Short Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 2D/1N

We'll begin our adventure before dawn with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco (3,400 m) between 3:45 and 4:15 a.m. If you're staying in the Sacred Valley (2,900 m), you can opt for a 5:00 a.m. pickup. We'll enjoy a scenic 1 hour 45 minute drive to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m). There, we'll board the train at 6:10 or 6:40 a.m., heading to Kilometer 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail.

Upon reaching kilometer 104, our guide will check permits and give a brief introduction to the route. We will hike uphill for 3 hours, ascending to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m) through lush vegetation and along ancient stone paths. We will explore this archaeological site and enjoy a picnic lunch. Then we will continue for 2 hours along a mostly flat trail to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate (2,720 m), from where we will admire Machu Picchu (2,430 m) rising above the mountains and vegetation.

We will descend for 45 minutes to the upper terraces of Machu Picchu. There, our guide will explain the Guardhouse and the agricultural terraces. Afterward, we will take a 30-minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m) to check into our hotel. In the evening, we'll enjoy a special dinner at a local restaurant and review the plan for the following day.

Important notes: This day includes lunch and dinner, hotel accommodations in Aguas Calientes, entrance tickets, and transportation. The hike covers 12 km in hot and humid conditions. We must bring water, light clothing, and sunscreen. Train schedules may vary by ±30 minutes depending on availability, and the exact time will be communicated in advance.

Statistics Day 1 

• Distance: 12 km
• Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m 
• Minimum Altitude: 2,000 m 
• Route: KM 104 → Wiñay Wayna → Inti Punku → Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate, with long climbs and uneven trails