Highlights
- The hike begins at kilometer 104, next to the Urubamba River and in full transition to the cloud forest.
- Cross the pedestrian bridge to enter the Chachabamba checkpoint.
- Observe waterfalls that fall from the slopes during the wet season.
- Walk through sectors where moisture can cover the stones and return the slippery terrain.
- See Machu Picchu from the top when sky conditions allow.
- Walk to the upper sector of Machu Picchu during the first day.
Trip Details
- Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
- Trail start point: Kilometer 104.
- Official route: Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu.
- General program route: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
- Difficulty: Moderate to high.
- Distance from the first day: Approximately 12 to 13 km.
- Maximum altitude: Intipunku, approximately 2,720 m.
- Guide: Bilingual professional, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Food: Lunch, dinner and breakfast.
- Departure: Subject to permits, tickets, trains and hotel.
Itinerary
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Walk from the Urubamba River to Wiñay Wayna and enter Machu Picchu by Intipunku.
The pick up will be made from your hotel between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., provided that the accommodation is located within our operating area of Cusco.
We will travel by tourist transport to Ollantaytambo. The journey may require about an hour and a half or more, depending on traffic, pick-up point and road conditions.
When you arrive at the railway station you must present your passport and ticket. We will board the train that stops at kilometer 104 for passengers with permission of the Inca Short Trail.
The rail journey from Ollantaytambo to the Machu Picchu area usually requires about an hour and a half, depending on the contracted service. PeruRail points out durations close to one hour and thirty minutes or one hour and forty-five minutes for its tours between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.
We’ll be down at kilometer 104. This stop does not work like a conventional station, so you should get off quickly following the instructions of the guide and the railway staff.
We will cross the bridge over the Urubamba River and arrive at the checkpoint.
To enter you must present:
- Original passport, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Inca Trail Permit, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Original university card, where applicable.
- Document used when booking.
The short route is officially identified as Chachabamba–Wiñay Wayna–Machu Picchu within the Inka Trail Network.
We’ll start with an explanation in Chachabamba. This set contains enclosures and structures located near the river. The guide will explain its possible relationship with the control of travelers, ceremonies and access to Machu Picchu.
Then we will start the main ascent.
The first section combines steps, earth and stone paths. The weather can feel warm and humid, especially when the sun reaches directly the hillside.
As we go, views of the river, the railway and the mountains will appear. During the rainy season, waterfalls can also be observed with greater flow.
The trail traverses vegetation of montane forest. It is possible to find orchids, ferns, bromeliads, mosses and butterflies. Bird watching depends on the climate, silence and time of year.
promotion can feel hard. It is concentrated in several hours and there is no transport or horses available within the trail.
After about four hours, depending on the pace of the group, we will arrive at Wiñay Wayna.
This archaeological center is formed by a succession of terraces, canals, stairs and enclosures built on a steep slope.
We will travel the place with the guide within the authorized time.
We will have a box lunch or lunch prepared for the day. It is not allowed to leave residue within the route.
Then we will continue to Intipunku. The road features moderate climbs and descents before reaching a steep last section.
When crossing the Puerta del Sol we can contemplate Machu Picchu when the fog does not cover the valley. This view cannot be guaranteed, because the weather changes rapidly.
We will descend for approximately 30 to 45 minutes towards the upper sector of Machu Picchu.
The entrance of this day is mainly designed to cross the authorized area, take photographs from the allowed points and complete the Inca Trail. The detailed archaeological visit will take place during the second day.
Then we will leave the site and board the bus to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival, we will head to the hotel. You will have time to shower, rest and have dinner.
The visit to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes is optional and is not included.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Vehicle to Ollantaytambo, train to Km 104 and bus to Aguas Calientes.
- Distance: Approximately 12 to 13 km / 7.5 to 8.1 miles.
- Initial altitude: Approximately 2,100 to 2,200 m.
- Difficulty: Moderate to high.
- Land: Stone, stairs, dirt and wet sectors.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Highlight of the day: Guided tour of Machu Picchu and rail return to the Sacred Valley.
We’ll have breakfast early at the hotel.
The original program mentions the first bus from 5:30 a.m. and an entrance at 6:00 a.m. These schedules can only be confirmed when the ticket issued corresponds to that strip and the bus services operate according to the planned schedule.
No timetable of 6:00 a.m. should be promised before checking availability.
We will board the bus to Machu Picchu. The tour usually takes between 25 and 30 minutes.
