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1 Days
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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 Full 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. The Inca Trails is called in Quechua “the Inka Language” Qhapaq Ñan – refers to the network of trails) were without a doubt is one of the marvels of Tahuantinsuyo, according to the Peruvian historian, José Antonio del Busto, who explains that the Inca “King” Huayna Capac most increased the network of trails in order to quickly mobilize his army.
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 1 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 are mostly upwards! While this is one of the 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 into ‘Inti Punku’ (The ‘Sun gate’) (2730m/8792ft) from where you will have your first dramatic and impressive view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft). A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after the tour, you will have time to explore the ruins on your own. We suggest to take the bus down around 05:00 pm to Aguas Calientes to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants there. Be sure to arrive at the train station 30 minutes before your departure. Our train schedule is usually at 7:00 p.m. to Ollantaytambo, where you will catch our private transportation for another two-hour drive back to Cusco. Train time can change according to 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)
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