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Transport
ticket
2 Days
From .00
DESCRIPTION:
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world and even if you are short of time, you can still get a taste of what people rave about! The Short Inca trail is shorter than the Traditional Inca Trail, but an interesting 2-day program that joins the classical 4-day route at the impressive. archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, continuing through the famous Inti Punku or Sun Gate. Day two includes a full day visit of the world-famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Highly recommended for those short of time and who don’t want to camp but still have a “taste” of the Inca Trail!
You will be picked up at your hotel around 5.30am (depending on train time) and transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station. We travel by train, on a very picturesque route for 2 and a half hours until we reach kilometer 104 – the start of the trail for us. Shortly after crossing the bridge over the Rio Urubamba we visit the site of Chachabamba which is a lovely ruin with its water channels and fountains. (altitude 2050m)
From here, we will hike upwards for about 8km (approximately 4 hours). The trail is well established, but there are still many stairs and the hike is mostly upwards! While this is one of hte easiest treks around the Cusco region, you still need to have a reasonable level of fitness to complete it. After our upwards climb, we arrive at the Inca site Wiñay Wayna (‘Forever Young’) (2680m/8792ft) This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. Many consider this the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail. We will have our boxed lunch at Wiñay Wayna.
We will then continue for about one hour further onto ‘Inti Punku’ (The ‘Sun gate’) (2730m/8792ft) from where you will have your first dramatic and impressive view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft). As you are arriving late in the day you may be lucky enough to enjoy the view by yourself! After getting those classic photos, we will walk down the last part of the trail towards the ancient city itself. Before entering Machu Picchu, we will take a side path off the trail to go down to Aguas Calientes, as we will visit Machu Picchu on day 2. We will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will check into your accommodation, and a celebratory dinner before getting to bed early in preparation for the next day’s early start.
Total distance: 13 km (8,08 miles), Estimated walking time 6-7 hours, altitude gain 600m
We have breakfast and then take the first bus up to Machu Picchu. A walking tour (approximately 2.5 hours) is given by your guide, and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you have energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! (you need to buy a separate entry to do this) From the top of Huayna Piccchu is one of the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu and there is also an opportunity to visit the Temple of the Moon or the Inca Bridge. We include in your tour a bus ticket back down to Aguas Calientes. The train usually leaves between 2.30pm and 6pm, depending on Peru Rail availability. If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. (but please note if you visit Machu Picchu a second day, you need to purchase the ticket again).
N.b. It is no longer possible to stay a night on the Inca Trail for the 2 day, 1 night trek. All people on this tour spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the town nearest Machu Picchu.
IMPORTANT – government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist in the 500 people a day rule. Therefore, to guarantee your place on the inca trail you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of passport number change this information must be relayed to us or you will lose your booking. Original passport must be carried on trail. All times noted are approximate.
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