Upon arrival you must present:
- Original passport, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Original university card, where applicable.
We will enter the route indicated on the ticket.
Machu Picchu works through three general circuits and ten routes. Each entry authorizes only the printed route and does not allow to change freely to another circuit.
Our guide will make an explanation of approximately two hours or two hours and thirty minutes, depending on the route assigned and the maximum time allowed.
The sectors covered depend on the ticket. Not all circuits go through:
- Intihuatana, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Temple of the Three Windows.
- Main Temple, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- House of the Inca.
- Temple of the Condor.
- Sacred Square, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Superior terraces, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
For this reason, we do not guarantee a fixed list of venues before we know the confirmed circuit.
After the visit we must leave Machu Picchu by the indicated exit. Other circuits are not allowed to freely travel or re-enter with the same input.
We’ll board the bus to Aguas Calientes.
You will have time to pick up your luggage and have lunch on your own.
Then you must show up at the railway station as far as the ticket is in advance.
The train will take us to Ollantaytambo. From there we will continue by tourist transport to Cusco.
The arrival can occur around 8:30 p.m., although the actual schedule will depend on the train, traffic and the end point of the transfer.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Bus, train and tourist vehicle.
- Guided tour: Approximately 2 to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Hot Water Altitude: Approximately 2.040 m.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Climate: Tempered and humid.
- Meal included: Breakfast, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- End of service: Hotel with vehicular access or central point.
Pick-up and Return
The pickup is between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. When the hotel is located on a street without vehicle access, a nearby meeting point will be established.
Pick-up and Return
After the train, the vehicle from Ollantaytambo will transfer the group to Cusco. The return can end at the hotel when you have vehicular access or at a previously coordinated central point. does not constitute a guaranteed schedule.
Luggage
We recommend leaving the big bags in the hotel in Cusco. The passenger must carry only a small backpack during the trail. Documents, money, medicines and cameras must always remain under the responsibility of the traveler.
Payments and Changes
A down payment is required to purchase: Inca Trail Permit. These services may be subject to non-refundable policies after issuance. The balance must be paid within the period indicated in the confirmation.
Passport changes
When you renew your passport after booking, immediately report to the agency. The availability accessed may change before receiving payment and issuing the services. The passenger must only choose one of the Machu Picchu routes offered.
Information about the accommodation
The night takes place in Aguas Calientes.
The base service includes:
- Double or double room.
- The confirmed room includes a private bathroom, subject to the selected accommodation category.
- Hot water is generally available according to the standards and operating conditions of the confirmed accommodation.
- Bed linen, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Breakfast, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
The hotel can be two or three stars, according to confirmation.
Single rooms and superior hotels require additional payment.
Breakfast time will depend on the time of entry to Machu Picchu. When it is very early, the hotel can deliver a ready-to-go breakfast.
Transport information
The program combines:
- Vehicle from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Train to kilometer 104.
- Hike to Machu Picchu.
- Bus to Aguas Calientes.
- Bus back and forth on the second day.
- Train to Ollantaytambo, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Transportation to Cusco, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Times can change by:
- Traffic, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Rains, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Blockades, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Maintenance, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Railway decisions, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Delays in controls, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Travel restrictions
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes can affect roads and railroad tracks.
When there is advance information, Peceros Agency Travel may:
- Overtaking the transfer, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Change the station, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Modify the pickup point.
- Coordinate an extra night.
- Adjust the schedule, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Where it is not possible to ensure safety, the tour may be suspended.
Lost objects
Each passenger is responsible for their belongings.
Before leaving a train, bus, hotel or archaeological site, check out:
- Carry the original passport used for the reservation, as it may be required for identity and ticket verification.
- Keep a charged phone available for operational messages, tickets and emergency contact.
- Carry a reasonable amount of cash in Peruvian soles for small purchases and services that do not accept cards.
- Bring a camera or phone protected from rain, dust and accidental impacts.
- Carry any prescribed personal medication in an accessible part of your daypack.
- Use a small, comfortable backpack for documents, water, clothing layers and personal essentials.
- Bring the necessary chargers for your phone, camera and other electronic devices.
The company cannot guarantee the recovery of forgotten objects.
Physical condition
The walk has moderate to high difficulty.
Includes:
- Several hours of promotion.
- Irregular steps, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Wet weather, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- More than 12 km in a day.
- A late arrival in Machu Picchu.
Older people should have medical approval when they have a health history.
