Itinerary

• Day 1: CUSCO – WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU.
• Day 2: MACHU PICCHU – R ETURN TRAIN TO CUSCO.

Fantastic option for those who don’t have the time or desire to hike the full length of the Inca Trail. With beautiful scenery, a wide variety of flora and fauna on display and a visit to the Inca Trail’s most beautiful site (Wiñay Wayna), Covering a distance of just 10km / 6.3 miles, is not too challenging which makes it perfect for families with children and those on a tight schedule.

Day 1

CUSCO – WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU.

We will begin the Short Inca Trail by picking you up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. (depending on train time) and take you to the train station. We will travel by train on a very picturesque route for 2 and a half hours until we reach kilometer 104, the start of our trek to Machu Picchu. From here, we have a walk for approximately 4 hours up to the Inca site Wiñay Wayna, meaning: “Forever Young”, at an elevation of (2680m/8792ft). You have joined the path in time to see the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail! After taking in the beauty of Wiñay Wayna, we will continue on to Inti Punku, the “Sun gate”, at (2730m/8792ft). At this point in the Short Inca Trail, you will have your first dramatic, panoramic view of Machu Picchu, at (2400m/7873ft). We will then walk down the last part of the trail towards the ancient city itself. Before reaching Machu Picchu, we will take a side path off the trail to go down to Aguas Calientes, leaving the visit to Machu Picchu for the next day. In Aguas Calientes we will have dinner and a much deserved rest so we will be recharged and ready to explore Machu Picchu the next day.

Day 2

MACHU  PICCHU – RETURN TRAIN TO CUSCO.

We will have an early breakfast, then take the first bus (5:30 a.m.) up to Machu Picchu. Once we enter the ancient site we will have a 2-3 hour walking tour given by your guide. After the tour, you will have time to explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu, at an elevation of (2720m/8890ft)! It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top. After taking in and exploring one of the modern wonders of the world, you will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch. You can either hike down the famous steps to Aguas Calientes or take the bus. After enjoying lunch, you will be given your train tickets back to Cusco (with a bus transfer from Ollantantaytambo). The train usually leaves between 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. depending on Peru Rail’s allocations and availability. If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time for you to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in the town after finishing the Inca Trail. NOTE: It is no longer possible to stay a night on the Inca Trail for  the Short Inca Trail tour.  All travellers on this tour spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the town nearest Machu Picchu.

The Short Inca Trail Includes:

• Professional bilingual Tour Guide
• Assistant Guide (for groups of 9 or more people).
• Collection from hotel (for groups of less than 9 people).
• Transportation – round trip train journey (Expedition train service from Cusco to Km 104, Aguas Calientes to
• Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco).
• Collection from Ollantaytambo train station (on day 2).
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Day 1 – 1 box-lunch to be carried by each tourist, and 1 dinner.
• Day 2 – 1 breakfast and lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Round-Trip Bus tickets to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes.
• 1 night at hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Oxygen bottle.
• First Aid Kit.

Not Included in the Short Inca Trail:

• Tips for the guides

Price  . US$ 430 per person Group Size: 2-8 people

Note: Short Inca Trail services include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco. This is an additional service that we provide, which sets us apart from other tour providers.

For all group bookings of greater than 3 people, we offer you a free city tour or tour of the Sacred Valley. Pachacutec Expeditions, does not have any hidden fees.

Train for the end of the Short Inca Trail: We suggest our tourists 6:20 p.m. train. This departure time will allow you to spend more time at Machu Picchu and do more activities like climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which can be booked additionally. Also, you can walk to the sun gate , the inca bridge, and still have time to enjoy the hot springs or some cervezas after a long trek.

The 6: 20.pm. train will arrive in Ollantaytambo train station at 8:00 p.m. and you will be picked up by your driver outside of the train station. The driver will be holding a sign with your name on it so that there will be no confusion. If you do not see the driver initially, just wait for them outside the train station. Once the driver has picked you up, then you will travel for 1 1/2 hours in a van before you arrive back at your hotel/hostel. Arrival time in Cusco is approximately 10:00 p.m.

Also, we suggest the 2:55 p.m. train for travelers who are planning to leave Cusco city early in the morning the next day to continue with their travel plans. Important: We guarantee these early Expedition departures, as per the itinerary, if you book your tours in 2 months in advance. Otherwise we may be forced to offer the Expedition train that departs at 6:20 p.m. only. There is an option to upgrade your train to the Vistadome train, which is an extra US $50 per person. Please let us your preference at the time of booking.

IMPORTANT NOTES: If you are thinking of climbing Huayna Picchu mountain you must book in advance. Only 400 people can hike Huaynapicchu per day. You will climb it on your own after the tour in Machu Picchu, starting around 10:00 a.m. We recomend that you book your tickets in advance to let us know  of your interest in Huayna Picchu. Machu Picchu Mountain is an alternative climbing mountain, which also offers fantasic views of the site.