Short Holiday Trek to Machu Picchu

Difficulty

Easy

Comfort

Midscale

Embark on the Short Trail to Machu Picchu, where you can explore remarkable Inca ruins, breathtaking mountain vistas, and vibrant subtropical flora, while traversing cloud forests and tropical rainforests. The ancient Inca Road runs through Machu Picchu National Park and leads you to the Sun Gate, offering stunning views of Machu Picchu. During the Trek, you'll have the unique opportunity to see the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel on the first afternoon and visit it again the following morning! This trek is perfect for those with limited time who wish to experience a segment of the Historic Inca Trail and journey to the New Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu! Additionally, this short hike includes an overnight stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Hiking and Trekking

Saul M. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

Before I became the owner and founder of our travel company, I spent a couple of years working as a porter. Then, over the next four years, I transitioned into being a guide. I've had the privilege of conducting more than 200 Inca Trail treks and exploring other alternative routes throughout the Andes. I've also traveled with groups all over Peru. My passion for the Andes mountains, Incan culture, and my knowledge of local plants has always resonated with tourists, and their appreciation fuels my enthusiasm. Realizing my childhood dream of owning a tour and trekking agency has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m committed to giving back to the communities that surround me, aiming to improve their lives and living conditions by employing locals and supporting various service projects. My experiences as a porter and guide have taught me a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—in tourism and on treks.

Tour highlights

Machu Picchu Sunrise

This is a unique experience at this UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stunning Inca Ruins and Scenic Views

Explore impressive Inca ruins along the trail with breathtaking views of expansive mountains and lush subtropical vegetation

Route details

Wake up early and start the adventure of a lifetime! The guide will pick you up at the Cusco hotel at 4am. Rest or even sleep in our comfortable, private transportation to Ollantaytambo. Arrive at the train station and the guide will have a lunchbox to put into your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included).

Get off the train at the famous Km104, where the trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, show your passport at the checkpoint and visit the first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half are a gentle upward climb. Along the way, stop at several outlooks with expansive view of the Urubamba River. Pass through several microclimates, including cloud forests, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. For the next hour and a half the walk is slightly steeper with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end!

When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some photos and find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. The guide will talk about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this area.

Take your time to enjoy your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!

After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, Though the hour-long walk is a gentle up and down path, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca, known as the Gringo Killers. As you turn the corner from the Sun Gate, you will enjoy the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. So, take time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide opportunities to take photos of Machu Picchu. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, ask your guide questions about these historical places on your way to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. Arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in the shots. Enjoy this magical experience before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into the hotel. Have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to the hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

Meals included: Box Lunch, dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
Distance: 12 kms/7.5 miles
Time: 6hrs approximately
3* Accommodations: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar
4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu upgrade (superior room)
Difficulty: moderate
***You can leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes (Up to 5 kilos per person).

Difficulty

Easy

Minimal physical activity. Suitable for everyone regardless of fitness and age

Tour provider's comments

Max Altitude: 2730 m.s.n.m.

Accommodation

Comfort

Midscale

Hotel

1 night

Without Hotel: $457 USD pp. 3* Hotel (Included): $477 USD pp. 4* Hotel: $577 USD pp.

Hotel Options:

3*** Hotel: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu (Included)
4****: El Mapi (1st option)or Tierra Viva Hotel (As 2nd option) – They depend on availability!
***** Single supplement $40 USD for 3*** (other 3* upgrades $60 USD) Hotel, $110 USD for 4**** hotel like el Mapi or $75 USD for 4**** hotel like Tierra Viva superior room

Hot shower, bathroom, private room and breakfast included.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Cusco, Provincia del Cusco, Aeropuerto Alejandro Velasco Astete

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

hotel pick up (We do offer DOOR to DOOR service);
private transportation from your hotel to the train station;
permits for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and entrance to Machu Picchu;
3 Bus tickets: from Machu Pichu down to Aguas Calientes, the next morning from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu, the afternoon return down to Aguas Calientes;
licensed guide experienced in trekking and fluent in English;
private guided tour in Machu Picchu;
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM104 – Ollantaytambo with private van connection to Cusco;
admission tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological site;
3* One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (hot shower, bathroom, private room and breakfast included);
first-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank;
taxes.

Extras

flights;
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person;
first breakfast (Usually served at your hotel) and last lunch at Aguas Calientes – There are a lot of restaurants at the town;
OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel;
VISTADOME Trains – $67 USD per person (Return Only);
tips for your staff (our staff receive a fair payment immediately after they; end their trip, tips are optional but greatly appreciated).

Huayna Picchu is optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.

Group size

From 2 to 8 tourists

Duration

2 days

1 night

It's important to know

The Trail DOES NOT INCLUDE an extra porter. Your duffel bag will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas calientes. Please try to pack as light as possible, which is key to enjoying this amazing trek.

In your daypack, or on the first day’s hike you will need:

Original Passport (the same you have used for booking your trek)
Good daypack (25 to 30L)
Water 1 to 2 liters of water
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Polar or sweater for early mornings and evenings
Rain jacket
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
Camera
Valuables
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer

In your duffel, you should pack

A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
Face moisturizer
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
Battery chargers

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE TREK?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport you sent us to book your Trail permit. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permits and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.

THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30pm, depending on your confirmation email details.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Trail, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack things you will only need during your Trail.

We require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person, in order, to purchase a permit for the Short Inca Trail.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco.

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the Trail permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any dates after the permits have been bought. The Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Trail, the deposit is not refundable at all!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is of 8 people. Our groups are often between 2-6 people.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.

HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.

TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it is of great significance for the staff who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many our destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you would like, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.