Medical conditions
Check with your doctor if you have:
- Heart disease, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Breathing problems, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Knee injuries, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Circulatory problems, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Neurological disorders, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Recent surgeries, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Bad height
Although the route does not exceed 3,000 meters, the passenger may have recently arrived in Cusco, located at higher altitude.
Symptoms may include:
- Headache, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- nausea, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Dizziness, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- tiredness, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Lack of appetite, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Inform the guide immediately.
Pregnancy
We do not recommend this walk during pregnancy due to the duration, steps and distance from evacuation points.
Evacuations
There is no vehicular access during most of the trail.
An evacuation may require walking assistance to the checkpoint or Machu Picchu.
Insurance must cover walks and evacuation.
Climate
They may present:
- Rain, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Heat, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Humidity, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fog, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Wet steps, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fall of stones, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Storms, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- The guide can change the pace for safety.
Rules within Machu Picchu
Official rules prohibit, among other conduct:
Backpacks larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm.
- Alcoholic drinks, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Smoking or vaping, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Shed waste, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Not the circuits fail.
Perform activities that alter the character of the monument.
It is also prohibited:
- Go up on walls.
- Touching structures, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Using drones without authorization.
- Enter with large tripods.
- Wear canes without protectors.
- Get off the route.
Important information
- The two-day Inca Trail should not be considered an easy hike just because it does not include camp.
- The first day concentrates almost the entire distance, the ascent towards Wiñay Wayna and the arrival to Intipunku.
- The sunrise of the second day depends on the official schedule, the season and the weather. A clear sky cannot be guaranteed.
- The list of Machu Picchu enclosures depends on the circuit. A ticket does not allow you to walk freely throughout the Inca city.
- The best way to make this route is to book early, arrive with a proper physical condition and carry a light backpack.
Inclusions
- Previous information talk. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Review of documents. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Pick-up from the stated hotel area or a nearby coordinated point when vehicle access is restricted.
- Tourist transportation in a vehicle selected according to the group size and route conditions.
- Train service according to the schedule and category confirmed in the reservation.
- Professional guide for route coordination, assistance and interpretation of the main sites.
- Entry permit to the short Inca Trail. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Entrance ticket for the attraction specified in the booking confirmation.
- Attendance during arrival by Intipunku. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Lunch at a selected local restaurant; dietary requests must be reported in advance.
- Dinner according to the program and the service available at the overnight location.
- Breakfast at a selected local establishment, according to the itinerary.
- Bus transportation for the segment specified in the confirmed itinerary.
- Accommodation in the category and location confirmed for the tour.
- Double or double room. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Private bathroom. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- A basic first-aid kit carried by the guide for initial assistance during the route.
- Emergency oxygen for initial assistance at altitude; it does not replace professional medical care.
- Operational assistance before and during the tour for the services included in the booking.
- Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary, including personal orders and upgrades.
- Canes.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Entrance fees not expressly listed as included; these must be paid separately when required.
- Towel or swimsuit.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Single room.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Accommodation before or after the tour unless it is expressly listed in the package.
- Additional routes.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Upgrade to Vistadome.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Bottled water, snacks and additional drinks purchased during the route.
- Personal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks or support staff; gratuities are voluntary.
- Personal purchases, souvenirs and other expenses chosen by the traveler.
- Extra baggage on the train.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Services not mentioned.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Expenses arising from strikes, closures or external delays.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
Upgrades
- Optional service: Pair of canes; Reference Price: US$ 5
- Optional service: Machu Picchu Mountain; Reference Price: US$ 60, subject to current rate
- Optional service: Huayna Picchu Mountain; Reference Price: US$ 60, subject to current rate
- Optional service: Improvement to train Vistadome; Reference Price: From US$ 50
- Optional service: Additional night in Aguas Calientes; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Single Room; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Superior hotel; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Additional Guide to Mountain; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Special dinner; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Personalized Private Diet; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Additional Bus; Reference Price: Consult
- Optional service: Individual portable oxygen; Reference Price: Consult
The compatibility of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain should be checked before booking. The schedules of those routes may not fit with the included circuit, train or guided tour.
Discounts
- Students from 18 to 25 years old: discount of US$ 30. The college card must be physical and include photography, full name, university name and printed expiration date. A copy must be sent when booking.
- Children under 18: discount of US$ 30. A legible copy of the passport is required.
- Under 11 years old: discount of US$ 40. A copy of the passport must be sent at the time of booking.
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