enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the top of the ruins or somewhere around it, taking in the breathtaking scenery around us. Wiñay Wayna is a fascinating place to visit as it is built into a mountainside and features experimental terraces that the Incas used to grow different types of crops. During our trip you will visit a temple with 7 windows that was dedicated to the rainbow as well as observe the incredible engineering of the water channels that still function today. Once the trip is complete we continue our hike for another 1-2 hours on a relatively flat section of trail. At around 4 p.m. we will reach the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. This is the original entrance to the sacred city and is called “Intipunku” in Quechua. Intipunku provides our first views of the magnificent Machu Picchu. It is difficult to put into words the impact of seeing this ancient, sacred and world-famous site for the first time. Suffice it to say you will want to have your cameras ready! After taking some time to enjoy the views, and take those amazing photos, we make a final short walk down to the main entrance of the ruins from where we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Arriving in Aguas Calientes we will take you to check in at your hotel. The town of Aguas Calientes is a thriving tourist town, with plenty of hustle and bustle to keep you entertained! The natural hot springs in town are also an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening if there is time available before dinner. Dinner will have been arranged at one of the local restaurants in town, and we will all dine together, sharing the excitement about the day ahead. Meals: Box Lunch / Dinner Accommodations: Hotel Maximum altitude: 2,720 m/8,920 ft Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m/6,691 ft Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours