Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu - 2 days

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Peru
Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu - 2 days

Hike part of the Inca trail, as you visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

An early start today, as you head over to Ollytaytambo and the Sacred Valley. After a short time exploring, you'll join your guide for a short and scenic train ride, through the mountains to the Chachabamba - otherwise known as the cloud forest. It's here that you'll start your hike along an ancient Inca Trail, which will give you your first glimpse of the lost city. After lunch, you'll head through the sungate into Machu Picchu. This is a unique opportunity of experiencing the city almost empty. You'll then take the bus down to your accommodation in Aguas Callientes.

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Day 2: Sunrise in Machu Picchu

After a local Peruvian breakfast, you'll take an early bus up to Machu Picchu. Entering at sunrise, your guide will teach you about the history of this ancient city. After the guided tour, you'll have an opportunity to explore the city some more or hike to Huayna Picchu (tickets for this must be booked with your guide in advance). Later in the afternoon, take the Panoramic Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. Here, your transfer back to Cusco will be waiting for you, arriving at your hotel around 7:30 pm.

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Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

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Rated 5.0

1 verified review

Jeremy
Jeremy

(Dec 2021)

What an amazing hike. Challenging for sure, but worth every bit of sweat and pain. Our guide Charly was awesome, shared a wealth of knowledge on the local area, history and fauna. This is the best way to experience Machu Picchu.

FAQs

Included

  • Roundtrip transportation from the hotel to the Train station
  • All buses needed between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
  • Expedition train ticket to Km 104
  • Vistadome train ticket to Ollantaytambo
  • Admission Tickets to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • One night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • 1 box lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
  • Guide
  • All Taxes Included

Excluded

  • Food not on the itinerary
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain 
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guide
  • Visa (if applicable)

Travellers do not need hiking experience; however, they need to be able to hike for around 7 hours on uneven terrain, stairs, and narrow paths. 

Day 1: 8 miles / 15 km, 8 hours

Day 2: 3 miles / 6 km, 3 - 4 hours in Machu Picchu

  • Valid, original Passport (a copy will not be accepted)
  • Hiking boots for the Short Inca trail
  • A good quality daypack (light, small and comfortable)
  • Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel bag or water bottle(s)
  • One t-shirt (wicking t-shits work best) and one pair of hiking pants/trousers
  • A nice change of clothes for walking around Machu Picchu
  • Undergarments and hiking socks
  • Toiletries, sunscreen, and bug spray
  • Rain gear and warm layers
  • Hat and sunglasses for the trek
  • Hand sanitiser, Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • Band-aids, moleskin
  • Camera, extra batteries for Machu Picchu
  • Additional snacks, power bars, chocolate
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips during the Short Inca Trail
  • Swimsuit for hot springs in Machu Picchu Pueblo (optional)

Cusco is at 3400m / 11,150ft, so you will feel some of the effects of altitude straight away. If you can arrive a few days earlier, then this will give your body more time to adapt. You will need to book any extra nights accommodation. 

Start: Your guide will collect you at 04:30 am from your hotel in Cusco, on day 1 of the itinerary. Pick-up is also available from the Sacred Valley.

End: Your guide will drop you back off at your hotel at 7:30 pm.

The winter season and driest time of year in Peru are May - Sept. The summer season is Nov - Mar, which is the warmest, but wettest time. During the summer season, it does not rain every day, but can often have a downpour in the afternoons. Apr and Oct can sometimes see some small rain showers. 

Tickets need to be booked in advance and cost an additional $75 per person. You can request this when completing your participation form. This will be available to you after booking on your Skyhook dashboard. Your host will charge you directly for this upon arrival. 

Day 1: Lunch, Dinner, Tea and Snacks

Day 2: Breakfast

The currency used in Peru is Nuevo Sol (PEN) You will need to ensure that you withdraw enough PEN for your trip to the airport or in Cusco.

Yes - there will be a group of trained chefs joining you. Just let us know your requirements before you arrive. 

Your head guide is Juan

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip you'll be led by Juan and the guiding team based in Cusco.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Juan

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