The Short Inca Trail is a spectacular 2-day camping experience designed for those with limited time. It starts in Cusco at 6 am or in Ollantaytambo at 7 am, with a trip by tourist train to KM 104. Along the way, you will explore Inca sites such as Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna and the Sun Gate.
The highlight is the opportunity to witness the sunset at Machu Picchu and enjoy an overnight camp on the outskirts of the city. We offer excellent local Peruvian food and professional camping equipment, all included.
You can customize this tour according to your travel plan. Camping next to the Urubamba River and Huayna Picchu Mountain is a unique experience. The second day is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu in depth, giving you a full understanding of its history and significance.
This trek perfectly combines hiking, history and natural beauty, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to enrich their Machu Picchu experience with a 2-day camping trip. At the end of the trip, you will enjoy the 360 degree view from the Vistadome train for a spectacular experience after your incredible Inca Trail adventure.
The short Inca Trail with camping starts in the city of Cusco, where we will pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 am in our private transportation along with a professional tour guide. After 1 hour and 30 minutes of travel, we will arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station. At 7:45 am, you will board the expedition class train, which offers a 1 hour and 10 minute ride with breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and the Glaciers of the Sacred Valley. The scenery changes as we enter the rainforests, arriving at km 104 where our hike along the short Inca Trail begins.
Before starting the hike, we will go to the main control point with our documentation and pre-established tickets. Restrooms will be available for your comfort.
Our hike begins with a visit to the archaeological site called Chachabamba, followed by a moderate ascent through lush biodiversity. This area is rich in endemic species of orchids and ferns. After a few hours, we will pause at a small waterfall for a rest and refreshment before visiting the second archaeological site, Wiñayhuayna. Our Kenko Adventures tour guide will provide information about the ancient function of the site and you will have free time to explore on your own.
Continuing our hike, we will arrive at the last campsite for hikers on the 4-day Inca Trail, where we will stop for lunch (a box lunch is included for everyone). This section of the trail features easier terrain with ups and downs until we reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Here you will enjoy the first fantastic view of the citadel of Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail.
After capturing photographs from the Sun Gate, we will continue another 40 minutes downhill to reach Machu Picchu for our first day’s visit. The day concludes with a visit to Machu Picchu and the opportunity to enjoy the sunset. We will then board our bus to the Butterfly House camp, located at the base of Machu Picchu along the Urubamba River, where you can relax and enjoy happy hour, and enjoy your camp on a short 2-day Inca Trail.
Day difficulty: Moderate
Hiking distance: 13 kilometers
Maximum altitude: 2700.00 m.a.s.l.
Minimum altitude: 2000 m.a.s.l.
Includes: Snacks, box lunch and dinner.
Start and finish time: 06:00 am ~ 06:00 pm.
After a night of camping on the 2-day Short Inca Trail, your day will start early to make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu. You will take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the site. This early arrival will allow you to explore the site with fewer people and avoid long lines at the entrance.
Your private guide will accompany you to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, visiting the best viewpoints and beginning a walking tour inside the site. During the 2 hour and 30 minute tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the highlights of this historic wonder. There will also be time to visit places of interest such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (it is recommended to book these tickets at least 2 months in advance).
At the conclusion of the tour, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have lunch before boarding the VISTADOME TRAIN with 360-degree views to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, private transportation will take you back to the city of Cusco, directly to your hotel.
This all-inclusive service marks the end of your services, providing you with a carefree and complete experience.
Difficulty: Easy Maximum altitude: 2400.00 meters above sea level. Minimum altitude: 2000 m.a.s.l. Includes:
Start and end time: 08:00 am ~ 07:30 pm
Hiking the Inca Trail for a day is a delightful way to explore Machu Picchu National Park, whether with friends, family, or solo. It offers a chance to delve into the Andes mountains, connect with wildlife, and discover energetic Inca sites on a short trek.
For a day hike to Machu Picchu, it’s crucial to consider the weather forecast, the remoteness of the hike, and potential inclement weather. Additionally, think about the distance, the season, the availability of villages for snacks, and transportation options. If you’re new to day hiking, make sure to bring the following items:
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