Book short inca trail

We’ll depart from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo, depending on available seats and schedule. The train will chug alongside the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley; we’ll see a noticeable change in our surroundings as we enter the verdant and misty cloud forest of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. We’ll disembark and cross a hanging bridge that spans the mighty river, and visit the ruins of Chachabamba, which is believed to have been a spiritual center dedicated to water deities.   Now it’s a 3-hour ascent to a second important spiritual center, Wiñay Wayna. These ruins are built into a steep slope on the way up to the Sun Gate. After we explore for a bit, we’ll cut across the ridge above Machu Picchu to reach Inti Punku, Gate of the Sun. This is a dramatic moment, as we look down on the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins spread out far below, gaining a glimpse into a mystical, forgotten world. We’ll spend the night in a hotel in the village of Machu Picchu. Dinner on your own. 

Cusco – Km 104 Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu 

After an early breakfast, we’ll hop on board the bus up to the ruins, a half-hour ascending ride. Your English-speaking guide will accompany you as you explore the breath-taking ruins and learn about the various structures and buildings and the lifestyles of its former inhabitants. You’ll be immersed in the sheer beauty of the complex and its verdant surroundings, as you breathe in the rarefied air of the cloud forest. Return to the village below in the afternoon, where you’ll board a train back to Cusco or Ollantaytambo. (Hotel overnight and dinner on your own). 

Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco 

Join us for the short Inca trail; a journey that covers the final stretch of the Inca Trail, where you will have a taste of the famous longer Inca Trail hike, and the thrill of entering Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. Our trail begins at Chachabamba (Km 104 of the railroad), where we briefly explore charming ruins in a cloud forest setting. Then we will ascend to the Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) Ruins, and make our stunning descent to Machu Picchu, entering the citadel through the Sun Gate. We’ll spend a relaxing night at a hotel in the Village of Machu Picchu, and return to Cusco the following day, after a guided tour of the majestic citadel.

short inca trail tours

Short inca trail tour gallery

The 2 day short Inca Trail will give you a taste of the trail, climbing to Wiñay Wayna ruins and descending through the Sun Gate to enter mysterious Machu Picchu.

2 day short inca trail

Embark on the Short Inca Trail, exploring ancient ruins, ascending to Wiñay Wayna, and entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate for an unforgettable experience.

Cusco – Km 104 Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

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On each trip we carry a medical kit, but we suggest you bring a small personal First-Aid Kit for bruises and blisters. Knee and ankle braces are sometimes useful especially if you suffer from weak knees or ankles. Include any special medication your doctor might suggest for you.